Universal VS Disney World – something that’s been debated since Universal Studios Florida’s opening in 1990.
However, it’s not until 2025 (with the opening of Universal’s new park – Epic Universe) that the differences between the two parks seem less stark.
From having a similar number of parks to their IP-based attractions, the similarities between these parks make it even more difficult to decide where you should spend your time and money.
That being said, there are *certainly* areas where Universal outshines Disney and vice versa (trust me, we’ll be talking about this!).
Whether you’re chasing roller coasters or dreaming of Mickey-shaped snacks, there’s a lot to consider.
So, letâs settle this Universal vs Disney World debate!
This post is all about Universal VS Disney World – determining theme park resort is better now that Epic Universe is opening.
Universal VS Disney World
Overview of Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort
If you’re heading to Florida for a theme park trip, you’re likely considering Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World.
Disney and Universal are undoubtedly the leaders in this market – no question.
So, let’s quickly discuss the main things you should know about these two Orlando theme park resorts:
Universal Orlando:
Universal Studios Orlando is home to three theme parks, filled with attractions based on iconic movies:
- Universal Studios Florida: The first theme park to open at Universal Studios Orlando, on June 7th, 1990. Enter the world of movies and TV shows, featuring attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Transformers: The Ride-3D.
- Universal Islands of Adventure: Universal Orlando’s second theme park , which opened on May 28th, 1999. Known for roller coaster rides like Jurassic World: VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.
- Epic Universe (Opening in 2025): This upcoming park – officially opening on May 22nd, 2025 (with Annual Passholder previews taking place April 17th, 2025 – May 8th, 2025) – promises to be Universalâs most ambitious project yet, featuring all-new lands, cutting-edge rides, and immersive worlds – from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and more!
Universal Orlando also has one water park, Volcano Bay, which opened on May 25th, 2017. This water park is essentially a more thrilling version than your average water park (they even have a water roller coaster – Krakatau Aqua Coaster).
Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom Park: The first park to open at Disney World on October 1st, 1971. This is and always will be the most iconic Disney park in Florida, featuring attractions like Space Mountain and Itâs a Small World.Â
- EPCOT: 11 years later, Epcot opened on October 1st, 1982. A mix of science, innovation, and world cultures – with rides like Spaceship Earth and Living With The Land. This park now has more IP-movie-based attractions (think Frozen Ever After and the newer Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster).
- Hollywood Studios: Disney opened two rides in the 1980s – with Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney MGM Studios) opening on May 1st, 1989. These days, this park is best known for its lands based on a single IP – like Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
- Animal Kingdom: On April 22nd, 1998, Disney opened their park based around animals and nature – real and imagined. From Kilimanjaro Safaris (where you get to see real animals, including giraffes, lions and more) to Pandora – The World of Avatar.
- Typhoon Lagoon:Â This water park opened on June 1st, 1989. It is less thrilling than Universal’s Volcano Bay, but is still fun for the whole family.
- Blizzard Beach:Â Disney’s other water park – Blizzard Beach – opened on April 1st, 1995 – with some more thrilling attractions than Typhoon Lagoon – and a ski lift – officially known as the Chairlift!
Both resorts offer hours of fun, but Universal focuses more on thrills and pop culture, while Disney creates immersive, nostalgia-driven adventures (though we can argue that this is no longer the case – more on this later).
Universal VS Disney World Size
How big is Disney World?
If you’ve been to Disney World, you know Disney loves to brag about how much land they have.
Most of us have heard that Disney World is double the size of Manhattan, or the same size as San Francisco.
How Disney World isn’t technically considered a city is almost surprising. đ
After all, it is over 25,000 acres – with 4 theme parks, 2 water park, over 25 resort hotels, golf courses and more.
The interesting thing is that although Disney World is SO HUGE, they’ve only built on a third of the land.
Don’t get me wrong, Disney World feels absolutely massive, but they’re currently not close to utilizing all the space they have.
RELATED POST: Will There Be Any New Parks at Disney World: When Will The Disneyâs Fifth Theme Park Open? [will Epic Universe impact this?]
The Size of Universal Studios Orlando
So, unsurprisingly Universal Studios Orlando is significantly smaller than Disney World.
But it has just increased drastically in size.
The main campus of Universal Orlando Resort is approximately 735 acres. This includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, CityWalk and 11 Loews-Universal hotels.
But Universal had to buy more land for Epic Universe. They acquired another 750 acres, where the theme park and three Epic Universe area hotels are located.
Disney VS Universal Studios Park Layout and Navigation
Here’s one of the most noticeable differences between the twoâgetting around.
Universal Orlando is more compact. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the recently opened waterpark (Volcano Bay) are all within walking distance of each other.
You can easily spend a day hopping between parks or heading back to CityWalk for a mid-day dining break.
Most on-site hotels (excluding the new ones at Epic Universe) are within walking distance of these parks (or a bus or boat ride away).
The layout makes it convenient, manageable, and less tiring for families who want to hit multiple attractions without too much travel time.
However, Epic Universe won’t be within walking distance of the other parks and hotels.
Interestingly, Epic Universe is actually closer to Disney World than the main campus of Universal Orlando.
It’s harder to travel around Disney World than Epic Universe.
 While the scale is impressive, it also means navigating Disney World can be a challenge.
Youâll need to rely on buses, monorails, boats, and even Skyliner gondolas to get from one park or resort to another.
The sheer size can be overwhelming, especially if youâre trying to fit multiple parks/resorts/attractions into a single day.
In short: Universal is for those who love the simplicity of proximity, while Disney suits explorers who donât mind a fair bit of travel time during their visit.
Disney World VS Universal Studios Intellectual Properties and Themes
Intellectual properties (IPs) are the bread and butter of these resorts (especially in recent years. The CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, has heavily hinted that Disney won’t be building any new attractions/lands not based on their IP).
They set the stage for rides, attractions, and even food offerings, creating memorable worlds for fans.
So, maybe it’s important for you to go to the Harry Potter lands, or meet Rapunzel and Tiana.
If you’re super interested in certain IPs, the decision between Disney and Universal is important.
Let’s cover the main IPs covered in each Disney and Universal theme park:
Magic Kingdom IP:
- Toy Story
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Aladdin
- Winnie the Pooh
- The Little Mermaid
- Monsters, Inc.
- Peter Pan
- Snow White
- The Princess and the Frog
- TRON
Epcot IP:
- Beauty and the Beast
- Frozen
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Moana
- Ratatouille
- Finding Nemo
Hollywood Studios IP:
- Star Wars
- Toy Story
- Beauty and the Beast
- Disney Junior
- Frozen
- Indiana Jones
- The Little Mermaid (when the show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure opens on May 27th, 2025)
- Mickey Mouse
- The Muppets (Grand Avenue is closing between May and June, to make room for Monsters Inc. Land. The Muppets will be the new theme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but we don’t have an opening date for this yet).
Animal Kingdom IP:
- Avatar
- The Lion King
- Finding Nemo
- Dinosaur
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether (a 3D show that was set to open in winter 2025, but as of the time of this post in April 2025, we have no opening date).
Universal Studios Florida IP:
- Animal Actors
- The Blue Brothers
- Bourne
- Harry Potter
- Despicable Me / Minions
- Shrek
- Trolls
- E.T.
- Fast & Furious
- The Simpsons
- MEN IN BLACK
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- The Mummy
- Transformers
- Kung Fu Panda
Universal Islands of Adventure IP:
- Spider-Man
- The Hulk
- Jurassic Park / Jurassic World
- Dr. Seuss Books (such as Cat in the Hat & One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish &
- The Grinch (during the Christmas season)).
- Doctor Doom
- Dudley Do-Right
- Harry Potter
- Popeye
- King Kong
Epic Universe IP:
- Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- How to Train Your Dragon
- Monsters (such as Frankenstein, Dracula and more).
Universal Studios VS Disney World Types of Attractions
Thrill Rides: Universal Studios VS Disney World
The rumors are true: Universal Studios is definitely better for thrill-seekers than Disney World.
Not saying that Disney World is terrible for roller coasters. They have some great options (from Expedition Everest to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind).
Disney has plenty of roller coasters, but they’re not quite as thrilling or scary as Universal,
Generally, roller coasters at Universal Studios will be more intense – and better for teenagers and adults.
Disney World may have roller coasters that are fast and decently thrilling, but they are usually more kid and family-friendly.
If your primary goal is finding the “scariest” and “fastest” attractions, Universal will be your best bet for the foreseeable future (especially with some new roller coasters at Epic Universe).
Want more information on thrilling roller coasters at Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando? Check out these posts:
The Ultimate Guide To Disney World Parks and Rides For Extreme Thrill-seekers
The Ultimate Best Attractions At Magic Kingdom For Extreme Thrill-Seekers in 2025
The Thrill Seekerâs Guide To The Best Disney Epcot Attractions in 2025
Slower Rides: Universal Studios VS Disney World
Looking for slower, more kid-friendly attractions? Disney World is going to be your best bet for the foreseeable future.
Although Universal is striving (and succeeding) at catering more for kids in recent years, they are miles away from having as many attractions as Disney for kids of all ages and heights.
That being said, Epic Universe is opening with more slow attractions that may appeal to slightly younger kids.
RELATED POST: Best Plan for Universal Studios Orlando (After Opening of Epic Universe)
But Universal are a long way from Disney when it comes to competing for families with young kids.
Universal VS Disney Cost
One of the most important considerations when deciding where to visit is the Universal VS Disney prices.
Theme park experiences are expensive – especially if you’re choosing premium parks – Universal’s or Disney’s.
However, you can often save some money by choosing one or the other.
This is broken down in my post: Disney VS Universal Prices â The Ultimate Orlando Theme Park Battle â Is Disney World or Universal Studios the Best Value?
For Universal Orlando and Disney World, the costs extend beyond just ticketsâfood, souvenirs, and accommodations can significantly sway your decision.
Both Universal and Disney offer one-day tickets from about $119 + tax.
Overall, pricing can be pretty similar, but the better deal is often Universal. Though this varies, based on a number of factors:
- Do you want Universal Park to Park and/or Disney Park Hopper tickets?
- How many days are you planning to visit the parks?
- When are you visiting?
- Which parks are you visiting? (Magic Kingdom is more than Animal Kingdom. Epic Universe will probably set you back more than Universal Studios Florida).
For more details on Disney World and Universal tickets, check out these related posts:
The Insane Prices of Disney World 1 Day Tickets
The Crazy Prices Of 1-Day Magic Kingdom Tickets at Disney World
9 Reasons Why Disney World Park Hopper Tickets Are Worth It
7 Reasons Why Disney World Park Hopper Tickets Are Not Worth The Money
Interested in the water parks? These days, you’ll often find better value at Disney World – if you’re staying on-site and visiting Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on your first day.
If you visit a water park on your check-in day, you get free entrance to a Disney World water park. (If you do split-stays – more than one Disney World resort on a trip – you can visit the water parks for “free” more than once!).
RELATED POST: A Complete Guide to the Price of Disney World Water Park Tickets in 2025
Universal VS Disney Annual Pass
Love Disney or Universal so much you want to commit to a year of visiting?
I get it (after all, I’m a Disney IncrediPassholder and a Universal Seasonal Passholder).
But I have to say the price of Universal’s Annual Passes are certainly less painful overall than Disney’s (especially as I pay for my Annual Passes upfront.
Disney has 4 Annual Pass tiers:
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass (for Florida residents only) – $469 + tax
- Disney Pirate Pass (for Florida residents only) – $829 + tax
- Disney Sorcerer Pass (for Florida residents and eligible Disney Vacation Club members only) – $1,079 + tax
- Disney Incredi-Pass (all guests) – $1,549 + tax
Looking for more details on Disney World Annual Pass prices, benefits, exclusions and blockout dates? Check out these posts:
The Price of Magic: Every Disney World Annual Pass Cost You Should Know About in 2025
Can You Save Money By Becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder in 2025?
Can You Get a Disney World Annual Pass Resort Discount? [How to Save Thousands on Hotels]
Similarly, Universal also has four tiers of Annual Passes:
Seasonal Pass:
2-Park Seasonal Pass (USF & IOA): $424.99 (or $324.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
3-Park Seasonal Pass (USF & IOA & Volcano Bay): $524.99 (or $424.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
Power Pass:
2-Park Power Pass (USF & IOA): $474.99 (or $374.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
3-Park Power Pass (USF & IOA & Volcano Bay): $584.99 (or $484.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
Preferred Pass:
2-Park Preferred Pass (USF & IOA): $629.99 (or $529.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
3-Park Preferred Pass (USF & IOA & Volcano Bay): $739.99 (or $639.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
Premier Pass:
2-Park Premier Pass (USF & IOA): $904.99 (or $789.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
3-Park Premier Pass (USF & IOA & Volcano Bay): $1,094.99 (or $979.99 for Florida Residents) + tax
Universal Annual Pass prices are cheaper, but remember to consider:
- Epic Universe entrance is currently not covered by Universal Annual Passes. If you’re a Universal Passholder, you’ll need to pay for one-day tickets to go to Epic Universe (usually costing $122 – $173 + tax in 2025).
- Disney World Annual Passes include entrance to four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), whereas Universal Annual Passes only provide entrance to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (and Volcano Bay, if you opt for a 3-park ticket).
- Many Disney and Universal Annual Passes have blockout dates.
- Disney Annual Passholders have to make reservations before attending parks. Universal Passholders don’t have to do this!
- The Disney Water Park and Sports add on for Annual Passholders is $99 + tax for the year.
Looking for Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World and Universal? Check out these posts for the top tips to save!
Food Budget for Disney World: How To Set & Keep a Small Disney Food Budget [it is possible!]
Universal VS Disney Prices of Food
Food prices at Universal Orlando and Disney World can be quite similar, but not the same.
According to TouringPlans, quick/counter-service meals are slightly cheaper on average at Disney World.
However, table service entree meals tend to be about 10% cheaper at Universal.
It’s also worth noting that Disney World has lots more table-service options (as well as EXPENSIVE signature restaurants like Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian).
So because of the increased choice of table-service options, you may be more likely to spend even more at Disney.
That being said, Disney has tons of counter service dining locations, so you don’t need to splurge on food unless you want to.
RELATED POST: How Much Can You Save By Dining Exclusively at Disney World Quick Service Restaurants VS Table Service Locations in 2025?
Universal VS Disney World Resorts
Both Universal and Disney have a significant number of on-site hotels.
Disney World is home to over 25 resorts, in the following categories:
- Value Resorts – ranging in price from $133 – $425 + tax, per night for a standard room, and $350 – $992 + tax, per night for a family suite in 2025.
- Moderate Resorts – prices range from $260 – $505 + tax, per night for a standard room, and $745 – $3,923 + tax, per night for a suite in 2025.
- Deluxe Resorts – prices from $506 – $1,350 + tax, per night for a standard room, and $1,360 – $5,983 + tax, per night for a suite in 2025.
- Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Resorts – This will vary depending on whether you’re a DVC member using points, renting Disney Vacation Club points to save money or booking through Disney.
RELATED POST: 5 Easy Ways You Can Save a Lot of Money by Staying at Walt Disney World On Site Resorts (in 2025)
Universal Orlando has 11 resorts in 3 categories:
- Value Inns & Suites – starting at around $99 + tax, per night.
- Prime Value – about $220 – $450 + tax, per night.
- Signature Collection – approximately $325 – $800+ per night + tax, per night.
RELATED POST: The Many Perks of Staying at Hotels on Site Universal Studios Orlando (& why this is so helpful when Epic Universe opens)
At Universal Orlando, the hotels are streamlined and convenient. With a smaller overall resort footprint, itâs easier to get from your hotel to the parks, sometimes 15 minutes or less.
Most on-site Universal hotels are within walking distance of 1-2 parks.
Disney World has more immersive theming at a lot of their resorts, but chances are you’ll pay a premium for this.
Ways to Save Money on Disney Hotel:
- Renting Disney Vacation Club points
- Booking a Disney package (with hotel and tickets, which can save money)
- Looking at Disney’s current hotel offers (i.e. discounts for longer stays).
- Annual Passholder discounts.
- Check different trusted sites for best prices (e.g. Priceline, Undercover Tourist).
- Consider booking through a trusted Disney travel agent.
Ways to Save Money on Universal Hotels:
- Buy an Annual Pass – Annual Passholder rates can save you hundreds (or even thousands on your stay – depending on where you stay and the length of your stay).
- Shop around (look on multiple websites for the best deals – including Priceline, Undercover Tourist and others).
- Booking a Universal package (including hotel and tickets, which can save money)
Universal VS Disney World Nightlife and Entertainment
If you’re done with the parks for the day, both Universal and Disney World have plenty of nightlife offerings.
Disney World lights up the night with fireworks and shows like no other.
There are three nighttime shows at the parks:
- Magic Kingdom has Happily Ever After (with different fireworks at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and certain days, such as 4th of July and New Year’s Eve).
RELATED POST: Your Guide to Disney World Christmas Party Dates
- Epcot has Luminous The Symphony of Us
- Hollywood Studios is home to Fantasmic! – which is an entire show, rather than mainly fireworks and projections.
Universal also has nighttime shows at their parks:
Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida – though this is not always showing at the park.
- Hogwarts Nighttime Shows (Hogwarts Always Nighttime Show most of the year, Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle – on select nights during the Halloween season in October and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle on select nights from mid-November to January). These are short projection shows on the Hogwarts castle with limited fireworks.
There will also be a nighttime show at Celestial Park, Epic Universe.
As far as nighttime shows go, Disney World definitely wins for its variety and quality.
Universal has some good offerings, but not to the same scale.
Don’t want to go to the parks one evening? Why not try out the shopping and dining areas at Universal or Disney?
Disney is home to Disney Springs, with:
- 94 shops / pop-ups
- 70 dining locations
- 26 shows/events (e.g. concert venue, movie theater)
It is not located right outside of the parks, so if you’re staying on-site, you can take a direct bus to Disney Springs from your resort.
CityWalk at Universal, on the other hand, is located right outside of Universal. Although it is drastically smaller than Disney Springs, CityWalk is still home to over 20 dining locations, a small handful of shops, a movie theater etc.
Who Should Choose Universal?
If youâre a thrill-seeker or someone who loves immersive worlds based on popular movies – especially Harry Potter, Universal Orlando might just be your ideal choice.Â
If you have older kids/teens who feel like they have “grown out” of Disney or want bigger attractions, Universal is your best bet.
Who Should Choose Disney World?
Disney World caters heavily to families with younger children but has something magical for everyone, regardless of age.
Disneyâs parks create a sense of immersion with meticulous theming, and emotional storytelling.
Families with small children will appreciate the many rides with no height restrictions, such as Itâs a Small World, Peter Panâs Flight, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom.
But even if you’re on adults-only trip, you can relax in one of Disney’s resorts, enjoy the slower or bigger rides and enjoy the incredible food and drinks and Disney World!
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal VS Disney World
I heard ‘Universal is better than Disney World’. Is that true?
‘Universal VS Disney World which is better?’ is a VERY common question.
And sadly, there is no easy answer.
Is Universal Studios part of Disney?
Disney does not own Universal Studios (they are owned by Comcast).
Disney and Universal parks are in competition with one another!
Disney or Universal for adults?
Want a hotel-focused stay? Disney has more resorts that are great for adults.
Focused on the parks more? With Epic Universe opening, Universal may be your best bet for high quality attractions (though Disney has four parks with some great options too).
Should I take my kids to Disney or Universal?
It really depends on their ages.
If your kids are really young, it makes sense to go to Disney World as they have more attractions without height requirements.
Speaking from past experience as a tween/early teenager, Universal Studios was better when I began wanting “scary” rides.
But the reality is, you and your kids will probably have a great time at Disney or Universal. After all, they both offer a lot of the best theme parks in America.
Can Disney World be done in one day?
It’s not possible to see and do EVERYTHING at Disney World in just a single day.
However, you can plan a day trip if you prioritize and set your expectations realistically (i.e. don’t expect to visit every park or go on every ride).
Do Disney do half day tickets?
Unfortunately, Disney only offer tickets for full days, so there is no saving if you plan to visit a park for just a few hours one day.
Ta Ta For Now
Choosing between Universal Orlando and Disney World really comes down to what youâre looking for in a vacation.Â
There is certainly no right answer, and chances are, you’ll have an incredible time at Disney World, Universal or both if you can’t decide!
Do you think Universal Studios will be superior to Walt Disney World when Epic Universe?
Or, do you think Disney will alway take the #1 spot?
Please share your thoughts in the comments đ
This post is all about Universal VS Disney World – determining theme park resort is better now that Epic Universe is opening.
Other Related Posts You May Like
Universal Studios Orlando Tips for Visits in the Age of Epic Universe & Beyond
Is the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass Overhyped or Overpriced?