I spent a day at Universal and Disney World and found the latter isn't worth the extra money right now

Carly CaramannaAug 5, 2021, 19:36 IST

The parks have both changed a little throughout the pandemic.Carly Caramanna for Insider

I frequently visit Disney World and Universal Orlando, but the pandemic has changed the parks.
I decided to rate them on different categories, like dining, entertainment, and accommodations.
After visiting both, I think Disney is best for adults and Universal is best for families right now.

To make things fair, I planned similar days at Universal Orlando and Disney World.

I went to both parks to figure out which is best. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I started my trip at Walt Disney World by checking into the Dolphin Resort.

I stayed at the Dolphin Resort. Carly Caramanna for Insider

At Universal, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

It's a great resort if you're looking for some pool time. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I had to book my Disney ticket in advance, and I was only able to get entrance into one park at first.

I started my day at Epcot. Carly Caramanna for Insider

At Universal, I had no problem getting tickets for both theme parks on the property.

There were more last-minute ticket options available. Carly Caramanna for Insider

Disney's parking lot was crowded but it didn't take me long to get into the park.

It looked pretty crowded when I first pulled up. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I would never drive to Universal because the parking area is cramped and crowded.

I walked to the park entrance from my hotel. Carly Caramanna for Insider

At Disney World, the attraction wait times ranged from 20 to 60 minutes.

The wait times got longer in the afternoon. Carly Caramanna for Insider

The wait times for the most popular Universal attractions were definitely longer.

The "Harry Potter" rides typically have longer waits. Carly Caramanna for Insider

The character interactions at Disney are still fairly limited.

The characters ride and walk by at a distance in the parks. Carly Caramanna for Insider

The Universal character interactions were more exciting and interactive.

I was able to take selfies with some of the characters. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I had a hard time snagging a Disney dining reservation but ended up finding a walk-up at a resort restaurant.

The bread service at Sanaa is famous. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I couldn't get a reservation at Universal, and I ended up waiting in long quick-service lines for my meal.

The lines were long and a bit chaotic. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I happened to be visiting Disney during Epcot's annual Flower and Garden Festival.

The festival offered some tasty foods. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I was able to experience some of the Summer Bite booths at Universal.

There were some fun, limited-time food offerings at the park. Carly Caramanna for Insider

Disney had a few shows running, and I caught the "Happily Ever After" fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

The firework show was back after a hiatus. Carly Caramanna for Insider

There were a number of shows and parades happening at Universal on the day of my visit.

I caught the Horror Make-Up Show at Universal. Carly Caramanna for Insider

I really liked the Flower and Garden merchandise Disney has this year - but it was pretty expensive.

The limited-time merchandise was cute but expensive. Carly Caramanna for Insider

The merchandise at Universal is generally a little more affordable.

There were new things on display for the VelociCoaster. Carly Caramanna for Insider

Many of the new attractions and experiences at the Disney parks were delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The new attractions that were set for 2021 haven't opened yet. Carly Caramanna for Insider

But there were a number of new things for me to experience at Universal.

The VelociCoaster is a new attraction at the park. Carly Caramanna for Insider

Throughout my day at Disney, the mobile app was helpful for planning out rides and dining.

The mobile app was super helpful at Disney. Carly Caramanna for Insider

Universal's mobile app was definitely less helpful.

I couldn't plan as much on the Universal mobile app. Carly Caramanna for Insider

With the current restrictions and limitations, I think Universal is more worthwhile for families, and Disney is probably better for adults-only trips.

A visit to Universal is a better value right now. AP Photo/John Raoux

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