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Both destinations offer festive activities in different price ranges.
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Right now, Universal seems to offer the best overall value.
Since moving to Florida with my family eight years ago, we have visited Disney World and Universal Orlando every holiday season.
Both offer theme parks, resorts and entertainment districts full of holiday activities and events. There really is something for every budget, whether you want to walk through the Christmas trees at Disney Springs for free or purchase a VIP holiday tour at Universal.
This year I spent nights at the resort movie parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios Florida, to compare their vacation offerings.
I went to Jollywood Nights, an after-hours holiday party at Hollywood Studios.
Jollywood Nights is a newer after-hours event at Hollywood Studios.Terri Peters
Disney World is known for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, but this is the second year for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
The after-hours event lasts five hours on select nights and includes perks such as short ride times, exclusive party food and the opportunity to meet rare Disney characters.
It also requires a separate ticket, but can be a little more affordable: Magic Kingdom’s event costs between $180 and $220 for adults, and Jollywood Nights costs $160 to $180.
This is all separate from access to the park during the day. One-day single park tickets for this month start at around $150.
At Universal I spent time alone and did a holiday tour.
Meeting Santa Claus was part of my tour.Terri Peters
Universal’s holiday trip is a must-do for me every season.
My $100 ticket included five hours with a guide, special meet-and-greets, dinner, dessert and more. It’s the only way to meet Santa Claus at Universal Orlando, even though he appears in a holiday parade every night.
The tour is less expensive than the Disney events, but unlike this one you need a park ticket – a one-day ticket to one park currently costs about $120. Luckily I have an annual pass, so I was able to use that and skip these extra costs .
Before checking in, I also spent time at Universal exploring some vacation deals for myself.
At Disney, the characters were dressed in their best for the holidays.
My husband and I had a fun time meeting Goofy and Pluto.Terri Peters
Taking photos with characters is one of my favorite parts of visiting theme parks, so I was sure I’d be lining up for some of the party-exclusive meet-and-greets at Jollywood Nights, like Disney’s Duffy Bear dressed up as Santa Claus.
However, you don’t need an event ticket to meet holiday-themed characters. Some characters, such as Chip and Dale and Woody, spend the entire day on vacation at Hollywood Studios.
At Universal, Grinchmas was in full swing.
The Grinch is a big part of Universal’s Christmas offering.Terri Peters
Universal is going full Grinch this holiday season, with offerings like a Grinch meet-and-greet, a character breakfast with the mean self and the “Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular” show.
From sweet treats to merchandise, you’ll see the green man everywhere in the park.
Earl the Squirrel, a universal character inspired by a real squirrel that used to live in the park’s Christmas tree, is also a main character of the season.
Hollywood Studios guests can see a Christmas version of “Frozen.”
The “Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration” has a holiday overlay.Terri Peters
There were Jollywood Nights-specific entertainment offerings at my event – like a “Nightmare Before Christmas” sing-along – and there are also holiday events for park guests during the day.
The popular show ‘Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration’ is getting a special Christmas revamp, and Santa Claus will also greet guests at It’s A Wonderful Shop.
Universal’s Grinch show is pure holiday fun.
The “Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular” is one such highlight.Terri Peters
There is no greater holiday joy for me than watching the show “Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular,” starring the Grinch, every Who in Whoville, and a real-life version of Max (the dog).
Anyone with regular park admission can see the Broadway-quality performance, featuring songs by Mannheim Steamroller. During the holiday period it runs several times a day.
The park also has a special holiday parade featuring Dreamworks characters, floats, entertainers and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.
Disney scored high marks for its holiday menus.
The kimchi pimento cheese appetizer dip and tot poutine were delicious.Terri Peters
The holiday food at Disney really can’t be matched.
I discovered a lot of things you can only get during Jollywood Nights, like kimchi-pimento-cheese dip and tot poutine, but during the day there are also festive dishes available in the park.
From a red velvet holiday shake to a winter whoopie pie, Disney has plenty of food items you can only try at Christmas.
If you’re looking for some worthwhile treats, try another Universal festival.
Universal’s holiday offering didn’t impress me much.Terri Peters
Universal has some holiday-themed treats, like Max-shaped cookies and a roasted turkey crepe, but I didn’t think there were too many options.
If you really want to experience the delicious festival food at Universal, head to Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, when the park is packed with stalls selling tasty themed snacks.
It’s so much fun shopping for holiday items.
There was Jollywood Nights specific merchandise at Hollywood Studios.Terri Peters
Choosing a theme park souvenir is difficult on any vacation, but during the holidays it’s even harder for me.
Nearly every Hollywood Studios gift shop was taken over by Mickey ornaments and cozy Christmas sweaters. There were also special pop-up areas selling even more festive items.
Universal’s Christmas spirit is also clearly visible in the stores.
You can buy a lot of Grinch merchandise at Universal.Terri Peters
Like Disney World, Universal is going all out with holiday-themed merchandise.
This is especially true for the themed lands, such as Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both “Grinchmas” and “Holidays at Hogsmeade” have great limited-time offers this time of year.
There is beautiful Christmas decor at Disney.
Disney World produces a lot of fake snow during the holidays.Terri Peters
Disney goes all out and decorates Hollywood Studios with vintage Hollywood glamor decorations like starlit lampposts and sparkling ornaments and lights.
You’ll even find fake snow made from soap, called ‘snoap’. It’s really beautiful to see how it falls over the decorated theme park without freezing: a win-win situation.
Universal is also going all out when it comes to decor.
I love seeing Universal’s tree every year.Terri Peters
From the 80-foot-tall tree in the New York area to the Holiday Tribute Store filled with limited-time merchandise, Universal’s Christmas decor is truly something to behold.
It also produces a lot of sniffing, so you don’t have to worry about missing that magic.
Overall, I think Universal has better value around its holidays.
I love Disney World, but Universal’s offering is more affordable.Terri Peters
Disney and Universal hold a special place in my heart after years of building family memories in both.
Still, I think Universal offers a better value during the holidays because a regular park ticket gives guests a lot more seasonal activities for their money.
Although I added the VIP tour and recommended it, it is actually not necessary. Everyone can meet characters like the Grinch and Earl the Squirrel, watch the ‘Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular’ and attend the parade.
Disney keeps many of its best holiday activities in separate ticketed events, which can be costly, especially if you also plan to spend the day in the parks.
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