For years, Disney World has reigned as the gold standard for family vacations. But times are changing. With soaring ticket prices, overwhelming planning requirements, and packed parks, Disneyland is no longer the automatic choice it once was. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Florida is not just catching up — it’s leaping ahead.
With more value, less stress, immersive worlds like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, and the game-changing new Epic Universe park opening in 2025, Universal Orlando has cemented its place as a must-visit destination. And after a recent sneak peek at Epic Universe, I can confidently say: Walt Disney himself would be blown away by what Universal is building.
1. Universal Offers More Value for Your Money
A single-day Disney World ticket can run over $180 per person, per land, and that doesn’t include extras like Genie+ (Disney’s paid line-skipping service), meals, or parking. Staying on-site? Be ready to pay a premium.
In contrast, Universal Orlando offers more affordable tickets, value hotel packages, and better perks. Many hotels include free Express Passes, early park entry, and complimentary transportation — all of which save you time and money. The total experience costs less and feels like more.
2. Planning at Universal Is Simple and Family-Friendly
Disney World vacations now require a strategy guide, including park reservations, mobile apps, ride time booking, and juggling Genie+. It’s a lot.
Universal makes it easy. Buy a ticket, show up, and have a great time. With the Express Pass, you skip the lines at most rides — and it’s often included if you stay at a premier Universal hotel. Less phone time, more ride time. That’s how vacations should be.
3. Immersive Worlds You’ll Never Forget
Universal Studios Florida sets the bar for next-level themed lands. Walk through the fire-breathing gates of Diagon Alley, sip butterbeer in Hogsmeade, and board the Hogwarts Express to get from one land to the other — no theme park in the world captures the magic of Harry Potter quite like this.
Then there’s Jurassic Park, where the VelociCoaster delivers heart-racing thrills and the land itself feels like stepping onto Isla Nublar. From Minion Mayhem to Transformers, Universal’s attractions aren’t just rides — they’re full-on experiences.
4. Epic Universe Is the Future — and I Got a Sneak Peek
I recently had the rare opportunity to preview Epic Universe, and it’s nothing short of extraordinary. Universal isn’t just building a new theme park — they’re redefining what a theme park can be.
Each land is accessed through a “portal” — massive, immersive gateways that transport you into entirely different worlds. It’s a bold creative move that will blow guests away the moment they step inside. From what I saw, the shows, architecture, and attention to detail are so revolutionary that even Walt Disney himself would’ve admired this level of storytelling and innovation.
With lands based on Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters, Epic Universe is the kind of experience that will make jaws drop and imaginations soar. It’s not just exciting — it’s historic.
5. New Hotels Make Universal a True Vacation Destination
Universal isn’t stopping at rides. The resort is adding brand-new hotels to support Epic Universe, offering more options for every budget — from luxury stays to family-friendly values.
These hotels are more than places to sleep. Many come with early park access, Express Pass benefits, and seamless transportation. Staying at Universal means you never leave the experience, from the moment you check in to the second you ride your last coaster.
Disney World may evoke nostalgia, but Universal Studios Florida offers a better, more exciting, and more affordable family vacation experience today. And with Epic Universe arriving soon, it’s clear: Universal isn’t just keeping pace with Disney — they’re rewriting the playbook.
If it’s not already on your family’s radar, it’s time to make a change. Whether you’re a Potterhead, thrill-seeker, or Nintendo fan, Universal Studios Florida — and especially Epic Universe — belongs at the top of your travel bucket list.
