Which Is Cheaper: Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Breaking Down the Costs for Families!

Florida’s theme park showdown is hotter than a Slinky Dog Dash in the midday sun, and with Universal Epic Universe swinging open its gates on May 22, 2025, the big question is back on the table: which is cheaper, Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando?

Ticket Prices: The Gate to Your Adventure

Kicking off with the entry fee, both parks can make your wallet wince, but the numbers paint a clear picture.

• Walt Disney World: One-day ticket starts at $109, climbing to $189 during peak times. Park Hopper (all 4 parks in a day) ranges from $174 to $254 per person.
• Universal Orlando: One-day ticket starts at $119. Park-to-Park (covering two parks + Volcano Bay) ranges from $164 to $224. With Epic Universe, three-park access jumps to $199-$279 per person.

For a single-park day, Disney’s a bit cheaper, but Universal’s multi-park ticket might offer more value if you’re hopping.

Food and Drinks: Fueling the Fun

Food at theme parks can gobble up your budget:

• Walt Disney World: Quick-service meals run $15-$20 per person. Character dining: $65-$80 per adult. Snacks (Mickey pretzel, Dole Whip): $7-$10.
• Universal Orlando: Quick-service meals: $14-$18 per person. Butterbeer: $8. Sit-down meals: $25-$40.
• Epic Universe: Estimated new dining like Fire & Ice Feast: $20-$30 per person.

Universal’s food is slightly more affordable unless you’re splurging on character dining.

Hotels: A Place to Rest Your Wand or Ears

If you’re staying on-site:

• Walt Disney World: Value resorts start at $120-$200/night. Moderate: $250-$350. Deluxe: $700-$1,000.
• Universal Orlando: Value hotels from $99-$150. Premier hotels like Hard Rock: $350-$500.
• Epic Universe‘s new Helios Grand Hotel: $300-$450/night.

Universal’s value hotels are cheaper and include Express Passes at premier hotels—Disney’s Genie+ costs extra.

Extras and Add-Ons: The Magic Isn’t Free

These can sneak up fast:

• Walt Disney World: Genie+ costs $15-$39 per person/day. Individual Lightning Lane rides: $20-$25 each. Special events: $79-$199. Parking: $30.
• Universal Orlando: Express Pass: $79-$179 per person/day (free for premier hotel guests). Epic Universe VIP Experience: $299-$499. Parking: $28.

Souvenirs like lightsabers or wands: $50-$200. Universal’s perks tied to hotel stays can save money, but both parks charge for line-skipping.

Epic Universe’s Arrival: Shaking Up the Cost Game

Opening on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe adds lands like Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Ministry of Magic. The new park boosts Universal’s value—three parks for $199-$279—versus Disney’s four parks at $174-$254. Attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge raise the stakes. Disney’s classics and newer hits (like Cosmic Rewind) still carry weight, but Universal is making a bold play for your vacation dollars.

Total Tally: A Family of Four’s One-Day Cost

Let’s break it down:

Walt Disney World

• 4 Park Hopper tickets @ $200 = $800
• Meals @ $18/person = $72
• Parking = $30
• Genie+ @ $25/person = $100
• Total = $1,002

Universal Orlando

• 4 Three-Park Park-to-Park tickets @ $239 = $956
• Meals @ $16/person = $64
• Parking = $28
• Express Passes @ $100/person = $400 (optional)
• Total with Express Pass = $1,448
• Total without Express Pass = $1,048

Disney’s total with Genie+ ($1,002) edges out Universal without Express ($1,048) by $46.

The Verdict: Magic on a Budget

Walt Disney World is slightly cheaper for a one-day, park-hopping visit with Genie+. Universal Orlando offers better multi-park value with Epic Universe, but line-skipping extras push the total higher—unless you’re staying in a premier hotel. For budget-conscious families, Disney still holds the edge. But if you’re chasing the new hotness (hello, Mario Kart), Universal may be worth the splurge.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando now that Epic Universe is open? Which park do you think gives the best bang for your buck? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—we’d love to hear your take! Let’s keep the theme park magic alive.

Sources:

• http://www.stateofflorida.com, “Universal Orlando Versus Walt Disney World”
• http://www.universalorlando.com, “Universal Epic Universe Opening Date & Tickets”
• disneyworld.disney.go.com, “Discover Disney World Vacation Packages”

News compiled by: Ivy Adams

Updated August 1, 2025