Is Universal Orlando Resort Part of Disney World?
If you’re wondering if Universal Orlando Resort is part of Disney World, take it from the vacation home experts at Storey Drive Homes for Sale by Authentic: no, Universal is not part of Disney.
In fact, these premier tourist attractions couldn’t be more different! Universal Orlando Resort is all about thrills, with state-of-the-art motion simulators and hair-raising roller coasters sure to leave even the most jaded thrill-seeker in awe. But if Universal inspires awe, Walt Disney World inspires aww.
The Walt Disney World Resort is all about wholesome family entertainment, with family-friendly rides and shows geared toward kids and kids at heart. But don’t just take our word for it. With our partners at Paradiso Grande Homes by Authentic, you can compare them for yourself in the first and only vacation home resort located directly between Universal and Disney – for science, of course.
Differences Between Universal Studios and Disney World
Universal Studios and Disney World are not affiliated.
In fact, they couldn’t be more different.
Read on to learn more about how Orlando’s number-one and number-two theme parks, Disney and Universal, differ.
1. Universal Studios is the Awe to Disney World’s Aww
In comparing Universal Studios and Disney World, it’s a battle of awe vs aww.
Universal Orlando Resort, which comprises Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, boasts jaw-dropping rides – from the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ride to the Incredible Hulk Coaster, to Revenge of the Mummy, and the new VelociCoaster – designed to get your heart racing.
But where Universal is designed to get your heart racing, Walt Disney World is designed to melt hearts, with rides like It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Slinky Dog Dash, and Frozen Ever After sure to thaw the iciest dispositions.
2. Universal Studios is Slightly Less Expensive Than Disney World
If you’re vacationing on a budget, Universal Orlando Resort may be a better option than Walt Disney World.
While it’s not a huge difference, Universal Studios boasts a slightly cheaper price of admission, and more affordable shopping and dining, than Disney.
But even though the price differences aren’t significant if it’s just you, for large families they’re more noticeable.
3. Universal Opens Earlier and Closes Later Than Disney World
Looking to make the most out of your day at the parks?
While hours vary for both parks, Universal Orlando Resort typically opens earlier and closes later than Walt Disney World.
With gates usually opening at 8am (compared to 9am for Disney) and closing at 10pm (Disney usually closes between 7pm and 9pm), Universal gives you more rush with less rushing.
4. Universal Orlando Resort is More Alcohol Friendly Than Disney World
Thrills aren’t the only thing more adult-friendly about Universal Orlando Resort.
If you like to toss a few back, Universal is the park for you.
While Walt Disney World serves alcohol, it’s mostly beer and wine.
But at Universal, you’ll find a wide selection of drinks, including one-of-a-kind cocktails, available at every turn.
5. Walt Disney World Has More Diverse Attractions Than Universal Studios
Universal Orlando’s two main parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, feature a range of rides and attractions, from roller coasters to motion simulators, to water rides, shows, interactive play areas, and more.
But if you want real diversity of attractions, Disney is hard to beat.
With four main sister parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, Disney truly has something for everyone.
From roller coasters like Expedition Everest and Space Mountain, to carnival-style rides like the Mad Teacups and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, to state-of-the-art rides like Mission Space that rival Universal’s most innovative motion simulators, to character meet-and-greets, parades, musical shows, and more, Disney’s four parks promise fun for every member of the family.
Pro tip: buy a park-hopper pass and experience them all!
So, is Universal Orlando Resort Part of Disney World?
So, if you’re still wondering whether Universal Orlando Resort is part of Walt Disney World, let the vacation rental experts at Storey Drive Homes for Sale put your doubts to bed.
Universal Orlando is unequivocally not a part of the Walt Disney World Resort.
However, with our partners at Paradiso Grande Homes for Sale by Authentic, you can put both Universal and Disney on your next vacation itinerary, with the first-ever short-term rental community located directly between the parks.
And between your vacations, you can put both parks to work for your investment portfolio by renting to two reliable demographics of vacationers!
Discover the Best Things to Do in Universal
Planning your trip to Universal Orlando?
Discover the best things to do at Universal below!
1. VelociCoaster
Since opening in 2021, Universal’s newest ride, the VelociCoaster, has been appearing on top-coasters lists around the world.
This Jurassic World-themed steel coaster takes riders from 0 to 50, and from the 21 st century to the Jurassic, in just 2 seconds, with state-of-the-art coaster technology and immersive prehistoric design.
2. E.T. Adventure
Making its debut at Universal Studios’ grand opening in 1990 and delighting riders ever since, the E.T. Adventure proves that some stories are timeless.
On this O.G. Universal dark ride, you and E.T. soar over northern California as you escape the government baddies by flying bicycle.
E.T. Adventure offers a low-octane break from the thrills and chills of Universal’s coasters and motion simulators.
And kids love it, even if they haven’t seen the movie!
3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is an innovative roller coaster combining classic coaster thrills with state-of-the-art animatronics.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Harry Potter as you and Hagrid speed through a menagerie of fantastical beasts!
4. The Incredible Hulk Coaster
Arguably Islands of Adventure’s most iconic ride, the Incredible Hulk Coaster is…well…incredible.
This steel “launch” coaster lets riders experience the rage and adrenaline of becoming the Hulk, with a friction wheel propulsion mechanism that accelerates the train from 0 to 40 mph in just 2 seconds.
Not thrilling enough?
With a top speed of 67 mph, 7 inversions, and a death-defying “zero-g roll,” the Hulk certainly doesn’t rest on the laurels of its innovative launch system.
5. Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
Perhaps Universal Orlando’s most thrilling ride, Dr. Doom’s Fearfall has been simulating near-death experiences since 1999.
But this is no simulator.
Dr. Doom’s Fearfall is a “space shot ride” that launches visitors 184 feet in the air before dropping them straight down, then repeating the launch-and-drop sequence one more time.
The ride offers breathtaking views of the park and makes a great way to dry off after one of the park’s water rides.
But needless to say, if you have a severe fear of heights, you may want to sit this one out.
If You’re Skipping Universal Orlando Resort, Discover the Best Things to Do in Disney World!
The Walt Disney World Resort has evolved quite a bit since opening in 1971.
But you’ll still find plenty of classic attractions you know and love.
Discover the best things to do in Disney World below!
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Ready to save the galaxy?
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the flagship attraction at Galaxy’s Edge, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
With elements of a dark ride, drop ride, walk-through, and motion simulator, and combined animatronic, projection, and screen-based effects, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced rides in Disney history.
2. Space Mountain
This classic Magic Kingdom ride is still blowing visitors’ minds nearly 40 years since it opened.
An all-indoor roller coaster, Space Mountain hurtles riders through the dark vacuum of space for a ride experience that’s truly out of this world!
3. Expedition Everest
Want to take your theme park fun to vertiginous heights?
Then you don’t want to miss Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
On this elaborate steel roller coaster, the most expensive ever built according to Guinness World Records, riders board a train that takes them to the summit of Mount Everest.
There, they face off with the legendary Yeti, a 25-foot-tall animatronic creature that holds its own impressive record – as the largest piece of audio-animatronics ever created by Disney.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney World’s oldest and most iconic rides – especially since the success of the Johnny Depp-led film franchise of the same name.
And while it’s certainly not the most technologically advanced or thrilling ride at the park, with a near-40-year run, this more-or-less unaltered charmer must be doing something right.
5. Food and Wine Festival
While not a ride or attraction per se, EPCOT’s annual Food and Wine Festival should not be missed.
Looking for more grown-up Disney fun?
You’ll find it at the Food and Wine Festival, a gastronomic tour of world cultures that’s educational, fun, and delicious!
Where to Stay When Visiting Universal Orlando Resort or Disney World?
Planning a vacation to Universal or Disney?
Want to make your accommodations an unforgettable part of your vacation magic?
Scroll below to discover the best ways to stay on your next Orlando vacation!
1. Storey Drive Resort
Take it from Orlando’s Storey Drive experts – if you to stay in a storybook setting the next time you visit Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, Storey Drive is the place for you.
With a range of vacation rentals to meet a range of needs, resort-style amenities including an on-site water park, and proximity to the parks, is both magical and practical.
Ask how our in-house booking specialists at ILoveVH by Authentic can help you book your storybook vacation today.
Or better yet, make this community home base for all your future Orlando vacations with a great deal on Storey Drive real estate from Storey Drive Homes for Sale!
2. Paradiso Grande Resort
Can’t decide between Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort?
At Paradiso Grande Resort, you don’t have to!
Paradiso Grande Resort is the first and only vacation home community built directly between Disney and Universal, letting you add both parks to your itinerary with maximum convenience.
And with a prime I-Drive address in the heart of the Orlando tourist district, it’s one of Orlando’s most sought-after resorts with tourists of all types.
Want to capitalize on this high demand?
Ask how our partners at Paradiso Grande Homes for Sale can help you invest in Orlando’s premier new vacation home community, Paradiso Grande, today!
No, Universal Orlando Resort is Not Part of Disney World
So, to settle matters once and for all: no, Universal Orlando Resort is not part of Disney World.
However, you can add both parks to your next vacation itinerary, and to years of vacation itineraries to come, with a vacation home from Storey Drive Homes for Sale or our partners at Paradiso Grande Homes for Sale.
