Over the last two years, we have compared Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando to decide which is the better resort. Comparisons are not that easy as Walt Disney World remains much bigger than Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World is, after all, the most visited resort destination in the World. However, Universal Orlando has some of the top attractions in Orlando and is undergoing a period of expansion. Who wins in 2019? Will it be Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World?
Over the last two years, we have sat on the fence and declared a draw between the two resorts. However, this year we have a winner.
Service
We have not changed our opinion on this from last year. While traditionally, this would be a clear win for Disney on our previous few trips we have found Universal staff much more helpful. Disney has not suddenly become bad at service, but they have been overtaken.
The little extra niceties which Disney was famous for are now done just as well by Universal, perhaps even better. Mrs. Modernlifeisgood celebrated her birthday this year at Universal, and it was better than Walt Disney World. From greetings to freebies to getting offered our own raft on Jurassic Park, it was all just a little more magical.
Our Opinion: Win Universal
New Attractions
Both resorts have had new attractions in 2019. Unfortunately, both have not gone quite to plan. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios is now not opening until 2020 and the new Disney Skyliner had an unfortunate crash following its opening.
Over at Universal, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has been plagued with reliability issues. Over 6 months following the coasters opening full capacity has still not been reach. Although reliability has improved it is still inconsistent. Unfortunately, there has been no other big new attractions in 2019, and 2018’s Fast & Furious – Supercharged has not become a big draw.
Walt Disney World has been more successful with the well-received Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land is now fully open, and Rise of the Resistance is receiving rave reviews. Also, 2017’s Avatar and 2018’s Toy Story attractions continue to be very popular.
It is hard not to award the point for new attractions to Walt Disney World. However, with a new Jurassic World Coaster coming and the new Park Universal’s Epic Universe announced, expect this to be a tight contest in the coming years.
Our Opinion: Win Walt Disney World
Choice of Food
Over the last two years, Walt Disney World has won this category, and it does not change in 2019. While food has improved at Universal it can’t even get close to the number of options you will find at Walt Disney World.
This year we also needed to explore gluten-free options, and while both resorts do offer good selections, Walt Disney World provides by far the better selections.
Our Opinion: Win Walt Disney World
Thrill Seekers
A new category for 2019 is which resort offers the best thrill-seeking experience. While there is plenty for all guests to enjoy at both resorts, this is an area Universal excels. Universal does not do filler attractions and is the home to big thrills.
Our Opinion: Win Universal
Whole Family Experience
Everyone can enjoy a few days at both Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World. However, if you have young children or do not enjoy big-thrills, Walt Disney World does cater more to your needs. Hopefully, the new Universal park provides more for young children than current offerings.
Our Opinion: Win Walt Disney World
Lines
Last year the winner was Universal, but Hagrid’s Coaster has made this decision more difficult.
We find this a difficult area to judge as we have used Universal Express Pass for our recent visits. Walt Disney World certainly seems to be a fairer system with everyone having access to Fastpass+.
However, if you judge standby waits at both Universal & Disney World, the winner used to be obvious. You would ride more attractions at Universal, but waiting for Hagrid’s Coaster has made this more difficult to predict.
Our Opinion: Draw
Cleanliness & Park Maintenance
Last year we noted standards of cleanliness appear to have deteriorated in parts of Walt Disney World in recent years and awarded Universal a point. We still feel resort cleanliness is better at Universal.
However, we have noticed areas at both resorts are in need of increased maintenance. The most noticeable areas are in Islands of Adventure which I feel needs some urgent TLC.
Our Opinion: Draw
Resorts
We love staying at both Universal and Walt Disney World. However, we have a favorite, and that is Walt Disney World.
Universal’s resorts are all charming, but they don’t feel very magical. In comparison, Walt Disney World’s Resorts all feel an enhanced part of your vacation.
Both Universal & Disney World offers several added benefits for resort guests. Generally, these benefits are better at Walt Disney World unless you book one of Universal’s Top 3 resorts and get an included Express Pass.
Our Opinion: Win Walt Disney World
The Final Result
It is a Walt Disney World win!
In 2019, we feel Walt Disney World is better than Universal Orlando Resort. However, it is a close call and both resorts have their strengths.
There is a lot of expansions happening at both resorts over the next few years. It certainly isn’t impossible for Universal Orlando to take the title next year.
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