Keys to Your Split Stay at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World

Central Florida is a great vacation destination for many reasons. Many people visit the area with the intention of experiencing the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. However, Walt Disney World is not the only place to experience some magic!

Universal Orlando is filled with fun and adventures for all ages. As it continues to expand, this is another popular vacation option worth considering. Many families choose to do both during their vacations. The best way to do this and experience all that both destinations have to offer is to do a split stay between the two.

What is a Split Stay?

A split stay between the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando is when you split your time between the two destinations on one vacation. You start off at a hotel at one destination and then move to a different hotel at the other. This is a great way to experience both places and all of the benefits of staying on-site.

Each destination offers additional benefits to guests when they stay on-site such as early park admission and complimentary transportation. At Universal Orlando, some resorts also include the complimentary Universal Express Pass Unlimited when you stay there.

How Long Do I Stay at Each?

The length of your stay at each destination depends on your interests and preferences. There are four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s strongly recommended to spend at least one day at each theme park. However, many guests find that it’s easy to spend a second day at the Magic Kingdom, or at whichever park is their favorite! There is so much to do at each one that it’s impossible to do it all in one visit!

The same recommendation of at least one day at each park also applies to the Universal Orlando Resort. There are two theme parks and one water park here: Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. However, it is much easier to go between the theme parks at Universal Orlando so it’s easy to visit more than one in a day. In addition, a park-to-park ticket is ALWAYS recommended! If you or someone in your travel party loves the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a park-to-park ticket is the only way to ride the Hogwarts Express!

How Do I Book A Split Stay?

When you have a split stay, you will be staying at two different resorts, with a reservation at each one. This requires two different deposits, one for Walt Disney World and one for Universal Orlando. You can choose which destination you start with and where you end. There are different resort categories at each destination too.

At Universal Orlando, the options include premier, preferred, prime value, and value resort hotel categories. There are deluxe villas, deluxe, moderate, and value resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort. The level of amenities will vary depending on the resort category that you choose. However, all guests who stay on the property enjoy early park admission at both destinations!

Customize your experience based on your preferences. A vacation package is recommended so that tickets are also included. With a vacation package, you also have the option for some add-ons, such as the Memory Maker, or dining experiences. In addition, working with a travel advisor is especially helpful in this case. A travel advisor can help book your split stay and ensure everything is organized so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation!

How Do I Change Resorts?

These two destinations are not far from each other. It is only a short drive from one to the other. However, if you do not have a car, you will need to arrange transportation. There are several options to do this. You may choose to set up a private transfer, utilize rideshare, or a taxi.

Another great option that can be added to your Universal Orlando vacation package is something called a “Take Two Transfer”. This ground transportation option is a shuttle that takes you from one destination to the other. You also have the option of using it to get back to the Orlando International Airport if you fly. This service must be purchased in advance and booked through a travel advisor. You can set up the pick-up times for this service which gives you great flexibility during your stay.

Is A Split Stay Worth It?

You might be thinking – isn’t it easier just to visit one of the parks for the day and stay at one hotel? The answer to that question depends on the experience that you want during your vacation. It’s definitely possible to stay at one destination and visit the other for one day. Many people do choose this option. However, this does not give you the whole experience of the destination.

A split stay at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort gives you the chance to truly experience what each one has to offer. There are unique attractions at each one, of course. Plus, there are also different dining options, hotels, and more. Enjoy experiences at the Universal Orlando parks that you cannot find at the Walt Disney World theme parks and vice versa. Instead of rushing to head to one for the day, why not enjoy your time and truly explore both?

There is so much magic to be experienced in Orlando and there’s more than one castle to see! When you plan a split stay, you can experience it all and it’s like having two vacations in one!

Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.