StayAreasWalt Disney World or Universal Orlando: where should you stay in Orlando?
- Universal Orlando is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $260 a night, against $300 in Walt Disney World.
- Universal Orlando has more nightlife.
- From Orlando International Airport (MCO), Walt Disney World is quicker: 30 min against 88 min.
Walt Disney WorldDisney resorts, monorail & the parksPick Walt Disney World if
- Families with children
- Disney fans
- First-time visitors
Universal OrlandoUniversal parks, Epic Universe & CityWalkPick Universal Orlando if
- Harry Potter and thrill-ride fans
- Families with teens
- First-time visitors
Walt Disney World vs Universal Orlando, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Walt Disney World | Universal Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $160 | $150 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $300 | $260 (better) |
| Luxury double | $700 | $500 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown Orlando | 75 min | 35 min (better) |
| Magic Kingdom | 57 min walk (better) | 72 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 30 min (better) | 88 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nightlife | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Quiet at night | Good | Good |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Excellent | Excellent |
| Transport | Good | Good |
Hotels in Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
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Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando: questions
Is Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando better to stay in?
Universal Orlando is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $260 a night, against $300 in Walt Disney World. Universal Orlando has more nightlife. From Orlando International Airport (MCO), Walt Disney World is quicker: 30 min against 88 min. Walt Disney World suits families with children and disney fans; Universal Orlando suits harry Potter and thrill-ride fans and families with teens.
Which is cheaper, Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando?
Typical doubles in Walt Disney World: $160 budget, $300 mid-range, $700 luxury. In Universal Orlando: $150, $260 and $500. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando?
Door to door: Magic Kingdom is 57 min walk from Walt Disney World and 72 min from Universal Orlando.
How far is Orlando International Airport (MCO) from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando?
30 min to Walt Disney World and 88 min to Universal Orlando, door to door by public transport.