Top 5 Reasons Universal Orlando is Better than Walt Disney World

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   When you think of Orlando, most people think of Disney.  That’s because Walt Disney World is the number one family destination in the world and has made Orlando a household name around the world.  But with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010 and the new addition in 2014, Universal Orlando has become a major competitor in the family destination vacation market.

Here are five advantages that Universal Orlando has over Walt Disney World:

Number 1:  You can pay for front of the line passes!  

     Unlike the confusing Fast Pass System at Walt Disney World which only allows 3 Fast Passes per day, at Universal Orlando, you can purchase Universal's version of “fast pass” which is called Universal Express.  You can choose between a limited and unlimited version of this front of the line access for rides and attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  These passes can be purchased online as an "Add-on" when purchasing tickets or vacation packages and the passes are also available for purchase in the parks.  Although it’s not available on every ride (mainly the two Harry Potter rides), having the ability to jump to the front of the line during the busy season is an awesome advantage!

Number 2:  Stay at a Deluxe hotel and get free Universal Express.  

Loews Portofino Bay Resort


     An even better deal is staying at one of the three top onsite hotels.  When you stay at one of Universal’s original three properties, Loews Portofino Bay Resort or Loews Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, every guest in your room get’s free unlimited Universal Express.  This is a great deal for families of four or five. 

Number 3:  All 5 onsite hotels are walking distance to the parks.  

The newest onsite preferred hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
(photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)

     Speaking of onsite hotels, Universal Orlando has five beautiful onsite hotels with amazing amenities.  These hotels are run by the Loews family of hotels and resorts, known for excellence and luxury.  Four of these hotels are connected by a waterway with water taxis which take guests to the theme parks and CityWalk dining and entertainment complex.  Cabana Bay Beach Resort has shuttle buses which brings guests back and forth to the parks.   But, guests at all five of these hotels have the option of taking the beautifully landscaped and serene walking paths which lead to the theme parks.  As opposed to taking a bus or crowded boat to your hotel after a long day, taking one of these walking paths is a great way to end the day.  Click here to see a video of one of the walking paths.


Number 4:  CityWalk Dining and Entertainment District is onsite.  
Hollywood Drive-In Golf at CityWalk


Hard Rock Cafe at CityWalk

     When you exit the parks at the end of the day, there’s no need to drive to stand in line for buses and wait longer for dinner.  Universal CityWalk is right outside the theme park exits with shopping, nightlife and several levels of dining options.  You’ll recognize many national chains such as Starbucks, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Hard Rock Cafe. There are also entertainment venues such as the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX, The Blue Man Group and Hollywood Drive-in Golf. 
    
   New dining options are being added every year.  The newest and highly anticipated addition will be The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen opened to rave reviews in 2016.  The steampunk theme, comfortable casual atmosphere and scrumptious confections are attracting guests by the thousands.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)

Number 5:  The parks are being updated at a faster rate.  

Skull Island - Reign of Kong (photo courtesy of Universal orlando)

     Besides being the home of the very popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal is expanding and updating at a rapid rate.   Walt Disney World is just starting to compete with Universal by updating some of their attractions and adding Star Wars and Toy Story lands at Hollywood Studios (which will not be completed for at least 2 years). Universal, however, is racing to the finish line!

     Comcast, who owns Universal Orlando and NBC, is committed to adding new attractions every year.  Not only are new attractions being built but classic attractions are getting a facelift.  In Summer 2016, the most popular roller coaster in Orlando, The Incredible Hulk Coaster underwent an extensive refurbishment which included a complete dismantling the ride and replacing the entire track as well as providing a new and modern storyline to the queue.


The Incredible Hulk Coaster (photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)

      Another anticipated ride was Skull Island—Reign of Kong which combines both a “land” with a new attraction.  The ride uses 3-D technology, driver-less vehicle technology and it is a multi-sensory attraction.
photo courtesy of Universal Orlando

     Coming in 2017, we await the opening of a new attraction, Jimmy Fallon’s Race Through New York at Universal Studios Florida and a third park, Volcano Bay Water Park which is being constructed next to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort onsite hotel. It has also been reported that Universal has made a substantial land purchase along International Drive to possibly be a new park.  Universal has also recently announced plans to build a sixth value priced onsite hotel, The Aventura Hotel.  The future is full of great possibilities!
Volcano Bay Water Park opening 2017 (photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)
Universal's newest project:  The Aventura Hotel

Honorable Mention:  Universal Orlando has covered parking!  

     Many offsite hotels offer a free shuttles as well as other discounts and perks (see link), but if you're driving, you may park in one of two enormous parking garages and most of it has covered parking.  It is so much nicer to return to a car which hasn't baked in the hot Florida sun all day!  Other parking options offered for an extra fee are Preferred Parking and Valet Parking.  After 6pm, parking is only $5 and free for Florida residents (except during special events such as Halloween Horror Nights).

Mary deSilva is a Universal Orlando expert, artist, chef, teacher, travel guide author, and vlogger.  

 Click here for Mary deSilva's travel books

 Click here for Mary's YouTube channel.

 Click here for Mary deSilva's artwork.

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