Sharing is caring!

The incredible city of Orlando is home to both Disney World Resorts and Universal Studio Resorts, offering two extraordinary theme parks that guarantee a magical experience for everyone. That’s why we totally get it if you’re looking to continue your adventure from Disney Resort to Universal Studios, Orlando!

We’ve even got you covered with some hassle-free travel tips. Our comprehensive guide is here to ensure a seamless journey, allowing you to focus on creating amazing memories during your Orlando adventure.

We’ll provide all the essential information you need to know about reaching Universal Studios from Disney World. From transportation options to insider tips, we’ve gathered everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

Get ready for an extraordinary Orlando experience where the fun never stops!

Table of Contents - Click to View

Yes! It is definitely possible for you to stay at Disney World and go to Universal Studios during your trip to Orlando. Let’s explore the different transportation options available:

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are convenient options for traveling from Disney Resort to Universal Studios or the Universal Resort. These services can be booked through their respective apps on your cell phones, allowing you to select pick-up and drop-off locations and choose from various vehicle options.

Rideshares eliminate the hassle of driving and navigating unfamiliar areas, making them a popular choice. Just keep in mind that riders are required to be on time or incur a waiting fee! This option is ideal for a family or large group travel.

Remember to keep an eye on your belongings during the ride to avoid leaving anything behind. And, if you’re traveling with a child aged 5 or under, you can request or select a car seat (booster seat) as required by law in Florida. Alternatively, you can bring your own for added comfort.

Taxi services such as Mears Connect, Orlando Taxi24, and 24SEVEN, along with your hotel’s front desk and Disney World valet services, can help arrange a taxi for your journey. It is usually necessary to book in advance.

Similar to ride shares, you can customize your travel by choosing your preferred pick-up and drop-off points. 

Before departing from Disney, ensure that the taximeter in your taxi is reset and running. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance and credit card company to see if they offer free secondary coverage for rented cars.

Private transfer services like GetTransfer and Orlando Limousine Fl are available for those who prefer a more personalized experience. You can request a transfer by choosing your preferred timings, pick-up point, destination, and type of vehicle.

GetTransfer can be booked using its app and allows 15 minutes of waiting time without charges. Their fees include taxes, tolls, and gratuity.

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, services like Orlando Limousine Fl offer options such as limousines. Booking can be done through their website, and gratuity is included in their prices.

Both private transfer options also provide the choice of selecting car seats if you’re traveling with kids.

Renting a car in Orlando gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and itinerary. This is particularly great for families with young children or infants due to the privacy that rentals offer.

It also allows you to enjoy the convenience of having your own space and the ability to bring essential items like a first aid kit, snacks, extra clothes, and your own booster seat. However, you should keep in mind that this comes at some additional costs, too, like parking fees, gas, and toll charges.

There are plenty of reputable rental services available in Orlando, including popular names like Lyft, Alamo, and National Car Rental. You can also seek out exclusive deals that are offered by local suppliers when you book accommodations through them.

Just make it a point to book your rental car in advance to secure availability and get the best possible rates.

Traveling in your car provides comfort and privacy,  just like with renting a car. If you have access to a vehicle, this can be a convenient option for transportation between Disney World and Universal Studios.

Public buses like Lynx are available for transportation between Disney World and Universal Studios, but it’s important to note that transferring lines can be inconvenient. These buses operate at intervals of 15, 30, and 60 minutes, and their stops are marked with pink paw prints or bus logos. 

To track the bus in real-time, you can use the LYNX Bus Tracker app. For instance, the Lynx 302 route takes you from Disney Resort to Universal Studios, with the pick-up stop located at Seven Seas Drive And Floridian Way.

The drop-off location is at S Kirkman Road And Windhover Drive, which requires a 30-minute walk to reach Universal Studios. You can find information on other bus routes on Rome2Rio.

Keep in mind that bus timetables may not always be strictly followed, and walking to and from bus stops can consume additional time. So, while traveling by bus may be a suitable option if you have teenagers accompanying you, it can turn cumbersome with babies or younger kids.

If you are visiting with a larger group and don’t want to get separate Ubers or Lyfts, then a shuttle might be worth considering – but it will cost more.

e.g Disney Animal Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World to Aventura Hotel at Universal for 10 people is around $173, but this is a lot pricier than 2 Uber Xl (roughly $48 each)

When it comes to transportation between Disney World and Universal Resorts, there are several shuttle service options available. Companies like Magic Flight, Orlando Shuttle Service, and Orlando Limousine FL offer pre-booked shuttle services for your convenience.

Some of these shuttle services may even provide complementary booster seats upon request, which can be a helpful consideration for families traveling with young children.

Hotels do not offer shuttles between Disney and Universal or vice- versa but they often offer shuttles from the hotel to one or both of the main park resorts. It is quite possible to go to Disney on your hotels shuttle, make your own way to the Universal Resort and catch your hotel shuttle back – if the timings work for you. But sadly, you will not be able to go theme park to other theme park with this option.

Keep in mind that shuttle services may make multiple stops along the way, which can result in a slightly longer travel time. This aspect might pose challenges for families with infants and young children.

If you choose a public shuttle, most companies allow two pieces of luggage per person, and any extra luggage might incur additional charges. If you plan to bring a car seat, ensure that it is foldable for easy transport.

Arriving at Universal Studios, you have various options for drop-off. Rideshare services like Uber typically drop off passengers on the fifth floor of the Jurassic Park Car Park section of City Walk, providing convenient access to the park.

Buses, on the other hand, tend to utilize the spacious drop-off area near the transportation hub by City Walk.

Pro tip: Planning and making advance bookings can save time and contribute to a more relaxed experience.

The travel time between Disney World and Universal Studios varies depending on factors such as your family size, chosen mode of transportation, and traffic conditions.

But firstly, how far is Universal Studios from Disney World and how far is Disney World from Universal Studios? If you decide to drive or take a taxi, which is often the preferred option, the distance from Disney Resort to Universal Studios is approximately 9 miles on I-4E, and the reverse journey covers 8.9 miles on I-4W.

Under normal traffic conditions, the trip typically takes around 13.5 minutes. However, during peak hours, the travel time can extend to approximately 30.5 minutes. It’s important to note that travel duration may increase during holidays and rush hours due to congestion.

An exciting aspect of traveling on I-4 is that it passes through International Drive, an area filled with excellent dining options, tourist attractions, and other interesting things to do. This provides an opportunity to take breaks, explore the surroundings, and make the journey more entertaining.

Just be aware that these stops might add extra time to your travel, especially if traffic is heavy.

To help you choose the most convenient transportation option for your journey from Disney to Universal, let’s take a look at the rates for each mode of transport.

How much does an Uber cost from Disney Resort to Universal Studios? While Uber and Lyft are both popular choices, Uber is generally $4 cheaper than Lyft in most cities.

For a family of 4, you can expect to pay around $20 for an Uber trip or about $24 for Lyft to Universal Studios from Disney. It’s worth noting that Uber waits for 3 minutes before charging additional fees, while Lyft starts charging after 2 minutes based on time and location.

To get the best deal, avoid booking rides too close to park opening or closing times and compare prices between Uber and Lyft.

Taxis are typically more expensive than Uber, but they can be cheaper during peak hours when the demand for Uber rises. A one-way trip from Disney to Universal Studios in a taxi would cost around $34 to $50.

If you prefer private transfers, the cost can range from $28 to $106 depending on the occupancy of the vehicle. However, keep in mind that hiring a limousine can be quite expensive, with prices going up to $300.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. A mid-sized vehicle rental would cost around $45 per day.

At Universal Studios, standard parking charges range from $25 to $27 per day, while preferred parking charges can go up to $40 to $60 per day, depending on the season. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the costs of gas and tolls.

If you already have access to a car, traveling in your own vehicle would be comparable in cost to renting a car, excluding the rental charges. At Universal Studios, standard parking charges range from $25 to $27 per day, while preferred parking charges can go up to $40 to $60 per day, depending on the season. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the costs of gas and tolls.

Lynx buses offer an affordable option, charging around $2 for a single one-way ticket. If you plan to use buses for more than two trips, it would be more cost-effective to opt for day passes.

For resort to resort transfers, both Magic Flight shuttle and Orlando Shuttle service are available. They typically charge around $50 for a one-way trip and $163 for a two-way trip for an average family of 4.

These fees include taxes, parking, and toll charges, but gratuity is not included. Orlando Shuttle service also charges an additional $15 for an infant safety seat.

Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle services as part of their package, allowing guests to travel to parks, although not park-to-park. It’s advisable to check with your hotel’s shuttle schedule and arrive early at the designated departure point.

Please note that charges may increase for large groups.

While Disney doesn’t have a shuttle service directly to Universal Studios, there are more than a few companies in the area that can help you out. You’ve got options like Magic Flight, Orlando Shuttle Service, and Orlando Limousine FL. but they can be pricey and better suited for larger groups.

It’s worth mentioning that Mears Connect used to be a popular choice for shuttles between Disney and Universal. However, they’ve recently made some changes to their services.

Now, they focus solely on shuttles from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World Resorts. This switch is probably because of the changing dynamics and increased competition between the two parks.

Choosing between staying at Universal Studios or Disney World depends on your personal preferences. Let’s break it down!

If you value free parking, balcony rooms, and a comprehensive transportation system, Disney might be your best bet. They offer these perks to enhance your stay.

On the other hand, if you prioritize reliable Wi-Fi, diverse entertainment choices, and a vibrant atmosphere, Universal may be more appealing to you.

Both Universal Studios and Disney World are conveniently located near the Orlando International Airport (MCO), around 17.3 miles away. However, Disney World tends to have slightly shorter travel times compared to Universal Studios.

No matter which park you choose, staying on-site or in nearby hotels/villas offers easy access to both parks. This adds to the overall convenience of your visit, making it easier to explore and enjoy all the attractions.

Absolutely! You can purchase tickets for Universal Studios from their official website, even if you live outside the U.S.

Use a VPN to get direct access to the Universal website. You can also buy tickets through the Online Ticket Store or by calling 1-407-224-7840. Just make sure to be cautious and verify that you’re on a genuine website when purchasing from third-party sources.

If you prefer, you can also buy tickets at the gate when you arrive. However, it’s a good idea to check the online ticket store beforehand to ensure availability for the specific day you plan to visit.

Purchasing your tickets in advance not only saves you time but also allows you to choose your preferred travel time during non-peak hours. This can help you save even more money.

Universal Studios Orlando offers approximately 10,200 parking spaces, making it one of the largest parking lots in the world. To facilitate a smooth parking experience and avoid confusion, the entire parking area is divided into easily identifiable sub-lots.

Each sub-lot is assigned a unique character to help visitors remember where they parked their vehicles, so remember to make a note of yours!

If you want to avoid paying for parking at Universal Studios Orlando, there are a few options available. You can purchase an annual pass, which includes free parking, or opt for the Power Pass which gives you a 50% discount on parking charges for a single visit.

Alternatively, if someone in your group already has a pass, you can borrow it to enjoy free or discounted parking. Another option is to buy two movie tickets for the matinee showtime (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) at Universal Cinemark and get reimbursed for the parking fees at the ticket counter. 

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support Visiting Orlando With Kids

1. Click here to buy me a virtual coffee (thank you so much!)

2. Join our VISITING ORLANDO WITH KIDS FACEBOOK GROUP here which includes lots of ideas & tips for things to do, places to visit in and around Orlando.

3. Click here to sign up for the latest family travel tips, guides and competitions. 

3. Share this post with your friends. 

4. Follow Visiting Orlando With Kids on the following platforms for exclusive content :

Thank you for your support as always.