Disney VS. Universal
Our family determines which one is the clear winner for us
I am not a travel writer and this is not my usual writing fare, but writing a comparison of the two theme park experiences after writing long posts about them seemed like the right thing to do.
Every time I had ever been to Orlando, Disney had always been a prime destination.
Sure, we talked about going to Universal, and I definitely wanted to experience the world of Harry Potter, but if we had limited choices, I was always going to prioritize visiting Disney over anything else.
But when we prepared for our 2023 family vacation to Orlando, we decided that our kids were old enough to be a part of the decision-making process. A family full of Potterheads wanted to finally walk into Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, and our thrill-seeking son wanted to do some roller coasters.
Universal would become an official part of our family vacation experience.
The final plan became three days in the Disney parks and one day to do both parks at Universal. We debated whether that was enough, but choices had to be made. Both experiences added up to an expensively complete (and exhausting) summer vacation. For those who are in the same boat as us and are trying to decide how to make the most of an Orlando vacation, here is how our family evaluated our amusement park experiences.
Fun for the whole family?
Disney has made a name for itself as a place for all ages. People return to Disney World for weddings and honeymoons and anniversaries either well before they have kids or long after the kids are grown and out of the house. My husband and I went when we were married without kids. We have now visited the Magic Kingdom with our kids when they were toddlers, elementary-aged, and adolescents. Each time it has been a magical experience that captures our family in the moment we are living.
Universal has experiences for smaller children as well, as there are entire sections of the park that are geared toward families with kids too small to do the bigger coasters, but it didn’t feel like the entire park was available to all ages, all the time.
When we were at Disney Hollywood Studios, taking our adolescents through Toy Story Land didn’t feel awkward. At Magic Kingdom, the Tomorrowland Speedway was fun when they were little and had to ride with us, and when they were older and could ride on their own. And at Epcot, Ratatouille didn’t feel childish or out of place.
Yes, while Universal has attractions for every age group, Disney has more attractions that appeal to all ages.
Ideal for the thrill-seekers?
Disney has worked hard to add more intense rollercoasters and ride experiences over the years, but Universal definitely has the edge on this one.
At Magic Kingdom, our whole family enjoyed the Seven Dwarves Mine Ride and Big Thunder Railroad. Our son and I enjoyed Tron while my husband and daughter sat on the sidelines. Our whole family made it through the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Epcot without losing our lunches. My husband took our thrill seeker on the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios while our daughter and I watched Beauty and the Beast.
But our son hit his stride when my sister-in-law showed up just in time to accompany him on the rides at Universal.
Universal has bigger rides with bigger thrills. Even the water rides, which we all enjoyed together, have a lot more to offer in terms of excitement. If thrills are your main objective when going to amusement parks, Universal is your best bet.
Immersive Experiences?
Walking through Hogwarts Castle was a dream come true and I thoroughly enjoyed eating lunch at the Three Broomsticks, but our whole family agreed that the best experience we had while we were in the parks was Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios.
Universal replicates worlds, but Disney has perfected the art of putting you into a world while you are standing in line. When visiting the Haunted Mansion you walk through the graveyard. When waiting for the Thunder Railroad, you are sent back into time. And then there is the completely immersive experience in Galaxy’s Edge, taking you into the world of Star Wars in ways that we could never have imagined.
And the rides themselves? We felt like rats in the kitchen at Ratatouille. We felt like toys in Andy’s bedroom as we waited for Toy Story Mania! As we entered Rise of the Resistance, we felt like we had walked into Star Wars, actual resistance fighters against the First Order.
Entertainment?
This one was harder to determine because we had such limited time at Universal. Disney has a lot of fun shows. Our whole family enjoyed Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and our daughter and I giggled with glee at the Frozen Sing-a-long, but the list of live shows at Universal also intrigued us. While our son rode the rollercoasters, my husband, daughter, and I enjoyed the Horror Make-up Show. We would have loved to have seen the Bourne Stuntacular and Blues Brothers. And there were live shows going on all day in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
After a long discussion, our family decided to call it a draw, determining that if one is interested in shows, there is something for everyone at both theme parks.
Food?
Rating food at theme parks can be a bit tricky, because it is so expensive no matter where you go. We also had a lot more opportunities in the Disney parks because we spent more days in those parks. We enjoyed our trip to the Three Broomsticks and our Butterbeer, but based on what we saw while walking around Universal, we determined that the food options were better at Disney parks. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and the healthy nature of a lot of the different menu options, and not just at Epcot.
Overall experience?
Our family’s final assessment remains that Disney is our preferred theme park experience. We thoroughly enjoyed Universal and have no regrets about our full day there, but if we ever have the chance to return, I think we would all return to Disney.
That being said, it really depends on what your family wants to do and the kinds of experiences you are trying to have together. What matters most is the family memories when you return home.
Thoughts? What has been your family’s experience at any of these parks? Comment below.
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