Planning a theme park vacation in Orlando and stuck between the magical world of Disney and the thrilling adventures at Universal? You’re definitely not alone. Both destinations offer incredible experiences, but each caters to different kinds of families, vacation styles, and even ages of kids.
To help you make the right decision for your crew, we’ve put together 7 essential tips to compare Disney and Universal side by side—so you can choose the experience that’s the best fit for your family (and avoid the dreaded mid-vacation regrets 😉).
1. Know Your Family’s Interests
This is the big one. If your kids are obsessed with princesses, Pixar, or classic Disney characters, then a Disney vacation might be a no-brainer. On the other hand, if your crew loves Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Marvel superheroes, or thrill rides, Universal Studios could be a better match.
🧚 Disney delivers on nostalgia and storybook charm
🧙 Universal brings the excitement with immersive, high-energy worlds
2. Compare the Age Appeal
Generally speaking:
- Disney is ideal for younger kids, toddlers, and multi-generational families. The rides and shows are a little more mellow and the atmosphere is more whimsical. Although, there are a few thrill rides for those that want to indulge.
- Universal skews older, especially for kids 8+, teens, and thrill-seeking adults. The rides tend to be faster, more intense, and a bit more daring.
That said, both parks have attractions for all ages—it’s just about where the majority of your family will have the most fun.
3. Consider Your Length of Stay
If you’re planning a longer theme park vacation (say, 5–7 days), Disney World gives you four major theme parks to explore—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—plus two water parks. Universal offers three theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe) and Volcano Bay water park, so it’s often better suited for a shorter trip.
Short on time?
- Universal is often doable in 3–4 days
Have a full week?
- Disney gives you more ground to cover
4. Think About On-Site Benefits
Staying on property has perks at both resorts, but they’re different:
- Disney offers immersive themed resorts with free transportation, early park entry, and optional MultiPass ride planning. In addition, you have the flexibility of scheduling dining for your length of stay 60 days prior to check-in.
- Universal Premier hotels offer FREE Unlimited Express Passes, which can be a huge value if you want to skip the regular lines.
If ease and convenience are a priority, both deliver, but the included Express Pass at Universal’s top-tier hotels is hard to beat.
5. Budget Wisely
Budgeting for your theme park vacation can make or break the experience. While both parks have a range of price points for hotels, tickets, and food, Disney is often more expensive overall, especially once you add Multipass for ride access.
- Disney: Higher ticket and food costs, more add-ons
- Universal: Shorter trip = potential savings, Express Pass is pricier but can be bundled with lodging
To get a better sense of budgeting across both options, check out our Vacation Budget Blog—it has helpful insights for families planning Orlando vacations.
6. Evaluate the Planning Needs
Disney requires more pre-trip planning with park reservations, Genie+, dining reservations, and transportation logistics.
Universal? Way more flexible. You can generally go with the flow—which some families find less stressful, especially if you don’t want to be tied to a rigid itinerary.
7. Ask for Help from a Theme Park Pro 🙋♀️
Still torn? That’s totally normal. Choosing the right theme park vacation is all about finding the best fit for your family’s interests, ages, and travel style.
At Infinite Moments Travel, we help families compare Disney vs. Universal all the time—and we love helping you weigh the pros and cons. Whether you want us to create a side-by-side comparison, find the best deals, or simplify the whole process, we’re here for it.
👉 Request your vacation quote here and let us know you’re deciding between Disney and Universal!
Or, if you just want to join the conversation and get some advice from other theme park-loving families, hop into our VIP Facebook Group—we’d love to hear what you’re leaning toward!
No matter what you decide, your family’s going to have an amazing adventure. Whether it’s fireworks and fairytales or wands and roller coasters, your theme park vacation is all about making magical memories together.