Disney or Universal hotel? (~10 night)

Question

Hi there i'm planning a surprise trip for my gf for about ~10 night in orlande to visit both park (Disney and Universal) and was wondering which hotel should i go for?

The trip would take place near end august or early september..

We dont mind taking a Uber/Lyft

Thank you

Answer

For a ~10-night trip to Orlando with plans to visit both Disney and Universal, choosing the right hotel depends on your priorities: convenience, budget, amenities, and overall experience. Since you don’t mind using Uber/Lyft, you have flexibility, but each resort area offers distinct advantages.

Staying at a Disney hotel:

Pros: Disney hotels provide early park entry (Extra Magic Hours), complimentary transportation to all Disney parks, immersive theming, and the convenience of being close to Disney attractions. For Disney-focused days, this is ideal.
Cons: Traveling to Universal will require Uber/Lyft or rental car each day. Prices can be higher compared to off-site hotels.
Recommendation: Consider a moderate or deluxe Disney resort like Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, or Pop Century if you want the Disney experience without the ultra-high cost of deluxe resorts.

Staying at a Universal hotel:

Pros: Universal hotels offer early park access (Early Park Admission), complimentary shuttle to Universal parks, and exclusive benefits like Universal Express Pass on select hotels (especially Premier hotels). Convenient for Universal days.
Cons: Reaching Disney requires Uber/Lyft or driving. Most Universal hotels are not themed around Disney, so you’ll miss some of that immersive Disney feel in the evenings.
Recommendation: If Universal is a priority, consider Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, or Cabana Bay Beach Resort (more budget-friendly). Royal Pacific or Hard Rock includes benefits that make Universal days smoother.

Alternative: Off-site hotel near I-Drive/International Drive:

Staying along International Drive gives roughly equal access to both Disney and Universal via Uber/Lyft (20–30 min drives). You can find many hotels with pools, amenities, and reasonable rates.
Options include Hyatt Place/Hyatt House, Marriott TownePlace, Hilton Garden Inn, or boutique hotels. This provides flexibility, often lower cost, and easy access to both parks without committing to one brand.
Additional benefits include nearby dining, shopping, and entertainment (ICON Park, Pointe Orlando).

Suggested approach for a 10-night trip:

Split your stay: 5 nights at a Disney resort and 5 nights at a Universal resort. This maximizes park benefits and convenience for both sides.
If you prefer simplicity and don’t mind daily Uber/Lyft rides, stay the full 10 nights at an International Drive hotel and commute to both parks. This can save money and still provide access to both Disney and Universal perks.
Book hotels with free parking or free Uber/Lyft credits if possible, as this reduces daily transport hassle.

Overall, for a surprise trip, staying at one park’s hotel gives themed experiences and convenience for that side, but for equal access and budget flexibility, a well-located off-site hotel on International Drive is the most versatile solution for a 10-night stay. Splitting stays is ideal if you want the “best of both worlds” experience without too much daily commuting stress.

Disney or Universal hotel? (~10 night)

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