Major Theme Park Giant Boasts ‘Better Value’—Is Universal Orlando in Trouble?
New Theme Park Wars Brewing in Orlando?
A surprising statement from United Parks & Resorts—the parent company of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and other attractions—has sparked debate in the theme park world. During a recent earnings call, an executive asserted that the company is “a differentiated product” from Universal and offers “a better value.”
United Parks & Resorts vs. Universal Orlando: Which Offers the Best Theme Park Value?
With Universal Orlando gearing up for the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe in 2025, the timing of this claim raises questions. Is United Parks & Resorts truly the better deal, or is this a strategic attempt to position itself against the industry giant? Let’s break it down.
For many visitors, the first factor in determining value is ticket price. Here’s how Universal and United Parks & Resorts compare:
- Universal Orlando: Single-day tickets range from $119 to $179 per day, depending on seasonality and park-hopping options. Annual passes start at $425.
- SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens: Standard tickets start at $99.99, often discounted to $69.99 when purchased in advance. Annual passes begin at $175.
At first glance, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens appear to offer the better deal, especially for locals and repeat visitors. However, value isn’t just about price—it’s about what you get for your money.
Attractions & Experiences: Thrills vs. Immersion
Theme parks aren’t just about cost—they’re about the experience. Here’s how the two brands stack up:
Universal Orlando
- Cutting-edge attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and the soon-to-open Dark Universe in Epic Universe.
- Themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World (coming soon), and Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon).
- A strong focus on immersive storytelling, special effects, and cinematic worlds.
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens
- High-thrill roller coasters like Iron Gwazi, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, and Mako.
- Live animal encounters and marine life attractions, offering an educational component.
- Seasonal events, including food festivals and concerts, included with park admission.
If you’re a coaster fanatic or love animal interactions, United Parks & Resorts delivers. But for those who crave full immersion in themed worlds, Universal provides an experience unmatched in the industry.
Dining & In-Park Costs: Which Offers More for Your Money?
Food and beverage pricing plays a huge role in park affordability. Here’s how the two compare:
- Universal Orlando: Quick-service meals cost $15-$20 per person, with sit-down meals often exceeding $30 per person. Themed dining experiences, such as The Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, provide an immersive atmosphere but at a premium cost.
- SeaWorld & Busch Gardens: All-day dining plans start at $49.99, allowing visitors to eat multiple meals throughout the day for a set price. This can be a game-changer for families looking to save money on food.
Universal offers unique, story-driven dining experiences, but United Parks & Resorts makes it easier to budget meals with their all-day dining deals.
Is United Parks & Resorts Really the “Better Value”?
The answer depends on what you value most in a theme park experience.
- For thrill-seekers looking for big coasters at a lower price, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are strong contenders.
- For guests who prioritize immersion, world-building, and movie-inspired attractions, Universal is worth the extra investment.
Universal’s Epic Universe will introduce new themed lands, including Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, and a new Wizarding World experience. These groundbreaking additions could shift industry standards, challenging competitors to rethink their offerings.
Meanwhile, United Parks & Resorts continues to lean into its strengths—high-speed rides, animal encounters, and lower-priced ticket options—to attract families and thrill-seekers alike.
The Future of Theme Park Competition
With Epic Universe set to open in May 2025, Universal is making a statement: it’s not just expanding; it’s reshaping the entire theme park industry. This massive addition brings cutting-edge ride systems, interactive environments, and Universal’s first on-site theme park hotel.
As Universal raises the bar, competitors like United Parks & Resorts will need to innovate and find new ways to attract guests. Whether that means doubling down on affordability or introducing new entertainment concepts remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—the theme park battle is heating up, and visitors are the ultimate winners. With more options than ever, Orlando continues to solidify its reputation as the world’s top theme park destination.
Final Thoughts: Which Park Should You Choose? Universal or United Parks and Resorts?
If your budget is the top priority and you love roller coasters and animal encounters, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens offer a solid theme park experience at a lower price.
If you’re looking for next-level immersion, state-of-the-art attractions, and worlds pulled straight from your favorite movies and video games, Universal Orlando remains unmatched—and Epic Universe is set to solidify its dominance.
So, is United Parks & Resorts truly a “better value”? That depends on what you’re looking for. But one thing is clear—theme park fans have never had more options, and the future of Orlando’s entertainment scene has never looked more exciting.
What do you think? Does United Parks & Resorts offer a better value than Universal, or is this just marketing hype? Let us know in the comments!
