If you’re traveling to Orlando this year, maybe you’ll check out some of the theme parks. You’ll find several large ones that attract many individuals and families from around the world. They feature all kinds of fun rides, costumed characters, and more.
You might look into some Universal Studios vacation rentals and visit the park, or you might check out the Disney properties in Orlando instead. Disney has several parks in Orlando, including the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom.
Should you go with Disney or Universal Studios? We’ll discuss each one right now so you can pick the option that sounds best.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios and Disney always compete when tourists visit and want some thrills. Different companies own and operate them.
Universal Studios has Volcano Bay, its waterpark. It has Islands of Adventure, and it also has Epic Universe coming in 2025.
Although Disney probably has the more recognizable characters, Universal Studios and its properties saw more ticket sales than three of Disney’s parks in 2021. The only Disney-themed property that attracted more guests was the Magic Kingdom, which regularly gets more visitors than any park in the world.
Most people who prefer Universal Studios seem to feel that it has scarier rides. VelociCoaster is not for the faint of heart. There’s also the Revenge of the Mummy ride, which is pretty intense as well. Adults with teenagers might like to check out these attractions that little kids likely won’t appreciate as much.
Disney Properties
Younger kids might enjoy the Disney properties more. Disney has a more expansive universe, and they have the franchise name and character recognition that little children often love.
Disney has Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar. Because of that, you can enjoy the costumed characters from those properties that roam the park and pose for pictures. Disney also has popular rides like the Haunted Mansion, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
Space Mountain remains a popular attraction as well. However, if you have some serious Harry Potter fans in your group, you should know that Universal Studios owns that property. You can only have an immersive Harry Potter experience with Universal.
The Bottom Line
You could make the argument that older kids and teens will like Universal Studios more. The Disney properties probably have the less intense rides, and your younger kids should like that.
Universal counters with some intense rides and experiences, like Jurassic World: The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Both Universal and Disney offer great food and shopping options throughout their parks. You can also expect long lines with both.
You might visit the Disney properties when you have younger kids, and you may come back and hit the Universal ones when the children get a little older. That solution lets you enjoy both worlds, and it means multiple trips that should create some happy memories for you.