
With so much Orlando theme parks news this week, I can’t help but compare Walt Disney World to the Universal Orlando Resort. Not just in new attractions and amenities but also in cost and ways to stretch your dollar furthest for your 2025 vacation to the Orlando theme parks.
Especially with Disney’s announcement of Lightning Lane Premier Pass rolling out later this month. Lightning Lane Premier is more similar to Universal’s Unlimited Express Pass but has a lot of people sticker-shocked from the price. This is likely because Lightning Lane Premier is not included as a resort perk at Deluxe Resorts as it would be at Universal.
We’ll first take a look at Disney World’s current pricing including Lightning Lane Options and then look at Universal Orlando’s prices and what we can expect next year with the May 22, 2025 opening of Epic Universe.
Walt Disney World 2024 Ticket Prices
- Magic Kingdom Average Price per One-Day Ticket $160
- EPCOT Average Price per One-Day Ticket $149
- Hollywood Studios Average Price per One-Day Ticket $157
- Animal Kingdom Average Price per One-Day Ticket $137
- Park Hopper Ticket (All 4 Parks) Average Price Per One-Day Ticket $199
Walt Disney World 2024 Lightning Lane Prices
- Magic Kingdom Average Price per Day $31
- EPCOT Average Price per Day $25
- Hollywood Studios Average Price per Day $28
- Animal Kingdom Average Price per Day $22
- Multi-Park (All 4 Parks) Average Price Per Day $31
Walt Disney World 2024 Lightning Lane Premier Pass Prices
Lightning Lane Premier Pass opens for select resort guests late October 2024 and allows a one-time entry to every available Lightning Lane attraction in each of the four theme parks. This also includes attractions in the Lightning Lane Single Pass category. One of the biggest perks of the Premier Pass is guests will not need to schedule/ reserve a Lightning Lane time in the My Disney Experience app. Just like Lightning Lane, pricing will vary by each day and theme park.
- Magic Kingdom Average Price per Day $389
- EPCOT Average Price per Day $309
- Hollywood Studios Average Price per Day $209
- Animal Kingdom Average Price per Day $164
Universal Orlando 2024 Ticket Prices
- Universal Studios Orlando (1 park) Average Price per One-Day Ticket $157
- Islands of Adventure (1 park) Average Price per One-Day Ticket $149
- Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure (2 parks) Average Price per One-Day Ticket $218
Epic Universe 2025 Ticket Prices
- 3-Day, 3-Park (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, with one day Epic Universe) Ticket will range from $352 to $521
- Average price per day of a 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket $146
Universal Orlando 2024 Express (Single-Use) Pass Prices
- Universal Studios (1 park) Average Price per Day $185
- Islands of Adventure (1 park) Average Price per Day $193
- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (2 parks) Average Price per Day $203
Universal Orlando 2024 Unlimited Express Pass Prices
- Universal Studios (1 park) Average Price per Day $215
- Islands of Adventure (1 park) Average Price per Day $223
- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (2 parks) Average Price per Day $233
There’s a few things to consider with these prices. First, the best value is always going to be the longer-length ticket as opposed to the one-day ticket option. Second, a park hopper ticket at Walt Disney World includes four theme parks as opposed to three at Universal Orlando. And third, some parks have more attractions than others when comparing the value of Lightning Lane or Express Pass.
It still seems like Universal’s Express Pass is ultimately the best deal since not only is it priced lower, but it offers similar features to the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Both passes allow guests to access the shorter line without making a reservation. Even better, the Unlimited Express Pass allows guests to visit the same attraction multiple times, whereas Lightning Lane Premier only allows once per attraction. Lightning Lane Premier does get bonus points for including PhotoPass pictures.
Otherwise, ticket prices are very similar at both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando (even with the addition of Epic Universe). Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on ticket prices to the Orlando theme parks and if you plan on purchasing Lightning Lane or Express Pass for your next vacation!