Welcome back to our fifth and final part of our battle between Disney and Universal as apart of our March Madness event. Previously in the last two posts, we looked at each companies history, their Florida expansions, their most recent expansions and what the future holds for each operator. In today’s conclusion, we’ll be taking a look at 5 reasons to choose Disney or Universal, talking all things hotels and how much you can expect to spend on each park. So without further ado, let’s get to it!
Part 5 – Guest Services: Where Every Dreamer Finds a Home
In the vast expanse of the theme park universe, guest services serve as the guiding stars, illuminating the path to unforgettable experiences and ensuring that every visitor’s journey is one filled with magic, comfort, and convenience. From hotels fit for royalty to reservation systems designed to streamline the planning process, both Disney and Universal spare no expense when it comes to providing guests with the ultimate in hospitality.
Hotels: Where Dreams Take Flight
For many guests, the journey begins long before they set foot in the parks, starting with the selection of the perfect place to call home during their stay. Both Disney and Universal offer a wide range of hotels and resorts designed to cater to every taste and budget, from whimsical themed resorts to luxurious five-star accommodations.
Disney’s hotels, such as the iconic Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the enchanting Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, transport guests to worlds of fantasy and adventure, with immersive theming, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service. Universal’s resorts, including the luxurious Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and the family-friendly Cabana Bay Beach Resort, offer guests a taste of elegance and excitement, with stylish accommodations and convenient access to the parks.
Perks: Where Magic Meets Convenience
In the battle for guest loyalty, perks and amenities play a crucial role in shaping the overall theme park experience. Both Disney and Universal offer a variety of perks designed to enhance the guest experience and make their visit as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
From early park admission and complimentary transportation to exclusive character meet-and-greets and dining discounts, guests can take advantage of a wide range of perks and benefits that cater to their every need and desire. Whether it’s skipping the lines with FastPass+ at Disney or utilizing Universal Express at Universal, both parks offer solutions to help guests maximize their time and make the most of their visit.
Reservations/Tickets: Where Dreams Become Reality
In today’s fast-paced world, planning a trip to a theme park can be a daunting task, with tickets to purchase, reservations to make, and itineraries to plan. Fortunately, both Disney and Universal offer comprehensive reservation systems and ticketing options designed to simplify the planning process and ensure that guests can focus on what matters most – creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether it’s booking tickets online in advance or utilizing mobile apps to make dining reservations and manage FastPasses, guests have access to a wealth of tools and resources to help them plan their perfect vacation. With flexible ticketing options, customizable vacation packages, and round-the-clock customer support, both Disney and Universal strive to make the booking process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Prices: Where Magic Meets Value
Of course, no discussion of guest services would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room – prices. As the cost of visiting theme parks continues to rise, both Disney and Universal face the challenge of balancing the need to generate revenue with the desire to provide guests with affordable and accessible entertainment options.
From ticket prices and parking fees to food and beverage costs, guests can expect to pay a premium for the privilege of experiencing the magic of Disney and Universal. However, both parks also offer a variety of discounts, promotions, and value-added packages designed to help guests save money and make their visit more affordable.
I am going to look at prices for both Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando. Just to make it a fair comparison, I will look at prices for 2 adults & 2 kids (one age of 16, the other age of 6). I am also selecting the dates to be early May (6th – 10th) as that time is a bit slower and weather won’t be as bad. So let’s compare and see what both parks have to offer:
Disney:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Standard Room (2 adults, 2 kids) – Cheapest
- 5-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option
- Memory Maker
- Quick-Service Dining Plan
- No Ground Transportation
- Travel Protection
Total Cost: $4,899.54 subtotal
Universal:
- Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites- Standard Room (2 Adults , 2 Children) – Cheapest
- 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket Dated (3 Adults, 1 Child) <Child age on tickets is ages 3 to 9>
- My Universal Photos 5-Day Photo Package
- No Ground Transportation
- Travel Protection
Total Cost: $3,203.85 subtotal
The total difference between these two examples is about $1695.69. I didn’t include any of the extra pricing for the Express Passes or Genie+ FastPass system in my totals as I just wanted to focus on the basics and what I thought most families would pick when they looked at both parks options. Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on when you book your stay and your family size. Usually the summer time (late May-early August) is the busiest time of year along with Halloween and Christmas/New Years, so prices will skyrocket as will the crowd levels.
I will now provide two lists of 5 reasons why one should pick one park over the other. This will allow you to look at the possibilities each theme park experience will bring to you and your family.
5 Reasons to Pick Disney over Universal:
- Iconic Characters and Stories: Disney is home to some of the most beloved characters and stories in entertainment history, from Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to Elsa and Buzz Lightyear. For fans of classic Disney films and characters, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the magic.
- Immersion and Theming: Disney’s theme parks are renowned for their immersive environments and attention to detail, with each land and attraction telling a unique story. Whether you’re exploring the streets of a bustling metropolis in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or venturing into a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a living, breathing world.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Disney parks are designed with families in mind, offering a wide range of attractions and experiences suitable for guests of all ages. From gentle rides and character meet-and-greets to thrilling adventures and spectacular shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Disney.
- Magical Entertainment: Disney parks are known for their world-class entertainment offerings, including parades, fireworks shows, and live performances. Whether you’re watching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade or catching a performance of The Festival of the Lion King, you’ll be dazzled by the magic and spectacle on display.
- Customer Service: Disney is committed to providing guests with the highest level of customer service, with cast members going above and beyond to ensure that every guest’s visit is nothing short of magical. From friendly greetings to helpful assistance, you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
5 Reasons to Pick Universal over Disney:
- Thrilling Rides and Attractions: Universal Studios is known for its adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions, with thrilling experiences that are sure to get your heart racing. From the high-speed thrills of The Incredible Hulk Coaster to the immersive adventures of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Universal offers plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Universal is at the forefront of theme park innovation, with state-of-the-art technology and special effects that bring their attractions to life in breathtaking ways. Whether you’re soaring through the skies on a virtual reality simulator or battling alongside your favorite superheroes in an epic 3D battle, you’ll be amazed by the level of immersion and realism on display.
- Adult-Focused Experiences: While Disney parks cater primarily to families with young children, Universal Studios offers a more adult-focused experience, with edgier themes and attractions geared towards older guests. From the spooky scares of Halloween Horror Nights to the vibrant nightlife of Universal CityWalk, there’s plenty for grown-ups to enjoy at Universal.
- Film and TV Tie-Ins: Universal Studios is home to some of the biggest franchises in film and television, with attractions based on popular properties like Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, and The Fast and the Furious. For fans of movies and TV shows, Universal offers the chance to step into the worlds of their favorite films and immerse themselves in the magic of Hollywood.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Universal Studios parks are generally smaller and more compact than Disney parks, making them easier to navigate and explore in a shorter amount of time. With fewer crowds and shorter wait times, you’ll spend less time standing in line and more time enjoying the attractions and experiences that Universal has to offer.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of the theme parks, Disney and Universal stand as titans of entertainment, each offering a unique blend of magic, thrills, and immersive experiences. Whether you find yourself wandering the streets of Main Street, U.S.A., or exploring the jungles of Jurassic Park, one thing is certain – both parks have something special to offer guests of all ages.
For those seeking the ultimate in immersion and storytelling, Disney’s iconic characters and timeless stories create an enchanting atmosphere that is unrivaled in the world of theme parks. With its attention to detail, world-class entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere, Disney parks offer guests a chance to escape the ordinary and step into a world of fantasy and adventure.
On the other hand, Universal Studios delights guests with its thrilling rides, cutting-edge technology, and film and TV tie-ins that cater to fans of all ages. With its adrenaline-pumping attractions, adult-focused experiences, and flexibility and convenience, Universal offers a different kind of magic – one that is edgy, exciting, and filled with surprises.
Ultimately, whether you choose Disney or Universal depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Are you seeking the enchanting charm of Disney’s fairy tales, or the pulse-pounding excitement of Universal’s blockbuster franchises? Whatever you decide, one thing is certain – a visit to either Disney or Universal is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears or your wand, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – because the magic of the theme parks awaits!
#TeamDisney or #TeamUniversal
We hope you enjoyed the return our March Madness event. Stay tuned for more Disney content as Blake just returned from his first ever Disney trip and has loads of content he can’t wait to share. As always if you are enjoying our content be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media to never miss blog updates and any new posts.
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