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Disney vs Universal: How to choose the right Orlando theme park for you
By Katie Spooner, Theme Park specialist at Travelwise
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Should we go to Disney or Universal?”
And the answer? It depends. Both are brilliant, but the right choice comes down to who you’re travelling with, how long you’ve got and the kind of experience you want.
I’ve helped plan trips for toddlers, teens, big family groups and child-free couples. The best ones are always built around what matters most to you. That means picking the right parks (or the right mix) then planning smartly so it all feels easy and fun once you’re there.
Katie Spooner
The newest member of our team (yet she’s still been with Travelwise since 2017), Katie’s always one step ahead with the latest must-see Disney and cruise experiences. She’s renowned for adding personalised extras and thoughtful details that make each journey feel truly one-of-a-kind.
Choosing the right park for your group
If you’ve got young kids, Disney usually comes out on top. It’s more character-led, gentler and designed to delight little ones. Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom are great choices. I often skip Hollywood Studios with younger families as it’s more geared towards older kids and Star Wars fans.
Travelling with teens or older children?
Universal tends to win. The rides are bigger, faster and themed around franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic World and Marvel. There’s a slightly more grown-up energy too, ideal for families who’ve done Disney before or want something different. No kids in tow? Avoid school holidays and do a mix of both. There’s something magical at every age, but timing makes a huge difference to the experience.
What to expect at Walt Disney World
Disney is huge: four theme parks, two waterparks and more than enough to fill a two-week holiday. With the right planning, it’s a trip your family will talk about for years.
My top picks include:
Magic Kingdom for Classic Disney, like Cinderella’s Castle, It’s a Small World and the fireworks. They genuinely feel magical. Epcot is brilliant for a ‘culture meets future’ vibe with its country pavilions, interactive exhibits and amazing food, especially during festivals.
Animal Kingdom’s safari is a must, and Avatar: Flight of Passage, is one of the best rides anywhere, just check the height restrictions first if travelling with younger kids. Don’t skip the waterparks – on hot days, Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon are perfect for cooling off without missing the fun.
What to expect at Universal Orlando
Universal has three main theme parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the newly-opened Epic Universe, as well as Volcano Bay waterpark and CityWalk dining. The big star is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
My must-dos:
Ride the Hogwarts Express: it links both parks and adds extra magic for Harry Potter fans of any age. My other favourites include Jurassic World VelociCoaster, The Simpsons Ride and Marvel Super Hero Island. They’re all big, bold and full of energy.
Epic Universe is Universal’s newest (and most ambitious) park, with incredible themed lands including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe (a gothic-style land inspired by Universal Monsters) and a brand-new Harry Potter area based on the Ministry of Magic.
Other things to keep in mind:
Stay on-site for early entry and shorter queues – Disney’s hotels include transport, while Universal’s top hotels offer Express Pass access. And book popular ride access early, like Lightning Lane for Disney and Express Pass for Universal. Lastly, don’t try to do it all in one day – give yourself space to enjoy it properly!
Need help planning the perfect trip?
Need help planning the perfect trip? Whether you’re leaning towards Disney, Universal or a little of both, I’ll help you plan a trip that’s just right for your family, with the timing, extras and personal touches that make it stress-free from the start.
