Updated for 2026
Planning an Orlando vacation doesn’t have to mean choosing between the magic of Walt Disney World and the excitement of Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, one of my favorite ways to experience both destinations is with a split stay—dividing your vacation between a Disney Resort hotel and a Universal Orlando hotel.
A split stay allows you to enjoy the exclusive perks, immersive theming, and convenience of staying on-site at both resorts without spending your entire vacation commuting back and forth. While changing hotels midway through your trip requires a little planning, the benefits often far outweigh the inconvenience.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to experience Epic Universe alongside Disney’s iconic parks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a successful split stay vacation.
Table of contents
What Is a Split Stay?
A split stay simply means staying at two different hotels during the same vacation. When visiting Orlando, this usually means spending part of your trip at a Disney Resort hotel and the remainder at a Universal Orlando hotel.
Instead of commuting between the two destinations, you’ll enjoy the convenience of being close to the parks you’re visiting while taking advantage of the exclusive benefits offered by each resort.
Although you’ll need to pack up and transfer hotels once during your vacation, many guests find that the added convenience, resort perks, and immersive experiences make it well worth the extra effort.
Why Choose a Split Stay?
Experience the Best of Both Worlds
Disney and Universal each offer completely different vacation experiences.
Disney is known for its storytelling, themed resorts, family-friendly attractions, and legendary guest service. Universal offers thrilling attractions, immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and now Epic Universe, making it a must-visit destination for many travelers.
A split stay lets you fully immerse yourself in each resort rather than feeling like you’re constantly traveling between them.
Spend Less Time Commuting
Driving between Disney and Universal every day may not seem like a big deal, but traffic around Orlando can quickly add extra time to your vacation.
By staying on-site at each destination, you’ll spend more time enjoying the parks and less time sitting in traffic.
Enjoy Exclusive Resort Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of a split stay is experiencing the perks of staying on property at both resorts.
Disney Resort Benefits
(Keep your existing internal link to your Disney Resort Benefits article.)
Benefits include:
- Early Theme Park Entry
- Complimentary Disney transportation
- Early access to dining reservations
- Resort recreation and themed pools
- Easy access to Disney Springs
Universal Orlando Resort Benefits
(Keep your existing internal link to your Universal hotel guide.)
Benefits vary by hotel but may include:
- Early Park Admission
- Water taxi transportation
- Walking paths to the parks
- Complimentary transportation
- Universal Express Unlimited included at select Signature Collection hotels
Many travelers choose to stay one or two nights at a Signature Collection hotel because the included Express Unlimited benefit can cost less than purchasing Express separately.
Disney First or Universal First?
This is one of the questions I hear most often.
The truth is, there’s no wrong answer—it simply depends on the type of vacation you’re hoping to have.
Option 1: Start at Disney
Many guests enjoy beginning their vacation with Disney’s immersive atmosphere before finishing with Universal’s exciting attractions.
This option works especially well if you’re traveling with younger children or planning a relaxing resort day after your arrival.
Benefits
- Ease into your vacation
- Disney transportation from the start
- Relax before thrill rides
- End with Epic Universe excitement
Option 2: Start at Universal
Some travelers prefer beginning with Universal before winding down at Disney.
If Epic Universe is your highest priority, starting there can also help ensure you’re rested and ready for a full park day.
Benefits
- Experience the biggest thrill rides first
- Relax later at Disney
- Enjoy Disney’s slower pace at the end of your trip
How Many Nights Should You Stay?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what I generally recommend.
| Vacation Length | Disney | Universal |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Nights | 3 | 2 |
| 7 Nights | 4 | 3 |
| 8–9 Nights | 5 | 3–4 |
| 10+ Nights | Flexible |
With Epic Universe now open, many families are choosing to spend at least three full days at Universal Orlando.
Choosing Your Resorts
One of my favorite split stay strategies is combining a Value Disney Resort with a Universal Signature Collection hotel.
This allows guests to enjoy Disney’s incredible transportation while finishing their vacation with the convenience of Universal Express Unlimited at select Signature hotels.
Some of my favorite combinations include:
Budget Friendly
Family Vacation
Deluxe Experience
Transportation Between Resorts
Moving hotels is easier than many guests expect.
Popular transportation options include:
- Uber
- Lyft
- Rental Car
- Private transportation services
If you’re staying at Disney first, Bell Services can assist with your luggage while you enjoy your final morning before heading to Universal.
Luggage Transfer Tips
Pack one small overnight bag with:
- Swimsuits
- Medications
- Chargers
- Travel documents
- Park essentials
This makes transfer day much easier if your room isn’t ready immediately.
Park Ticket Strategy
One of the biggest mistakes guests make is alternating between Disney and Universal every day.
Instead, group your vacation by destination.
For example:
Days 1–4
Disney Parks
↓
Transfer Hotels
↓
Days 5–7
Universal Orlando
You’ll spend much less time commuting and more time enjoying your vacation.
Dining Reservations
Don’t forget to plan dining around your split stay.
Disney dining reservations can typically be made 60 days before check-in, while Universal dining reservations have their own booking process.
Be sure to review your reservation dates carefully since your Disney and Universal stays will have separate confirmation numbers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Experience both Disney and Universal
- Resort perks at both destinations
- Less commuting
- More immersive vacation
- Greater flexibility when budgeting
Cons
- ✘ Pack twice
- ✘ Mid-vacation hotel transfer
- ✘ Two hotel check-ins
- ✘ Transportation between resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
For most guests, absolutely. The convenience of staying close to each destination and enjoying exclusive resort benefits usually outweighs the inconvenience of changing hotels once.
Not necessarily. Many guests find Uber or Lyft to be a simple and cost-effective way to travel between Disney and Universal.
Absolutely! In fact, combining both destinations has become increasingly popular, especially with the addition of Epic Universe.
I generally recommend at least three days if you plan to visit Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe.
Final Thoughts
A Disney World and Universal Orlando split stay truly gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy Disney’s legendary storytelling, immersive resorts, and unforgettable attractions before diving into Universal’s thrilling rides, exciting entertainment, and innovative experiences like Epic Universe.
Yes, you’ll change hotels once—but with a little planning, that small effort can unlock a more immersive, convenient, and memorable Orlando vacation.
If you’re unsure which resorts pair best together or how many days to spend at each destination, I’m here to help! I can help you compare resort options, build a personalized itinerary, monitor special offers, and make planning your vacation easier—all at no additional cost to you.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Ready to start planning your own Disney World and Universal Orlando split stay? Contact me to begin creating a personalized vacation tailored to your travel style, budget, and wish list.
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