Now that 2020 is here, it is time for families to start planning spring and summer vacations. If you love theme parks, then like millions of other people from around the world, you will be heading to Orlando. Two entertainment juggernauts have been battling it out for decades to become the premier family destination. The big question for theme park enthusiasts in 2020 is: Disney World or Universal?
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Until recently, it has not been much of a fight between Universal and Disney. The Latter had nearly a 20-year head start. They even deliberately attempted to throttle Universal’s attendance by opening a competing park at the same time that Universal Studios Florida opened. Since then, the competition has heated up, even with Imagineers jumping ship and defecting to Universal in the late ’90s. Both resorts have significant developments currently in progress, but is it Disney World or Universal that has the most to offer in 2020?
Universal 2020
Universal has a big future project in the form of a new theme park. Epic Universe is going to feature a Super Nintendo World among other unique and immersive lands. Despite Disney’s head start, Universal has proven to be more adept at immersive cinematic worlds.
Halloween Horror Nights celebrate the 30th anniversary with ten brand-new haunted houses, five bone-chilling scare zones, live entertainment, and more.
The Bourne Stuntacular, an all-new, cutting-edge live-action stunt show debuts in Spring 2020
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has remained a guest favorite. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure has been open for a little while now, and the crowds have thinned out to ride the new coaster.
You will have to wait until 2021 for some attractions at Disney World or Universal. However, the Jurassic World Velocicoaster may be ready before then. Universal has a lot less construction in its current parks right now, so it may be a more favorable destination before 2021.
Walt Disney World 2020
The 50th Anniversary at Walt Disney World is not until 2021, and that is when many of their current developments are expected to open in 2020 there will still be a lot of construction at Epcot and some in the Magic Kingdom as the Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster nears completion. Despite many attractions still under construction, some will be opening as early as spring 2020.
Everything is now open at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to open March 4th, 2020, along with the Mickey Shorts Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Epcot has a huge list of openings from all the renovations that started in 2019. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is set to open in summer 2020 in the France pavilion at Epcot. The new Epcot evening shows Harmonious will be debuting sometime in 2020. Space 220 will be opening in the winter.
The highly anticipated Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn to Life premieres April 17, 2020, at Disney Springs.
There will be enough new attractions, and the novelty of 2019 openings will have worn off somewhat, making 2020 a great time to visit Disney World or Universal before Walt Disney World’s big celebration the following year.
The Bottom Line
While both resorts are works in progress, Walt Disney World will have more new attractions running by mid-2020. However, you can expect more pixie dust as construction continues around the resort. In addition, Universal has just opened a value resort, which is expanding in 2020, so if budget is a factor. Universal will be the best destination in 2020.
