Disney World Vs Universal Orlando: What’s the Right Resort for You?

Disney princesses or Harry Potter? Nostalgia or blockbusters? Deciding between the two big names of Orlando’s theme park heaven - Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World - is certainly no easy task. Both offer a wealth of entertainment, yet they also have a fair few differences to keep in mind when deciding which one is best for your Florida holiday. Little ones will love the character meet and greets of Disney favourites, whereas teens will more likely be satisfied with the big thrill rides of Universal. This means that picking the right resort requires a bit of digging, but luckily, we’ve done the groundwork for you… 

Overview of both resorts 

Walt Disney World is the larger resort, having four major parks to take advantage of - Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, as well as two separate waterparks – Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Plus, the entertainment complex, Disney Springs. With so much to see, this resort is best suited for longer stays. Many guests typically opt for 10 – 14 days to fully experience everything on offer whilst still getting in a couple rest days. 

Universal on the other hand is more compact, making it a little easier to navigate. Currently this resort houses Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, the brand-new Epic Universe, the one-of-a-kind waterpark, Volcano Bay, and the entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk. With less travel time between parks, this can be a favourite for families looking to save on time and maximise ride opportunities.  

What makes Disney & Universal different 

Themes & franchises  

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort each offer different worlds to step into. 

At Walt Disney World, the focus is on timeless storytelling. The parks are built around beloved characters, like Mickey and the gang, and classic films that many parents grew up with and now share with their children. From fairytale castles and princess encounters to Pixar favourites and Star Wars adventures, Disney leans heavily into nostalgia and emotional connection, as well as offering a selection of rides and entertainment geared towards nursery age. It’s known as the Most Magical Place on Earth and for good reason. This whimsical environment allows for a truly magical experience for all ages.  

Universal Orlando, in contrast, is driven by blockbuster entertainment. The resort brings major film and television franchises to life through immersive experiences. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a standout example, offering Potter fans the chance to explore the streets of Diagon Alley, discover your Hogwarts house, or dine at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. Other big franchises include DreamWorks and Marvel. Plus, with the addition of Epic Universe, you can now team up with Mario and Luigi in Super Nintendo World. So, for families looking for new experiences, Universal Orlando Resort may just have the edge in that regard. 

Rides 

When it comes to rides, both offer equally enticing options, but there are some differences to keep in mind. 

If you’re travelling with younger children, Walt Disney World offers more in the way of kid-friendly rides. You will find multiple rides without height requirements at Walt Disney World, with over 16 in Magic Kingdom alone, meaning even toddlers can join in the fun. With a focus more on storytelling and familiar characters, the rides are typically gentler, such as the likes of It’s a Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight. However, that’s not to say Disney lacks thrills entirely. Rides like Space Mountain and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind certainly pack a good punch.  

Yet for those looking for an abundance of intense rides to get the heart pumping, Universal is the better-suited resort, offering those big thrills that teens and adults are on the hunt for. Here, you’ll find high-speed launches on Jurassic World VelociCoaster and roller coasters in the dark, such as Revenge of the Mummy. Plus, the all-new Stardust Racers ride at Epic Universe is not for the faint-hearted. This breathtaking dual launch coaster reaches speeds of up to 62mph.  

Shows & entertainment  

Walt Disney World Resort offers a wide variety of shows, parades, and character experiences. From stage productions like Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, where you can belt out Let it Go at the top of your lungs to witnessing Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage - not to mention the spectacular nighttime fireworks – Disney is always ready to dazzle you.  

For younger children, these shows can be just as exciting as the rides. New additions for 2026, such as Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live and Bluey’s Wild World, add even more appeal for little ones, offering interactive experiences where they can sing, dance, and play alongside their favourite characters. 

Universal Resort focuses more on high-energy, cinematic entertainment. Expect stunt shows, special effects, and immersive performances tied to major film franchises. While there are fewer traditional stage shows than at Disney, the experiences are often more intense and action-packed. Some of our top picks include The Bourne Stuntacular, The Blues Brothers Show, and of course the spectacular Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. As if you weren’t already spoiled for choice, Epic Universe has brought even more entertainment to the proceedings with The Untrainable Dragon, where Hiccup, Toothless, and friends embark on a brand-new adventure. 

On-site benefits 

When deciding what resort is right for you, it can go beyond rides and entertainment. Those little (or large) added benefits play a pivotal role. 

Resort hotels 

Despite new additions to Universal’s collection of Orlando hotels in recent years, Walt Disney World still offers a significant number more - over 25 compared with Universal Orlando Resort’s 11 as of 2026.  

For decades, staying within the magic of Walt Disney World has been an aspiration for many. And staying on-site still delivers a host of exclusive benefits. This includes early park entry, complimentary transport across the vast resort, and the convenience of being close to the action. If you stay at an Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa, you can also enjoy Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, offering two extra hours in select parks on specific nights after closing.

Universal’s on-site hotels, while fewer in number, offer their own advantages. Some are within walking distance of the parks, making it easy to get around without relying on transport. Guests also benefit from early park admission, allowing them to enjoy popular attractions before the crowds arrive. But one of the biggest advantages of a stay at Universal Orlando Resort hotels is its proximity to great spots beyond the thrills of the parks. With easy access to Universal CityWalk for dining and nightlife and the premium shopping outlets along International Drive, it’s perfect for guests looking to create an itinerary that doesn’t revolve fully around the theme parks.

Better yet, staying at select Universal Orlando Resort Signature Collection hotels (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort) includes free Universal Express Unlimited passes for all guests. These passes allow skipping regular lines at most attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.  

Queue jumping 

While both resorts offer queue-jumping benefits, Universal’s Express Pass is renowned for being easy to navigate. Guests can use it to skip the regular lines at many of the most popular attractions across Universal Orlando Resort, often without needing to pre-book specific ride times. This flexibility makes it particularly appealing for families who prefer a more relaxed, go-with-the-flow approach to their park days. Even better, selected premium on-site hotels include Express Pass as part of the stay, which can offer excellent value, especially during peak travel periods. 

At Walt Disney World Resort, the system works a little differently. Disney’s Lightning Lane allows guests to reserve time slots for certain attractions in advance via the app, helping to reduce time spent waiting in queues. While it can take a bit more planning, especially for first-time visitors, it’s a powerful tool for making the most of busy park days, particularly during the school holidays. On-site guests also benefit from earlier access to booking ride times, giving them a valuable head start on securing the most in-demand rides. 

Ultimately, both systems are designed to maximise your time in the parks, so it just comes down to whether you prefer Universal’s simplicity or Disney’s more structured, plan-ahead approach. 

Key points to consider 

• Walt Disney World Resort may be best for toddlers and younger children, as many attractions have no height restrictions and the parks are full to the brim with character experiences, gentle rides, and family-friendly shows.  
• Universal Orlando Resort may be better suited to older children and teens, particularly those who enjoy thrill rides and blockbuster film franchises like Marvel.  
• Disney typically suits longer stays, thanks to its four parks and wider variety of experiences, while Universal’s more compact layout can be ideal for shorter, action-packed trips.  
• A Disney holiday can sometimes work out slightly more expensive due to hotel options and add-ons, though overall costs will depend on travel dates, ticket choices, and extras.  
• Universal can offer strong value, particularly with perks like included Express Pass at selected hotels, helping families make the most of their time.  
• Many guests choose to combine both resorts to experience the best of both worlds during one Orlando holiday.  
• Ultimately, the right choice will depend on ages, interests, budget, and how you want to spend your time in Orlando. 

Bonus Disney Benefit for Golfers

Walt Disney World features three 18-hole championship golf courses and one 9-hole walking course, managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. These courses are open to the general public and resort guests, offering options for all skill levels. Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course has even hosted LPGA and PGA Tour events.


Whether it’s magical moments at Walt Disney World Resort or thrilling adventures at Universal Orlando Resort, we have the perfect Orlando package holiday for you.