Why I STILL Prefer Disney to Universal

The opening of Epic Universe is making a splash across the theme park world. And why wouldn’t it? With cutting-edge technology, new immersive lands, and Instagrammable food, it looks incredible. 

I appreciate Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Although my husband and I have been to Disney more, we enjoy their biggest competitor. (We even have Harry Potter wands displayed in our home office.) 

Photo: Universal

Like everyone, we’ve been glued to YouTube watching Epic Universe unfold. Despite that, we haven’t booked a trip yet. 

While a visit is in our future, I don’t think Disney will be dethroned…at least not for me. Here are just some reasons I prefer the most magical place on Earth. 

Attractions for ALL Ages

While Universal is the king of thrill, Disney is the king of variety. All four parks feature attractions for every age. This means teenagers, senior citizens, and even small babies can find something to ride.

Currently, my husband and I are planning a Disney trip with our baby boy and his grandparents. Because Disney has so many “all ages” attractions, this makes sense.

Photo: Disney

We’d love to see Epic Universe, but for now, going there is impractical. Sure, they have some kid-focused areas but the park favors an older crowd. 

Realistically, it’ll be a decade before a Universal trip is in the cards. Disney, on the other hand, is a place we can enjoy immediately and forever. 

Photo: Disney

MORE Onsite Hotel Options

Both Disney and Universal feature onsite hotels, but Disney dominates in size and variety. There are over thirty options in the Disney bubble, whereas Orlando has under a dozen.

Plus, Disney has more options for larger families. Many hotels feature suites and villa-like accommodations. (These are also great for travelers who just want space!) 

Some Universal Orlando hotels offer suites, but compared to Disney, they are few and far between. As someone who prioritizes comfort, especially with children in tow, Disney just offers more choices. 

Lightning Lane Multi Pass vs. Express Pass

Disney and Universal’s skip-the-line options couldn’t be more different. 

Disney’s pass includes a set rate where you can hold three ride reservations. (These reservations are booked in advance.) Some attractions also offer an a la carte Lightning Lane pass.

Universal’s Express Pass is much more expensive but does include skip-the-line rights at all attractions. One tier allows for one-time admission per attraction and the other includes unlimited rides. 

So, while Universal’s ride-skipping method is easier, why don’t I prefer it? 

First of all, it’s very expensive and on average costs over $100 per day, per person. Secondly, I didn’t need an Express Pass for many attractions. And thirdly, because guests can skip the line at “any” time, Express Lanes can grind to a halt.

I’ve found Disney’s Multi-Pass system to be much more efficient. It’s not needed for every park and can be avoided if you rope drop. Also, the scheduled ride times mean that Lightning Lanes reservations are basically walk-ons. 

With more options to save time and money, Disney comes out on top.

Extensive Dining and Shopping Options

Disney and Universal both have pricey admission, but there are “free” options for theme park fun. Both companies have outdoor shopping areas, restaurants, bars, and entertainment that can be accessed by the public. 

Again, Disney is the bigger of the two. 

Universal Orlando does have the CityWalk area, which is a blast. This outdoor entertainment hub has a slew of gift shops, nightclubs/bars, and touristy chain restaurants. 

Connecting both the Universal Studios Park and Islands of Adventure, this area is a great place to hang out after the parks close. But it’s just one waterfront shopping area.

Disney has a much larger shopping/dining area, Disney Springs. Spanning over 100 acres, this area has more dining, more shopping, and more entertainment.

I’ve spent hours here (without spending too much). 

For a calmer evening, Disney also has the BoardWalk area near Epcot. While smaller, this turn-of-the-century-inspired boardwalk is a great place to have dinner, grab an ice cream cone, or rent a surrey.

When it comes to variety (and more family-friendly options), Disney is my pick. 

Disney

Je Ne C’est Quoi of the “Bubble” 

As a lifetime visitor, there is something about staying in the Disney bubble that Universal can’t compete with. Disney is just better at maintaining boundaries and masking the nuts and bolts of operations. 

You can’t see the outside world from their property. And you never see generators or ride mechanics out in the open.

Image Credit: Disney

Unsmiling employees are a rarity, and all characters (even mute, mascot ones) can carry entire conversations. 

Don’t misunderstand me, I am a Universal fan. I love thrill rides and the featured IP in their parks. 

Photo: Universal

But still, at Universal, I’m aware that I’m in the real world. When I’m at Disney, I feel like I’m in a place that doesn’t exist on a map. 

Nostalgia is the sweetest draw, and the Disney Bubble remains unpoppable. For me, Universal is bubble-less. 

Disney

That being said, are both parks incredible? Absolutely. And I invite competition, as it will only make both destinations so much better. 

For now though, Disney World is the vacation I can’t skip. 

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

Feature Image: Disney