They have always been the “enemy” for Disney Fans, let’s look at that.
Step right into the thrilling world of theme parks! Since its inception on June 7th, 1990, Universal Orlando has been Disney World’s spirited competitor. The ongoing debate on Disney vs. Universal still rages on, but here’s the kicker: both parks offer incredible experiences! Even the most devoted Disney fan can find something to love at Universal. Let’s dive in and explore the best of both worlds!
1 – Universal Resorts
Whether you are on a budget or want to splurge, there is an impressive and fun lineup of resorts available to you at the Universal Orlando Resort. From family-friendly resorts to luxury accommodations, you can find what suits your preferences at various resorts.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts are comparable to Disney’s Value Resorts, such as Disney’s All-Star Resorts and Disney’s Pop Century Resorts. These resorts have the basic amenities, fun but simple pools, and very well-appointed rooms. The room choices include family suites that offer room for the whole family on a budget.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Unviersa’s mid-tier resorts that has so much charm and energy. Themed after mid-century modern roadside motels of the 60’s, this classic resort offers upgraded amenities such as a waterslide, lazy river, food court, and bowling alley. Themed family suites are also available so that everyone can have a bit of extra room but on a budget.
Their top-tier resorts include amazing resorts such as Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel and Orlando’s own Hard Rock Hotel. The beautiful and unique resorts offer luxury that cannot be beaten with extraordinary amenities such as Univeral Express included with your stay!
Check out UniversalOrlando.com to view their entire selection of resorts and additional information.
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2 – Food, Food, Food
Universal Orlando has made considerable strides in its food game over the last few years. From snacks in the parks to quick service to sit-down restaurants, Universal food is definitely worth noting.
Special park snacks have become a staple in recent years, and Universal parks are no exception. Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a classic and will be Universal’s consummate park snack. They also offer popcorn, Shrek Pretzels, and Minion banana-flavored treats as other highlights.
Minion Cafe is at the top of the list of quick-service restaurants available. It is fun and well-themed, serves great food, and is easy to order. It has everything you could ask for from a quick-service restaurant.
For a longer sit-down experience, Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure is a fantastic choice and frequently makes the top spot of the best theme park restaurants. Located in the Lost Continent of Islands of Adventure, it offers tantalizing food and a breathtaking view of the lagoon.
Looking to save money on essential snacks so you can treat yourself to something special at the park? Let us help by delivering a snack basket or fulfilling your grocery snack order directly to your resort. Click the button below to discover all that we can offer.
3 – Wizarding Interactivity
If you are a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World cannot be missed. Not only do these lands (yes, multiple lands, spread between both parks) offer immersive attractions and ambiance, but you can purchase a wand and interact with your environment. Spells are relatively easy to cast but always result in a surprising result that will delight you.
4 – Special Events
From Halloween to Christmas, Universal Studios offers seasonal festivities that cannot be beaten.
Celebrate Mardi Gras in the spring and Christmas in the winter. Both celebrations offer spectacular parades, special food and drink offerings, and fun activities only available during these times. The best part is that both are included in your daily park admission.
To celebrate Halloween, Universal Offers Halloween Horror Nights. It is an over-the-top Halloween celebration with multiple Haunted Houses, scare zones, exceptional event food and beverages, and many scares. If you are a Disney fan, you are most likely a fan of highly-themed entertainment. As a lifelong Disney fan myself, I wish I had started going sooner. It’s fantastic, it is. Intricate stories and detailed houses that take your breath away, it’s a themed entertainment fan’s dream. I say, even if you think it isn’t your cup of tea because you prefer the magic, give it a try because it is absolutely the best time of year at Universal Orlando.
5 – Marvel
If you are a Marvel fan, Universal Islands of Adventure offers Orlando’s only attractions based on Marvel’s classic comic book characters. From Swinging with Spiderman through New York to being blasted into the sky by Gamma Rays by the Hulk, this island offers tons of Marvel fun. It’s all centered around a lively comic book-style city filled with Marvel heroes.
4 – Merchandise
Whether your dream is to purchase a Wizarding Wand or a Spider-Man coffee mug, Universal merchandise has you covered. From Minions to Jurassic Park, there is so much merchandise to choose from, and you will be able to find the perfect memento for your trip.
3 – New Innovative Entertainment
This summer (2024), Universal Studios Florida introduced two new huge pieces of entertainment that have excited the theme park community.
Universal’s Cinesational – A Symphonic Spectacular is an amazing nighttime spectacular with projections, fireworks, lasers, and drones. These elements combine to create a lively and sentimental dive into our favorite movies.
Universal Mega Movie Parade – Celebrate your favorite movies with this jaw-dropping parade. Watch as full-size dinosaurs walk by, see the Back To The Future DeLorean whiz by, and wave as ET takes off into the sky. This parade is something to behold, and you can see it every day.
2 – The Option to Wing-It or Pre-Plan
Unlike Walt Disney World, pre-planning is not necessary when visiting Universal Orlando. There are no requirements for park reservations, booking dining reservations months before your visit, or pre-selecting Lighting Lane attractions.
You get to visit the park and enjoy. You can be on your phone as little or as much as you’d like, and enjoying the park is a breeze. The Univeral Orlando App is practical and simple to use, giving you info on your park day, and occasionally has the option of interacting with attractions and games.
Universal Express is priced quite a bit higher than Disney’s Lightning Lane, and the price does vary. There is no need to interact with an app or pre-book anything with their skip-the-line service.
1 – Attractions
Universal Orlando’s Attractions range from simple to legendary. Some top-rated attractions are The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Velocicoaster. They also offer some great shows and live entertainment to please your entire family. Although previously being criticized in recent years for having too many screen-based attractions, Universal has taken that feedback and opened more attractions with practical sets, such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
As you can see, there is so much at Universal Orlando that a Disney fan will love, and it’s definitely worth experiencing. There’s also a lot more on the horizon for Universal Orlando. Scheduled for the summer of 2025, Universal Orlando will be opening another theme park called Universal Epic Universe, along with three new resorts. The future looks bright for theme park fans, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Experience the magic of Universal Orlando with the help of Magical Vacation Services! We are here to make your visit even more unforgettable by offering grocery and gift delivery. Visit our website or contact us today to learn how we can make your stay absolutely magical!
