1 Day in Orlando: Disney World or Universal Studios?

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Published on Monday, May 07, 2012 22:04

As a first-time visitor to Orlando, I was overwhelmed by my choices of things to do and see. But I knew this, I’ve always wanted to see Walt Disney World, and ever since Universal Studios built the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I’ve wanted to see that too. So, with only one day to spend at either, what’s a girl to do?

Turn to Facebook, of course.

I crowd-sourced my dilemma to get advice from those who had been there and done that. The response came back loud and clear:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

“Definitely Harry Potter! Go early -seriously like right when they open, go elsewhere midday (11ish) because crowds are insane, then come back later. The castle is awesome!! If you like roller coasters the Dueling Dragons are phenomenal - 65 mph & crossing tracks - yipes! -so hold on and keep breathing! Lots of great rides in the rest of the park as well - skip the pterodactyl but go for the river ride in Jurassic Park. Popeye is also a super wet blast in the Toon Town area and Suess Land is really cute. Enjoy!”


“Hands down Harry Potter!”

“Harry Potter World! I wouldn't bother paying for the other part of Universal's ticket to the other park. In HP world, only the main ride (in Hogwarts) is good, but the village and such is fantastic. Though, you may save HP world if your daughter isn't VERY familiar with the series, though. Disney will be fantastic and HP will be great to save for when she's older. HP was so fun for us because our oldest (11 at the time) knew it all and was SO excited at every detail.”

“Since you just can't see DW in one day, I vote Harry!”

“Harry Potter World is NOT to be missed!”

“Harry Potter if you are a fan. It is great! Have fun!”

In one day, my sister TMOM, Kymri Wilt, Photo Traveling Mom, and I not only did Harry Potter, but, practically the entire Islands of Adventure Park. It was so much bigger and even more amazing than I expected, but very doable in a day.


Chris is a designer, WAHM and pilot’s wife living in Colorado. She writes as Standby Traveling Mom as well as at MamaBirdsBlog.com. Follow her on Twitter as @BirdBanter.

Disclosure: Universal Studios Orlando provided me with a day pass for the purposes of writing this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own and without influence by Universal Studios Orlando.