Choosing between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort is a bit like choosing between your favorite snacks; sometimes you just want the whole pantry. We’ve found that the “split-stay” is the secret weapon for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Mouse and the thrills of Epic Universe without the exhaustion of a 45-minute commute every morning.
Planning a Disney Universal split stay means you spend half your vacation at a Disney resort and the other half at a Universal resort. It sounds like extra work, but with the right strategy, it’s the most efficient way to maximize your time and budget. Here is how we recommend you tackle the logistics, the tickets, and the move day so you can focus on the fun.
One of the most frequent questions we get is, “Should we start at Disney or Universal?” While there is no wrong answer, we usually suggest starting with Universal Orlando.
Universal’s footprint is more compact and high-energy. If you stay at a Universal Premier hotel, you get Universal Express Unlimited included, allowing you to breeze through lines and knock out the major attractions in a few days. After the high-octane thrills of roller coasters and the immersive chaos of the Wizarding World, moving to Disney World feels like a change of pace.
Disney is a larger “bubble.” Once you check in, the transportation systems: monorails, boats, and the Skyliner: keep you fully immersed. Ending your trip at Disney allows you to settle into that themed atmosphere for the final leg of your journey. Plus, if you’re traveling in 2026 or 2027, you’ll likely want plenty of time for the new Epic Universe, so starting there ensures you hit the newest attractions while your energy is highest.
To make a split-stay successful, you need to stay on-property at both locations. This isn’t just about the theme; it’s about the math. On-site guests get early entry to the parks, which is essential for beating the crowds at 2027’s most popular rides.
If your budget allows, we always recommend the Premier Hotels: Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific. The reason is simple: the complimentary Express Pass. This benefit alone can save a family of four hundreds of dollars per day and hours of waiting in line. If you prefer something more budget-friendly, the Prime Value resorts like Cabana Bay offer great themed environments and early park admission, even if you have to buy your Express Passes separately.
At Disney, we suggest picking a resort based on your favorite park. If you plan on spending most of your time at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, look at the Skyliner Resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort or Pop Century. The gondola system is a game-changer for avoiding buses.
If you’re aiming for a luxury experience, the monorail resorts provide the fastest access to Magic Kingdom. For those looking for a different vibe altogether, you might consider luxury villas for rent nearby, though you lose the on-site transportation perks.
The logistics of moving from one resort to another is the part that stresses people out the most, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Neither Disney nor Universal will move your luggage for you between their properties, so you are responsible for the transit.
Universal offers a service called the “Take Two Transfer.” This is a pre-booked shuttle that you can add to your vacation package. It handles your transportation from the airport to your first hotel, from that hotel to your second hotel (even if it’s Disney), and finally back to the airport. It’s a seamless way to handle the logistics without worrying about surge pricing on rideshare apps.
If you prefer more flexibility, Uber and Lyft are readily available. We recommend scheduling your move for a “rest day” or a “light park day.” Check out of your first hotel around 10:00 AM, take a 25-minute rideshare to your new resort, and drop your bags at the Bell Services desk. Your room likely won’t be ready until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, so this is the perfect time to explore the new resort’s pool, visit Disney Springs, or grab lunch at CityWalk.
Pro-Tip: Don’t try to do a full park day on the day you switch hotels. It can lead to “theme park burnout.” Instead, use this as a chance to recharge.
With the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, ticket structures have become a bit more complex. For a split-stay, you will need two separate sets of tickets.
You will be living in two different apps during this trip: My Disney Experience and the Universal Orlando App.
We recommend downloading both and setting up your profiles well before you leave home. Having your credit card linked for mobile ordering will save you hours of standing in line for quick-service meals.
Dining at Orlando theme parks has evolved into a sport. At Disney, you can book your table-service meals 60 days in advance. If you are staying on-site, you can book for your entire stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days from your check-in date. This is a massive advantage for snagging hard-to-get spots like Be Our Guest or Space 220.
At Universal, the process is generally more relaxed, but popular spots in CityWalk and the Wizarding World still fill up. If you are staying at a Premier hotel, you often get priority seating at select restaurants, which is another reason we lean toward those higher-tier resorts.
Planning one theme park vacation is a lot of work. Planning two simultaneously is a full-time job. This is where we come in. At Travel by Jon & Jo’El, we specialize in these complex itineraries. We don’t just book the rooms; we handle the logistics that usually cause headaches.
While we focus on theme parks, we also provide the same level of care for luxury river cruises and all-inclusive getaways. Whether you want a whirlwind Orlando adventure or a relaxing Sandals Resort honeymoon, our goal is to provide quality, unique experiences, and real value.
Split-stays aren’t for everyone. If you have very young children and a mountain of gear (strollers, pack-n-plays, etc.), moving mid-trip might feel more like a chore than a benefit. However, for families with older kids, groups of friends, or couples, it is the absolute best way to see everything Orlando has to offer without spending half your day on a shuttle bus.
By staying on-property at both, you get the full “resort experience” at each destination. You get to wake up in the magic and fall asleep in the adventure.
If you’re ready to start planning your 2026 or 2027 Orlando split-stay, don’t do it alone. Let us handle the research and the reservations so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to build your ultimate Orlando itinerary? Contact us today to get started!