As a girl who loves roller coasters and traveling, I have always loved going on vacations that included a trip to an amusement park. I have been to Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida multiple times, and I plan to visit both many more times.

Although I love both parks, many differences set them apart. If you are planning a trip and need to know which park to visit, this blog will give you the similarities and differences between the two so you can make the best decision for you!

First, there are many perks that you can find at either park. Both are considered theme parks with hotels, shopping, dining, and water parks that are connected to the parks. According to the article by Mouse Hacking titled Disney World vs. Universal- Which is Better, both parks are very close to each other, “in central Florida in the Orlando area,” and in fact, close enough to “visit both as part of a single trip.” Furthermore, they both have a mix of slow, thrill, and entertainment rides and options for skip-the-line passes, which are more expensive but allow you to get through the parks faster. 

However, if you have to choose just one, many vital differences can help determine which park is better for you. Disney has four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Universal only has two parks: Island of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. This makes Disney the better option for longer vacations. In my experience, it takes about 3-4 days to get through all of Disney because you can’t walk between parks, whereas Universal only requires 1-2 days because you can walk between both parks. 

Regarding expenses, Mouse Hacking notes, “Disney is more expensive,” a 3-day ticket with park hopping is “$479 at Disney vs. $334 at Universal.” Disney is also much more expensive than Universal when it comes to their affiliated hotels. 

Although both properties are theme parks, they have very different atmospheres. Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, and Toy Story rides are featured at Disney, along with various Disney princess meet and greets. But people who are more into Harry Potter and Jurassic Park will find those rides at Universal. I have found that Disney tends to be geared more towards kids themes and shows as opposed to Universal’s targeting of teen and adult themes and shows.

In the Magic Guides article, Joshua Powell claims, “teens and thrill-seeking adults will love Universal,” while Disney World is loved by “kids, multi-generational families, and ‘kid at heart’ adult couples.” Universal has lower crowds, fast single-rider lines, and over ten large thrill/roller coaster rides, making it a favorite for line-hating thrill seekers. Disney’s magical feel, animatronic shows, and 17 rides without height restrictions make it a favorite for excited families, reminiscing adults, and awestruck children. 

Overall, after researching both parks and from my own experience, I decided that if I were to plan a trip for myself, as a 17-year-old, I would go to Universal Studios. Although I love the magical Disney feel, I am a sucker for thrill rides and find myself more entertained with the more mature atmosphere at Universal Studios. I will never refuse an opportunity to go to Disney, but I will continue to recommend Universal for myself and other teenagers. 

Every person has different wants and opinions, making both parks a fantastic option for various groups of people. And remember, going to both parks is always an excellent option!