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The competition between Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort is very real.
The two Resort areas, located just miles from one another, have been in direct competition with one another for several decades. Disney World has been considered the industry leader in theme parks for quite some time, but Universal Orlando has made major strides, especially over the course of the last few years.
Credit: Becky Burkett
With two theme parks– Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure— Universal has already surpassed three of Disney’s theme parks in terms of attendance, all except Magic Kingdom, and construction on Epic Universe is well underway. When the new theme park opens in 2025, it will be the largest Universal Park in the world.
With all the new attractions and expansions happening at Universal Orlando, many insiders have started to peg Universal Destinations & Experiences as the new industry leader.
But, Disney Park fans have been excited about a new development set to take place tomorrow, April 20. For the first time in nearly two years, Walt Disney World Resort will begin selling Annual Passes again. The new Annual Passes have been upgraded with new pricing, and there are expectations that many could become unavailable rather quickly.
Credit: Universal Studios
In the midst of this major development for Disney, it should come as no surprise that the Mouse’s biggest competition had something to say about it.
Universal Orlando has been selling Annual Passes basically since reopening during the pandemic. The UOAPs have been well-received by fans, and Universal has thrived off of being able to offer Annual Passes for fans who want to return time and time again, especially while its competition has held out on this offering.
Now, just as Disney World is about to bring back its Annual Passes, Universal announced a new round of Annual Passholder Appreciation Days.
From May 1-May 26, Passholder Bonus Benefits are back to add to all the fun with perks like a special entrance, exclusive dining locations, special menu items, and more. During this time, Annual Passholders have an exclusive entrance to the theme parks that allow them to skip the regular line. In addition, a new Annual Passholder magnet is available (this time with a Jurassic Park theme) and UOAP holders can enjoy exclusive food and beverage offerings.
Credit: Universal
If all this weren’t enough, Universal Orlando is offering a discount of up to 45% on select hotel stays during the month. That, essentially, means that Annual Passholders can book double the amount of nights to stay for the price of a regular stay.
Universal has been offering Annual Passholder Appreciation Days during a few select months throughout the year, but this next round certainly features a robust amount of offerings and much more for fans to enjoy.
