How to Combine Disney World and Universal Orlando into One Trip
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Most people know that Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World. The two juggernauts, Disney and Universal, constantly battle to entice vacationers to their parks over the others. Sure, you could choose between them. But with so much fun to go around, why not visit both?
Visiting Universal and Disney World in one trip could seem daunting, but it is doable. In this article, I have put together several itineraries and my best tips for planning and enjoying an Orlando vacation that includes both Disney and Universal.
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Disney and Universal Combo Itineraries (for 5, 7, 10, or 14 days)
To fully experience both Universal Orlando and Disney World, I recommend a 10-day vacation. However, you can still have a great time on a shorter trip. You just need to prioritize which parks and attractions are most important to you. For all the itineraries, I recommend doing a split stay between a Universal hotel and a Disney hotel.
👉 Jump to: In 5 Days | In 7 Days | In 10 Days | In 14 Days
5-Day Itinerary
I recommend purchasing the park hopper option for your tickets to Disney and Universal on a 5-day trip. This will allow you to bounce around and visit your priority attractions.
It is very hard to see and do everything during a short trip. If it is in your budget, the Universal Express Pass and Disney Genie+ can minimize wait times at the parks.
- 🏨 Day 1: Check in to Universal Hotel, visit Islands of Adventure
- 🌎 Day 2: Check out of Universal Hotel, visit Universal Studios, and transfer to Disney Hotel in the evening
- 🏰 Day 3: Visit Magic Kingdom
- 🌐 Day 4: Visit Epcot
- 🐾 Day 5: Check out of Disney hotel, visit Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios
Be sure to read my itineraries for Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom to help plan out your days.
7-Day Itinerary
A 7-day Disney and Universal trip will give you enough time to devote one day to each theme park. On the remaining day, you might visit a water park, spend the day at your hotel, or walk around Disney Springs or CityWalk.
A park hopper ticket is not necessary with this itinerary. One day at each park is enough to hit most if not all, of the major attractions without purchasing Genie+ or Express Pass. However, these might be helpful during peak times.
- 🏨 Day 1: Check in to Disney hotel, visit Hollywood Studios
- 🏰 Day 2: Visit Magic Kingdom
- 🌐 Day 3: Visit Epcot
- 🐾 Day 4: Visit Animal Kingdom
- 🏊 Day 5: Check out of Disney hotel, enjoy a pool/water park day or visit Disney Springs/CityWalk, check in to Universal hotel
- 🌎 Day 6: Visit Universal Studios
- 🏝️ Day 7: Check out of Universal Hotel, visit Islands of Adventure
10-Day Itinerary (Recommended)
If you’re like me and prefer to build in some relaxation time on vacation, this 10-day Disney and Universal itinerary is for you. In addition to a day for each theme park, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the other offerings at each resort. Enjoy a day or two at the hotel pools, water parks, entertainment districts, miniature golf courses, and more.
- 🏨 Day 1: Check in to Disney hotel, pool day at the hotel
- 🐾 Day 2: Visit Animal Kingdom
- 🏰 Day 3: Visit Magic Kingdom
- 🏊 Day 4: Visit a Disney water park and/or Disney Springs
- 🌐 Day 5: Visit Epcot
- 🛎️ Day 6: Check out of Disney hotel, visit Hollywood Studios, and transfer to Universal Hotel in the evening
- 🌎 Day 7: Visit Universal Studios
- 🌋 Day 8: Visit Volcano Bay and/or CityWalk
- 🏝️ Day 9: Visit Islands of Adventure
- 🛏️ Day 10: Check out of Universal Hotel
14-Day Itinerary
If you plan to visit Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other Orlando parks or attractions, this 14-day itinerary will give you plenty of time to see and do everything.
I recommend breaking up your trip into three parts: Disney World, Universal, and other attractions. Additionally, I would stay at a different hotel for each part. Theme park hotels tend to be more expensive, so you can save money by staying in an off-property hotel when you aren’t visiting the parks.
If you drive to Orlando or have a rental car, you might also consider adding a day or two at the beach.
- 🏨 Day 1: Check in to Disney hotel, pool day at the hotel
- 🐾 Day 2: Visit Animal Kingdom
- 🏰 Day 3: Visit Magic Kingdom
- 🏊 Day 4: Visit a Disney water park and/or Disney Springs
- 🌐 Day 5: Visit Epcot
- ✨ Day 6: Visit Hollywood Studios
- 🛎️ Day 7: Check out of Disney hotel, transfer to Orlando or I-Drive hotel
- 🎢 Day 8: Visit other theme parks or Orlando attractions
- 🎡 Day 9: Visit other theme parks or Orlando attractions
- 🛏️ Day 10: Check out of Orlando/I-Drive hotel, check into Universal hotel
- 🏝️ Day 11: Visit Islands of Adventure
- 🌋 Day 12: Visit Volcano Bay
- 🌎 Day 13: Visit Universal Studios
- 🧳 Day 14: Check out of Universal Hotel
I have a full guide about where to stay in Orlando to help you choose the best area and hotel based on your plans.
Where to Stay for a Theme Park Combo Vacation
My number one recommendation for a combination Disney/Universal trip is to stay at one resort and visit those parks before transferring to the other.
Both resorts include complimentary transportation to their parks, so you’ll only need to drive (or ride share) once. The traffic between the two resorts can be brutal during peak seasons and rush hour.
Disney World Hotels
There are no bad Disney hotels, but some offer better amenities and transportation options. Value (budget) resorts do not have table-service restaurants or additional recreation offerings. Most deluxe resorts have a combination of specialty recreation activities, easy access to theme parks, and higher-end dining locations.
- 🛏️ Budget – Pop Century Resort
- 🛎️ Mid-Range – Caribbean Beach Resort
- 🏨 Deluxe – Polynesian Village Resort
- 💎 Luxury – Four Seasons Orlando
Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal hotels have a wide range of price points to fit all budgets. The Premier hotels are closest to the parks and include an Unlimited Express Pass. This is a huge perk for shorter trips because shorter lines allow you to do more attractions.
- 🛏️ Budget – Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- 🛎️ Mid-Range – Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- 🏨 Premier – Hard Rock Hotel
- 💎 Luxury – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
“In Between” Hotels
Staying off of Disney or Universal property allows you to find a central location for all attractions. Plus, you can use and earn reward points from hotel brands. In general, I like the I-Drive area because there are tons of restaurants and attractions within close proximity.
- 🛏️ Budget – Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
- 🛎️ Mid-Range – Hyatt Regency Orlando
- 💎 Luxury – Ritz Carlton Orlando
In my Where to Stay in Orlando guide, I go into detail about all the best areas. Once you know what activities you’ll be doing, it can be easier to find the right location for your trip.
Tips for Planning a Trip to Disney and Universal
Spend Your Money on Universal’s Express, Not Disney’s Genie+
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is one of the many attractions to use the Express Pass
Universal Express Pass can be used at almost all attractions once per day. The Express Unlimited pass allows you to ride participating attractions multiple times per day. The cost is pricy – the passes start at $80. However, I think the passes are well worth the money for guaranteed shorter waits on the best rides.
In comparison, Disney’s Genie+ is much cheaper ($20-$40 per day) and only worth the money if you learn how to effectively “work the system”. You must use your phone to book Lightning Lane reservations in the morning and then throughout the day. This requires you to consistently manage and make new reservations.
Plus, it is common for the best rides to run out of Lightning Lanes reservations.
Make Budget-Friendly Choices
If you are trying to do and see as much as possible at both Disney and Universal, the costs can add up quickly. Value hotels at both resorts include complimentary transportation and early park admission.
I also recommend skipping the rental car. You can book a shuttle from the airport to and from your Disney/Universal hotel. If you plan on switching hotels in the middle of your trip, book a ride share.
Both resorts have tons of dining options. Every hotel has a quick-service (thus, more affordable) dining option. Oftentimes, kids’ meals are plenty filling and much cheaper than adult options.
Expect and Appreciate the Differences
Disney World very much caters to families, even though all ages and groups are welcome. You will see this in the way that cast members talk and interact with young children. For little ones, Disney has dozens of rides without height requirements. Additionally, Disney’s customer service is unmatched.
I find that while Universal’s employees offer great customer service and kindness, they do not match Disney’s level of hospitality. The crowd tends to lean more toward older children and adults (which is not surprising with the amount of thrill rides).
Both resorts have beautiful hotels, fun attractions, and delicious food. The biggest differences are just the themes and characters.
Check out my guide, Disney World versus Universal, where I break down all the similarities and differences.
On a Short Trip, Buy the Park Hopper – On a Long Trip, Skip It
I almost never recommend the park hopper option for either Universal or Disney. However, if you are trying to fit in as much as possible on a short trip, it can be helpful.
My reason for disliking park hoppers is because they are more expensive and you can lose a lot of time transporting from one park to another. But, on a short trip, you won’t have time for everything at each park anyway. So, I suggest planning your “must-dos” ahead of time and prioritizing those attractions, even if that means park hopping.
FAQs
Can you do Disney and Universal in one trip?
You can certainly visit both Disney World and Universal Orlando on one trip. Instead of mixing your days all together, I recommend visiting one resort (including staying at an on-site hotel) and then transferring to the other.
How many days do I need to do both parks together?
A 7- to 10-day trip is the best length to enjoy visiting both Disney and Universal in one trip. An entire day can be devoted to each theme park, with a transfer/relaxation day in the middle.
Is there a package for Disney and Universal?
No, Disney and Universal do not offer a combination vacation package. However, a travel planner who specializes in theme park vacations can put together a personalized itinerary for you.
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Whether you start at Disney or Universal, visiting both in one trip guarantees a variety of fun memories from your time in Orlando. Before you go, check out my Disney packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need!
