Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World are both well-known theme parks located in Orlando. But Universal offers a much more thrilling experience than Disney does. 

Universal is more suited for thrill seekers looking for a variety of intense roller coasters. The Jurassic World VelociCoaster features two high-speed launches, four inversions, a 155-foot “top hat,” and reaches a top speed of 70 miles per hour. 

The intensity of Disney’s coasters is nothing compared to those at Universal. Disney’s rides cater more to children and families wanting a more relaxed vacation.

Universal’s four parks are themed and focus on various TV shows, movies, and video games.

Those parks would be Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, the Universal Epic Universe park, and the Universal Volcano Bay water park.

The Simpsons section of the park features a Simpsons ride and also food themed from the show, including a giant, pink-frosted donut.

Throughout Universal, there are many themed food options, including the Red Shell Calzone in Nintendo World, a Minion swiss roll in Minion Land, or Chocolate frogs, which are not actually frogs, in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal also has restaurants scattered throughout the parks. 

Universal’s more compact size makes it easier to explore all four parks, while Disney’s parks are more spread out. Disney guests have to use the monorail, Disney’s Skyliner, or buses to travel to the next Disney park. Meanwhile, it is easy to walk between parks at Universal, though the Hogwarts train is also available. 

There are eleven on-site hotels at Universal, which makes it more convenient for those spending multiple days in the park.

The overall atmosphere is also better than that at Disney. The parks make visitors feel as if they are in the actual world of the TV show or movie. The scenery is more detail-oriented. 

For example, in the Harry Potter section of the park, the architecture and buildings in Diagon Alley feel as if it is the real place from the movies.

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have fought for the No. 1 spot in amusement parks throughout America for a while. While both have brought in millions of customers and have a large variety of food stands and even similar rides, Walt Disney World beats all other contenders.

The variety of Disney’s parks stands out. Disney World has four theme parks, a waterpark, and an entertainment complex. Each of the different areas allows for variety in the amusement park. One day can be designated for swimming and water slides, whereas the next can be for riding rollercoasters.

One of the most popular theme parks is Magic Kingdom, which brings in 17 million visitors on average each year. The theme park has many rides that allow kids and adults of all ages to have fun, including Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise.

Space Mountain is famously known for a large drop in the middle of the ride. The atmosphere is dark, giving the ride its edge. Jungle Cruise, on the other hand, is a calmer ride, aimed for families.

Another aspect that makes Disney World a more favorable park is the family-friendly atmosphere.

Disney World offers more for families with young children. Live shows, such as the Frozen Sing Along and the Festival of the Lion King, allow adults to sit down and relax while kids are entertained.

Disney World is more expensive than Universal Orlando, but it offers more rides, food options, and resorts that make the price worth paying.

Universal is a more mature park, with rides focused on entertaining adults and teenagers. Many rides have a thrill aspect like a major drop, dark environment, and more. But families with younger children are more likely to vacation to Disney World due to the better, family-friendly atmosphere. 

Universal also has multiple 3D and 4D rides, which are not suitable for those prone to motion sickness. This limits many rides for those that are unable to ride these coasters.

Universal is a close second to Disney World in amusement parks throughout America, but Disney World offers a major difference in variety, familial atmosphere, and diversity in rides, making it the better park.