Thursday, November 14th 2024

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2020
7
July
What's the best way to spend one day at Universal Studios and Disney World?

Question:

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Allison

Going to Orlando for a work trip (part is going to Universal Studios) in two weeks time, and we have an extra day. Anyone recently been to Universal/Disney, what would you recommend for ONE day? A Park Hopper (between which parks)?

Humans say...

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Dawn

If you only have one day… go to Universal and definitely don’t miss out on Harry Potter… it’s just so fantastic!! Also Jurassic Park, Transformers, minions… it kicks Disney’s butt! I was there for work in November 2019 just before Covid hit. I have been a few other times as an adult and Universal is just so great!

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Marlene

Universal over Disney as an adult.

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Cheryl

As long as you like all virtual right that’s all universal is now

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Cheryl

Disney on the other hand if you’re going to do one day Magic Kingdom as that’s a whole day
Otherwise if you wanna park hop
Then do either animal Kingdom or MGM studios and add onto one of those two Epcot not a lot of rides in Epcot more virtual rides
With Disney you have to buy your pass now and pre-book at least three time cues or you’re gonna be waiting a long time in lines for everything

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Brittany

Always universal

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Nuala

Hollywood Studios if you like Star Wars or Magic Kingdom

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Kevin

Visit Magic Kingdom in Disney. It’s gonna be cool there!!!

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Michelle

Jumping on to ask your plans for testing coming home? We’ll be down there in a few weeks as well and I’m hearing conflicting stories about Walgreens testing

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Allison

Michelle we fly from Florida to California for a few days before we leave for Canada. We are going to book PCR in Cali. It varies widely across the states right now…

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Michelle

Michelle you can go to the curative test site at Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf. It’s free, close to the parks, and you can just uber it there and back. Curative.com to book.
CURATIVE.COM
COVID-19 Testing & Health Services | Curative

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Jessica

Dont do park hopper. One day is barely enough time to do one park. Pick the park that seems the most appealing and do that. Hollywood Studios is best for rides but Magic Kingdom has some good rides and is like the classic Disney experience.

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Shelby

I'm a Disney nerd, I wouldn't recommend a park hopper for 1 day especially if it's your first time. Walt Disney World property is twice the size of Manhattan, choose on park to visit if you only have 1 day.
Keep in mind that going to a Disney park you require a park pass reservation, and they do book up, especially around the holidays, so check the availability calendar to make sure the park you want is available.
Magic Kingdom is going to be the classic park with the castle, my personal favorite.
Hollywood Studios is very movie based; they have lands like Toy Story and Galaxys Edge (Star Wars)
Animal Kingdom is beautiful, has a great safari ride and an Avatar land that has the best ride in the parks (Flight of Passage).
EPCOT is more laid back, half of the park is called World Showcase, it has different pavilions based on country's where you can see authentic design, merchandise and food. Countries include Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Morocco, USA, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Canada. The front of the park is currently under a lot of construction, so I would probably wait to visit EPCOT personally, especially if you only have 1 day.

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Allison

Shelby I’m a Disney nerd too, and so I’m leaning toward magic kingdom!! But we just did Disney Land recently, so it’s a lot of the same rides… we are now between just magic kingdom, or park hopper between magic kingdom and Hollywood studios.. there’s also the after hours Xmas available but the tickets are quite expensive for 4 hours of park time…

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Shelby

Allison Yeah the Christmas party tickets are pretty expensive, is the party happening on the day/night you were planning on going? That would cut into your Magic Kingdom hours since the park closes early for regular day guests (6 oclock I believe). It is possible to get a lot done at the after hours event, but being your only Disney day/experience for that trip, I'd probably just do a regular day/ticket.

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Allison

Shelby Its in the night time form 9 pm to 1 am!

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Shelby

Allison Yes and the park closes early for regular day guests on party nights, so I would recommend going to MK on a non party night to get the full worth.

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Amanda

Allison Christmas at either park is so, so crammed. But Magic Kingdom is for sure a bigger version of Disneyland, having been to both. But that can be fun if you like comparisons.

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Allison

Shelby Thank you!!

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Amanda

There's no fast passes right now so know that. My parents were there a few weeks ago. As someone who spent years being there every month with only one day I would go to Epcot, enjoy the countries at the World Pavilion have dinner there and stay for the fireworks. OR do animal kingdom which has a similar vibe and make Aavatar your one ride. Park hopper makes no sense for one day. Or spend no money and just hang out in Disney Springs and spend time checking out the different resorts on the Monerail. Unless you love rides - if that's you go to whichever Universal Park you aren't going to the first day and just be ready for the lines. Last time I went, there was no enjoying Harry Potter, wall to wall bodies. But I haven't done Universal in Covid.

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Allison

Amanda Looks to be express passes for Universal which we are buying. And they have Genie now for Disney!! Thanks for the recommendations

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Amanda

Allison amazing! Get 'em while you can and have a blast!!!'

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Jasmine

I bought genie+ for each day of my tickets and paid extra lightning lane for the rides not included..that’s the alternative to fast pass. It’s not cheap!

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Slavenka

you can't do hopper any more. i think its one park a day (covid)

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Allison

Slavenka That's not what is says online for Disney!! You hop at 2 PM. We already have the hoppers for Universal/Adventure.

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Slavenka

it used to be that you couldnt so that may have changed

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Allison

Slavenka Thank you!

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Jasmine

That’s not true. Each park sets the time rules for when park hopping is allowed. Most parks 1 or 2pm

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Colleen

Talk to Liz McIlwee Bardowell and she’ll set you up with a perfect plan for a fabulous Disney day.


A.I. says...

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One Day at Universal Studios or Disney World

If you have an extra day in Orlando and are planning to visit either Universal Studios or Disney World, it can be a tough decision to make. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some recommendations for making the most of your one day:

Universal Studios

If you choose to spend your extra day at Universal Studios, I highly recommend getting a Park Hopper pass that allows you to visit both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. This way, you can experience a wide range of rides and attractions in both parks.

Must-Do Attractions:

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Islands of Adventure)
  • Transformers: The Ride 3D (Universal Studios)
  • Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios)
  • Spider-Man (Islands of Adventure)

Disney World

If you decide to spend your extra day at Disney World, I recommend getting a Park Hopper pass that allows you to visit multiple parks in one day. I suggest hopping between Magic Kingdom and Epcot for a variety of experiences.

Must-Do Attractions:

  • Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
  • Test Track (Epcot)
  • Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
  • Soarin' Around the World (Epcot)

Whichever park you choose to visit, be sure to plan ahead and prioritize the attractions you most want to experience. With only one day, it's important to make the most of your time and enjoy the magic of either Universal Studios or Disney World!









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