Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World have always been in a race to wow guests. Every new ride, themed land, or entertainment show is another attempt to win over the crowds. But while the rivalry often plays out in attractions, there’s another area where Universal is quietly matching Disney move for move—and it’s not one fans were expecting.
The Disney Baseline
For 2025, Disney World’s one-day tickets for guests 10+ start at $119, with high-demand dates pushing prices close to $199. Multi-day passes bring the per-day rate down to $145–$172, and limited-time summer deals can drop specific three-day, three-park tickets to $89 per day. Those cheaper tickets skip Magic Kingdom and have restrictions, but they’re still a rare break in cost.
When it’s time to eat, here’s the general range:
Popcorn: $7
Mickey ice cream bars: $6.50
Bottled water or soda: $3.50–$4
Quick-service meals: $10–$18 for adults, $7–$10 for kids
Moderate resorts at Disney are often $250–$350 per night, with discounts sprinkled throughout the year for select guests. These deals can include up to 30% off during slower seasons, room-and-ticket bundles, or Free Dining promotions—though availability is limited and blackout dates apply.
Universal’s Move into Disney Territory
Here’s where things have changed—Universal’s ticket prices now mirror Disney’s. In 2025, one-park, one-day tickets start at $119, with park-to-park passes costing about $174. Like Disney, Universal charges more during peak times. Multi-day passes reduce the per-day total but still hover near Disney’s range.
Food and drinks aren’t much different, either. Snacks generally run $6–$10.
- A pretzel can cost around $7.
- Churros run around $6.
- Popcorn (without a refillable bucket) is somewhere in the $7-$10 range.
- Most quick-service meals cost between $10 and $15.
Hotel prices show the biggest surprise. Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a Universal value option, can reach mid-$200s to $300s per night in busy seasons. Surfside Inn sometimes matches or even beats the nightly cost of Disney’s Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms—and not in the way budget-minded guests hope.
The Trade-Off for Families
Universal still has fewer parks overall, smaller footprints, and fewer rides for children under 40–42 inches tall. For parents, that can mean spending as much—or more—than a Disney trip while having fewer attractions their kids can enjoy.
Closing the Gap
By aligning its ticketing, food, and hotel pricing with Disney, Universal has moved into a new league. Epic Universe will bring groundbreaking experiences, but the cost gap that once made Universal the “affordable” choice has nearly vanished. In Orlando’s theme park wars, Universal’s latest strategy clarifies one thing: it’s no longer playing just to compete—it’s playing to match.
