Would it be better for my family to go to universal or disney?

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Natterjack9

If you are looking for a great trip that EVERYONE in the family can enjoy, then I would choose Disney. Disney has something at every park that will appeal to any age, from 1 to 99. There is so much more to do at Disney it is incredible. Universal has 2 parks with mostly thrill rides. Disney has 4 parks with 3 water parks, not to mention Downtown Disney, with rides for everyone, including the thrill seekers.

I would consider staying on Disney property as well. With a family your size and ages Disney is the best choice. They have resorts that are price comparable to anything else in Orlando, plus the biggest reason to stay with Disney, perks. They really take care of their resort guests. Not only do you get the famous Disney service, but you also get the perks that are reserved for resort guests only. For example, unlimited use of the transportation system. The off site resorts and hotels offer shuttle service, but then you are on their time schedule, not your own. Also, in some cases there is an extra charge for shuttle service. There is the extra Magic hours, where one park is open early and one late for resort guests only. There are so many more I couldn't possibly list them all, plus again the famous service of Disney.

I would also consider buying passes that include the park hopper option. The base ticket will allow you to get into one park every day, but that is it. Say, for example, you have spent the day at the Magic Kingdom and want to hit MGM at night for the Fantasmic night show. You are only able to do this with the park hopper option on your tickets. It just gives you all th flexibility you could hope for.

There are three main sources I use when planning a trip to Disney. First, go to the Disney web site. Your kids will also like the site, because you can get a good look at all the attractions and rides and make a list of favorites. Also, check out the disboards. At the disboards you can get all the info you need about going to Disney, including info on Universal. You can ask questions, get plenty of response, get trip reports, dining reports, resort reviews, dining reviews, and even tips on how to beat the crowds. It is so much info, all from people who like to visit Disney and know what they are talking about. Finally, go to the bookstore and pick up the Birnbaum's guide to WDW and the Birnbaum's guide to WDW for Kids by Kids. There are a ton of guide books out there, but those are the ones that have worked best for us. It will also give your kids a chance to help plan the trip and give a little input.

Hope this helps. I have an 11 yr. old and 7 yr old, and they pick Disney hands down. I know that your family wouldn't be dissapointed.

DAB

Disney! Get the park hopper pass!

Stanley the Westie

If you are already going for a vacation why don't you go both?I've been to both and I absolutely love both.

xxiilynxiixx

Universal is a great time but Disney is an experience.

nancie_usa

Disney is better for 14 and younger.

itchianna

In my opion you can not beat Disney World it has everything. I know many people who have gone to both and everyone loves both, but most prefer Disneyworld for a variety of age groups. Judging by the crowds I have seen Univeral is more popular with teen and young adults and Disney is more well rounded for the entire famiy.

imparicial

mh...... I don't want to piss your 13 and 10 yr olds, but disney is the best bet.

tabulator32

OMG!

Disney!

Disney by far!

Disney hands down!

Dawn V

In terms of something to do for everyone, Disney is your answer.
Perhaps the 2 children are thinking that Disney is for smaller kids, or that Universal will have more exciting rides?I think Disney gets this reputation due to Magic Kingdom and hte character greetings, etc. (which, by the way, are WONDERFUL if you have kids who are into it.. I tear up everytime my daughter meets a Princess!)

But remind your older kids that Magic Kingdom has Space Mountain, Epcot has the test track and there are 2 great water parks in Disney as well. Animal Kingdom has the safari. MGM has some fabulous movie/behind-the-scenes rides, but is generally not as exciting as the other parks if you are not into the movie thing.
(but is the only place to meet Sully and Mike from Monsters, Inc.)
I really believe that once all of yoru kids get to Disney, no one will be disappointed! That is disney's gig: they make it magical for all ages.
And Disney's shows cannot be beat. They are true Masterpieces. The Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom cannot be explained. and shouldn't be missed.

Can you stay at Disney?
I know a lot of people, including myself in thebeginning, want to save money on the hotel and stay at hte cheaper resorts.
If this is a once-in-a-decade trip, I would strongly urge you to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge with a room looking into the safari. You wke up to the giraffes eating by your trees. (bring binoculars for kids.. the staff will give you an animal sighting chart to check off) It is TOO cool. (also, restaurant there, Jiko, is amazing)

Universal was fun, but it doesn't leave you with the feeling that you want to go back over and over again.
That's Disney's goal, and they do it very well.

Zeltar

When in Orlando, you go to Disney. When in Hollywood, you go to Universal.

bibi272bibi45285652

disney

MIMIâ™¥407

ok i live in orlando and have for 14 years now. I think if you have the money to spend disney. But if your looking for something cheaper then universal. but disney is more fun (even for the adults) and much bigger! But what you can do is stay at disney and citywalk (part of universal has like a movie theater hard rock live and a boat which you can ride just get off where you got on) is free to get in at like 7pm! I always go to citywalk for the movies or just to walk around! and we never have to pay to get in! but disney would be my choice!

flip flop freak :)

Disney World for sure, they have awesome rides. The 14 year old will like Tower of Terror, Test Track, Rockin' Roller Coaster, and tons more! So, will the 10 year old. Besides, Disney world has 4 theme parks not including the water parks and Universal only has 2. There is more attractions there, also. Well, whatever you choose, hopes its great!

TrophyWife

I think for the sake of the 7yr old id go to Disney, much more exciting and magical for the younger one and there are still rides for the older ones.

noName

I think you should have a vote, because both are fun. Good Luck and have fun.

Romans 8:28

I like WDW over Universal. You get more for the $$$, and no matter how long you stay, it seems like it's never long enough to see & do everything. (Our last visit was for 9 days!) Depending on how much $ you have / want to spend, and how long you have, you could possibly do both. The first time we went to WDW, we did take one day and go to Universal Studios - but there was only 1 Universal park back then...

shellybear0925

Spring for the package that gives you a certain amount of days in each park. I would prefer Universal though....it's awesome.

Yo-yo girl

Do the kids like movies or rides more? That may help you make a decision.

Kate B

disney rocks, but when i went there sleepy (isnt that one of the 7 dwarfs) ripped my shirt!

universal rocks, fun fun fun

disney rock, fun fun fun

im 12 and id go both places.

di_ane1965@yahoo.co.uk

I have done the "Disney Thing" loads of times. From experience you are far better booking everything seperate. Book with one company and they charge well over the top for everything. Go online, shop around and book seperately.

PEPPERMINT â™¥ PATTY

Universal has better rides for older children. I was to both parks and enjoyed both of them. I would go to Universal for the rides, but I think all your children would enjoy seeing Disney.

Lynn

I would check out the prices and see what the major difference is if I had to choose. Recently my daughter went
thru Disneyland, but this was at Anaheim, Calif. and she
was not impressed with the new additions. And the cost was
unbelievably expensive, even tho the pass was for two days.
The cost of souvineer shirts was also really high too. So if
what these other contributors say about having more rides
at Universal, I'd go for that with kids that have to be entertained and don't want to walk around. As if there's a
vast difference in prices at both parks, you won't probably
have much money to eat on and buy things the kids want at
Disneyland. I hear the food is pitiful anyway. And it was when
we as a family went when the kids were little. It pays some-
times to eat out before going in, and just buying drinks and
snacks once you are inside.. That will help out alot I'd think.
This is just practical thinking having had a family to feed and
entertain at Disney, Knotts Berry Farm, and a couple others
in the S. Cal. area one summer.

Lily Pad

Disneyland is fun for all ages. But so is Universal.
I guess you should try to please the oldest because he or she will be grown and gone from home first. But make it understood to all that NEXT time you will do what the younger ones want.

bomber_9_11

saef i

orlando dude it's better

Jimee77

I have been to both twice.

It is widely agreed that Universal has better rides.

And IMO, the wandering characters in Universal are more entertaining than the wandering stuffed animals in Disney.

I also enjoyed the shows at Universal more than those at Disney.

Disney seems to be clinging to a routine established 30 years ago which I found a little stale.

In short, I enjoyed Universal much more.

I went at ages 14 and 16.

I hope this has been helpful.

PS. Stay away from Epcot

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