How to Plan a Walt Disney World + Universal Orlando Split Stay (Perfect for Spring & Summer)

alyh95
5 days ago
4 min read

If your family is dreaming about an Orlando vacation but feels stuck choosing between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common questions I hear:

“Can we do both… or is that just too much?”

The good news? You can do both — and when it’s planned correctly, it doesn’t feel rushed, overwhelming, or exhausting. In fact, a split stay is often the best way for families to experience Orlando, especially in spring and summer.

What Is a Split Stay?

A split stay means dividing your vacation between two resorts — typically:

Part of your trip at the Walt Disney World Resort
The other part at Universal Orlando Resort

Instead of choosing one destination and wondering what you missed, you get the best of both worlds.

And no — it doesn’t mean chaos, constant packing, or complicated logistics. When planned properly, the transition is smooth and intentional, and I handle the timing, transportation, and pacing so it feels seamless.

Epcot — Don't miss the concerts, topiaries and more at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March 4-June 1, 2026)

Why Spring & Summer Are Ideal for a Disney + Universal Split Stay

🌸 Spring Travel Benefits

Spring is a sweet spot for Orlando vacations:

Comfortable temperatures compared to peak summer heat
Spring festivals and seasonal offerings at Disney
Great timing for spring break travel
Ideal for families with tweens and teens

Plus at Walt Disney World, you may catch the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and at Universal Orlando, you may catch Mardi Gras at Universal Studios! And BONUS -- DEALS are selling out quickly at both resorts RIGHT NOW!

Crowds can be heavier during school breaks, but smart planning (and the right resort choices) makes a huge difference.

butter beer — Cool off in the summer at Universal Studios with Butter Beer and Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice!

☀️ Summer Travel Benefits

Summer is actually one of my favorite times for a split stay:

Longer park hours = more flexibility
Nighttime entertainment shines in summer
Built-in water rides, pools, and splash areas help beat the heat
More freedom for longer trips (8–9 nights works beautifully)

Disney is offering free water park admission on your arrival day this summer... there's always soemthing going on in the summer time at both Disney and Universal... and again, SUPER HOT DEALS for this summer, including 2-nights and 2-park days FREE at Walt Disney World!

Summer is when a split stay really shines because you’re not trying to cram everything into a short window.

Sample Split Stay Itineraries That Work

🏰 7-Night Split Stay (Great for Spring)

4 nights at Walt Disney World
3 nights at Universal Orlando

This gives you time for Disney’s immersive magic before shifting gears into Universal’s high-energy thrills.

🎢 8–9 Night Split Stay (Ideal for Summer)

5 nights at Walt Disney World
3–4 nights at Universal Orlando

This pacing allows for slower mornings, pool breaks, and downtime — which is key during warmer months.

Disney First or Universal First?

This is one of the most important planning decisions — and it depends on your family.

✔️ Why Many Families Start with Disney

Easier adjustment days after travel
More immersive theming
Great for younger kids early in the trip
A smoother ramp-up before thrill-heavy days

✔️ Why Some Families End with Universal

Big “wow factor” to finish strong
Perfect for teens and thrill lovers
Express Pass perks at select hotels can be a game-changer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s where personalized planning really matters.

Why Split Stays Are Perfect for Families with Mixed Ages

This is where split stays really earn their reputation.

Younger kids get Disney magic, characters, and immersive storytelling
Tweens and teens get the thrill rides and immersive lands they crave at Universal
Parents don’t feel like they compromised or left something out

Instead of choosing a trip that only half the family is excited about, everyone gets something they love.

magic band — MagicBands help you explore with ease at the Disney theme parks

Common Questions (and Honest Answers)

Is it too much for one trip? Not when it’s paced properly. The key is not over-scheduling and building in downtime.

Is switching hotels a hassle? Not when it’s planned correctly. One move mid-trip is very manageable and often refreshing. Plus I'll even handle the transfers for you between the two hotels.

Do we need park hopper tickets? At Disney, I often say no unless there are specific goals you have. At Universal (especially if you're into Harry Potter), I highly suggest their version of the park hopper (they call it "park-to-park") as this is the only way you can ride the Hogwarts Express.

Is it more expensive? Not necessarily. In many cases, it’s comparable to (or even less than) trying to do everything from one location. And the sooner you book, the less expensive your trip is likely to be since more discounted rates should still be available. (Plus I do offer price monitoring for yoou!!)

The Bottom Line

If your family is planning an Orlando vacation for spring or summer and wants to experience both Disney and Universal without stress, a split stay might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The key isn’t doing more — it’s planning smarter.

If you’re curious whether a Disney + Universal split stay makes sense for your family, I’d love to help you map it out. Every family travels differently, and the best itineraries are the ones designed with your priorities in mind.