Universal Orlando or Disney?

Question

I am going to Florida the first week of October with my husband and 10 year old daughter. My daugher has outgrown Mickey and Cinderella and is now a thrill seeker who wants to ride the largest rollercoaster and be on fear factor (although she has to be 18). My first thought was that Universal Orlando has better rides and Disney is geared more for a younger less fearless child.

Answer 1

Oh, my God! That's crazy! If you're only going for one day, then Universal Studios would be fine, but you're going for a week. It takes less than an entire day to complete the Universal parks, unlike Walt Disney World, where you could stay for weeks and still find new, fun things to do. I go with my boyfriend and we have no desire to see the characters or ride all the typical kiddie rides like the Peter Pan ride or Cinderella's Carousel. We still have an awesome time. My boyfriend went for his first time last summer, it was my second time, and he's now in love with it, he booked another trip this summer. And if your daughter thinks she's too old for Walt Disney World, then I guess she's growing up way too fast. Walt Disney World still has great roller coasters (the new Expedition Everest, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, etc.) Plus, there's other great thrill rides like Mission: Space, the Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror, and Test Track. And then there's all the unforgettable classics. How could you ever get too old for them? It would make much more sense to go to Walt Disney World for the week and just spend one of the days at Universal Studios.

Also, October is the beginning of the "Year Of A Million Dreams" Celebration at Walt Disney World! All kinds of awesome stuff will be going on, and there will be even more new attractions, in addtion to all the new ones released during the "Happiest Celebration On Earth."

Check it out...

http://allearsnet.com/news/hnews.htm#60706

Have fun, whatever you decide!

* Oh, and don't go to Universal just because kids stay free. lol They had to do that because they're not getting half as much business as Walt Disney World, and never will. And they're so desperate for people to stay at their Resort, they've actually recently added free car rental, too.

Answer 2

Well, as far as roller coasters and thrill rides, Universal Islands of Adventure has more thrill rides than the Disney parks, but the problem with Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios is that there are not nearly as many rides there as compared to the Disney parks.

At IoA and Universal, it won't take you long to finish the park, having rode all the rides. Considering it will be the off-season, the lines won't be as long and the park will be less crowded. So, that's good, if you like going on the rides more than once. But, I've found that can get boring after a while. The Fast Passes at Disney help cut down on the wait time and they're free; at Universal you have to pay for them.

The Disney parks offer more of a variety of rides, so you can plan your day around which rides interest you the most. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are definitely rides that you should look into. And MGM Studios has the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and the two stunt shows. Everest just opened up at Animal Kingdom and that's a great new ride.

Answer 3

I'm 18 and was just at Disney this past Spring; there is still a ton of stuff to do. I had a blast. Disney isn't all about the Princesses and Mickey Mouse. There are still lots of thrill rides to go on, as well as cool stunt shows to watch. However, if you are afraid your daughter will get bored (i don't think that could happen at Disney.) then I would definitely go to Universal. The Hulk and the Dueling Dragons are some of my favorite all time rollercoasters. If you have the time and the money I would try to spend some time at each park. It is definitely worth it. I hope you have a fabulous vacation, and don't forget sunscreen. God bless.

Answer 4

Disney also has rides for thrill seekers. Last year my friend and I went for a week (5 adults over 25). This year we are going back as a group of 8!

Universal has fun stuff too. If you have time (and money) do both

Answer 5

Universal Orlando

Answer 6

I love Disney and try to go as often as I can (living in Florida) but if she is seeking thrills Universal Studios might be what your looking for..Disney has several thrill rides through out the 4 parks..If worst comes to worst look it up on the net and than make sure decision...Good luck and have fun where ever you go...

Answer 7

Universal Studios is WAAAAAYY better than Disney! You will actually be able to ride rides (not get in line to get a ticket to see the ride later like Disney does). If you need to get any discounted tickets you can get them at the website I listed below. You can either pay online & then pick them up at thier office (or have them mailed to you, but that costs extra), OR you can go to thier store located across the street from Midevil Knights Dinner Show.

Answer 8

Universal would be great if your daughter is into these high flying fast rides. You also might want to consider a day trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa. They have the largest and fastest coasters in the state now and several different ones. It would be about an hours ride from the Disney/Universal area.

http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/fla/default.aspx

Answer 9

I would go to Universal Orlando. I went for spring break. It was a blast and i would never forget it. If you go there, I really liked Spider Man the 3D ride. That was so great. And go on the JP water ride. That is sooo cool.

Answer 10

Disney over Univeral anyday....make sure you go to MGM Studios, it has a number of thrill rides and is perfect for a ten year old! Don't miss Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster