Universal or Disney?

Which was better?

Hands down -- Universal.

In 2025, it seems these are two theme parks heading in different directions. Our group hit both Universal and Disney this week -- both as single day, multi-hopper tickets.

As background, we had been to both parks before multiple times and were looking forward to both. In addition, we had Mil (3) and Luke (1) in tow -- both of whom watch Disney daily. It was still a slam dunk more favorable for Universal. And this is pre-Universal Epic Park opening, which scheduled to open May 22. It looks to be a pretty awesome park.

Meanwhile, Disney is abandoning some classic areas to make room for some more rides. I think this is a mistake as it removes the best thing Disney has going for it -- the nostalgia factor. The Tom Sawyer island and riverboat is going to be scrapped for a Cars ride. Not really the theme park dynamics to drive a ton of change there. So, while Disney bolts on a few more rides here and there, Universal is bolting on new parks.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list comparing and contrasting every detail. Plenty of websites for that. This short blog will simply share our thoughts on the two, visited in the same week with the same weather and the same group and expectations. It will become clear we are not theme park hackers, who know the shortcuts and tips. We are just a typical family who goes from time to time.

Universal:

The drive from Lake Buena Vista to Universal is never fun. Trafficky and long lined at the parking tolls. However, once parked, the trip down to the City Walk and through security is quick. Parking was $32 per vehicle. We got there at opening 9a and opted to do Universal first, since Islands of Adventure stayed open 1 hour later until 10p. We found the crowds were not heavy and there was plenty of open space and short lines to do things. Immediately we hit the Rip Ride Rockit Rollercoaster, the Mummy, Escape from Gringott's, and Men in Black, while another part of our group with the little ones hit the Simpson's and ET. Where possible, we opted for single rider, if single rider was open.

Ultimately took the Harry Potter Train over to Islands and hit Harry Potter Forbidden Journey, Jurassic Park, Popeye, Hulk, Spider-Man, Cat in the Hat, One Fish, Two Fish, and so on. We hit everything we wanted to hit excepting the Velociraptor ride, where single rider was always jammed. We did not buy any lightning passes or other ways to get on early. All day long I felt the crowds were thin. The staff were generally very kind and helpful. We took in snacks and a small wagon to haul the little ones around. The tickets ran $219 per ticket for the adults and $5 less for Mil. Luke was free. Great overall experience with the only downside being I-4.

Disney:

The drive was easier to Disney as we were staying closer. While parking was $30 per car, we did rider drop off, as not all adults went. We opted to hit Animal Kingdom first, since it opened at 8a, rather than 9a. We were informed at the entrance that we could not take the wagon in and would have to rent a double stroller for $31 for the day. Given these strollers have been around for years and are pretty indestructable, it is difficult to understand why these stroller rental costs continue to go up. Pretty rough on families with small children. While on that subject, the tickets were $249 per ticket, $30 more per ticket than Universal for the same optionality. We found the Disney staff, for the most part, NOT to be feeling like they were in the happiest place on Earth. The majority of the staff just seemed over it.

Crowds were more substantial and so rides were generally longer wait times. Disney, like Universal, has really gone to catering those guests who stay at one of their resorts. If you are not staying at a Disney or Disney-partnered resort, you cannot get in with early entrance hours. And while you can buy the fast pass/lightning pass, the resort guests can pre-register rides 7 days in advance, while non-resort guests can register 3 days in advance. Pretty much assures the key times for such rides will be taken before you can pre-register.

Park jumping was difficult using buses. For instance, the bus from Hollywood to Magic Kingdom was taking a while so, we opted for the skyliner to Epcot. But it drops you off at the back of Epcot, wherein you have to walk across the park to get to the monorail for Magic Kingdom. But since we could not get in with said wagon, we had to walk to a resort to take the bus to MK. A fair amount of time is burned on these logistics. Again, perhaps a more savvy and experienced group could have avoided this, but I am again describing a typical family experience. The parks stayed open longer at Magic Kingdom than Islands of Adventure, but that hour was burned in the time it takes to return on the ferry or monorail.

Overall, we were really disappointed with the Disney experience this time. We paid less at Universal, rode many more -- newer -- rides, dealt with friendlier staff and were able to get around a lot easier in and out of the park. This is our unique experience and not necessarily may hold true for the next family. Just our shared observations.