My family is planning a trip to ..well, somewhere... this sept. and it will be 3 adults and 1 child age seven . They can't decide whether to go to Disney world, universal studios, or atlantis in bahamas. Also, they would like to do something in Orlando (like universal or disney) and then just take a plane for the day to atlantis and fly back to orlando that night. is that possible or feasible? which is the best place to go overall.Is universal studios or disney world better?
I think it depends on how long you want to stay. You can do do both Disney and Universal Studios if you are going to be there for more than a day. There are a total of 4 theme parks at Disney (aside from the water parks) and 2 at universal. So, that could be 6 (exhausting) days right there.
As for what's best if they choose just one, that depends on their preferences. It sounds like they are going to be there for more than one day, so it might be best for your group to do a combination of both parks. Some people really love Disney, some people really love Universal. As the previous responders said, most children prefer Disney and most adults prefer Universal, but maybe the people in your group are different? Most people like them both enough to want to be there anyway.
Going to Atlantis is completely different. There are definitely not as many things to do at Atlantis as Disney or Universal Studios. This would be a good choice if they just want to stay at the beach and the pool all day (which a lot of the Disney and Universal Hotels have beautiful pools for people), visit Nassau, or gamble. They can take the plane there for the day, but unless it's a private charter, it will be tough. Aside from having to go to Orlando International Airport at least 2 hours in advance to catch the plane, there is generally only one direct flight to Nassau. It leaves in the afternoon and returns 4 hours after landing in Nassau. The airport in Nassau is quite a distance from Atlantis and you would still have to factor in getting to Nassau airport early to catch the flight back. That would leave you, at most, 1 hour at Atlantis. There are non-direct flights, but then you are looking at connections in Miami and over 3 hours in travel time each way.
Disney is always better!
If you are ever faced with this decision, Disney will always win, especially if you have a child in your party like you do.
It is common for people to think that Disney is just for little kids, but the truth is, there is something for everyone, no matter what age. Walt Disney made it that way, so that the parents and their children could have a place where they could laugh, learn and play together.
Overall, Disney is better themed, along with that something for everyone. The magic of WDW is something that cannot be replicated anywhere else on the planet (other than maybe another Disney park!) When comparing it to Universal, there is no comparison. My personal experience with Universal is having nothing to do (I was 5), at all! The entire Universal park (excluding Islands of Adventure) is basically just thrill rides, and the 7 year old in your party will be quite board at this park. Islands of Adventure is better, but don't be fooled by the new "Harry Potter" world, as the reviews of it have not really been that great. In my opinion, the poorly themed and thrill rideness of it is just classical Universal.
In the end, the best thing to do is stay at Disney! Go to Disney. There are 22 different resorts at Disney World, for all different price ranges, so I am sure you will find one your family will like, and in your price range too. You will all have a blast, as WDW is the greatest place on earth for a family vacation.Is universal studios or disney world better?
Overall I personally would say Disney World because there are more things to do. Even though I have had the seasonal passes to Universal Studios and went very often, I still like Disney way better. But thats just my opinion. Because you can go to different parks that Disney has, unlike in Universal you only have Universal and Islands of Adventure.
Just a personal opinion here -
Generally, kids enjoy Disneyworld.
Adults do prefer Universal Studios.
Atlantis in Bahamas I do not know, but I know about how it is...
I would recommend (maybe) 1 night in hotel in the Bahamas.
Enjoy, no matter what, it is worth it.Is universal studios or disney world better?
I say Disney World. It has a different aura to it. I personally like the rides and attractions better and the food is much tastier. If you like thrill rides, go to Universal. There are some at WDW. I think WDW is overall better.
I enjoy universal studios alot. Islands of Adventure is okay but im not the type person who like roller coasters. That's why I liked Universals, it has more simulator type stuff. I prefer universal studios over disney world.
they are both awesome may I suggest yo do intense research on both since it's my experience you'll need to be a little anal to get the most out of your trip to either. in other words plan plan plan then plan again.
skipper7 says it best - Disney is best for kids, Universal is what adults would enjoy, and Atlantis is lovely but VERY expensive!
I prefer Disney... it's bigger and more to do.
Universal is also going to be a madhouse for the next few months because Harry Potter world opened there.
You sound just like me! I couldn't decide whether or not to go to Walt Disney World of Atlantis for my honeymoon, so we split the trip in half and did both! I've been to Disney 20 times in my life, and Atlantis only once, but this was my general opinion on them.
Atlantis is beautiful - probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. It's also extremely expensive. People think Disney is expensive - it has nothing on Atlantis. Any activities you do, any food you eat, and any room you stay at is going to trump the costs at Disney. Just basic stuff like a bag of chips from the gift shop was crazily priced.
My other gripe with Atlantis is that you can't go to the beach. We went only a few feet from the resort onto the beach %26amp; were immediately approached by drug dealers asking if we wanted to buy/sell drugs. We went right back to the resort. So while you're at Atlantis, plan on not straying from the resort. You really don't need to, it's huge.
Atlantis is wonderful for kids. This was a honeymoon gripe, but I think it would be a plus for you having a 7 year old along. It's an all day water park, with tons of things to do. I couldn't even walk withone kids running into me. For a honeymoon, it wasn't very relaxing that way. But you would have a blast with any child you bring along! The lazy river is the best of it's kind- it's like a roller coaster in water. The water slides through the shark tanks are okay - a little overrated, but fun to do a few times. We spent most of the time in the lazy river, which is anything but lazy! The pools are spectacular, and there's a lot to visit. The Dig is a neat walkthrough that looks like the Lost City of Atlantis. Our favorite thing we did was the Dolphin Encounter. Very expensive but worth it to swim with the dolphins!
If you choose to go the Orlando Route, I would do Disney over Universal. Disney has less high intense thrill rides, and more to do for kids. But there's still plenty to do for adults too. Universal just opened Harry Potter land, and lines are 4-6 hours just to get into the area, and another 2 to get on the ride. It's such a mess there right now! Disney has 4 parks for you to visit - all are child %26amp; adult friendly. Epcot %26amp; The Magic Kingdom are the 2 best parks, but Animal Kingdom is also great for kids. If you skip a park, skip Hollywood Studios. It's only a half a day park, without much to do at all for kids.
It is very possible to go to Atlantis for a day. The flight over was a small plane, and only too 45 minutes! I flew out of Orlando airport into the Bahama airport. It's definitely worth seeing, and they do sell day passes. =-)
Have a great trip!