Disney VS Universal Prices

Welcome to the ultimate showdown: Disney vs Universal Prices!

As two of Orlando’s premier theme park destinations, Disney World and Universal Studios offer some of the best entertainment, attractions, and experiences.

But when it comes to value for your money, which reigns supreme?

Today, we’ll delve into ticket prices, dining options, resort accommodations, and more to determine whether Disney World or Universal Studios offers the best bang for your buck.

Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan, a dedicated Potterhead, or simply looking for the best value during your Orlando vacation, this comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.

So let the battle begin as we explore the ultimate showdown between Disney and Universal prices!

This post is all about Disney VS Universal prices – determining which is the most cost-effective Orlando theme park destination to visit.

Universal Studios Orlando VS Disney World Tickets Prices

In the clash of Disney vs. Universal prices, one of the most crucial battlegrounds is the cost of tickets.

Both Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando offer various ticket options, ranging from single-day passes to multi-day packages.

Let’s break down the prices for each to see which theme park offers the best value.

Disney World ticket prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the number of days you plan to visit, and whether you opt for a Park Hopper option, which allows you to visit multiple parks in one day.

On average, a one-day ticket to one of Disney’s four main theme parks costs between $109 and $189 per person + tax, with discounts available for multi-day tickets.

Also, be aware that prices will increase if you opt for a Disney World Park Hopper ticket (this is often $60-$85 more per ticket).

In contrast, Universal Studios Orlando typically offers single-day tickets starting at around $119 per person for admission to one park, such as Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Universal also offers park-to-park tickets, allowing visitors to hop between parks on the same day for a higher price, usually starting at around $174 per person.

disney world vs universal prices — Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Orlando

The prices are lower at both Disney World and Universal Water Parks.

One-day water park tickets at Disney World cost $74 + tax, whereas Volcano Bay tickets cost $80 per day + tax.

(These prices may vary depending on the day/season).

At both Universal and Disney, the prices of tickets tend to be $5 ish per day less for guests between the ages of 3 and 9.

When comparing ticket prices between Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, it’s essential to consider factors such as the number of parks you plan to visit, whether you want to hop between parks, and any available discounts or promotions.

While Disney World may have a slightly higher average ticket price, its expansive resort offers more parks and attractions, potentially providing better value for visitors planning an extended stay.

However, Universal Studios Orlando’s focus on immersive experiences and popular franchises like Harry Potter may make it more appealing for some guests.

And Volcano Bay is a more modern and impressive water park.

Ultimately, the best value will depend on your preferences, priorities, and budget.

Universal Studios VS Disney World Hotel Prices

Accommodation costs are a significant factor to consider in the price of your overall vacation.

Let’s delve into the hotel prices for Universal Studios and Disney World to determine the best value for your stay.

Disney VS Universal Price of “Value Resorts”:

Disney’s Value Resorts start at $133 – $209 + per night for Standard Rooms.

why is universal more expensive than disney — A Standard Room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Universal’s Value Resorts (Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites, Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel) start at approximately $120–$175 + per night.

Disney VS Universal Price of “Moderate Resorts”:

Disney World’s Moderate Resorts start at $260 – $505+ per night for Standard Rooms.

Universal Studios’ “Moderate” Resort (Loews Sapphire Falls Resort) starts at about $265 + per night.

Disney VS Universal Price of “Deluxe Resorts”:

Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts start at $474 – $824 + per night for Standard Rooms.

Universal Studios Orlando “Deluxe” Resorts (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Loews Portofino Bay Hotel) starts at about $405 – $485 + per night.

is universal better than disney world — Loews Royal Pacific Resort

When comparing hotel prices between Universal Studios and Disney World, it’s essential to consider location, amenities, and theming factors to find the real value.

Disney VS Universal Prices of Packages

When planning a trip to Orlando’s theme parks, comparing the prices of packages offered by Disney and Universal Studios can help you determine which destination offers the best overall value.

Disney World offers vacation packages that include accommodations at Disney resort hotels and theme park tickets.

Some packages include extra discounts or perks (such as dining credits or the Disney Dining Plan).

These packages are customizable to suit different budgets and preferences, with options ranging from budget-friendly value resorts to luxurious deluxe accommodations.

The cost of Disney vacation packages varies depending on factors such as the length of stay, resort category, time of year, and any additional add-ons or upgrades.

Universal Studios also offers vacation packages that include accommodations at their on-site hotels, theme park tickets, and other benefits, such as Universal Express Passes at Deluxe Resorts.

Like Disney, Universal’s packages cater to different budgets and preferences, with options ranging from budget-friendly hotels to deluxe resorts.

Similarly, the cost of Universal vacation packages depends on factors such as the hotel category, length of stay, time of year, and any additional perks or upgrades included.

Universal VS Disney World Dining Prices

which is more expensive universal or disney — Impossible Meatloaf at Disney’s Liberty Tree Tavern

Let’s compare the dining prices between Universal Studios and Disney World to determine which destination offers the best value for your culinary experience.

You can find quick service and table service locations at both Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World.

Quick service meals are very similarly priced at Disney World and Universal, whereas table service meals tend to be a bit cheaper at Universal Studios.

Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando have dining plans, but Universal’s can be better value – but this also depends on your preferences.

Disney VS Universal Studios Orlando Parking Cost

Parking is an important consideration if you’re driving to Disney or Universal. It can cost a small fortune, so don’t neglect to plan for this when budgeting!

Disney World Parking

*Free resort parking & Standard theme park parking for all guests staying at a Disney World on site hotel*

Valet parking is available at Deluxe and DVC Resorts (and Coronado Springs) for $39 per night (including tax).

Standard Parking (Car/Motorcycle): $30 per day

Preferred Parking (Car/Motorcycle): $45, $50 or $55 per day (depending on the season/date of visit)

Oversized Vehicle Parking (bus, RV, Camper, Limo etc.): $35

Universal Studios Parking

*Hotel guests at Universal all charge a $28+ per night parking fee at each resort.*

General Parking: $27

Prime Upgrade: $32

Prime Parking: $60

Valet Parking – Less than 2 hours: $27

Valet Parking – More than 2 hours (before 6 pm): $75

Valet Parking – More than 2 hours (after 6 pm): $40

RV/Bus Parking: $32

Disney World VS Universal Prices of Fastpasses

Disney and Universal both have their own versions of a Fastpass system – a paid way to skip the lines.

By using Genie+, you can spend less time waiting in line and more time experiencing the attractions.

Disney claims guests usually enter 2-3 attractions daily using Genie+ (assuming the first selection is made “early”).

This isn’t exactly a considerable number, and may not warrant the high prices (frequently as high as $25 and $35+ per person per day).

I have had positive experiences using Genie+, but there is much to learn before purchasing it. This guide is great at breaking it down.

Alternatively, you can purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for the most popular attractions. Here, you pay to “skip the line” for just one ride.

The prices vary, but you can often find prices as high as $12-$22 + for each Individual Lightning Lane.

Universal’s Fastpass system, ExpressPass, is more expensive (ranging in price from $19.99-$49.99 at Volcano Bay and $79.99-$124.99 per person per day in the theme parks).

But with most of these passes, you can skip the lines at most/all the rides – so it can be better value when you divide it by how many rides you get to experience.

And you get ExpressPass for free if you stay at a Deluxe hotel at Universal, so that’s pretty great.

Either way, if you buy a Fastpass at Disney or Universal, it’s going to be crazy expensive.

Universal Studios Orlando VS Disney World: Which is Better Value?

As we have seen for these categories, the differences in price between a Disney World and Universal Studios vacation isn’t super drastic.

Sure, there are some things that are slightly cheaper at one or the other, but they’re quite similar.

Overall, you may be able to save a little more on a Universal Studios Orlando vacation – but in a lot of areas, it won’t be a really significant amount.

Ta Ta For Now

So, which Floridian theme park destination do you think offers the best value: Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando?!

This post was all about Disney VS Universal prices – determining which is the most cost-effective Orlando theme park destination to visit.

Disney VS Universal Prices – The Ultimate Orlando Theme Park Battle – Is Disney World or Universal Studios the Best Value?