Pros/Cons: Universal vs Disney

[TaylorsDad]

I have to disagree about the Universal Express being a superior product. It is nice…no doubt about it, but Disney's FastPass is free for everyone. It is an excellent way to keep the standby lines manageable and it serves to disburse the worst of the crowds more evenly. Everyone benefits, not just those who pay the extra $$$.

And staying at a Universal Hotel is paying for this perk. When we priced out our upcoming stay, the cost of staying on site at Universal was well above the moderately priced Disney resorts.

Many a post here says that you shouldn’t even consider buying a Express pass in advance, wait until you see how long the waits are. But isn’t that exactly what you are doing if you book a Universal Hotel for the head of the line perk?

Of coarse if you have other reasons for staying there...go for it, and have a great time.

Which is no different really than Disney forcing guests to Pay for the perk of extra magic hours. Try getting in early or staying late at the disignated park without being a resort guest. Of course Universal has been doing this to a limited extent with early hour for WWHOP. But to act like one treats everyone equal where another does not is wrong. Also lets not forget how to get the basic free dining plan you have to stay moderate or Deluxe and only qualify for quick service with a value package at Disney.
For Me I just love the onsite hotels at Universal which is like getting a Deluxe for a moderate or sometimes value rate. The onsite unlimited express is just an (awesome) perk.

 

[LUVIOA]

There are so many reasons to stay and love Universal more than Disney:

1. Stay on site for express pass! Although others have stated that Disney's version "Fastpass" is free to everyone, it is by no means nearly as good. On our last trip to Disney we were able to get our first fast pass - great! By the time we could get our second one (around 10 am), the ride we wanted it for was already up to a 8:45 PM entry time. Sorry, no deal. Most of the time we are able to get only one, MAYBE 2 at best. Having the Universal Express pass with your hotel room key makes the entire day leisurely even at peak seasons.

2. There is no major transportation needed between parks or hotels onsite. We stay at Hard Rock and to go back to the hotel is a 5 minute walk. There is no waiting for the overcrowded busses then taking 20-30 minutes to make your way back to the hotel. Park hopping is easy, just walk over. Disney is just too big to make staying onsite convenient. No matter where you stay, you are still far from at least one of the parks. Rent a car, it's easier, unless you like waiting for glorified public transportation.

3. With that being said, Universal is just smaller, less crowded (except WWOHP). By 11 am, most rides at Disney carry huge wait times that do not make staying past noon worth it. We stay at Disney 3 hours and we are DONE.

4. IOA Theming is far superior to Disney. When you are in any one of the lands, you are truely immersed in the mood and atmosphere. With the exception of maybe Epcot (countries only) and Animal Kingdom, you really feel part of the world. Then you take a quick walk and you are in a completely different atmosphere. Nothing like going from Hogmeade to Jurassic Park in 1 minute. Can't beat it.

Of course, this is all relevant during peak times, which is the only time I've ever been to either park. I'm sure during off-peak seasons, Disney is a lot more tolerable. I just can't do it anymore. My kids are just "Universal Kids" and don't want to visit Disney at all.

 

[2tink4u]

Universal lets their guests in an hour early or more. You should do this to enjoy WWOHP. Stay only two nights. They will hold your luggage while you enjoy the park. Make arrangements with them. After WWOHP, yes it won't matter what time you arrive for the most part. I feel US is more adult themed. I think it will be great. Take a cab it's simple. You will have a marvelous trip. NO worries. The thing with the express system is what it is. Though I feel Disney is more fair. You will move through everything rather fast and even twice or three times. Then you've done it all. So, pace your self. Don't even try to see everything the first day. Don't bother to rush.
Disney vacations we arrive at opening and rush to see as much headliners as possible before 11 am when the park gets busy. You don't need to do this, but once.

 

[macraven]

i have been doing split stays since 1993.
i can not imagine going to orlando and not doing both theme parks.
my trips average 15 nights in orlando.
i start with the motherland and then switch to the darkside hotels.
my upcoming trip will be 8 days at UO.



the only thing i can add to this thread is when you stay onsite at the UO hotels, your room key allows you the same perks of express lines on the day you check out of the hotel.

for those that only want a 2 or 3 day visit, pay for 2 nights for the onsite hotel, check out on your second day, play in the parks with the free perks on day 3.

 

[damo]

I have to disagree about the Universal Express being a superior product. It is nice…no doubt about it, but Disney's FastPass is free for everyone. It is an excellent way to keep the standby lines manageable and it serves to disburse the worst of the crowds more evenly. Everyone benefits, not just those who pay the extra $$$.

And staying at a Universal Hotel is paying for this perk. When we priced out our upcoming stay, the cost of staying on site at Universal was well above the moderately priced Disney resorts.

Many a post here says that you shouldn’t even consider buying a Express pass in advance, wait until you see how long the waits are. But isn’t that exactly what you are doing if you book a Universal Hotel for the head of the line perk?

Of coarse if you have other reasons for staying there...go for it, and have a great time.

Fastpasses at Disney aren't really free. The prices are so inflated, that nothing is free there.

You can't compare Universal Hotels with moderates at Disney. Universal hotels are deluxe.

I am in the process of booking a February President's week trip. Contemporary rooms are $540/night, Portofino are $340/night. What is the $200/night going towards?

We stayed at the Royal Pacific two weeks ago for $134/night. Because I am a frequent customer, I got a suite upgrade and a $100 food/beverage credit, as well as free internet. I have annual passes for $140/year (renewal cost).

To me, Universal is a much, much better value. There is no way I could do a Disney vacation for that price.

However, it is nice to be able to take advantage of the other Orlando parks on the same vacation. We are all so fortunate to be able to do that.

 

[kellymonaghan]

I think there's a danger of getting into the whole apples and oranges problems when trying to compare Universal and WDW.

They are very different experiences and appeal to different tastes and different people ... or, as is the case with many of us, different moods in the same person.

Two points of difference that I think are valid: Disney will have more appeal for younger children and Universal is, as Damo said so well, a much more affordable place than WDW on balance. Then again, many of us feel that Mickey Magic is worth paying the big bucks.

I am pleased to note that there has been little or no Universal bashing in this thread -- the kind of "I went to Universal and it rained! That never happens at Disney!" nonsense this board used to get not too long ago.

Maybe we're all growing up a bit.

 

[Metro West]

I think there's a danger of getting into the whole apples and oranges problems when trying to compare Universal and WDW.

They are very different experiences and appeal to different tastes and different people ... or, as is the case with many of us, different moods in the same person.

Two points of difference that I think are valid: Disney will have more appeal for younger children and Universal is, as Damo said so well, a much more affordable place than WDW on balance. Then again, many of us feel that Mickey Magic is worth paying the big bucks.

I am pleased to note that there has been little or no Universal bashing in this thread -- the kind of "I went to Universal and it rained! That never happens at Disney!" nonsense this board used to get not too long ago.

Maybe we're all growing up a bit.

All excellent points!

 

[Dragontears]

My comments were for Universal Express vs FastPass and how they effect park visitors. I wasn’t inferring that Disney Parks are better.

Disney is Disney and Universal is Universal. They provide two different kinds of experiences. As has already been said, it is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both great. You could only be disappointed if you expect Disney to be like Universal or Universal to be like Disney.

You can't compare Universal Hotels with moderates at Disney. Universal hotels are deluxe.

My comment about hotel pricing was in response to

For the cost of a Disney moderate resort (I love Disney but they're glorified motels) you can stay at one of UO luxurious resorts.

When checking pricing for our October vacation I did not find this to be true.

For us, Universal resorts were just not the right fit. That doesn’t mean that they won’t be great for others. There are a lot of factors that go into what hotel is best for each family.

 

[phamton]

One big difference between Fast pass and Express is that Fast Pass only exists for a handful of rides in each park. Express is for almost every ride (only FJ, HRRR, and P Flyers don't have express).

 

[NYDisneyKid]

One big difference between Fast pass and Express is that Fast Pass only exists for a handful of rides in each park. Express is for almost every ride (only FJ, HRRR, and P Flyers don't have express).

also have to pay for it(unless staying onsite) vs FP's are free

 

[TaylorsDad]

I think the biggest difference between fastpass and express is fastpass is like delayed gratification vs express = instant gratification. Do you want to wait anywhere from 2-8 hrs for the ride or do you want it when you want it. How many times have you gotten a fastpass and found yourself on the other side of the park or in the middle of a meal during your return time. In this case my fastpass gets trashpassed. Don't get me wrong when I go to Disney I do take advantage of fastpass, its just not as big of an advantage as being able to ride whatever I want when I want with minimal wait

 

[rcraw45425]

I think there's a danger of getting into the whole apples and oranges problems when trying to compare Universal and WDW.

They are very different experiences and appeal to different tastes and different people ... or, as is the case with many of us, different moods in the same person.

Two points of difference that I think are valid: Disney will have more appeal for younger children and Universal is, as Damo said so well, a much more affordable place than WDW on balance. Then again, many of us feel that Mickey Magic is worth paying the big bucks.

I am pleased to note that there has been little or no Universal bashing in this thread -- the kind of "I went to Universal and it rained! That never happens at Disney!" nonsense this board used to get not too long ago.

Maybe we're all growing up a bit.

Hey Kelly, our first visit to US/IOA in 2002.......it rained! But you know what, I've been rained on on subsequent visits there as well (we were so soaked in July we wound up checking into the Double tree because we "squished" too much to drive home! I've also been soaked to the skin at WDW as well (Memorial Day '10 comes to mind ).

I love both parks. Our first US/IOA visit, our girls were 4 & 6. We left middle GA and it was 30 degrees, arrived in Orlando to 70 degree weather. The girls enjoyed many different things back then, the whole area over by ET/Barney/Curious George. This was pre Jimmy Neutron, so we had Flintstones/Jetson simulator ride. The whole Seuss area was a big hit too.


I agree with the posters that recommended a split stay, while US/IOA is great, I think a week is waaaay too much, regardless of age. Personally I think a week anywhere is too much, but then we are blessed to be close enough to drive and make frequent visits. I loved going during the off season, but that is no more with a middle schooler and high schooler. Next year will be worse, both in HS. That's why we're doing US/IOA between Xmas and New Years, the busiest time ever, we have a child perfoming for a bowl game.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Robin,

If you think a week is waaay too long, treat yourself to a week at Portofino Bay (maybe even on Club Level) and see what you think.

Remember, a week at UO doesn't have to mean hitting the parks every day, all day. A day by the pool, dinner at Emeril's, and some clubbing will suit you just fine.

And who's to say you have to stay on property the whole time? Jump in that rental car and sample some of the "other Orlando."

 

[rcraw45425]

Robin,

If you think a week is waaay too long, treat yourself to a week at Portofino Bay (maybe even on Club Level) and see what you think.

Remember, a week at UO doesn't have to mean hitting the parks every day, all day. A day by the pool, dinner at Emeril's, and some clubbing will suit you just fine.

And who's to say you have to stay on property the whole time? Jump in that rental car and sample some of the "other Orlando."

Lol, Kelly, I'm sure you're right! I enjoyed our first PBR stay, our last, not so much. Numerous housekeeping issues and some front desk ones as well. I have hopes that RPR will work out for us thsi upcoming visit, with the holiday price gouging that's going on I'm paying way more than I've ever paid for PBR. I'm sure I'd enjoy a week anywhere, but DH is an ER doc and we have two teens that are not driving yet so we are a little limited. DH does not like to be gone for long stretches wither, our neighbors are just home from yet another 2 week cruise and he was shaking his head, not believeing that anyone could stay gone that long. My solution is to just go more often!

 

[Disney Padawan]

When checking pricing for our October vacation I did not find this to be true.

For us, Universal resorts were just not the right fit. That doesn’t mean that they won’t be great for others. There are a lot of factors that go into what hotel is best for each family.

Sorry the pricing didn't work out for you. I've stayed in Universal property 3 times and always paid a little less or about the same as a Disney moderate. Granted everytime I've booked it's been for 6 days or over but then again, everytime I've stayed with Disney it's been for 2 weeks. I've heard some people claim that they've booked inside of Universal for the same price as a Disney Value! I've never been so lucky. Anyway, to me, there's just no comparison between the two resorts. I always feel I got my money's worth when I stay at UO. Good Luck and I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Rip]

Sorry the pricing didn't work out for you. I've stayed in Universal property 3 times and always paid a little less or about the same as a Disney moderate. Granted everytime I've booked it's been for 6 days or over but then again, everytime I've stayed with Disney it's been for 2 weeks. I've heard some people claim that they've booked inside of Universal for the same price as a Disney Value! I've never been so lucky. Anyway, to me, there's just no comparison between the two resorts. I always feel I got my money's worth when I stay at UO. Good Luck and I hope you have a great trip.

I've gotten rooms at both the RPR and HRH for under $125. I've paid close to $150 for a room at the Pop Century. We're going next week for HHN and I think my room rate is $130ish for Thursday and Friday.

And I agree, I don't think Disney has a deluxe resort that compares with the resorts at UO.

 

[spima3]

I suppose it depends on what you are into. If you know and like roller coasters and simulator rides, you will probably really like Universal.

This is exactly right! We don't like coasters and the simulators made us ill, even with Dramamine.

We had the 7 day Mapleleaf tickets. We did IOA on Sunday for about 4 1/2 hours (our WWoHP day), US on Monday for about 4 hours, and then hopped on Thursday for anything we may have missed the other two days, 3 1/2 hours. My kids, ages 10 to 15, would have been just as happy not to go back. So, if we ever went again, I would be happy just to do WWoHP. The kids would probably want US as well, so two days max.

I have no interest in a luxurious, expensive, hotel, so that was not something to attract me either. Also, we just got back, and IF we had paid $240 a night just for FOTL, I would have been sick, as it would have been a total waste, the lines were quite short and manageable. I know that would not have been the case in the summer, but for a slow time, I don't think it is worth the cost.

We spent one full day at our resort, went to the beach one day, and one park hopping day at WDW. We only hit the main attractions there. I wish we had more time and money as I would have liked to have spent one day at each park.

I found one thing to be true at both parks. You find yourself hitting the big attractions and missing a lot of the little stuff, especially when you are trying to accomodate everyone's wishes.

I have come to the conclusion that the best way to truly enjoy yourself on a family vacation is to go alone.

In conclusion, I think a week at US/IOA is WAY too long. Do a split stay, or check out other things in the area.

Oh, wanted to add, all my kids thought walking through Citywalk to get to either park was annoying. They made a comment every single time.

 

[LUVIOA]

You can walk along the lower end of the lagoon where Hard Rock Cafe is. It is a much less crowded way to go and probably shorter.

 

[fairyprincess88]

For me, I have always been a Disney girl who liked to stop by Universal for a day or two out of my Disney trip. I always had fun at Universal, liked the rides, the shows, the themeing and the atmosphere but it just couldn't compare to Disney. Well that changed this year.

We booked a 10 day trip to Orlando staying at the Poly and planned our first 3 full days for Universal as I am a huge Harry Potter fan and there was no way I was waiting to see it later in the trip. We took a cab from the Poly to Universal and back those days, and I really wish now we had just booked a onsite hotel at Uni for the convience and the express pass(it was July, oh how jealous I was of those express pass people). Plus to see people inside WWoHP while I was waiting behind a rope at 8:30 AM in Jurassic Park hurt my heart a bit.

To say I was impressed with the WWoHP would be the understatement of the year, I was mind blown and walked around in a constant state of childlike wonder. It was the same feeling I got walking into Magic Kingdom for the first time at the age of 10 and at 33 I never thought I'd feel that again. For the next 3 days we park hopped when we wanted a change in crowd pace, which was so easy considering the 5 minute walk between the two. We didnt need to plan(outside of Potter int he morning) and just wandered from attraction to attraction, stopping here and there to sit or see a show. It was refreshing to actually slow down, not have to run to an ADR, not have to worry about fast pass times or busses. We just wandered, and of course nothing was better than wandering into Hogsmeade whenever I wanted. The rides were top notch as always, and honestly I always thought Universal was leap years above Disney in terms of rides but that was never more clear to me then this year.

After starting our Disney part of the vacation, well I found myself kind of let down and stressed. Fighting for fast pass, waiting 30 minutes to stand on a bus, trying to fight off the stroller brigade on Main Street. It just all sort of irritated me. Now that's not to say there wasnt some magic found at Disney, there always is, but I think after experiencing something new and fresh, the same old same old at Disney left me feeling a little ho hum about it all. It was then I realized I needed to branch out more on my theme park vacations. The whole time at Disney I kept wanting to get back in a cab and go get a butterbeer.

I say go for it, and even if you dont stay the whole week, if possible do a split stay between Disney and Universal. There is plenty to see and do for the kids(we had a 3 and 6 year old with us who loved both parks) and enjoy the laid back pace. It's refreshing to really get out and explore places outside of Disney and the Universal parks are indeed top of the line theme parks. There is plenty to do at the parks outside of coasters and simulators and wow are these parks beautiful and fun. Just give it a shot and have fun.

 

[Disney Padawan]

For me, I have always been a Disney girl who liked to stop by Universal for a day or two out of my Disney trip. I always had fun at Universal, liked the rides, the shows, the themeing and the atmosphere but it just couldn't compare to Disney. Well that changed this year.

We booked a 10 day trip to Orlando staying at the Poly and planned our first 3 full days for Universal as I am a huge Harry Potter fan and there was no way I was waiting to see it later in the trip. We took a cab from the Poly to Universal and back those days, and I really wish now we had just booked a onsite hotel at Uni for the convience and the express pass(it was July, oh how jealous I was of those express pass people). Plus to see people inside WWoHP while I was waiting behind a rope at 8:30 AM in Jurassic Park hurt my heart a bit.

To say I was impressed with the WWoHP would be the understatement of the year, I was mind blown and walked around in a constant state of childlike wonder. It was the same feeling I got walking into Magic Kingdom for the first time at the age of 10 and at 33 I never thought I'd feel that again. For the next 3 days we park hopped when we wanted a change in crowd pace, which was so easy considering the 5 minute walk between the two. We didnt need to plan(outside of Potter int he morning) and just wandered from attraction to attraction, stopping here and there to sit or see a show. It was refreshing to actually slow down, not have to run to an ADR, not have to worry about fast pass times or busses. We just wandered, and of course nothing was better than wandering into Hogsmeade whenever I wanted. The rides were top notch as always, and honestly I always thought Universal was leap years above Disney in terms of rides but that was never more clear to me then this year.

After starting our Disney part of the vacation, well I found myself kind of let down and stressed. Fighting for fast pass, waiting 30 minutes to stand on a bus, trying to fight off the stroller brigade on Main Street. It just all sort of irritated me. Now that's not to say there wasnt some magic found at Disney, there always is, but I think after experiencing something new and fresh, the same old same old at Disney left me feeling a little ho hum about it all. It was then I realized I needed to branch out more on my theme park vacations. The whole time at Disney I kept wanting to get back in a cab and go get a butterbeer.

I say go for it, and even if you dont stay the whole week, if possible do a split stay between Disney and Universal. There is plenty to see and do for the kids(we had a 3 and 6 year old with us who loved both parks) and enjoy the laid back pace. It's refreshing to really get out and explore places outside of Disney and the Universal parks are indeed top of the line theme parks. There is plenty to do at the parks outside of coasters and simulators and wow are these parks beautiful and fun. Just give it a shot and have fun.

Great post! I feel pretty much the way you do and now I can't see myself spending less than a week at UO. It's like my little piece of heaven.