When planning a vacation to Orlando, many travelers debate between visiting Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. Both options provide exclusive accommodation that allows guests added benefits including proximity, early park entry, and transportation. It can be difficult to determine which option has better value, especially when it comes to these accommodations. This is even more evident at the deluxe or signature (formerly premier) level. Guests who desire to pay the top dollar for the best accommodations want to make sure that they are getting the most for their money. Which destination has the best top accommodations? Let’s take a look and find out.
Skipping the Line
Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort now offer benefits for guests staying at their top resorts that allow for less time in the queues and the ability to ride more attractions in a day. However, this perk is free at Universal Orlando Resort and comes at a per person/day cost at Walt Disney World.
At Walt Disney World, the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass is available only to guests staying at Deluxe-level resorts. The pass entitles guests to one-time entry to all attractions at one park, per person, per day. Additionally, the pass does not require any return times and guests can ride attractions when they wish. However, this pass comes at a cost of hundreds of dollars per person/day. Moreover, it cannot be used at multiple parks, so guests who choose to park hop will not be able to use the pass at each park. The pass must be purchased again daily to be used at different parks. This could potentially add thousands to an already pricey Walt Disney World vacation.
At Universal Orlando Resort, guests staying at signature collection resorts (except for the Helios Grand Hotel opening next year), are granted Unlimited Express Passes for each guest for each night of stay. Unlimited Express Pass allows guests to enter the express lane of most attractions unlimited times and usually costs over $150 per person/day. There are no return times or restrictions on how many times guests can ride each attraction. The pass is also valid for all nights of stay and can be used at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure interchangeably whether on the same day or different days. Unfortunately, the Unlimited Express Pass will not be offered at Epic Universe for the foreseeable future. You can learn what to expect in the early days of Epic Universe here.
Proximity to Fun
It is hard to argue for the proximity of the highest-level resorts when Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Orlando Resort. While all current Signature hotels at Universal Orlando Resort are within walking distance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World can’t be close to all four parks. All deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World require bus transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While few are within walking distance of one or more parks, most deluxe resorts offer multiple forms of transportation to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.
Additional Amenities
Guests staying at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort hotels are privy to early park entry. At present, early entry is only available at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. Early park entry is available at all parks at Walt Disney World (with some restrictions at Magic Kingdom). Guests staying at a Walt Disney World deluxe resort are also granted Extended Evening hours, allowing for exclusive park time. These extended hours are available at specified parks on certain dates.
Both top-tier resorts offer various dining options as well. Guests at Walt Disney World can enjoy character meals, signature dining experiences, and quick-service options. At Universal Orlando Resort, guests at one of the signature collection resorts have quick-service and signature dining experiences as well as Starbucks. However, there are no character experiences available at these resorts.
The choice between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort hotels largely depends on your vacation goals. If you would like quick access to the parks and plan to ride a lot of attractions, then Universal Orlando Resort may be a better value. However, guests looking for lower crowds with exclusive park time and more dining options may choose Walt Disney World. Whichever you choose, both resorts promise a memorable experience!
