Planning on visiting each Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World throughout your Florida trip? This weighs the professionals & cons, with an unbiased take a look at Universal v. Disney resorts primarily based on worth, perks, facilities, location, transportation, eating, and extra.
For many Walt Disney World followers who had been as soon as “bubble or bust!” may now discover themselves reevaluating that place, as quite a bit has modified. The losses of on-site perks, starting from the QuickPass+ reserving window to scaled-back Extra Magic Hours to the Disney Dining Plan (nonetheless) being briefly suspended, have resulted in lots of WDW diehards venturing off-site.
Without query, the largest factor has been the demise of Disney’s Magical Express. By eliminating that airport transportation that was included in the price of Disney-owned resort stays, the corporate has voluntarily (and perplexingly) punctured the Disney bubble. Forced to cope with transportation regardless, many guests are actually questioning whether or not they need to merely keep off-site and go to Walt Disney World whereas staying at cheaper lodging…
This isn’t merely idle hypothesis. We know that is beginning to occur as a result of lots of of readers have instructed us that is what they intend upon doing. For many of those folks, planning Florida holidays that embrace visits to a number of theme parks, Universal Orlando’s accommodations current a really engaging different.
For our half, we’ve stayed at each single Universal and Disney-owned resort, plus quite a few off-site and third social gathering accommodations all through Central Florida. We have loads of ideas on the Orlando lodging scene, the way it has remodeled in the previous couple of years, and the way it’ll proceed to evolve–however most of that’s past the scope of this submit.
For now, let’s cowl the present execs and cons of staying on-site at Universal Orlando versus at Walt Disney World…
Airport Transportation – With the demise of Disney’s Magical Express, neither Walt Disney World nor Universal Orlando have unique airport transportation included as a visitor perk.
See our Airport Transportation to Walt Disney World Guide for a rundown of the alternatives, that are roughly the identical for Universal Orlando.
Internal Transportation – Once on property at both Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, friends can use a supplied transportation between accommodations, theme parks, and different places on property. All of this transportation is complimentary (or constructed into the value of their room). At each, transportation is a large benefit that may tip the scales in favor of staying on-site, eliminating the necessity for a rental automobile.
If selection is a promoting level, Walt Disney World has a higher vary of choices: bus, monorail, boat, Skyliner gondola, and even strolling. The effectivity of the transportation supplied to Walt Disney World resort resort friends is hotly disputed, and is essentially a results of the resort advanced’s sprawling dimension.
Universal Orlando has extra restricted choices: bus, boat, or strolling. However, it’s unquestionably extra environment friendly, with buses departing nearly one proper after the opposite and strolling between the accommodations and theme parks being attainable in any respect properties besides Endless Summer Resort. This is owing to Universal Orlando’s extra compact format, which makes almost every little thing accessible by foot, and bus turnaround instances sooner as a result of shorter commutes.
In our view, Universal Orlando is the straightforward winner right here. We’ve by no means had complications ready for buses, or with exceeding lengthy transit instances consuming up a major chunk of our trip. Transit at Universal is a breeze, benefiting from the condensed format tremendously. Walt Disney World’s dimension is each a blessing and a burden–with regards to transportation, it’s the latter. If you’re in search of on-site leisure, eating, or a ‘bubble’ from the true world, it’s a blessing. Walt Disney World can also be extra conducive to longer stays by advantage of its bigger scope and scale.
Extra Hours – Walt Disney World changed Extra Magic Hours, with Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours. Whereas morning Extra Magic Hours lasted for an hour at a single park per day, Early Entry is 30-minute entry to any Walt Disney World theme park. This is a pleasant head-start for on-site friends, and likewise not possible to keep away from for off-site friends.
Extended Evening Hours has a smaller pool of eligibility and happens much less often than Early Entry. It’s solely for friends staying at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club models), or different choose accommodations (solely the Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green). Extended Evening Theme Park Hours happen two nights per week in complete and lasts for two hours. It is massively useful to eligible friends, and minimally burdensome to those that will not be eligible since it might probably simply be deliberate round.
Universal Orlando provides Early Park Admission to pick out sights at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida (specifically, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) one hour earlier than the theme parks open to most people. Volcano Bay additionally provides 30 minute Early Park Admission.
Despite their length variations, the 2 early entry packages are fairly comparable to 1 one other. If you’re one of many first within the pack headed in the direction of Jurassic World VelociCoaster or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on a busy day, this could save a ton of time. In each instances, strains can construct for eligible sights fairly rapidly.
If you’re reserving larger tier resort, Walt Disney World will get the win right here as Extended Evening Hours are unbelievable and don’t have any counterpart at Universal Orlando. For everybody else, it’s roughly a wash.
Line Skipping – With the elimination of free QuickPass, there isn’t any longer a major on-site benefit with regards to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, exterior of shopping for a la carte line-skipping entry to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
As of 2023, friends eager to reap the benefits of Genie+ and/or Individual Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World can count on to spend $16 to round $50 per individual, per day. The decrease quantity is should you go to throughout a less-busy time and solely buy the Genie+ service; the upper quantity is Genie+ and an Individual Lightning Lane or two throughout peak season.
We would estimate that the common on-site visitor will find yourself spending round $60 to $90 per individual for line-skipping at Walt Disney World over the course of their journey, relying upon crowd ranges. This assumes that they may not buy Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes once they’re not needed or helpful, and can make the most of savvy technique to beat the crowds. (See our Guide to Genie+ at Walt Disney World & Lightning Lane FAQ for every little thing you want to know, together with when to purchase and not purchase line-skipping entry.)
By distinction, friends staying at Universal Orlando’s Premier Hotels (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay) get free Unlimited Express Pass to skip the common strains at hottest sights in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. This is Universal’s equal of QuickPass/Lightning Lanes, however higher. Unlimited Express Pass usually prices much more cash and, because the title suggests, it’s limitless. That’s proper, friends of Universal’s high tier accommodations get infinite line skipping!
Unlimited Express Pass has a worth of over $100 per individual every day, which means its worth may exceed the full price of the resort (or no less than the price of upgrading from a decrease tier resort). If you’re a celebration of 4, there’s probability that’ll be true, as Universal’s Premier Hotels begin at underneath $300 per evening.
There’s a motive Express Pass usually prices greater than Genie+ and Lightning Lanes: it’s higher. Express Pass is frictionless, doesn’t require trip reservations, or any expertise by any means. As famous above, it’s additionally limitless. See our full comparability: Universal’s Express Pass v. Genie+ at Walt Disney World for a full rundown on the professionals & cons of every.
While every little thing else right here is critical, Unlimited Express Pass is the promoting level for Universal Orlando’s Premier Hotels. If you’re household is filled with trip junkies and also you’ll do 2 days or extra at Universal Orlando, this one perk–by itself–is sufficient to justify no less than a cut up keep between Universal and Disney. It’s big.
Service Quality – Diehard followers will inform you that Walt Disney World is extra magical because of the Cast Members. It is honest to say that Disney attracts extra passionate staff, a lot of whom purchase into Walt Disney’s legacy and the corporate’s core values. This can also be aided by the College Program, which brings contemporary faces to Florida who typically espouse the above, and certain have extra enthusiasm by advantage of much less long-term publicity to friends.
However, the notion that there’s an throughout the board distinction between Disney and Universal staff is fake. This is to not denigrate or disparage Cast Members–on the contrary, many go above and past to make lasting reminiscences for friends. It’s extra a mirrored image of the truth that each are largely drawing from the very same labor pool in Central Florida and each face the identical staffing shortages.
While Disney’s benefits are mentioned above, Universal additionally has a few issues going for it. First, it enjoys a fame as a greater employer in Central Florida. Not by a pronounced diploma, however sufficient of 1 that frontline staff who’ve labored at each are likely to marginally favor Universal. Moreover, the strain felt by staff from Walt Disney World friends–who typically are higher-stress on account of planning burdens and the costlier trip stakes–additionally will help tip the service scale in Universal’s favor.
We’d additionally add that Loews (which operates the resorts at Universal Orlando) is a greater hospitality firm with regards to resort operations. Disney’s experience is in theme parks, and whereas there are particular person WDW accommodations which can be extremely well-managed, it’s clear that the core product is theme parks. Disney’s resort operations aren’t structured in a method that loyal friends of chained-brand accommodations may count on, and lots of service options are unavailable or missing. Neither are on par with an upscale Hyatt or Hilton–however Loews is nearer.
Parking Fees – Walt Disney World stopped charging for in a single day resort parking in 2023, reversing an especially unpopular choice made a number of years earlier. For those that drive or have rental automobiles, that quantities to a financial savings of $15 to $25 per evening, relying upon the resort tier.
Universal’s accommodations had parking charges previous to Disney introducing the fees and nonetheless do at the moment after Disney has eliminated them–we count on nothing to alter. Universal’s self-parking charges are $15 to $28, with Endless Summer being most cost-effective and the trio of Premier Hotels being costliest. Cabana Bay can also be on the decrease finish of the pricing spectrum, whereas Sapphire Falls costs are fairly near the Premiers.
Resort Fees – Hidden charges have proliferated in recent times at off-site Orlando accommodations that cost low base costs however have totals that may quantity to double that. Some are identified to cost non-optional resort charges for “wellness packages” (their time period, not ours) together with issues like web, newspaper, and bottled water. We can’t stand these resort charges and advocate you battle again in opposition to the extremely consumer-unfriendly follow.
Neither Universal Orlando nor Walt Disney World properties cost resort charges. Given the rising blowback in opposition to resort charges, we don’t count on both to introduce them. If something, different accommodations will begin eliminating resort charges in 2023. (Either by selection or by regulation.)
Theme & Design – Many friends love to remain in accommodations which can be an extension of the theme park expertise. Walt Disney World resorts provide a spread of distinct designs, from funds choices that scream “Disney” with icons from animated movies to upscale lodging with refined and immersive ambiance. They have a further layer of element and storytelling to “transport” friends to a distinct time and place.
In phrases of luxurious, Disney accommodations typically don’t surpass their actual world counterparts, however they nearly at all times have a greater sense of place. It’s a really encapsulating expertise, and one of many large promoting factors of on-site lodging at Walt Disney World.
Universal Orlando isn’t any slouch on this regard. A couple of of its resorts arguably are among the many high 10 themed accommodations in Central Florida, and a number of other maintain their very own in opposition to Disney’s counterparts. In specific, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, and Cabana Bay all execute their respective themes at a really excessive degree, providing a degree of depth and element on par with Disney.
The relaxation will not be weak by any stretch, however are likely to favor operate over type. Their designs give attention to a streamlined format, consolation, and facilities–somewhat than a transportive theme.
Comparing the Polynesian to Royal Pacific or Beach Club to Portofino Bay could make sense, as there are clear parallels and deliberate contrasts. The comparisons crumble when Sapphire Falls v. Port Orleans Riverside. Their design aims had been radically totally different, every with distinctive however incomparable execs and cons.
One factor that’s notable right here is that Universal’s accommodations are usually newer. Every single Universal resort was constructed inside the final 25 years–most inside the final decade. Some of Walt Disney World’s resorts had been constructed 50 years in the past–most are effectively over a decade previous. This is definitely not related from the attitude of situation or put on & tear, however is by way of type and sensibilities. Many of Disney’s accommodations are sprawling, with rooms in outlying buildings separated from the primary foyer. Most of Universal’s accommodations are tower-style, all underneath one roof.
Rooms & Pools – This may appear to be an odd pairing, but it surely’s solely being accomplished as a result of these two very totally different, and essential classes are additionally essentially the most hotel-specific. The solely generalization we’ll make is that Universal tends to do the decrease finish resort rooms higher and Disney tends to do the upper finish resort rooms higher (and bigger).
Rooms and swimming pools in any other case range for every particular resort–check with particular opinions for perception that’s truly helpful. This is already going to be an extended submit, and it’d be double the size for an exhaustive, across-the-board room and pool comparability.
Dining – This might be our largest blind spot and supply of bias. We’ve eaten at each single Walt Disney World resort restaurant, most a number of instances. We’ve eaten at many–however removed from all–Universal Orlando resort eating choices.
There are some elements of eating at which Universal Orlando resorts excel. Across the board, the espresso state of affairs is best. Food courts on the cheaper accommodations are extra formidable and a greater expertise. Lobby bars are typically robust, and poolside eating is surprisingly sturdy at Universal accommodations.
While Universal accommodations are likely to have loads of restaurant choices, I’d argue that they lack selection. Virtually each meal we’ve had at Universal accommodations may very well be described as consolation meals. There are loads of selections, however most are regional variations of that–even superb eating is commonly simply costlier consolation meals, not delicacies that’s truly formidable or ingenious.
At one time, this was comprehensible as a result of Universal’s resort eating places provided considerably higher worth for cash. That’s nonetheless true to a level, however the hole has closed. In the final two years, we’ve observed menu costs bounce at Universal Orlando, outpacing even Walt Disney World eating places.
Pricing – Both are considerably insulated from off-site competitors. For guests who need the on-site location, a seamless expertise from their resort to the theme parks, rooms with particular themes, or sure theme park perks, there’s no actual different. Universal and Disney are thus capable of cost greater than they may for the very same accommodations plopped down in Duluth, Minnesota.
Of course, that’s greater than a bit disingenuous. If you relocated Four Seasons Bora Bora from its tropical over-the-water location to a corn discipline, or moved Hotel Shangri-La Paris so it didn’t overlook the Eiffel Tower, the identical can be true. There’s a motive resorts with views of Cinderella Castle fetch otherwise-astronomical costs, and it’s a well-established rule of actual property (“location, location, location!”). Whether this premium pricing for being in shut proximity to “the magic” is value it to you is a private query.
With that in thoughts, Walt Disney World is costlier than Universal Orlando at each single resort tier. For low season dates, the hole isn’t notably pronounced between Endless Summer and the All Stars, but it surely grows bigger for extra standard dates and better finish accommodations. At the mid-tier, Disney costs could be double Universal’s. At the highest tier, Disney typically costs triple or extra for comparable lodging.
In gentle of the above, the case may very well be made that there isn’t any such factor as “comparable” between Universal and Disney since there isn’t a single resort at Universal with a view of Cinderella Castle or inside strolling distance of the preferred theme park on the planet. After all, location guidelines actual property. That argument is much less persuasive when evaluating costs of Saratoga Springs or Old Key West to Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific, although.
Editorializing a bit, I consider that we’re at the moment dwelling by means of a halcyon age of Universal resort pricing. In lower than a decade, Universal has constructed 5 new accommodations and almost tripled its variety of on-site rooms. During that very same span, the advanced added Volcano Bay water park and theme park attendance has elevated, however to not a proportional diploma–or something near it.
In half, this growth was seemingly overdue, satisfying a few of the demand from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s additionally seemingly that Universal Orlando aggressively developed its resort portfolio forward of theme park growth tasks with the expectation that demand and bookings would quickly observe swimsuit.
Epic Universe is probably going considered as a game-changer for Universal Orlando’s standing as a vacation spot resort–three theme parks and a water park will entice many extra folks to remain on-site. Simply put, demand has not but caught as much as resort improvement.
It ought to go with out saying, however larger demand will end in larger resort costs. It’s not as if Universal is purposefully charging below-market charges as a result of the corporate desires to be extra honest to theme park followers, or its leaders have been benevolently impressed by Walt Disney’s “dream” to supply reasonably priced lodging to the center class. These are each ruthless multinational companies; companies don’t get into the Fortune 50 today by being charitable in the direction of shoppers.
If Universal may cost Polynesian costs for Royal Pacific proper now, they might. But they can not (no less than, not but), so they don’t. There’s more likely to be some extent within the not-too-distant future when Universal Orlando’s theme park lineup has significantly extra drawing energy, and its resort costs will improve consequently.
Personally, I wouldn’t be stunned if Universal’s high tier accommodations common double their present prices in about 5 years, following an identical trajectory to what has occurred with Disney resorts. If you’re in search of robust worth, now could be undoubtedly the time to e-book Universal accommodations–they’re arguably underpriced for his or her high quality, location, and perks.
February 2023 Update: This editorial was initially written final yr, and has already been no less than partially vindicated. In pricing out stays at Universal over the past yr, we’re seeing efficient will increase (after reductions) of about 20% or so on common. Although Walt Disney World has additionally elevated rack charges throughout this time (by about 4%), they’ve additionally resumed providing higher reductions. That was not the case at this similar time final yr, which means that Walt Disney World’s efficient room charges have decreased whereas Universal’s have elevated.
If you’re a Walt Disney World diehard considering that is some type of vindication: don’t. The hole remains to be fairly large, and Universal is considerably cheaper on common. However, the ‘price chasm’ is closing. As Universal turns into extra standard and pulls resort friends away from Walt Disney World with the opening of Epic Universe, count on this pattern to proceed. What we’ve seen within the final yr is barely a small sneak peek of the longer term, and it’s nonetheless your finest wager to remain at Universal accommodations now somewhat than ready for 2025 to roll round…until you wish to pay significantly larger costs!
Ultimately, our opinion is that Universal Orlando has made super strides within the final a number of years, and is now beating Walt Disney World within the sizzling Orlando resort market. When it involves the professionals & cons of their respective accommodations, and particularly with regard to worth, Universal resorts are extra compelling.
If you’ll be spending equal (or near it) time at Universal and Walt Disney World throughout your Orlando, Florida trip in 2023, you need to give severe thought to staying at Universal as an alternative of Disney–or no less than doing a cut up keep. It ought to go with out saying, however should you’re not visiting Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you shouldn’t take into account Universal’s accommodations.
Arguably, we’re “burdened” by previous expertise with the superior resort product that Disney used to supply (and at decrease costs), so it’s attainable that our perspective right here is coloured by that. The case additionally may very well be made that Walt Disney World is solely charging what the market will bear, and the market bears quite a bit larger costs as a result of the underlying product is best or in larger demand. That may very well be true, but it surely additionally may very well be true that the fame of Disney’s superior resort product was constructed prior to now, and is now coasting on its laurels to some extent. Perhaps all of that’s true to various levels.
There’s quite a bit to think about when figuring out whether or not you wish to keep at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando–or each. There’s nobody dimension suits all reply as to which is “better.” Different households may make very totally different selections primarily based upon what issues most to them–there’s actually no objectively proper or mistaken reply, it’s extra what you need out of your trip and the way you weigh the professionals and cons.
The subjective components are nearly at all times going to be the overriding ones, which makes this comparability actually difficult. One benefit that makes Universal or Disney a no brainer slam dunk for one household could be completely irrelevant for an additional. Which is best for you is essentially a matter of choice and trip priorities, however hopefully this submit introduced some issues so that you can weigh and make the choice for your self. At the top of the day, competitors between the 2 advantages shoppers, so even when Universal is a “hard no” for you, it’s nice to see them so aggressively increasing in Central Florida.
Need journey planning ideas and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Make positive to learn our Universal Orlando Planning Guide for every little thing about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Also take a look at our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for every little thing about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For common updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and way more, join our FREE electronic mail publication!
Your Thoughts
Do you typically keep at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? What are your key issues when figuring out the place you keep? If you’ve beforehand been loyal to WDW, are you contemplating Universal (or different off-site) accommodations to your subsequent Florida trip? Do any of the promoting factors above tip the scales in favor of 1 or the opposite? Anything we’ve ignored or accomplished inadequate justice? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we will help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!