Disney or Universal? Which Theme Park is Right for Your Next Trip to the USA?

Disney and Universal Resorts have theme parks, restaurants, and many other attractions. The two resorts are similar on the surface: both offer rides themed after movies and have both options for children and adults. They’re both located in Florida and California.

The experience that you will receive in each resort is going to be very different. We’ll compare Disney and Universal theme parks, their attractions, as well as the price ranges.

What are the main differences between Disney and Universal theme parks

Disney’s and Universal’s theme parks may seem to have much in common, but you will notice two major differences.

Universal is known for its thrill rides. Universal has roller coasters far larger than anything Disney offers, mainly because Disney is more focused on family attractions.

Disney does not use non-Disney IP for their theming. It relies instead on its extensive catalog of content in order to create thrilling rides and land for the guests. Universal’s parks use elements from multiple studios to create attractions.

Disney operates 12 theme parks around the world in six different locations:

• 
  Anaheim, California:
  

  • 
    Disneyland Park
    

  • 
    Disney California Adventure.
    

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  Orlando, Florida:
  

  • 
    Magic Kingdom
    

  • 
    Disney Hollywood Studios
    

  • 
    Disney Animal Kingdom
    

• • 
    Disneyland Park
    

  • 
    Walt Disney Studios
    

• • 
    Tokyo Disneyland
    

  • 
    Tokyo Disney Sea.
    

• 
  Hong Kong
  

  • 
    Hong Kong Disneyland Park
    

• • 
    Shanghai Disneyland
    

Disney tends towards attractions that the entire family can enjoy. There are many rides available for all ages. However, Disney also offers a wide range of activities. There are live action shows, singing events, drawing classes, Broadway style theater, meet and greets with characters, etc.

There are some larger rides available if you prefer them. Disney isn’t known for its huge thrill rides, but you can still find large roller coasters and drop towers, as well as simulated flying. The number of these attractions is lower than the other rides, but they are well worth it.

The days of the overpriced, greasy hot dogs and crusty fries are long gone. Disney’s meals are still costly, but they have been redesigned over the last few decades.

You can enjoy the fine dining experience of a steakhouse or a Japanese restaurant. Or you could taste gray substance at the castle of the Beast.

It’s possible to have the turkey leg with churro as a standard, but it is not a requirement.

Costs for visiting a Disney park will vary depending on the one that you choose. For a one-day Walt Disney World ticket or Disneyland, you can expect to spend upwards of $100 in the U.S.

Universal’s footprint is smaller than Disney with only six theme parks in five different locations.

• 
  Burbank, California:
  

  • 
    Universal Studios Hollywood.
    

• 
  Orlando, Florida:
  

  • 
    Universal Studios Florida.
    

  • 
    Universal Islands of Adventure
    

• 
  Singapore:
  

  • 
    Universal Studios Singapore.
    

• 
  Osaka, Japan:
  

  • 
    Universal Studios Japan.
    

• • 
    Universal Beijing Resort.
    

Universal’s rides are not all family friendly, but they do offer more thrills than Disney. Roller coasters like the Jurassic World VelociCoaster have won numerous awards.

Universal Studios is the home of the Harry Potter franchise. They have done a great job in designing Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Express.

Universal has some character meets and shows, such as posing for a picture with a Velociraptor. However, the parks are more focused on other attractions than entertainment.

Universal has been trying to keep up with Disney in the area of food and beverages, but it is still not up to standard. Universal does have a couple of good restaurants, especially in “Harry Potter’s” themed areas. But for the most part the food is what you would expect from a theme-park.

Mythos is a notable exception, located in Universal Islands of Adventure. The restaurant has won awards as the best restaurant in a theme park, and continues to do so.

Universal ticket prices will also vary depending on the park and time of your visit. Tickets for Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood in the U.S. start at just $109 per day.

Disney and Universal, recap

Disney and Universal have much in common, including the fact that both brands offer multiple theme parks around the globe. The experience that you will get from either brand, however, is different.

Universal will be the best choice if you prefer large rides such as roller coasters. Harry Potter fans will love Universal.

Disney is a good option if you’re not concerned about the family rides, or if you want to take your children along. Disney offers a variety of attractions other than rides, such as the chance to meet its famous characters.

Top photo by Universal Studios