It’s always funny to me to realize how many people do not know that Universal Studios is NOT Disney! Also, Hollywood Studios is not Universal Studios (Hollywood Studios is a Disney park. Confusing, I know). Both are great (yes, we love Disney too!), but Universal Studios is home. Side note- it’s totally ok to love both– you don’t have to choose one or the other 😉 They are different vibes, though, so let’s talk about how they differ! (We’re specifically talking about the parks in Orlando for this post). At Universal: There’s No Mickey Mouse Most obviously, Universal Studios is NOT Disney in that Mickey Mouse is nowhere to be found. There are plenty of characters, though- just not Disney characters. You’ll be able to meet Scooby Doo, Beetlejuice, the Simpsons, Spongebob, Minions, Transformers, raptors from Jurassic Park, Dr. Seuss characters, and many more. But if you’re expecting Mickey or his pals, that’s a different set of parks. Fun fact, though- even though Disney now owns the rights to Marvel, Universal already had Marvel Superhero Island within Islands of Adventure prior to Disney gaining those rights. Per their contract, Marvel superheroes already represented at Universal theme parks will stay at Universal and Disney cannot use them at their parks east of the Mississippi. In other words, you can meet Spiderman and friends at Universal Orlando. Harry Potter vs. Star Wars Another obvious large difference is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Within Universal Orlando, you can visit Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Both are amazing lands that everyone should visit- even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan. Disney, however, has Star Wars. Both Harry Potter and Star Wars are immersive lands with incredible rides, food, and experiences, and I highly recommend visiting both at least once, regardless of your preferred fandom. Rides Are More Thrilling In general, Universal is geared more towards older kids and adults. You’ll find more thrill rides and roller coasters than at Disney. If you’re a chicken, watch some Youtube videos before going so you know what to expect. Honestly even some of the queues are a little scary (looking at you, Skull Island: Reign of Kong). Stress Levels Disney requires a lot of planning and prior knowledge. At Universal, it’s best to just go with the flow. You can make advanced dining reservations if you want, but there’s no 60 day window or planning out your rides in advance needed. The Humor I very much appreciate the humor at Universal Studios. Again, keep in mind that Universal is geared towards older kids and adults. Not everything may be suitable for your children, though they probably won’t get the jokes anyway. Actually, I’m going to do a separate post on this- too much good stuff to list here! Stay tuned! Three Words: Halloween Horror Nights If you’re looking to dress up in cute costumes and get candy, you want Disney’s Halloween event, AKA Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. If you want to pee your pants from fear, you want Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Now, am I a good mom for taking my 7 year old to Halloween Horror Nights? Maybe, maybe not, but if you don’t traumatize them young, how else will they grow up to be funny?? (He wasn’t actually traumatized, for the record- he’s willing to go back in the future). This isn’t a kids’ event, though, FYI- my kid just LOVES Halloween and begged to go. Knowing my kid, I knew he’d be able to handle it. Use your own discretion and knowledge of your own kiddos, though. Aside from the actual haunted houses, which are essentially elaborate movie sets with lots of scare actors, there’s drinking, it’s loud, you have to walk through scare zones in the streets, and the shows are risque. This is definitely an adult event. In a nutshell, Universal is Wednesday Addams, Disney is Enid Sinclair. Great in their own ways, but not the same.  What’s your take? Do you love them both?