I visited the free sections of Disney World and Universal Orlando, and found the best had more unique food options and things to do

Amanda KrauseJan 8, 2022, 18:36 IST

I liked Universal Orlando's CityWalk less than Disney Springs.Amanda Krause/Insider

I visited Orlando, Florida, in 2021, and spent time at Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk.
Though I appreciated things about both free destinations, I much preferred Disney's option.

I visited Florida for a weekend in the middle of December 2021. During that trip, I spent time at both Disney Springs and Universal's CityWalk.

I took this selfie after getting seated on my first-ever plane ride.Amanda Krause/Insider

My hotel was just a few minutes from Universal Orlando, so I visited CityWalk first. Unfortunately, I was quickly disappointed.

Universal Orlando's parking prices (left), and one of the moving walkways (right).Amanda Krause/Insider

CityWalk was pretty quiet when I arrived, and it stayed that way until I left, which I appreciated.

The entrance to CityWalk leads to stores, restaurants, and theme-park entrances.Amanda Krause/Insider

Restaurants greet you right at the entrance, though I noticed that many of them were places I could visit at home.

A Starbucks and three chain restaurants within walking distance of each other.Amanda Krause/Insider

That said, there were plenty of standout eateries that caught my attention.

I was fascinated by this chocolate store from the moment I spotted it.Amanda Krause/Insider

My two favorite spots were the Red Oven Pizza Bakery and Voodoo Doughnut Orlando.

I'm still dreaming of this savory pizza and set of delicious doughnuts.Amanda Krause/Insider

Unfortunately, many of CityWalk's non-chain restaurants were closed during lunch and didn't open until much later in the day.

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food was one of many restaurants that opened late.Amanda Krause/Insider

In addition to restaurants, there were also a ton of food stands — like this Coca-Cola one.

I wasn't too impressed by this Coca-Cola stand.Amanda Krause/Insider

After browsing CityWalk's wide range of food options, I took a shopping break.

There are theme-park stores at CityWalk, and restaurant gift shops.Amanda Krause/Insider

There were also merchandise kiosks spread throughout CityWalk, though they never seemed very busy.

These stands sold anime merchandise, while others had theme-park items.Amanda Krause/Insider

There's a beautiful stage on the water where many people stopped to rest and take pictures.

Universal Orlando parkgoers spend time at CityWalk in December 2021.Amanda Krause/Insider

There was a winter-themed section called Mistletoe Pines, but it wasn't all that convincing in the daytime, in my opinion.

People seemingly used this section as a walkway to other areas of CityWalk.Amanda Krause/Insider

I visited CityWalk again in the evening, and saw that it comes alive at night. But unfortunately it felt crowded.

Crowds leave Universal Orlando and head to the parking garages around 6:30 p.m.Amanda Krause/Insider

I visited Disney Springs the next day, and had a seamless time getting into the shopping center.

I took this photo from my spot in the security line.Amanda Krause/Insider

Once inside, I immediately wanted food. Like at CityWalk, there are numerous restaurants located right near the entrance.

During my last trip, I had a Chicken Guy! sandwich (left), and a Gideon's cake (right).Amanda Krause/Insider

One of those spots is the Coca-Cola store. The drink company has a much bigger spot at Disney Springs than at Universal.

The store is located in a building covered with windows the color of coke bottles.Amanda Krause/Insider

The atmosphere at Disney Springs was warm, welcoming, and perfect for the Christmas season when I visited.

Garland, festive lights, and Christmas trees were everywhere.Amanda Krause/Insider

I found that Disney Springs was pretty crowded at all times of the day.

People gather around a fountain at Disney Springs on a December afternoon.Amanda Krause/Insider

I noticed nods to the Disney World theme parks just about everywhere.

I enjoyed a Dole Whip and then shopped at the Marketplace Co-Op stores.Amanda Krause/Insider

I also found rides and other experiences in-between stores and restaurants.

There's a carousel located next to Disney Springs' Christmas-themed store.Amanda Krause/Insider

The shopping kiosks at Disney Springs seemed more like luxury boutiques.

This stand exclusively sold flowers.Amanda Krause/Insider

Disney Springs continued to bustle at night with food trucks, live music, and more.

A band performs outside the AMC theater at Disney Springs in December 2021.Amanda Krause/Insider

I much prefer Disney Springs overall, but I still think there are things to be appreciated about CityWalk.

I took this picture at Disney Springs while visiting the Christmas Tree Stroll.Amanda Krause/Insider

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