Orlando, Florida, is known as the world’s theme park capital. It is home to two of the most prominent family vacation destinations: Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. As Universal prepares to open its third gate, Epic Universe, many guests might find themselves asking: Disney World or Universal Orlando?
Both offer thrilling theme parks, immersive resorts, and entertainment districts packed with dining and shopping. But while they share many similarities, Universal can never top The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Here are ten things that Walt Disney World Resort has that Universal Orlando Resort doesn’t.
10. Extensive On-Site Transportation
Walt Disney World Resort offers a vast and convenient transportation system, including Monorails, boats, buses, and the Disney Skyliner. Guests can easily travel without a car between theme parks, resorts, and entertainment districts.
Universal Orlando Resort has a smaller but still efficient system of buses and boats. However, its resort footprint is more compact, making it easier to walk between certain locations.
9. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings
Walt Disney World Resort offers a magical wedding experience, from an enchanting wedding chapel to fairy-tale carriage rides pulled by white ponies.
Couples can exchange vows in Cinderella Castle’s shadow, inside an elegant ballroom, or even under the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. While Universal Orlando Resort may allow weddings, it lacks the iconic Disney fairy tale touch that makes these ceremonies magical.
8. Lightning Lane Access
Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane system allows guests to skip standby lines at select attractions. While most rides offer access under Lightning Lane Multi Pass, some require the purchase of Individual Lightning Lane selections for priority entry.
Universal Orlando Resort offers an Express Pass, which is included for guests staying at premier hotels but is an additional cost for other visitors. It’s much more expensive than Lightning Lane Multi Pass, ranging from $109.99 to $349.99 per guest.
7. Pixar Experiences
Pixar has revolutionized the world of animation, and its impact is felt throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings beloved characters to life with attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!
Guests can also enjoy experiences inspired by Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), and more. Universal Orlando Resort does not feature Pixar characters, making Walt Disney World Resort the go-to destination for fans of Woody, Buzz, and the gang.
6. Victoria & Albert’s – A World-Class Dining Experience
While Universal Orlando Resort has some fantastic dining experiences, it doesn’t quite compare to Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurant is one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the country. It offers gourmet multi-course meals, an extensive wine list, and an elegant atmosphere—an unparalleled experience for fine dining enthusiasts.
5. Expansive Park Size
One of the biggest differences between the two resorts is size. Walt Disney World Resort spans over 25,000 acres and encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, and a vast network of Disney Resort hotels and recreational areas.
While still impressive, Universal Orlando Resort is much smaller in comparison. It features one water park, three theme parks, and eleven hotels. Disney has more space for attractions, entertainment, and future expansions.
4. Disney Princesses & Character Experiences
Disney is synonymous with magic and fairy tales, including an extensive lineup of princess meet-and-greet experiences. Young fans can step into their favorite fairy tales, from dining with Cinderella at her castle to acting out Beauty and the Beast (1991) with Belle in Fantasyland. Universal Orlando Resort offers character interactions, but none as iconic as the Disney Princesses.
3. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
While Universal Orlando Resort is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Walt Disney World boasts Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—a fully immersive land where guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon, build their lightsabers, and enjoy intergalactic cuisine at Oga’s Cantina.
With characters, interactive missions, and thrilling attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, it’s an experience unlike any other.
2. Mickey Mouse – The Icon of Disney
Mickey Mouse is more than just a character—he’s the heart and soul of Walt Disney World Resort.
Mickey is everywhere, from meet-and-greets to themed merchandise and hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the parks. While Universal has popular characters like Minions and Marvel superheroes, none can match Mickey Mouse’s global recognition and legacy. Make sure to check out the first-ever ride focused on the brand icon: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
1. Disney’s Historic Legacy
Perhaps the most significant distinction between Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort is history. Walt Disney World Resort was founded on Walt Disney’s vision, transforming Florida swamplands into one of Earth’s most visited vacation destinations.
The resort has played a crucial role in shaping the theme park industry, setting a standard for immersive storytelling and guest experiences, and influencing parks worldwide. Without Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and other competitors would’ve never opened in Central Florida.
Do you prefer Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
You are obv a huge Disney fan and can’t except that there may be a better Theme park in town. Both have good and bad points. I’d say visit Epic and see if your opinion changes a little. I sent a day at Epic with a 2 Disney Imagineers and they were amazed with the new park. Even commenting that Disney is going to have to step up there game or Universal will continue to out do them.
You really are making unfair comparisons. While universal may be smaller in size it’s much quicker to get to other things on the resort because of it. They are not lacking and the number of offerings. You mentioned Mickey Mouse OK but universal has the minions which are just as popular and more familiar with a lot of the kids these days. Technologically an immersive mess I think universal has Disney beat hands down with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experiences in all three parks. And like the previous comment – I think you need to go to Epic and see what we designed.