Choose One: Harry Potter or Mickey Mouse?
Universal Studios and Disney World are two places that are considered to be the most fun and magical in the world. If you're planning a theme park vacation with your family, and can only visit one, you quickly realize that it's a hard decision. To help you decide, here are 10 reasons why Universal is better than Disney and 10 why Disney is superior.
1. Universal Features Cutting-Edge Rides
Disney theme parks have many technologically-advanced rides, but cutting-edge technology is Universal's calling card. Universal has a reputation for pushing boundaries with attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
2. Universal Offers The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
One advantage that Universal has over Disney World is that it is the home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Their Harry Potter theme park is a major U.S. attraction that draws fans from all over the world.
3. Universal Has Shorter Average Wait Times
Waiting in line for a ride is part of the theme park experience. Universal Studios has shorter wait times on average compared to Disney World. If you're an impatient person, then Universal will be more your speed than Disney World.
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4. More Exciting Attractions at Universal
With roller coasters like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Universal rides are more geared toward adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. Disney World is more magical for kids, but if you're looking for excitement and to get your heart racing, then head to Universal.
5. Convenient Access to Universal Parks
The two main Universal theme parks in Orlando are conveniently located close together. You can walk from one to the other or take a shuttle. Disney, however, requires buses, boats, or monorails to journey between its parks. Ultimately, Universal is less overwhelming to navigate.
6. Universal is More Affordable
Universal is often less expensive than Disney World. From admission and hotels to food and souvenirs, you can budget less for a Universal visit compared to a day at Disney. That said, a day at Universal Studios will still be expensive.
7. Universal Caters to Adults Better
Disney World caters to the nostalgia of adults, whereas Universal offers fun entertainment options for them (while also catering to their nostalgia for movies like Jurassic Park). Universal's CityWalk Entertainment District is a lively place with nightclubs, movie theaters, and shopping.
8. Universal Appeals More to Teens
Teens might be too old to truly enjoy Disney World, so taking them to Universal Studios instead is a smarter idea. Most teens are more into franchises like Jurassic World and Transformers than animated Disney films.
9. Excellent Movie Integration
Universal Studios is where blockbuster movies spring to life. The theme park expertly integrates Fast & Furious, Despicable Me, Jurassic World, and other Universal franchises into its rides and attractions.
10. Fun Themed Hotels with Benefits
Universal's hotels offer free Universal Express Unlimited access with a stay. This perk is unmatched by other theme parks, including Disney World. Guests and families can save hours of waiting in line and hundreds of dollars.
Theme Park Tourist on Wikimedia
1. Disney Offers Storytelling Magic
No one tells a story like Disney. They are legendary for their storytelling, and that ability can be found through their theme parks. Whereas Universal focuses on thrills, Disney makes an emotional connection with its guests.
2. Disney Offers More Park Variety
Disney boasts four magnificent theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It offers more variety than Universal's collection of theme parks.
3. Disney's Iconic Characters
Sure, Universal has some Minions and a few Transformers, but Disney has a collection of characters that are recognized and beloved everywhere. Walk through the park and you might run into Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Cinderella, or Simba.
4. More Elaborate Finales than Universal
The parades, firework displays, and nighttime spectacles at Disney World are awe-inspiring and world-famous. There is a level of artistry unmatched by Universal Studios or any other theme park in the world. Let's just say, Disney knows how to cap a magical evening.
5. Disney Has More Impressive Resorts
The grounds at Disney World are impressively large, encompassing more than twenty-five resorts, two water parks, a shopping district, and more. The scale of Disney World trumps that of Universal by a wide margin.
6. Disney Is Better for All Ages
Universal Studios can provide a great time for preteens, teens, and adults, but if you have little kids, Disney World is the better option. Teens and adults will still have a great time, but your little ones will have a magical experience.
7. Disney Offers Better Dining Options
Disney World's dining options are more varied than Universal Studios. They have character dining experiences, like eating lunch with Mickey Mouse, and Epcot showcases a plethora of international cuisines.
8. Disney's Cultural Experience is Hard to Beat
Universal Studios offers the rides, thrills, and amusements, but Disney World's overall experience is far superior. Epcot introduces guests to international traditions, while Animal Kingdom gets you up close to wildlife. These experiences can broaden your horizons, a feat that Universal can't match.
9. Disney is More Timeless
The Disney World experience is timeless. Kids who vist the park will hold onto the memories for the rest of their lives and photos of the experience will be framed in their homes forever. Some of Disney World's attractions have been around for decades, and still thrill and delight their guests.
10. Disney's Attention to Detail is Legendary
Disney World pulls out all the stops when it comes to their guest experience. They have perfected the art of including details that other theme parks often overlook, or don't even consider. Every choice within the park delivers a sense of magic and serves the story of Disney.
