Torn between Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World Orlando for your upcoming Florida vacation? Tough choice to make, but don’t sweat it! For most theme park enthusiasts, choosing which of these two to visit is one of the most common dilemmas. And honestly, same. One end has classic fairytale worlds that shaped our childhood, while the other hits us with thrilling cinematic blockbusters. Both are just as iconic and will have you feeling like a little kid again.
But if you only have a few days or you’re travelling on a budget and can only visit one or the other, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to help you decide between these two giants. From costs and rides to food options and overall experience, this guide will break it all down. So if you’re ready, let’s dive in to see which park will win you over.
Universal Studios vs Disneyworld: At a Glance
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here’s a quick overview:
Category | Disney World | Universal Orlando |
Best for | Families with young kids, Disney adults | Older kids, teens, adults, thrill seekers |
Theme parks | 4 theme parks + 2 water parks | 3 theme parks + 1 water park |
Rides & attractions | Story-driven, gentle to moderate thrills | High-intensity, extreme coasters |
Ticket price | USD $68 to $212 | USD $145-$350 |
|---|---|---|
Ideal trip length | 4–6 days | 1–3 days |
Rides & Entertainment
If you’re wondering, “Which is better, Disney World or Universal Studios?” Well, there’s no better way to answer that question than to start with why people come in the first place: for rides and attractions. Because what would a theme park be without them?
Here’s what you can expect from Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World Orlando:
Walt Disney World Resort Florida
Mickey Mouse suited up in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World
There’s truly no happier place to be than the most magical place on Earth. Whether you’re travelling with little ones or simply an excited Disney adult, there’s something for everyone. They thrive on fantastical and emotional connections through enchanting details, animatronics, and heavy theming based on the films and series many of us grew up watching. And if there’s anything Disney knows how to do right, it’s telling a good story through the art of nostalgia.
From beloved princesses to classics such as Star Wars, Walt Disney World Resort spans 25,000 acres (the largest theme park complex in the world), offering four massive theme parks and two water parks with over 50 rides and attractions that span generations. It’s a place the entire family–kids, adults, and grandparents alike–will fall in love with.
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT, Walt Disney World, Florida
Must-try rides:
- Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World (the classics)
- EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror
- Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage
Potential Downsides: Fewer extreme coasters, which adrenaline junkies may find tame.
Universal Studios Orlando
Archway entrance to Universal Studios Florida
Now, if you’re looking for that extreme adrenaline rush, Universal Orlando brings the intensity. Targeted toward older kids and adults, with heart-drop rollercoasters and higher height requirements, Universal knows how to deliver an experience you’ll never forget. And if you're a Harry Potter fan? You're in for a treat.
Between Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World, Universal is more compact at around 840 acres, making it easier to explore in a day. But just because it’s smaller in scale doesn’t make your experience any less. They offer three main theme parks and a water park, with crazy rides that’ll knock your socks off.
Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe
Must-try rides:
- Universal Studios Florida: Revenge of the Mummy and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Islands of Adventure: Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Orlando's current king of extreme coasters) and Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Epic Universe: Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Potential Downsides: More intense rides mean fewer options for toddlers or nervous riders.
Cost Comparison
Of course, one of the biggest factors to consider when deciding between Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World is budget.
Ticket Prices
Walt Disney World Resort Ticket
Explore the largest theme park in the world! / Photo Credits: Travis Wise on Flickr
Walt Disney World Resort single-day tickets range from USD $68 to $212, depending on which park and what day you visit. Magic Kingdom typically costs the most, while the water parks are usually the cheapest. You can also get multi-day tickets, where you can choose to visit 1 or multiple parks per day for up to 10 days, which significantly brings down the cost per day.
Note: Ideally, you’d want to spend at least 4 days exploring the parks because of just how much there is to do, but we promise it’s worth it (especially if you’ve been saving up for it or you’re with young kids).
Universal Studios Orlando Ticket
Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park at night
Universal Studios Orlando single-day tickets cost around USD $145 to $350, with a variety of day packages to choose from. Similar to Disney, Universal also offers multi-day passes, but you’ll find that their tickets become more economical with additional days. A 14-day ticket at Universal would cost around the same as a 5-day ticket at Disney World.
Note: Universal is a great option if you only have 2–3 days to spend, since it’s smaller and much easier to explore.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Now, here’s where prices really start to add up:
- Food: Both charge theme park prices for food, so expect around USD $15-20 for a quick-service meal and $40-60 per person for table service. Disney tends to be a little pricier, especially at themed restaurants.
- Parking: Both charge parking, averaging USD $35/day.
- Genie+ (Disney) vs Universal Express Pass: Genie+ is cheaper at around USD $15–39 per person, but comes with less flexibility. Express Pass is more expensive at around USD $119, but lets you skip lines on most rides.
Klook tip: Book your Universal Orlando tickets or Walt Disney World tickets through Klook and check out the available day packages and add-ons to help plan a trip that best suits you!
Beyond the Attractions
Food Options
Walt Disney World: Offers an overwhelming variety, from character dining (breakfast with Mickey!) to EPCOT's World Showcase, where you can eat your way through 11 countries.
The iconic Mickey Mouse shaped pretzel! / Photo Credits: L.A. Foodie on Flickr
Don’t miss out on:
- Dole Whip
- Mickey Pretzel
- Cinderella's Royal Table
Klook Tip: Popular restaurants book up to 60 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your dining experience!
Universal Studios: For the Harry Potter enthusiasts, you’ll especially appreciate the dining options at Universal. Though it has fewer options to choose from, there are still many great places worth trying!
Shepherd’s Pie from Three Broomsticks / Photo Credits: HarshLight on Flickr
Don't miss out on:
- Three Broomsticks / Leaky Cauldron
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour
- Butterbeer
Hotels
Celestial Park in front of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Epic Universe
- Disney Resorts: You can stay fully inside the Disney bubble with themed resorts for all budgets with perks like early theme park entry, extended evening hours, and free transportation.
- Universal Hotels: You can get great value, where guests at premier hotels (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific) get unlimited free Express Passes, which easily saves about USD $200+ per person daily. Hotels are also closer to the parks, meaning less travel time.
Klook tip: Universal's annual pass is worth considering if you're planning multiple visits or an extended stay. Pass holders get major perks like free standard parking (or free preferred parking with Premier passes), merchandise discounts, and special access to seasonal events. It often pays for itself in just 2-3 visits!
Transportation
Disney bus in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida / Photo Credits: Manop on Wikimedia Commons
Walt Disney World: Because of how big and spread out it is, getting around may require some planning as travel between parks can take 30-60 minutes. Complimentary transport includes: buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney skyliner gondolas.
Note: If you’re bringing a car, keep in mind that parking requires a tram ride from its lots, which may take more time away from your actual theme park experience.
Universal Studios: Much more walkable, and you can walk between the two original parks in 10-15 minutes through CityWalk. Unlike its competitor, Universal actually has multi-level parking garages right at the parks, so you're never more than a short walk or escalator ride away. No tram needed!
Overall Experience
The most magical place on earth! / Photo Credits: Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia Commons
Beyond rides, hotels, and prices, the overall vibe of each theme park is totally different. Disney World is all about that classic, wholesome magic, where everything is themed, cast members stay in character, and fireworks shows have you feeling like you’ve traversed into a whole other universe.
On the other hand, Universal Studios Orlando has that bolder, edgier, grown-up feel to it. The music’s a bit louder, it’s faster-paced, and it kinda has that cool older sibling energy to it. Here, you’re not dining with princesses but rather fighting the villains and dropping high up from the sky.
So…Which one’s for you?
The iconic globe fountain at Universal Studios, Orlando / Photo Credits: Studio Sarah Lou on Flickr
After breaking down each category for the two theme parks, our final recommendation is:
Choose Disney World if you:
- Are traveling with family and younger kids
- Are a Disney adult who loves classic Disney characters
- Prefer chill rides and story-based attractions
- Have more days to dedicate to parks
- Want dining variety and cultural experiences
Choose Universal Orlando if you:
- Are going with older children or adults
- Are a Harry Potter fan
- Are an adrenaline-rush kind of rider
- Only have 2–3 days for theme parks
- Want to maximize your experience on a budget
But honestly, the Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World debate is no joke.
If you can’t decide and have the opportunity to visit both, you absolutely should! They're only about 15 minutes away by car, and that way, you’ll get the ultimate Orlando theme park experience. Your inner child (and/or actual children) will thank you.
FAQs About Universal Studios vs. Walt Disney World
How many days do I need for Universal vs Disney World?
Universal can be done comfortably in 1–2 days, especially if you buy a park-to-park ticket. On the other hand, Disney World ideally needs 3–4 days since it has four large theme parks and covers much more space.
Which park is better for young kids?
Disney World is a favorite and top pick for younger kids thanks to its gentler rides, characters, and numerous family attractions. Some rides at Universal Studios may not be suitable for younger kids as they have stricter height requirements and cater more to older kids, teens, and adults.
Can I visit both Universal and Disney on the same trip?
Of course! Many visitors who stay longer in Florida often do exactly that, as Universal and Disney World are only about 15 minutes apart by car (roughly 9 miles). Just keep in mind that theme park days are exhausting, so make sure to allot time for recharging and don't try to park-hop between Universal and Disney on the same day.
What's cheaper, Universal or Disney World?
Pricing is quite similar between Universal and Disney World, but the total costs all boil down to your trip length. Universal can be well experienced in a day compared to Disney, which means overall lower vacation costs. However, if you want Universal's Express Pass, it's significantly more expensive than Disney's Genie+ service.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
