Universal Studios vs. Disney Hollywood Studios

The following is a commentary on our experience when we visited Orlando for Spring Break this year. We visited Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure) and Disney Hollywood Studios. All information presented here were valid during the time we visited with some updated information as of this writing.

We traveled in early April in hopes of less crowds (due to COVID fears) and better weather. The last time we went down to Orlando for their theme parks was 4 years ago so there were quite a lot of changes especially as companies try to navigate around the “pandemic”. Who handled it better? Here’s what to expect:

1. Masking – At that time, Governor Ron DeSantis had not yet lifted the mask mandate for the entire state so they were still enforcing this. Universal Studios was not too strict (which we greatly appreciated so that we can breathe through our noses still), while at Disney, every so often, anyone and everyone who works at the park will remind you to cover your noses or keep your masks on even when having pictures taken. The constant blaring reminder over the loudspeakers to wear your masks had the feel of a dystopian society where Big Brother is watching so you better behave or you’ll be booted out. Update: No more masking at Universal Studios but still required at Disney. TIP: We allotted two disposable masks per day.
2. Social Distancing – Expect lines to stretch l-o-o-o-n-g because people need to be spaced out. This is actually not necessarily a bad thing because you don’t have to be packed like sardines especially with the sun beating down on you, and you don’t want to be too close to the next warm, sweat-stained human. On the other hand, it may be a challenge to find seating at the limited areas where they sell food. You have to either go to lunch very early or very late. It may be a good idea to make reservations and hope that the hour wait you’ve already invested in a ride line won’t be wasted because you have to rush out to keep your lunch reservation. UPDATE: Still in place at both parks.
3. Food – Speaking of lunch, we were able to get decent grub at Universal Studios (we ate lunch and dinner early and were able to get seating). However, at Disney, not only were they limiting seating, but each place has their own limited menu–limited because one menu item is plant-based and they only had one other non-plant-based item on the menu at that time. I ordered the lobster roll the first day at Disney not knowing it was plant-based and it was horrible. I am not a picky eater and I don’t like waste, but I couldn’t even finish eating it. The sauce was too tangy as if to mask the bland flavor of whatever substitute they used. On the second day, we went to the only place that still had available seating and their only non-plant-based option at that time was a sausage wrap. Again, whatever sauce they used inside the wrap did not really go well with everything and my picky eaters ate begrudgingly because there was nothing else to order. UPDATE: The sausage wrap is no more and they’ve added at least a couple more non-plant-based options to the menu. HOT TIP: Make dining reservations and plan around long wait times for rides which are marked by employees with a sign at the end of the line indicating the wait time.
4. Limited Rides and Attractions – Due to fears of COVID, many live-action shows and character meet and greets were canceled particularly at Disney. This means, that everyone was crowding at the only rides that are open. So even though the parks mentioned that they are limiting their capacities, it does not feel like there are less people because you have x number of people lining up for a more finite number of rides. UPDATE: There are still some rides and attractions that are unavailable at Disney Hollywood Studios.
5. Virtual Queues – This was new to me and didn’t realize how difficult it actually was to sign up just to get in line for the park’s popular rides. At Universal, it was Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure while Disney Hollywood Studios had virtual queues for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride. HOW IT WORKS: When you get to the park, you are allowed to click on your mobile apps to be allowed to get on the queue for the ride. You’ll be given time slots when you can then get on the actual queue for the ride, and from there, the wait could be at least another 20 minutes before you can situate yourself for a few minutes of thrill and excitement. WHAT HAPPENED: At Universal, we were able to get on the virtual queue after two tries. We were at Disney Hollywood Studios for two whole days and we couldn’t get on the queue. No amount of complaining with customer service on the mobile chat or at the physical office in the park will get you anywhere. In fact, you are pretty much blocked at the entrance of the office because they’ve probably gotten many complaints about it already and it doesn’t matter to them if you paid for 2 days or one week. If you don’t get in, you don’t get in. We are not die-hard Star Wars fans but this soured the trip for us because it meant that we had to just repeat the same rides from the first day. We could have just opted to go somewhere else. TIP: Do what you need to do to get fast connectivity on your mobile phones like temporarily disconnecting the VPN and making sure you are in a strong signal zone. Even with these you may not get on the queue.
6. Change of clothes – Universal Studios Islands of Adventure had a few rides that can get you REALLY wet! Soaked! Drenched! A change of clothes is always a good idea. HOT TIP: Lay the wet clothes on top of the stroller to dry so they can change back into them when they get on another wet and wild ride.
7. Weather – For early April, it was HOT! I cannot imagine how little kids would fare on an even hotter summer day. Spring and winter are truly the best times to go. TIP: Bring a portable fan, sun visors, and plenty of water to stay cool.
8. Outside Food and Drinks – No alcohol but snacks that don’t need heating are allowed. Each park will have their own specific restrictions but we were grateful for this so we saved money by eating our own packed snacks (and it was a lifesaver when we ended up with inedible lunches).

For us, the clear winner for this trip was Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We were not constantly harassed about the the masks which were an annoyance especially when it got hot, and with them following the lifting of the governor’s restrictions, they are allowing the patrons to have a more fun experience especially with the summer months rolling in. Their top rides are their water rides and Hagrid’s Motorbike ride. If your kids are into Harry Potter then this is the clear winner. At Disney, they loved the Rockin’ Roller Coaster, the Tower of Terror, and the Toy Story land ride. We repeated these on the second day. However, that second day was really not necessary.

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No matter how you feel about traveling (whether with a mask on or not, or jabbed or not), in we hope we created happier memories for our children so they won’t look back during these times as a blight in their childhood. Life is what you make it and as Americans, we are reminded that we always have a choice.