What is the Difference – Universal Orlando vs Disney World?

What is the Difference – Universal Orlando vs Disney World?

What is the Difference – Universal Orlando vs Disney World?

This article is your ultimate guide to Universal Orlando Vs Disney World! One of the most popular questions we receive is, is Disney World and Universal Studios the same? The answer is a resounding no. Disney World and Universal Studios are distinct theme park resorts, each vying for the top spot in the theme park world daily. Disney World has four theme parks, while Universal has two with a third on the way.

There are many more difference than that when it comes to Disney vs Universal, so keep reading if you want to learn more.

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets and Walt Disney World tickets! 

So if you’re ready to compare Universal Orlando vs Walt Disney World read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Orlando crowd calendar!

 Orlando Crowd Calendar

Universal Orlando vs Disney World

A Universal vacation and a Disney World vacation are two completely different vacations for families, and there is actually a lot to know about their differences. Disney World, with its four theme parks, two water parks, and a variety of dining and accommodation options, is ideal for families and multi-generational trips. Universal technically has three theme parks, with one of them being the water park Volcano Bay. Universal Orlando, known for thrilling roller coasters, appeals to adrenaline seekers and is more compact, making it easier to navigate. That is, until the massive third park Epic Universe, opens in 2025, which will double the size of theme park space for Universal.

Both destinations offer unique experiences: Universal excels in high-thrill rides and immersive lands like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while Disney captivates with its classic attractions, their own immersive IP lands like Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge, character experiences, and detailed theming.  Evening entertainment at Disney Springs and Universal’s CityWalk provides a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to conclude your day.

Main Differences Between Disney and Universal

• Number of Parks: Disney has four theme parks and two water parks; Universal features two theme parks (three in 2025, with Epic Universe) and Volcano Bay water park.
• Who is it for: Disney caters to families and younger children; Universal appeals to thrill-seekers and older kids.
• Attraction Types: Disney is known for magical, family-friendly rides; Universal boasts high-thrill rides and immersive lands.
  • Universal Orlando’s Top Attractions – Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, Velocicoaster, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Revenge of the Mummy
  • Disney World’s Top Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, Rise of the Resistance, Haunted Mansion, Avatar Flight of Passage, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
• Theming: Disney’s parks are themed around classic characters and stories; Universal focuses on adventure and film franchises.
  • Lands in Disney World: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, The World Showcase, Pandora: World of Avatar
  • Lands in Universal Orlando: Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade), Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing
• Hotels: Disney offers a wide range of on-site accommodations; Universal’s hotels generally provide more budget-friendly options with perks like Express Passes.
• Pricing: Ticket and accommodation prices are comparable, but Universal tends to offer more value and less expensive dining.
• Length of Stay: A complete Disney experience suggests a 6-7 day stay; Universal can typically be fully enjoyed in 3-4 days.

Recently, we have found many more families are booking tickets to Universal Orlando. We believe that a large part of that has to do with the limitations of the Disney World park reservation system and also the new paid-to-skip-the-line Disney World Genie+ which now costs up to $35.00 per person per day. Many guests are finding a Universal Orlando vacation to give them more flexibility, budget-friendly hotel options and are generally easier to plan. On the flip side, we still feel like the main four Disney World theme parks have more rides and entertainment for families visiting Orlando with young kids.

How many theme parks does Disney World have?

You will see that Walt Disney World consists of 4 theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. It also has two water parks; Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Disney Springs is featured on site and contains many entertainment spots, restaurants, and shopping. And there are currently more than 25 Disney resort hotel locations. Walt Disney World also gets a ton of attention for its very popular Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge which is located in Hollywood Studios. Guests can also enjoy some Disney classics over at Magic Kingdom park, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

How many theme parks does Universal have?

As discussed, Universal Studios has 3 theme parks; Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. However, it also features Universal CityWalk Orlando, their entertainment complex. Eight hotels are featured on Universal resort property. It’s also important to note that contrary to popular belief the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not one of the individual theme parks but located in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Orlando has long been considered the destination for thrill-seekers and for good reason as they have some of the best roller coasters in all of Orlando!

Related Page: Universal Studios Orlando Vs Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

How Many Days When Visiting Universal vs Disney World?

Another popular question we receive is, how many days will I need at Universal vs. Disney World? And, we have covered this in detail in a few of our blog posts however we feel the best way to see everything Walt Disney World has to offer is to plan at least 6- 7 days for your vacation. However, deciding how many days you need for Universal seems to be a bit easier as it’s smaller compared to Disney. We feel that guests can typically see a majority of Universal Orlando in 3 full days and leave feeling like the accomplished a ton. So as you can see Universal Orlando is a better option for families looking to visit Orlando for a few short days while Disney World is a better destination for a longer vacation of up to a week or more.

How many days to spend at Disney World vs. Universal Orlando?

• Ideal Disney World Stay 6-7 days
• Ideal Universal Orlando Stay 3-4 days

Related Article: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Early Admission! 

Disney vs. Universal Prices

And as a general rule of thumb, Universal is cheaper than Disney in almost every category, from tickets to theme park food, and the most noticeable being hotel rooms. And not only are the Universal hotels cheaper, but we feel like guests receive more amenities for free at Universal vs Disney World.  It’s also important to note that although one-day ticket prices are similar, Universal Orlando multi-day tickets are cheaper than Walt Disney World tickets. To be fair, no matter which one you pick the admission prices for both Disney World or Universal Orlando will not be cheap.

Disney World Starting Ticket Prices:

• 1 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $109.00 per day
• 2 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $107.00 per day
• 3 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $106.00 per day
• 4 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $106.00 per day
• 5 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $91.00 per day

Universal Orlando Starting Ticket Prices:

• 1 Day Universal Orlando Base Ticket: $109.00 per day
• 2 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $85.00 per day
• 3 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $62.34 per day
• 4 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $62.25 per day
• 5 Day Disney World Base Ticket: $53.20 per day

As you can see when comparing Disney vs Universal prices, Universal Orlando is cheaper as soon as you get past the standard one-day ticket. And they continue to go down in price significantly up until the 5-day ticket while Disney stays almost exactly the same. It is important to note that the Disney World tickets do continue to scale down on a cost-per-day basis if you do stay for 7-10 days.

Also as another helpful tip when comparing the cost of Disney world vs. Universal, we suggest using our Orlando crowd calendar to see what time of the year is best to vacation.

Is Universal or Disney Cheaper?

When it comes to comparing Universal vs Disney prices, many travelers find themselves pondering which offers better value for money. While both Disney World and Universal Studios provide unforgettable experiences, if you’re deciding between Disney or Universal based on budget, Universal Orlando often emerges as the more wallet-friendly option. Though Disney World boasts a vast array of parks and attractions, the overall cost can be steeper. In contrast, Universal Studios, while more compact, offers competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of experiences. The price difference becomes even more apparent when considering ticket bundles, dining, and accommodation. However, it’s worth noting that the exact cost advantage of Universal Studio vs Disney World can fluctuate based on seasonal promotions and specific package deals. Always keep an eye out for special offers, but if cost-effectiveness is a priority, Universal Orlando typically holds the edge

Related post: How to Get Cheap Universal Orlando Tickets

Genie+ vs. Express Passes

Another important factor when considering the differences between both Disney World and Universal Studios is their Genie+ and express pass services. It’s important to understand the differences between the two now, as the Disney Genie+ is a significantly lower cost per day when compared to the Universal Express Pass. However we feel both systems have their pros and cons. The Disney Genie+ system can cost up to $35 per guest per day with a valid Walt Disney World ticket. The biggest difference, however is guests can only pick one Genie+ ride selection at a time. Guests can add an additional Premium Genie+ to their My Disney experience for an additional fee, which would allow you to hold two ride reservations at once.

The Universal express pass however is as add on option that can be purchased with your Universal Orlando tickets. The Express Passes are expensive and in some cases can be more expensive than the actual price of tickets for that day. Guests can purchase two options which include riding one ride per day or an unlimited option. We do feel like this can be a great choice for guests who are looking to get as much done as they can if they only have one or two days to visit the parks. Guests can also take advantage of some great deals on Universal Orlando Express Pass combo tickets. And of course there are also certain on-site Universal Orlando hotels which include the express passes at no additional cost!

Related Page: Is the Universal Orlando Express Pass Worth it? 

Universal Studios vs.Disney World Vacation Packages 2024

Both resorts offer packages to make your vacation as affordable and fun as possible. When looking at Disney World vacation packages vs. Universal packages, consider looking into their dining plans, hotel and airfare deals, and other little offers that may be included. We have found that every family has something unique that matters most to them and both resorts offer something for every group. Below are some of the most common factors when choosing which vacation package to choose:

• Hotels: We would pick the Universal Orlando hotels as we feel they give more value, especially in terms of room size and benefits such as express passes.
• Dining Plan:  Universal has still not brought back their dining plan, so we have to go with Disney World.
• Transportation: Although Disney has some of the most iconic transportation options between the monorail and the new Skyliner, we feel Universal is simply more convenient. The resort is smaller which means it takes less time to get around.
• Pools: Although we love the pools at Universal, the theming of the Walt Disney World pools is on another level. This was an easy one!

Although there are many different choices, but Disney World does have more options to choose from when you compare both Disney vs Universal Orlando on-site hotels.

Related Page: The Best Disney World Value Hotels 

Character Meet & Greets Disney Vs Universal 2024

This is actually one of the hidden wildcards when trying to decide if you should visit Disney vs Universal! As you probably guessed the character experiences at both parks are very different as both companies own different intellectual property. However on the plus side here this really is simply a personal preference as you will meet some amazing characters no matter if you visit Disney World or Universal Orlando! Disney is well known for their most popular characters including Mickey, Donald, Minnie, and goofy as well as some of your favorite characters from the newest Disney and Pixar movies. Guests at Universal will be able to meet SpongeBob, the Simpsons, the Minions and even some famous Marvel super hero’s!

Over all we would have to give the edge to Disney for the simple fact that they host so many different meet and greets you’ll never run out of characters to visit. Guests can also attend one of the special events such as the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party for special character interactions.

Related Page: Guide to all Disney World Character Meet and Greets 

Who Has Better Food Universal or Disney World?

One of the perennial debates when comparing Disney World vs Universal Orlando is: who takes the crown for the best culinary delights? Both Universal Orlando and Disney World present a gastronomic journey for their guests. Yet, based on our personal experiences and the buzz among visitors, Disney World often claims the title for hosting the best restaurants in Orlando. A significant factor is Disney’s renowned table-service dining options, notably the sought-after character dining experiences. In contrast, while Universal Orlando offers delectable table-service options, they often come with a friendlier price tag. For instance, a lavish meal at Disney’s Be Our Guest restaurant in Magic Kingdom might set you back more than a delightful feast at the acclaimed Mythos in Islands of Adventure.

The allure of Disney’s restaurants isn’t just about the food. The immersive theming at Disney World eateries, arguably some of the most captivating in Orlando, elevates the dining experience. The fervor for Disney dining is evident when reservations at their restaurants get snapped up 60 days in advance, a phenomenon less common at Universal. This trend is a testament to the ongoing debate of Disney vs Universal Studios dining, hinting that when it comes to gastronomy, Disney might have an edge in the Universal Studios vs Disney rivalry.

What are some of the best restaurants in Disney World?

We do have an entire guide on the best restaurants in Disney World, but here are some of our favorites:

• Garden Grill
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Topolino Terrace
• Hoop Dee Doo Revue

What are some of the best restaurants in Universal Orlando?

• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• Vivo Italian Kitchen
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Bigfire

Related Page: Complete Guide to the Best Restaurants in Universal Citywalk 

Disney Springs or City Walk When Deciding Disney vs Universal

When weighing the options of Disney World vs Universal, nightlife is a pivotal factor for many travelers, especially for adults seeking a blend of entertainment and relaxation. Both Disney and Universal shine with their vibrant outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment hubs. Universal Orlando boasts the lively CityWalk, while Walt Disney World invites guests to the sprawling Disney Springs. But when it comes to a head-to-head comparison of Disney World or Universal Studios in terms of entertainment districts, which one truly stands out? Both venues offer stellar entertainment, from movie theaters and bowling alleys to mini-golf and top-tier restaurants.

However, Disney Springs slightly edges out with its more extensive array of dining and shopping experiences. It’s conceivable to spend an entire day immersed in the offerings of Disney Springs. In contrast, maximizing Universal’s CityWalk might require a more concerted effort to experience everything. For those pondering Disney or Universal for adults, this distinction in nightlife can be a deciding factor

Related Article: The Best Disney Springs Quick Service Restaurants 

Should I Go to Disney World or Universal Studios?

For the big kids (adults), Universal Studios has more of adrenaline-inducing rides compared to Disney, even though Disney does have some. However, both resorts offer alcoholic beverages around the parks. Their entertainment boardwalks also have plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping for adults, but they can also be fun for kids. Kids will enjoy meeting characters like Scooby-Doo and the Minions in Universal Studios, and also Mickey Mouse and Goofy in Disney World. There are more family-friendly rides in Disney if you are catering to a younger crowd. The point being is that if you’re trying to decide which park is better, Disney or Universal, there’s an exceptional touch to both of them. The odds are you will find something special about each park and you’ll like them equally for different reasons.

The one thing we do recommend- you must visit these parks at least once in your lifetime! Visit Universal Studios, drink a butter beer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, hopping from Seuss Landing to E.T Adventure. Then go on a safari hunt in Animal Kingdom in Disney World and watch the Fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. We know no matter if you choose Orlando Disney or Universal, you’ll be in for a lifetime of memories.