Universal vs Disney World

The two largest and most popular amusement parks in Orlando are Universal Studios Orlando and Disney World. Disney World is the general term used for the Magic Kingdom. Other nearby parks owned by the same company include Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Based on what you love to do and the age of your group, you might find that one park better meets your needs than another.

No matter where you decided to visit, make sure to look into DVC resales online for discounts on your Disney accommodation. DVC resales are for sale by owner, so you can save up to 50% off the price offered by Disney directly. DVC resale owners often choose to sell DVC points online when they don’t plan on vacationing to Disney as often as they were once able.

Exclusive to Universal Studios

When first constructed, Universal Studios actually had production studios on-site and filmed television shows and movies there. You can still see some of the old reminders of the Nickelodeon productions filmed there. This park features a number of rides based on hit films, including both modern movies and classics. Fans of both “The Simpsons” and the Harry Potter franchise will often choose Universal Studios. It’s home to a replica of Springfield that lets you have a drink at Moe’s and see some of your favourite animated TV characters. Wizarding World is a popular part of the park that is home to rides and attractions based on that series.

Disney Exclusives

Younger children and anyone who loves Disney films will want to visit Disney World. The Magic Kingdom now has its own Toy Story land that sprawls across a large portion of the park. This newer land features rides based on the stories and characters featured in those films and specials. Disney is also home to classic rides such as the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If you have an interest in one specific ride, you should always check with the park before your trip. Disney occasionally shuts down rides to do major work and will keep those rides closed for months at a time.

Number of Parks

The best place to visit might be the one that offers the most bang for your buck. Universal Studios owns two theme parks and a water park. You can visit Universal Studios Orlando or Islands of Adventure and find fun thrill rides and live shows. The company also operates Volcano Bay, which is a water park. Disney World consists of EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom as well as Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. You can also visit either of the two Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both give you the option of buying a pass that lets you visit all the parks on your trips and go back and forth between your favourites each day.

Live Shows

Universal Studios designed an entire live show around the Terminator character from the sci-fi and action film series. You can watch other shows that mimic some of your other favourite films. The park also boasts its own fireworks show every night. Real fireworks fans often prefer the shows at Disney though. Indiana Jones and Beauty and the Beast are just a few of the live shows that you can view. Disney host parades several times a day too. When choosing between Disney and Universal Studios, you may want to just consider which park offers rides and attractions based on your favourite films and shows.