Planning a Disney World and Universal Split Stay Vacation

Planning a Disney World and Universal Split Stay Vacation

Planning a Disney World and Universal Split Stay Vacation

This article is your guide to planning a split stay between Disney World and Universal Orlando! Commonly, guests decide to do Disney and Universal when heading down to Orlando for their vacation. Booking a split stay is possible by reserving the right hotels, creating a doable itinerary, and getting the best tips on how to do so with kids among other things!

So, if you want to learn more about Disney World and Universal split stays, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Wondering when the best time to visit Universal Studios is? Be sure to check out our crowd calendar!

 Universal Studios Crowd Calendar

Planning a Split Stay between Disney World and Universal Orlando 2024

Split stays at Disney and Universal are some of the best ways to experience the magic of both parks in one trip. The best part is that with careful planning, you don’t have to choose between one or the other! Utilizing the Express Pass during the split stay can help optimize park time and minimize wait times. Guests can also choose the best hotels for a convenient stay, along with perks like Early Entry or Early Park Admission.

While there are benefits and challenges to consider, strategic planning can ensure a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience.

Split Stay Disney World and Universal Orlando Itinerary

Monday – SuperStar Shuttle or rental from MCO and arrive at Universal Hotel and check in by 3 PM – Relax in the hotel or head to CityWalk

Tuesday – Universal Studios Florida

Wednesday – Islands of Adventure

Thursday – Leave Universal Hotel by Uber or Rental and arrive at Disney World hotel by 3 PM, rest or head to Disney Springs

Friday – Magic Kingdom

Saturday – Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios morning/Epcot evening

Sunday – Check out of the hotel by 11 AM and depart for MCO with Uber, rental, or paid shuttle

Tip:  You can always expand your trip to do one park per day in Disney World, or even do Universal Orlando in one day to try and save on time and some money!

Tips for a Split Stay at Disney World and Universal Orlando

• Choose the Right Hotels
• Timing the trip right
• Utilize Express Pass
• Know the check-in and out process

Related post: Complete Guide to When is Disney World Least Crowded

Choosing the Right Hotels

If you want to stay onsite and looking for sheer distance, we would recommend staying at the Endless Summer Resort at Universal (Surfside or Dockside) and the Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World.

Why? From door to door, these resorts are technically the shortest distance from each other. Both of these resorts are right off of the I-4, making it easy to travel to and from if you’re looking for a quick trip. Unfortunately, though, Endless Summer Resorts do not come with a free Express Pass like Premier Resorts. So, keep that in mind if you’re looking to save time in the parks instead.

Premier hotels at Universal Studios offer the convenience of including Express Pass benefits, allowing guests to skip regular lines and maximize their time at the park.

Tip: Keep in mind that Universal does charge for self-parking at hotels, and Disney does not, So, if you’re looking to save money, you might want to compare Uber prices versus the prices of parking at Universal hotels.

Related post: Complete Guide to Early Entry Disney World

Timing Your Trip Right

I would start my trip off at Universal Orlando Resort over Disney World. For not only travel ease, but also, a better send-off for a magic feel on your vacation. The reason I would do Disney World second is that, when you pack up your Universal hotel and you’re ready to head to your next destination, you don’t want to be stuck with bags. Disney World is extremely accommodating, and even if your room is not ready, they will hold your luggage at your resort for no fee! We’ve never tried this feature with Universal, but do know they have lockers for rent to store luggage.

Personally, for those few hours of having nowhere to put luggage, we love that Disney will easily and safely store your bags while you head into the parks or Disney Springs! We also love that Disney has traditional fireworks shows. Universal packs in the thrill, but on your last night in the theme parks before you leave, it’s always nice to watch a nighttime spectacular like Happily Ever After.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Parking

Utilizing Express Pass

The Express Pass at Universal Studios is a valuable tool for avoiding long lines and making the most of park attractions. All guests who book at a Premier Hotel at Universal will get an Express Pass Unlimited for free with their stay, which is incredible. You might be exhausted if you’re trying to do both Universal parks in one day, or even just running around with a split stay vacation. Therefore, Express Pass can cut down your time in line, and get you more pool and relaxation time at the hotels.

That goes for Disney Genie+, as well. Each Disney park day can come with the paid Disney Genie+ service which allows you to skip the lines on certain attractions and save time!

Tip: Both Disney Resorts and Universal Resorts offer an Early Entry perk when staying on-site. Make sure to use Early Park Admission at Universal and Early Entry at Disney World to get more time in the parks!

Related post: What is the Difference? Universal Orlando vs Disney World

Know Check-In and Check-Out Process

The check-in and check-out process at Universal Hotels may vary, so it is important to be aware of the procedures at each property. This goes for Disney World hotels, as well. We suggest using early check-in and online check-in to get your rooms prepped as early as possible. Check-in time is typically around 3 PM, but getting in earlier than that can give you more rest or park time!

If you’re ready to go, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a hotel lobby dealing with a hassle that can be done ahead of time!

Tip: The Disney World app lets you do nearly everything for your hotel right on your phone. We love how easy it is to use the My Disney Experience app, so make sure you have both of the theme park apps downloaded before you go.

Related post: Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Harry Potter Universal Orlando

Are Split Stays Worth It?

The consensus seems to be that if you have little kids, split stays are not worth it. Between finding transportation with car seats, hotel crib setup, and packing up little kids, it tends to be more stressful than it is worth. We suggest maybe skipping the split stay until your kids are old enough to handle their luggage and not need so many safety features (like cribs and car seats).

With that being said, for an adult trip or even a trip with kids who are a little older, split stays are the best way to pack in all of the most incredible Orlando attractions.

In conclusion, a split stay between Disney World and Universal Studios offers a unique vacation experience that allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. By leveraging the benefits of the Express Pass and strategically planning hotel stays, visitors can make the most of their time at both theme parks.  With careful consideration and strategic planning, travelers can enjoy a magical adventure at Disney World and Universal Studios while making the most of their split stay.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Vs. Islands of Adventure

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!