Are you trying to decide between Disney and Universal for your next multigenerational family vacation? If you’re planning a magical getaway with your kids and grandkids, you’re not alone. There are plenty of other families doing the same thing, while wondering which theme park offers more magic per step – Disney vs Universal for grandparents and grandkids. Both parks have something to offer. But which one truly shines as the best theme park for multigenerational families? Today, I will help you explore the differences to help you plan the perfect Disney vacation with grandkids. Or a thrilling Universal vacation with grandkids.

Disney vs Universal for Grandparents and Grandkids: The Best Theme Park Vacation for Multigenerational Families

Why Multigenerational Families Love Theme Parks

There’s something magical about multigenerational travel. Watching your grandkids giggle as they meet their favorite characters. Or watching parents’ or grandparents’ faces light up, as they relive the magic of their own childhoods.

These aren’t just vacations. They are time machines, memory makers, and bonding experiences all rolled into one.

There are numerous reasons why Disney and Universal are the best theme parks for grandparents and grandchildren. Let’s start with the fact everything is all the one place. There are rides, entertainment, dining, shopping, and lodging in one general area. So, you never need to travel way across town, or to another city, to experience an adventure together.

It is also simple to take breaks during the day when you are on a multigenerational family vacation at Disney or Universal. Rest zones are perfect for short breaks. And it is easy to go back to your hotel for a nap in the middle of the day.

Oh, and no one will be bored during a Disney or Universal vacation. There are plenty of rides everyone in the family can do together. Of course, there may be times when only certain people in the family go on a ride. But the conversations afterwards will allow those who didn’t go the option to hear how amazing it was!

Accessibility and Comfort: Disney vs Universal for Grandparents and Grandkids

When deciding between Disney vs Universal for grandparents and grandkids for vacation, it may all come down to accessibility and comfort. Both theme parks have accessibility options. However, Disney seems to stand out when it comes to accessibility.

Disney offers the following in its theme parks:

• Ample shaded rest areas
• Benches in numerous areas
• Air-conditioned shows
• Wheelchair and ECV rentals
• Disability Access Service (DAS)

At Universal, you will find:

• A few shady resting spots
• Wheelchair and ECV rentals

Many of the classic rides at Disney offer slow-loading boats or ride vehicles. This makes it easier for grandparents to step onto the rides without an issue. Over at Universal, the rides are more thrill-based. Therefore, it can be more difficult to get onto the rides.

It is important to note that team members are trained to assist all guests at Disney and Universal theme parks. So, grandparents and grandkids will get all the help they require during their multigenerational family vacation.

Attractions and Entertainment for All Ages – Disney vs Universal for Grandparents and Grandkids

Finding activities that appeal to three generations while on a Disney or Universal vacation with grandkids isn’t as difficult as you may think.

When considering Disney vs Universal for grandparents and grandkids, you must understand that each theme park brings families together in a different way.

Over at Disney, the entire family can go on classic rides like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Living with the Land. Pirates of the Caribbean is another excellent option. Parades, fireworks, and meet and greets are other options of how families can spend hours together making memories.

A vacation at Universal is going to look a little different for grandparents and grandkids. In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, grandparents may wander around Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley sipping butterbeer. At the same time, older grandkids will be braving Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or another Harry Potter ride.

With that being said, there are a few rides that grandparents and grandkids can go on together during a vacation at Universal. Seuss Landing is another wonderful space for the entire family to have fun. The rides in this area are perfect for all ages. And grandparents will love reminiscing about all Seuss’ characters.

Street performances and shows at Universal are perfect for all ages too. Just remember that there aren’t too many places to sit at Universal for the street performances.

Add a multigenerational scavenger hunt to have even more fun on your family vacation!

Dining and Food Options for Picky Eaters and Dietary Needs

As a mom of six, I know that food can make or break your vacation. The kids aren’t always going to like what’s available. The grandparents are going to have dietary restrictions. And someone is always going to be craving something specific. Thankfully, Disney and Universal have both worked hard to make dining a wonderful experience for multigenerational family vacations.

Are you wondering, Disney vs Universal for grandparents and grandkids, which one is better for dining?

Honestly, it will depend on your family. But most of the time the answer will be Disney due to the availability of options.

At Disney, you will find so many varieties of food. BBQ, quinoa bowls, stir fry, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and even plant-based options. There are quick service dining options, as well as table service restaurants and character dining options.

And when it comes to allergies, Disney offers allergy-friendly menus filled with options your family will love.

Over at Universal, your dining options will include plenty of themed quick service restaurants. Each one of those restaurants offers burgers, chicken nuggets, and pizza. However, if you are searching for allergy-friendly options or healthier options, you will need to do a little digging to find what you want.

If you really want a sit-down meal, you will need to leave Universal and venture over to CityWalk. While CityWalk is right outside the parks, it is extra walking just to get something to eat.

Hotel and Resort Stays: Convenience and Comfort

When it comes to multigenerational travel, your hotel room isn’t just a place to sleep. It becomes your recharging station, snack central, nap haven, and a destination to escape the chaos of the theme parks. And maybe a space to grab a little quiet time when everyone else is gone for an hour or two.

So, trust me when I say that where you stay for your Disney or Universal vacation with grandkids really matters. And this is why you should really work with a travel advisor like myself. I can make sure every aspect of your multigenerational family vacation checks off all the boxes on your list without any snafus along the way.

You’ll have plenty of resort options when you stay at Disney. There are more than twenty resorts. And they all offer magical touches and logistical perks your family will love.

I can help you determine which one is best for the theme parks you will be visiting. I will keep in mind the on-site perks, dining options, and transportation options too.

There are fewer resort options at Universal. However, each resort is within a five-to-fifteen-minute ride to the theme parks. If you stay at a premier hotel, you will receive an Express Pass. Those passes are perfect for avoiding long lines.

The accommodations you choose for your grandparent and grandchildren vacation will be dependent on which theme parks you are visiting. Don’t worry, I can help you make a decision that is best for your family.

Check out even more reasons to stay on-site during a Disney vacation. 

Tips for a Smooth Disney vs Universal for Grandparents and Grandkids Vacations

Let’s be honest. A smooth multigenerational family vacation doesn’t just happen. It’s a mix of careful planning, strategic pacing, and a few “let’s just roll with it” moments. My next few tips will help you create fun, flexible, and mostly fatigue-free days.

Plan for Downtime Each Day

Please do not make the rookie mistake of trying to do it all, every single day. If you do, the result is going to be meltdowns and tears. For grandparents, parents, and grandkids.

I recommend returning to your hotel for a nap. Plan a sit-down lunch to relax, recharge, and refuel. Or going for a swim at the pool.

Stay On-Site

You may be tempted to choose a hotel that is outside the theme park area. However, staying on-site will ensure you have a shorter commute to the theme parks. Plus, you can take advantage of Disney or Universal’s transportation and avoid driving your car to each theme park.

Make Advance Dining Reservations

Character dining and table service dining fill up quickly. To avoid disappointment, and prevent hangry outbursts, I recommend booking dining reservations in advance. You are allowed to book sixty days in advance.

Pro Tip: Your travel advisor can take care of dining reservations for you!

Pack Like a Pro for Disney vs Universal Grandparents and Grandkids Vacations

Packing for a multigenerational family vacation can be challenging. In addition to clothes, you should bring snacks, refillable water bottles, cooling towels, misting fans, ponchos, umbrellas, and a small first aid kit.

Don’t Force Togetherness

Being together is going to be wonderful during your family vacation. However, grandparents, parents, and grandkids are going to get tired of all that togetherness after a while.

Letting the grandparents venture away to do something on their own is always going to be a good idea. And the grandparents can watch the grandkids, while the parents escape for a little while.

Use Time-Saving Tools

Reducing waiting times will allow you to accomplish so much more during your Disney or Universal vacation with the grandkids. At Disney, Lightning Lane Passes will help you avoid long lines. The Express Pass will be your lifesaver at Universal.

Checking app-based waiting times and utilizing mobile food ordering can help save your family even more time at the theme parks.

When it comes to Disney vs Universal for grandparents and grandkids, there’s no one-size fits all answer. But there is a perfect fit for every family. A Disney vacation with grandkids is perfect for those who want gentler rides and beloved characters. Universal vacations are best for older grandkids looking for thrill-seeking rides. I can help you plan your multigenerational family vacation that will have you enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences while making memories.

So, are you ready to have me personalize your multigenerational vacation at Disney or Universal?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized planning session with me. Clicking the link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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