Should your thrill-seeking family skip Disney and head to Universal Orlando instead?

Okay, I’m about to share something that might surprise Disney fans: if you’ve got teens, tweens, or adults who live for roller coasters and intense rides, Universal Orlando is hands-down the better choice. And I’m going to tell you exactly why!

Here’s what makes Universal the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies: ride intensity, pure and simple. While Disney World focuses on creating magical experiences for guests of all ages (which means tamer rides overall), Universal specifically designed their parks to deliver THRILLS.

Let’s geek out about the coasters for a second (you know I can’t help myself). The Jurassic World Velocicoaster isn’t just a ride—it’s an engineering masterpiece. This beast hits 70 mph, features four inversions, includes a zero-gravity stall 155 feet in the air, and was designed in collaboration with actual Universal creatives and coaster engineers to make you feel like you’re truly being hunted by raptors. The airtime is INSANE!

But wait, there’s more! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure holds the record for most expensive roller coaster ever built. Why? Because it combines seven—yes, SEVEN—different launches with animatronics, storytelling, a vertical drop track, and separate seating for motorcycles versus sidecars. It’s unlike anything else in the world.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster has been launching riders from 0 to 40 mph in two seconds since 1999, and it got a complete refurbishment in 2016 with new ride vehicles and a updated soundtrack. That initial launch never gets old!

Here’s a fun fact: Universal Studios actually secured the theme park rights to Marvel characters east of the Mississippi BEFORE Disney bought Marvel Entertainment. That’s why you’ll ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and encounter Marvel heroes at Universal, not Disney World. Wild, right?

I know choosing between parks can feel confusing when you’re trying to make your vacation special and you’re clueless about which Orlando park fits your family best. The internet is full of conflicting opinions and you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all the options!

Here’s my honest take: Universal Orlando is PERFECT for families with kids over 48 inches tall who get excited about coasters, families with teens who find Disney “too babyish,” adults who want theme park magic with serious thrills, and anyone who loves Harry Potter AND intense rides. You get world-class theming (those Wizarding World lands are absolutely stunning) combined with roller coasters that genuinely compete with Cedar Point-level intensity.

Disney is still magical for families with young children, princess-loving kids, or multi-generational trips where grandparents want gentler experiences. Both are amazing—they just serve different purposes!

Ready to figure out which Orlando adventure is right for YOUR crew? I love helping families stop feeling overwhelmed and actually get excited about their vacation plans. Let’s chat!