Something that has been debated for a while amongst theme-park goers is the question of which one is better - Disney or Universal?
To be honest, Disney has my heart and I won't ever be able to say that I think Universal is better. However, depending on your family and situation, Universal might be a better fit for you. I love all things Disney but I admit I'm pretty much a little kid when it comes to that stuff. I know a lot of people that prefer Universal and today I'll talk about a few reasons why that might be the case. Even I have to admit that in the following areas, Universal has the edge!
1 - Security Process
I am all for stringent security at the parks - I really do feel safe there and that's worth a lot. But in this area, Universal wins hands down. They have an almost airport like security area in which you send your bags through an x-ray machine and then you go through the metal detector. When we visited, it was first thing in the morning and we were through security in a matter of seconds. Also, since it's at the entrance to CityWalk, you go through once and you're good for both theme parks and all of CityWalk until you leave.
Disney does a thorough, by-hand, bag check. It's time-consuming and sometimes a bit frustrating. If only everyone understood the process and got ready before their turn it wouldn't be a big deal, but not everyone reads my blog!! :) They also have metal detectors and they randomly send guests through them. We typically waited 5-10 minutes to get through, which isn't much, but I really loved Universal's streamlined process. Plus at Disney, if you leave a park and go to another, you get to do the security process all over again.
Universal's Security Checkpoint
2 - Proximity of Parks to Each Other
Universal is smaller than Disney which can be a great thing. If you stay on property, you can easily get to both Theme Parks and all of the CityWalk entertainment on foot. They do have shuttles and water-taxis but it's nice to have the option to walk if you don't want to do public transportation (Don loves this option).
At Disney, if you want to go from one park to the other, or head to Disney Springs, you can't walk. The area is just too large.
The maps below may look similar sized, but looks are deceiving. Universal is around 800 acres and Disney World is 43 square miles!!
3 - Harry Potter!
OK, so I know that Disney has all of my favorite characters. I mean they have Mickey Mouse after all. But the thing about Universal and Harry Potter is that you feel like you are actually in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. Disney has amazing theming but nothing quite so immersive as the Harry Potter areas. This may all change when Star Wars Land opens up though! I'll keep you posted!!
4 - More Rides for the Big Kids
To be quite honest, I'm happy as a little clam riding Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan... You name it. But I know some people like a little more thrill from their rides. Universal has that. I won't ride a few of them since I'm a big chicken, but if thrills are what you're after, you can find them there. Disney has a few too, but as a whole, I think Universal has the edge here.
So is Universal better than Disney? You decide!!! And please, give me a call to let me help you plan and figure it out. Don't forget my services are free and I would love to help you make this decision!!