Universal Now Gets One Third of Our Walt Disney World Trip

Yes, that's right- the tide has turned! Universal Orlando is now truly a destination resort in its own right and not just a one day visit. One third of our trip will be off the Walt Disney World property, and the truth be known, I'm pretty excited about it! Islands of Adventure has always been a great park. The Studios not so much but with recent additions themed to Harry Potter, it's quickly getting better and better. 

I'm looking forward to two restaurants, one at City Walk, the other within Islands of Adventure: Both Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Mythos look terrific. Now Universal has to up their game in the dining options if it is going to win the crown from Disney Springs. Yet, in years past, we've not even considered Universal for our Florida trips but with one exception- a solo trip where I just took in Islands.

The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and especially Epcot will always hold a special place in my heart, but times change, and I'm tired of the deconstruction of what made Walt Disney World so special. Now, everything is difficult and must be planned in advance. Limited reservations for must see attractions smack of elitism, and the decline of excellent service that justified those high resort and ticket prices has brought me to the tipping point. 

Will we go back to Disney? Probably as we have one more family to visit with. Will Universal continue to win more days? Absolutely! Once Incredible Universe opens, the scales will tip to even more days there- and maybe more than at Disney World!

(Image copyright Universal Orlando.)