Opposites Attract: Making the Leap from Disney to Universal
You don’t have to choose between visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but be sure to prep your expectations in advance to get the most out of your trip!
Orlando has become known largely for its abundance of theme parks and family-friendly vacations, from high-speed rollercoasters to enchanting fairytale lands and everything in between.
Newcomers and those with younger children often start out at Walt Disney World, suspending reality with life-sized characters, exciting rides and performance around every corner. It’s age-appropriate for all, and easily becomes a routine destination, repeated year after year.
Just down the road sits Universal Orlando, packed with superhero rollercoasters, silver-screen attractions and magically-immersive parks.
So how do you know when it’s time for your Disney-bubble crew to take the leap and add Universal Orlando to your vacation itinerary?
Anything but an Afterthought
Those unfamiliar with Universal Orlando Resort might want to add it as a pit stop to the rest of their Florida vacation. While there’s nothing wrong with tacking on a quick visit, Universal Orlando has become a complete destination of its own.
In May 2025, Universal Orlando will open the gates to its fourth park, Epic Universe, joining the ranks of Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay.
These parks boast some of our most-beloved rollercoasters and nostalgic attractions, inspired by Marvel superheroes and movies that took Hollywood by storm. Harry Potter fans flock to Universal for a chance to experience the whimsy of Diagon Alley, sip butterbeer and soar around Hogwarts.
The property also features nearly a dozen hotel options, seasonal celebrations and a lively downtown area filled with entertainment and dining options to suit your group.
Consider your Crew
Thrill rides are easily one of the main draws when debating between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.
With so many rollercoasters and adrenaline-boosting attractions, it’s important to consider height restrictions or age-appropriateness for those in your group. Kid-friendly Seuss Landing and Minion Mayhem are excellent options for youngsters, but if most of your group can’t pass the test for your must-do rides, it may be wiser to wait a bit longer to make the most of your time.
Navigating the Attractions
Both Disney and Universal execute theming with ease. While much of Disney’s theming is related and intertwined throughout entire parks and resorts, inspiration for attractions at Universal come from various productions and properties.
If your group includes Marvel superfans, Harry Potter aficionados and Simpsons loyalists, head to Universal Orlando as fast as possible. Same goes for movie buffs ready to take on Transformers, Jurassic World and The Mummy.
The launch of Epic Universe this spring is also sure to bring an entirely new fanbase as portals open to Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
If none of the attractions resonate with your inner fandom, consider freshening your family movie night before checking in.
Show Up Stress-Free
Perhaps the biggest draw of Universal Orlando is the ability to show up and have an incredible time.
While it helps to have an idea ahead of time, you don’t need to plan your day to the minute and prep months ahead of time for attractions you know will have long wait times.
We recommend booking your stay at a Premier Resort Hotel to cash in on a free Universal Express Unlimited Pass and Early Park Access, but you won’t need to set the alarms to book your spot in line before the sun comes up.
If you’re still not sure if your group is ready to make the leap from Disney to Universal, just ask! Our agents have firsthand experience with parks and resorts across Orlando – for all ages, groups and interests.
