Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? The Ultimate Decision

You're visiting Florida, and of course, you'll be visiting one of the famous Orlando theme parks. Sooner or later the question will arise, should you visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Both resorts have their merits and weaknesses, and both suit different types of people. Therefore, I won't recommend a park-I'll simply provide an honest comparison and let you make the decision.

Size: Disney World is huge, has four parks, two water parks, and countless resorts, while Universal has only two parks and three resorts. Universal has a much more "cozy" atmosphere-there are fewer people and you can walk from the parking garage or resort right to the park gate. On the other hand, Disney offers more choices-you won't have any trouble finding the perfect resort or attraction. While Universal has the feel of a city, with parking garages, taller buildings, and few green spaces, Disney has a more rural feel. Throughout the parks, resorts, and everywhere in between, trees and greenery are abundant, and you won't ever be far from a forest.

Audience: Every kid dreams of visiting Disney-meeting Mickey Mouse, seeing Cinderella's Castle, and eating breakfast with Pluto. Accordingly, Disney World has few thrill rides but abundant character-themed and kiddie rides. Despite what some may say, Disney's atmosphere is most suitable for children and their families. On the other hand, Universal has a decidedly movie and television show theme. Thrill rides abound, and there are fewer rides appropriate for young children. This difference is also evident in each resort's dining and nightlife mecca-Universal's CityWalk is geared towards adults, while Downtown Disney, apart from Pleasure Island, is very family friendly.

Price: While park admission prices are almost equal, Universal offers only very upscale resorts. Apart from resort hotel prices, you can expect to spend about an equal amount of money in either resort. However, you have the opportunity to spend much more money in Disney World because of the many parks and other attractions.

Quality: While both resorts offer some of the best theme parks in the world, Disney's are better in terms of quality and organization. Disney's methods are tried and true-they've been in the theme park business much longer than universal. Everything in Disney World works meticulously, from transportation to gate turnstiles-not so much the case in Universal. For example, Disney's Fastpass system, which allows you to bypass lines, is completely free and easy to use. On the other hand, Universal's Express Pass Plus costs $40 per person for a one day, one park pass. However, after paying the steep price, the pass works quite well.

Employees: Disney is world famous for its excellent service and amazingly friendly and helpful employees, known as "cast members". Unfriendly cast members are few and far between, and all go through extensive service training and have strict requirements. Of course, Universal's employees are also, for the most part, excellent, but they do not live up to Disney's.

Atmosphere: More so than Universal, Disney's atmosphere is literally magic. From the time you enter the property, everything speaks vacation, fun, and relaxation. Every little touch adds to the magic, from resort maids that leave your towels sculpted into animals to the huge banners over the roadway entrances. Quite frankly, this is not present in Universal-and probably never will be.

Regardless of which resort you visit, your vacation will probably be "magical." Each tries to improve constantly, and makes customer service a priority. You'll hear good and bad about both, but it is best to always remember that both are world class-and each have a unique flair and atmosphere.

Sources consulted: www.universalorlando.com, http://disneyworld.disney.go.com