Disney hotel and Universal hotel split stay

Looking for the perfect Florida Holiday?! One of the best strategies savvy travellers use is a Disney hotel and Universal hotel split stay. Instead of sticking to just one resort for your entire trip, a split stay lets you experience the best of both worlds—immersing yourself in Disney magic before diving into the thrills of Universal. Here’s why this approach is the ultimate way to maximise your holiday.

1. The Best of Both Worlds

Disney World and Universal Orlando each offer a distinct experience. Disney is known for its enchanting fairy tales, immersive lands, and nostalgic rides, while Universal is packed with action-packed attractions, thrilling coasters, and cutting-edge technology. Staying at both resorts means you don’t have to compromise—you get the magic and the adrenaline rush!

2. Early Park Entry and Express Pass Benefits

By booking a stay at a Disney resort, you get access to Early Theme Park Entry, which lets you enter the parks 30 minutes before the general public. Deluxe Disney resort guests also enjoy Extended Evening Hours at select parks. On the Universal side, guests staying at Premier Universal hotels like Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, or Loews Portofino Bay receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes—allowing them to skip regular lines at many top attractions.

3. Transportation Perks for Each Resort

Each resort has its own convenient transportation system. Disney resort guests enjoy complimentary buses, boats, the Monorail, and the Skyliner, making it easy to get around without a car. At Universal, staying at a resort with water taxi access (such as Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific) means a relaxing and scenic boat ride straight to the parks.

4. More Immersive Experiences

By splitting your stay, you can enjoy full immersion in the themes of each resort. Staying at a Disney resort keeps you surrounded by its signature storytelling and characters, while a Universal resort places you right near The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and thrilling attractions like Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

5. A Mid-Trip Reset

Switching resorts can feel like a mini-holiday within your holiday! After several busy days at Disney, moving to a Universal resort provides a change of scenery, dining options, and entertainment. This can help refresh your energy and make the trip feel even longer and more exciting.

A Disney and Universal split stay offers the perfect blend of magic and thrills, maximising perks like early park entry, Express Pass benefits, and convenient transportation. If you’re visiting Orlando, consider a split stay for an unforgettable, well-rounded Florida Holiday.