5 Things Universal Does Better than Disney

Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are both great places to visit. But, at the end of the day, there are quite a few areas where Universal certainly shines, especially right now.

Universal Orlando Resort vs. Walt Disney World Resort

It is tough to go about comparing Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort as they are two completely different places. Both are full of magic if you go looking for it. It certainly is possible to love both!

But, as someone who spends a good deal of time in both parks, I can assuredly say that there are at least a few areas where Universal Orlando Resort has the upper hand. Here is a rundown of 5 things that are currently better at Universal Orlando Resort. And we will see if that list expands once Epic Opens.

1. Scary Stuff

If you like scary thrill rides and scary events, Universal is the place to be. While there is fun for the whole family, there are thrills and chills if you are after them.

Certainly, Disney does have some thrill rides. But they are typically “all in good fun thrills.” Tower of Terror is scary, and Rock n Roller Coaster is the park’s only coaster with inversions (so far). Universal on the other hand has BIG thrills and visually intimidating coasters with much more scare factor. You will notice a larger percentage of the attractions are thrill-based.

Universal even has some scary character interactions. I have seen people flee in terror at Raptor Encounter.

Moreover, while Disney hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Universal holds an actual horror event called Halloween Horror Nights. This is full of haunted houses that are full of chilling scenes instead of Happy Haunts. It also has plenty of scare zones that are not designed for the faint of heart.

If you like to live on the edge, you will find fun at either resort, but Universal will be more your speed.

2. Refillable Drinks

People talk a lot about Disney’s Resort Refillable mugs. It is true that RapidRefill mugs are nice for soda drinkers to enjoy. However, many people find them limiting because you can only refill them at a resort hotel.

Once you enjoy a souvenir Freestyle Cup at Universal, you may wonder why Disney has been holding out on us. Not only are Freestyle soda machines available to refill your cups at Universal hotels, but they are also available throughout the Universal theme parks. Bonus: you can use these machines for water too if you bring your own water bottles.

Another thing people tend to like about Universal’s mug policy is that there are more flexible pricing options for refillable mugs. Disney charges one set price for a refillable mug for the length of your stay, up to 14 days. Universal on the other hand will let you purchase a mug for a single day, 2 days, 5 days, 7 days, or the length of your stay.

3. Play Areas

Everyone knows that kids love to play. Right now Universal has a leg up on providing play areas for kids to enjoy.

This is partly because Walt Disney World has demolished some of its play areas, including the Laughing Place in Frontierland. The area now serves as Stroller Parking.

Disney also has plans to continue the demolition of play spaces to make room for attractions with queues to wait in. The Boneyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Tom Sawyer’s Island at the Magic Kingdom are both destined for extinction.

That is not to say the replacements for play areas aren’t always great. The Honey I Shrunk the Kids play space in Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a lot of fun, but most people probably agree that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was an upgrade. But, how fun would a simple Star Wars playground have been for little fans?

It is true that Universal has also demolished play areas in Universal Studios Orlando. However, the difference is that the park incorporated play spaces into the replacement plans. This includes Shrek’s Playground, Poppy’s Playground, and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, a water play area, in the new DreamWorks Land.

Also, Universal has great places for kids of all ages to enjoy. Even older kids love Camp Jurassic and the hands-on activities at Jurassic Discovery Center. There is also a fun play space at Suess Landing. You can find water play at Me Ship, The Olive.

Even Epic Universe will have dedicated play spaces for children to enjoy. Viking Training Camp in How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and a splash pad in Celestial Park will provide space for fun for a break from waiting in queues.

While Disney has announced some temporary children’s experiences including Fun Zones, so far, Disney has shown no signs of incorporating new play areas into any of the expansions or updates. Universal definitely has the upper hand for unless Disney surprises us. And, of course, Universal might decide to demolish its own play areas in favor of more rides someday too. But, we hope they consider preserving at least some element of free play if they do.

4. Interactive In-Park Experiences

Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort offer interactive experiences in the parks. Disney has several ways guests can interact with the parks using their MagicBand+

The Golden Statues respond to MagicBand+. You can also play games like Bounty Hunters in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or Duck Tales in World Showcase at EPCOT.

But surely nothing quite compares with the level of interactivity Universal offers in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where guests can use their wands to cast spells. And the new second-generation wands add another layer of fun for their owners.

Of course, wands are pricier than MagicBand+. A MagicBand+ is typically around $40 while the interactive wands start at $65. But, one thing about the wands is that if they break, Universal replaces them free of charge. Both of my children have needed wand “repairs.”

Wands aside, another thing Universal has is walk-up Interactive experiences. In Islands of Adventure, go visit the Mystic Fountain over at Sinbad’s Bazaar on The Lost Continent. This fiesty fountain loves joking with guests. But, watch out because you might get wet!

Or, check out the Knight Bus over at Universal Studios outside Diagon Alley. A talkative shrunken head mysteriously interacts with Guests. He is admittedly creepy, but the kids are always fascinated to converse with him.

You can experience similar things at Monsters Laugh Floor and Turtle Talk with Crush at Walt Disney World, but those are attractions with queues and large audiences, and only a few people get special interactions. At Universal, the offerings typically have walk-up availability with very short waits and a 100% personalized experience.

5. Passholder Perks

There are perks for being a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, and there are also perks for being a Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholder. Both of the resorts offer discounted hotel rates and food discounts for their own Annual Passholders. Both are subject to offering dedicated lines for AP entry into the parks. Both offer then to offer AP previews for new park offerings. And, both offer discounted special event tickets with relative frequency.

However, this is another area where Universal Orlando Edges out Disney. For example, Disney’s AP discount typically only extends to select table service restaurants and Joffery’s Coffee Carts. Every now and then it has been known to provide discounts for the various food booths at EPCOT’s festivals. On the other hand, you can use your UOAP discount for food just about anywhere at Universal Orlando Resort, including quick service locations, snack carts, and Starbucks.

Also, periodically Walt Disney World offers passholders a dedicated AP lounge. There is an AP lounge year-round at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Moreover, it seems as if Universal usually gives out some sort of freebies to UOAPs. From special buttons to magnets to lanyards, there is usually something to collect, and there is typically a location in both theme parks, which is pretty convenient. Disney often gives out Magnets, but distribution is typically limited to a single location in EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs, depending on where Disney wishes to increase crowd flow at that time.

UOAPs also often have dedicated spaces for things such as parade viewing. They even get UOAP exclusive offerings like the opportunity to ride parade floats. These are things you do not often find at Walt Disney World.

Regardless, the primary benefit is being able to visit the parks you love as often as you are able. But, it is nice to enjoy the perks, too.

Is there anything you think Universal does better than Disney or anything Universal needs to do to catch up? Let us know! And be sure to pass the story on to your friends who love visiting the theme parks.