SMACKDOWN! Disney World vs Universal Orlando: Which is Better for You in 2024?

Today I’m SO excited to bring to you one of our most requested article topics: Disney World vs Universal Universal Orlando! 

Which is better? 

Which is cheaper? 

And which should you choose for your long awaited and well-deserved vacation?

As you likely already know, this question is really hard to answer! 

Both theme park destinations are unique in their own special way, and you’d definitely walk away from each one with memories to last a lifetime! 

However, we also know that each Theme Park Hipster has their own unique needs and desires…

And so, that’s exactly what I plan on addressing in today’s Disney vs Universal Comprehensive Guide! 

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What to Expect on this Disney vs. Universal Orlando Guide

We’ll be assessing Disney and Universal category by category:

Each topic will help you figure out which theme park has all the elements you need for the perfect theme park day!  

So what are you waiting for? 

Let’s get started on this long awaited Disney vs Universal head to head challenge!

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Amount of Things to Do: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

If you’re someone who judges the success of your theme park experience by how much you can cram into your day, then there’s no question about it- Disney in the place for you! 

Overgrown palms outside the façade of The Hollywood Tower Hotel, home of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Tower of Terror Ride

Walt Disney World has FOUR theme parks and two water parks:

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Epcot
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Animal Kingdom
  5. Typhoon Lagoon
  6. Blizzard Beach

While Universal Orlando Resort has TWO theme parks and one water park:

  1. Universal Studios Florida
  2. Islands of Adventure
  3. Volcano Bay
  4. EPIC Universe (coming in 2025)
Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ in front of Arches at HHN Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Walt Disney World is also a property spanning 40 square miles, you could probably go to Disney every single day for a year and STILL not have done everything.

Yacht and Beach Club Resort Walt DIsney World Pool Section. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Yacht and Beach Club Resort Walt Disney World

From rides to resort hopping, annual festivals and marathons, Disney really does shine when it comes to the sheer amount of what they offer.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2024 Princess Tiana Topiary in the American Pavilion with NikkyJ. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Now, that’s not to say that Universal is boring by any means. 

With two Harry Potter lands aka: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and eight resorts just a short boat ride away, you could definitely spend a week in just Universal and feel satisfied…

Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ in Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Dragon on top of Gringotts Banks. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Our Editor, NikkyJ, on her Universal Orlando Solo trip!

….but your options just won’t seem as endless as Disney.

Category Winner: Walt Disney World

On Property Experience: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

When it comes to the amenities that resort guests are afforded at Disney and Universal, both match up pretty well. 

Both Disney and Universal offer extra park hours to guests who are currently staying at one of their on property hotels (known as “Extra Magic Hours” or EMH on Disney Property).

Plus, both offer free transportation to and from the resort and parks. 

Disney Riviera Resort Epcot skyliner sign Caribbean Beach Club
Disney’s Skyliner

Additionally, free package delivery to your room (should you buy a souvenir while park hopping) and complimentary onsite parking at the theme parks are also given when you are a guest at any Disney World or Universal Orlando resort. 

The real difference between the two, again, lie in the sheer amount of resorts and property.  

Walt Disney World has around 34 different hotels with varying degrees of luxury (the lowest tier Value Resort hotels cost about $150 to $200 per night, and the highest tier Deluxe Resorts Hotels costs nearly $1,000 per night).

Disney Magic Kingdom Boat on Bay Lake Lagoon overlooking Grand Floridian Resort. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Disney World

Universal has 8 on property resort options (with the lowest tier Endless Summer Resort costing about $100 per night, and the highest tier Loews Portofino Bay costing nearly $500 per night).  

Universal Orlando Resort Loews Portofino Bay Resort The Thirsty Fish Bar. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Universal Orlando Resort Loews Portofino Bay Resort

P.S. Remember that prices are subject to change based on time of year and availability.

Category Winner: Tie (Universal’s more budget friendly, but Disney’s got more options!)

Food: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

Again, if “endless options” are the name of your theme park game, then Disney is the way to go in terms of food service! 

Epcot Theme Park Disney World Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya restaurant in Japan Pavilion Ishiyaki-Sukiyaki Rice with Tokyo Negi Roll
Epcot Theme Park Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya restaurant in Japan Pavilion

With over 200 restaurants, any and every craving will be fulfilled, whether that’s Asian, Mexican, or good old American comfort food.  

Mexico Beef Tortilla at Disney Christmas at Epcot Festival of the Holidays. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Holiday Food in Mexico Pavilion

Disney is also known to impress Guests with their ability to accommodate any and every dietary restriction, from vegan to severe nut allergies; as well with their Disney Dining Plan offering.

It’s a great way to save money if you’re traveling in a large group for an elongated stay.

Universal, on the other hand, still remains competitive in this category because of the higher quality of their food.  

Universal Orlando Resort Mythos in Islands of Adventure at Night. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Mythos

While Disney oftentimes offers buffets that can sometimes underwhelm, Universal has the award-winning Mythos restaurant, ranked as the “#1 Theme Park Restaurant” 6 years in a row!

Additionally, Universal has familiar chain restaurants on CityWalk that might be more appropriate for adult cravings, like Margaritaville and the Hard Rock Café. 

Universal Orlando Resort Hard Rock Cafe with NikkyJ. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

And of course, I can’t forget to mention the Universal fan favorite: Butterbeer!

Hot cold and ice cream butter beer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort Trip Report with Rebecca. Photo copyright ThemeParkHipster. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Trying ALL the Butterbeer!

Aka: the most delectable frozen drink any witch, wizard, or muggle has ever tasted!

Category Winner: Walt Disney World

Rides: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

If you’re a ThemeParkHipster seeking some thrills, then Disney may not be your best bet. 

Universal Orlando Resort Men in Black Immigration Tour at Universal Studios Florida
Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios

Disney World Rides

While of course they have Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy in Epcot, Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, and Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom, the majority of rides are geared towards that 5 to 12 age range.  

Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot Walt Disney World Resort. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot

So, not only are your options for thrill rides limited at Disney, but additionally, these thrill rides can have long wait times since they are few and far between.

Universal Orlando Rides

In Universal, on the other hand, cutting edge technology really is the name of the game. 

Universal Orlando Resort ET Adventure ride at Universal Studios Florida. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
E.T. Adventure Ride at Universal Studios Florida

Rides in 3D and 4D engage all five senses and are extremely immersive. 

Marvel Island with Spider man Ride Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

And of course, when put head to head against Disney, Universal really comes out as King of the Roller Coasters. 

Islands of Adventure Park Map overlooking lagoon with Velocicoaster. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

From the Hulk, to Rip Ride Rockit, to Dr. Doom’s Fearfall, to VelociCoaster, thrill seekers definitely won’t feel short changed at Universal.

Category Winner: Universal Orlando (If you’re a thrill seeker!)

Fandoms: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

Another important element to consider when trying to pick between Disney and Universal are your fandom preferences. 

Disney Hollywood Studios Star Wars Land Millennium Falcon Ride Queue Entrance. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios

While of course Disney has character meet-and-greets and rides themed around some crowd favorite films like Snow White, Star Wars, Avatar, and Toy Story.

Toy Story Land with Buzz and ThemeParkHipster Nikkyj. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Buzz and ThemeParkHipster

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal is much more than a meet and greet here or a ride there…it’s an immersive experience!

NikkyJ in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World Universal. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
Owner, NikkyJ, in front of Hogwarts Express Harry Potter World

Fans are known to see Harry Potter World for the first time and tear up at the accuracies and close attention to detail. 

While Disney has done its best in years past to compete with the impressive Avatar and Star Wars Land, for many theme park enthusiasts out there, no fandom is as near and dear to their heart as Harry Potter. 

Disney Hollywood Studios Star Wars Land Millennium Falcon Pre Show with Hondo Onaka

Category Winner: Up to you!  What’s your fandom?  Let us know in the comments below!

Entertainment: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

When it comes to entertainment offerings, both parks are pretty jam packed. Disney has memorable dinners shows, like Hoop-Dee-Doo musical revue.

Disney Wilderness Lodge Resort Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Disney also has awesome in park offerings like the Frozen Sing Along Celebration in Hollywood Studios, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage in Hollywood Studios, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire on the castle stage at Magic Kingdom, and the Happily Ever After nightly firework and castle projection show in Magic Kingdom.  

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park Fireworks Show over Cinderella Castle. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Universal, on the other hand, doesn’t have any dinner show offerings, although fans do rave about the Frog Choir show and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Celestina Warbeck and Banshees Singing on Stage in Diagon Alley. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Outside of Harry Potter World, guests tend to enjoy the percussive and humorous Beat Builders and Horror Makeup Show when at Universal Studios.

Parades and Shows

And while perhaps not as impressive as Disney’s Happily Ever After firework display, Universal does have the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle .

Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Castle Nighttime Show Dark Arts in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Islands of Adventure (2)

Disney’s Magic Kingdom has daily parades (during “normal times”) and a fair mix of “scheduled shows,” where you’ll have to find your seat ahead of time to enjoy the entertainment.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Festival of Fantasy Parade Little Mermaid Ariel

Plus, there are “spontaneous entertainment offerings” that you might just find yourself accidentally stumbling across during your park visit to both destinations.

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park Festival of Fantasy Parade Sleepy Beauty and Maleficent Fire Breathing Dragon. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Category Winner: Disney World (More entertainment offerings and more impressive nighttime offerings.)

Shopping: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

While your favorite fandom might come into play here (because who doesn’t want a birthday wand and house robe from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?!), I also want to use this section to focus on the variety of shopping each park can offer you.

Universal Studios Florida UNIVRS Merchandise Store Harry Potter Loungefly Bag. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Disney World Souvenirs

At Disney, of course you have your hundreds upon hundreds of gift shop locations to stock up on Mickey ears, Minnie Mouse plushies, and park themed shirts.

You can also get the one of a kind cultural shopping experience that is Epcot, and the outdoor mall of Disney Springs.

In Epcot, you can buy culturally accurate clothes from any of the eleven country pavilions (including China, Japan, and Norway, just to name a few), as well as toys and snacks actually imported from those countries. 

Norway Pavilion Shop at Epcot

And of course, at Disney Springs, you can spend all day shopping for your favorite brands like UNIQLO, Lululemon, Francesca’s, and Harley Davidson.

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Universal Orlando Souvenirs

Universal, on the other hand, does boast a few name brand shops in their CityWalk entry area, like Quiet Flight Surf Shop, but it’s definitely not as expansive as Disney Springs. 

Universal Orlando Resort Food Moe's and Cinemark Movie Theater at Citywalk

One perk Universal does have over Disney, however, is a discounted souvenir section at the front of each park when you’re exiting. 

Universal Orlando Resort Harry Potter Merchandise at Universal Studios Store in Citywalk. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

A big win if you want to snag a souvenir for less!

Category Winner: Disney (Wider store selection, and a more unique shopping experience!)

Ride Wait Times: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

As you likely already know, both parks are highly popular and so at times, waiting in line is just a part of the experience. 

Tron Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort Florida Tomorrowland roller coaster with NikkyJ. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

However, in recent years, both parks have taken their own approach to remedying this age old problem.

Tron Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort Florida Tomorrowland Space Mountain view. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

At Disney, the Genie+ feature is popular among guests, since you can reserve your skip the lines passes for a fee. 

Genie Pass Walt Disney World Itinerary. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

At Universal, on the other hand, guests have to purchase the Express Pass.

Universal Orlando Resort Volcano Bay Express Pass Cabanas

It ranges from $80 to $319 depending on how long you want the pass to last and what restrictions apply. 

Epcot Journey Into Imagination with Figment Disney Genie Lightning Lane Entrance

While not as budget-friendly as Disney’s Genie+ option, some guests feel they can justify this cost since Universal tends to be a cheaper theme park overall (but more on that later).

All that being said though, I did do a quick search online for “average ride wait times” at each park, and Disney comes in at 40-minutes, whereas Universal comes in at 20-minutes. 

Universal Orlando Resort NikkyJ in front of Spider Man Single Rider line and the Hulk Roller Coaster. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Plus, Universal has way more rides with “Single Rider” line options, a HUGE plus for those solo Theme Park Hipsters out there!

Category Winner: Universal Orlando (Shorter average wait time, and more single rider line options!)

Busy/Peak Season: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

Both parks have the same peak and slow seasons, so don’t consider this factor too much when choosing your theme park vacation destination. 

Best Time to Visit Disney World Infographic. Best day to go to Disney with this Crowd Calendar. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.
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Basically, any park in the Orlando area will be more busy from JuneAugust when kids are on summer vacation, and during the Holiday season, when people are looking to get away and enjoy festive décor and fun holiday offerings.

Universal Orlando crowd calendar. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

September through November and January to mid-February, tend to be slower and less crowded for those ThemeParkHipsters who prefer to minimize their line wait times.

Category Winner: Tie

How Many Days Do You Need for Disney and Universal?

The age old question of “How many days do you need to enjoy Disney or Universal? rears its head again when comparing the two popular parks; and so we’ll do our best to answer it! 

Universal Studios Orlando Florida Lard Lad Donuts in Simpsons Land Springfield U.S.A

Of course, just due to its sheer size, if you want to get the full Disney experience, I recommend at least 4 full days, and even then, you certainly won’t experience everything!

Four full days in Disney, for example, might break down like this:

But like I said before, four days still won’t quite cover it all.

WATCH: The 5 BEST Snacks at EPCOT You Must Try on Your Visit! 🧁🍕🥂🥳

Your Days at Universal Orlando Resort

With Universal though, you can get quite a lot done in three days – one day per park. 

If you want to check out Volcano Bay, Universal’s Water Theme Park, then add in a fourth day so that you can have a day to relax.

When it comes to Universal, it’s rare for people to designate a day just to “explore” the property like people might at Disney. 

Snowman family at Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Since CityWalk (the restaurant and shopping area towards the front of the parks) is located right before the park entrances, it’s easy to integrate that experience right into your park day.

Category Winner – Tie! (Disney if you want a long, limitless vacation; or Universal if you’re only looking for a packed couple of days!)

Pricing: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

So the big question…which is more expensive, Disney or Universal?!

Well, in pretty much every category, Disney comes out to be more expensive.  

Resort Cost

First of all, Disney’s on property resorts, even the lowest tier ones, are double the price of Universal’s. 

Plus, just because Disney has more ground to cover, you’ll likely need to stay longer, making you spend more money.

Theme Park Tickets

And while the price of Disney tickets fluctuate depending on the time of year, a single day, single park ticket can cost anywhere from $109 – $184; with a single day park hopper can get up to OVER $250! 

You’ll be able to snag some savings if you’re a Florida Resident, but still, Disney World definitely stands as the most expensive theme park in the world when it comes to admission!

Universal, however, cost starts at $174 for a single day park HOPPER, meaning that for about the price of one single Disney park ticket, Universal lets you enjoy two. 

Universal Studios guide and tips
Sign up and get your FREE Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Traveler’s Planner and Guide. Click the image to get started.

Plus at Universal, park hopping is a ride since you can opt to take the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

But, more than just the cost of single/multi-day tickets, you see an EVEN BIGGER price disparity when we look at Annual Passes between the two parks. 

For $439+ tax, you’ll get the most basic Disney Annual Pass that allows you limited access to all 4 parks (as blockout dates apply). 

Whereas the equivalent of that same pass at Universal is $425, or the cost of 2.5 park days.

And Universal Orlando is ALWAYS running discount deals on their tickets which can get you extra days for free!!!

*Please note that prices are subject to change.

Category Winner: Universal Orlando Resort

The Final Breakdown: Disney World vs Universal Orlando

And so, what’s my final say? 

Well, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly vacation full of lots of thrilling, immersive rides and Harry Potter magic, then Universal is definitely the way to go!

Hogwarts in Harry Potter World Universal Orlando Resort Islands of Adventure. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

But, if you’re willing to spend more money and feel like your park, ride, resort, and dining options are limitless, then Disney might be calling your name.

Disney Cinderella Castle Cinderella Castle Friendship Show at Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Keep reading to know which is better Disney World vs Universal Studios.

Just like I said in the opening of this article, there’s certainly no wrong choice when it comes to picking between these two state of the art parks, and everyone has their preference…

Theme Park Travel Guide to Disney World vs Universal Studios.
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So, help our readers decide by using the comment section below – which Orlando theme park is your favorite, and why?

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Gina Arfi Disney Writer at ThemeParkHipster

About the Author

Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests! 

Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!

(Original Article Date: May 5, 2021/Updated by Editor on February 28, 2024)

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