When going to Orlando you typically have two major decisions either going to all things Disney or going to Universal Studios.   Yes I do know there are other attractions, but these are the big two for Orlando. When our girls got beyond the “princess” age we toured Universal and have never looked back.

However, now with the Star Wars franchise at Disney it may be worth a second look…just not a trip to the Magic Kingdom but to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For my family, Universal is more modern, less expensive, and much more enjoyable compared to the house of mouse.   The rides were more modern and exhilarating with lots of fun characters that span many generations. 

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The park is really two cordoned into two theme parks plus a water park.  These are Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios of Florida, and Universals Volcano Bay, respectively. We have not tried out the water park but was able to do most things in both theme parks within 2-3 days.   The biggest challenge to seeing all that Universal has to offer is time waiting in lines to go on the incredible rides.   The main attractions for each of the two themes are:

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Marvel’s Avengers
• Jurassic Park
• Fast & Furious
• Transformers
• Despicable Me, including the Minions
• The Simpsons
• Dr. Seuss

Both Marvel and Harry potter cross over into both parks. However, only certain Marvel characters reside on either side.   

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For many people it is all about the rides and they will stand in line forever or pay extra for Express lines.  In our family we try to get a nice balance.   We enjoy the rides but we also enjoy presentations, like animal shows, movie magic, behind the scenes, etc. 

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Our girls (and me too) loved the Harry Potter experience.   The buildings looked just like I imagined from the books, the Hogwarts express looks and feels like the real thing, and Gringotts with dragon are stupendous.  I also enjoyed the Harry Potter area because while my daughters were off to ride the latest immersive ride for the 6^th time I was able to pop into a pub and have a pint of English ale.  That is what I call a win/win scenario.  The kids though will want to stop to get a chocolate frog or Bertie Bott’s all flavor beans

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We grabbed lunch at the three broomsticks the second day and it was a nice cool air conditioned respite from the Florida heat. It was funny juxtaposition to see the faux snow covered buildings and see people running around in shorts and t-shirts.

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All the favorite Harry Potter characters are in the two areas. Pay a bit more and you can zoom from one theme park to the other on the Hogwarts Express. Always remember to pack a light poncho for the 2 pm shower that Florida seems to conjure up daily. If you get warm I do recommend a nice butter beer to cool you off. If you get an urge to make it again at home afterwards try this recipe by clicking on the girls photo. I think an adult version is just as good with Crème soda and butterscotch schnapps.

Don’t forget to spend some time in Jurassic park and get a little scared by the velociraptors and T-rex.  These rides and more make Universal a great experience especially for the older kids and especially for Harry Potter aficionados.

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While I believe that Disney costs a bit more per day, really depends on a myriad of combinations on whether you stay in the properties hotel or off site, if you want Express lane access, how many days on property and how many of the three parks do you want to see.  All of this can leave one a bit foggy but the park employees can help sort it all out.   The one other twist is getting discounts and a free stay for surviving a 90-minute timeshare presentation.   While this can be worse than fighting off a T-rex, if you are bold, tough and have the time it can save a big family a lot of cash.

Give me your thoughts if you lean towards the Disney side or the Universal side of fun. Also feel free to leave any comments, thoughts or corrections. I enjoy reading the comments.