Planning on visiting each Common Orlando and Walt Disney World throughout your Florida trip? This weighs the professionals & cons, with an unbiased take a look at Common vs. Disney resorts primarily based on worth, perks, facilities, location, transportation, eating, and extra. (Up to date August 17, 2025.)
For a lot of Walt Disney World followers who had been as soon as “bubble or bust!” may now discover themselves reevaluating that place, as so much has modified. The losses of on-site perks, starting from the FastPass+ reserving window to scaled-back Further Magic Hours have resulted in lots of WDW diehards venturing off-site.
With out query, the largest factor has been the demise of Disney’s Magical Categorical. By eliminating that airport transportation that was included in the price of Disney-owned resort stays, the corporate has voluntarily (and perplexingly) punctured the Disney bubble. Pressured to take care of transportation regardless, many guests at the moment are questioning whether or not they need to merely keep off-site and go to Walt Disney World whereas staying at more cost effective lodging…
This isn’t merely idle hypothesis. We all know that is occurring as a result of a whole bunch of readers have instructed us that is what they’ve began doing. For a lot of of those folks, planning Florida holidays that embrace visits to a number of theme parks, Common Orlando’s accommodations current a really enticing different.
Personally, I do surprise how it will ‘evolve’ within the subsequent few years. Walt Disney World’s on-site benefit has began to return, due to the Disney Eating Plan coming again, free parking being reinstated, pre-arrival Lightning Lane reserving home windows providing a headstart to on-site company, different little perks, and the brand new additional hours system. It’s nonetheless not what it was circa-2019, and possibly by no means can be, however it’s higher than a pair years in the past.
We’ve stayed at each single Common and Disney-owned resort, plus quite a few off-site and third social gathering accommodations all through Central Florida. Right here’s our tackle the benefits and drawbacks supplied by Disney and Common accommodations…
Airport Transportation
With the demise of Disney’s Magical Categorical, neither Walt Disney World nor Common Orlando have unique airport transportation included as a visitor perk.
The religious successor to Disney’s Magical Categorical is Mears Join, which is a paid shuttle providing virtually precisely the identical service (however for a charge). It’s essentially the most cost-effective airport transportation, and it’s not out there to Common Orlando resorts–solely Walt Disney World and some choose off-site accommodations close by.
See our Airport Transportation to Walt Disney World Information for a rundown of the opposite selections, that are roughly the identical for Common Orlando. The most important distinction is that Walt Disney World affords Minnie Van service to company of Deluxe Resorts, however this comes with a $199 price ticket, so it’s most likely not related to over 99% of company.
Inside Transportation
As soon as on property at both Walt Disney World or Common Orlando, company can use a offered transportation between accommodations, theme parks, and different places on property. All of this transportation is complimentary (or constructed into the value of their room). At each, transportation is a big benefit that may tip the scales in favor of staying on-site, eliminating the necessity for a rental automobile.
If selection is a promoting level, Walt Disney World has a larger vary of choices: bus, monorail, boat, Skyliner gondola, and even strolling. The effectivity of the transportation offered to Walt Disney World resort resort company is hotly disputed, and is basically a results of the resort complicated’s sprawling measurement.
Walt Disney World’s measurement is each a blessing and a burden–in the case of transportation, it’s the latter. For those who’re searching for on-site leisure, eating, or a ‘bubble’ from the actual world, it’s a blessing. Walt Disney World can also be extra conducive to longer stays by advantage of its bigger scope and scale.
Common Orlando has extra restricted choices: bus, boat, or strolling. Nevertheless, it’s unquestionably extra environment friendly, with buses departing virtually one proper after the opposite and strolling between the accommodations and theme parks being doable at most properties. That is owing to Common Orlando’s extra compact format, which makes almost every part accessible by foot, and bus turnaround occasions sooner as a result of shorter commutes.
With that stated, Epic Universe has introduced main modifications on this regard. There at the moment are two districts at Common Orlando: the core campus the place just about every part constructed earlier than the 2020s was constructed, and the south campus that’s residence to Epic Universe and a trio of latest accommodations. These are separated by Sand Lake, I-4, and a complete bunch of property that Common doesn’t personal. Commute occasions between the 2 campuses will be prolonged, particularly in gentle of “actual world” visitors on I-4.
Nonetheless, Common Orlando is the winner right here. When staying inside every campus, transit is a breeze. Even past that, we’ve by no means had complications ready for buses or different transportation hassles. Getting from Helios Grand and Terra Luna to the core campus has taken 25-Half-hour on a few events, however that’s actually the largest subject we’ve ever skilled. That’s not a lot worse than going from the All Stars to Magic Kingdom.
Further Hours
Walt Disney World changed Further Magic Hours with Early Entry and Prolonged Night Hours. Comparable thought, totally different particulars.
Whereas morning Further Magic Hours lasted for an hour at a single park per day, Early Entry is 30-minute entry to any Walt Disney World theme park. This can be a good head-start for on-site company, and in addition unattainable to keep away from for off-site company.
Prolonged Night Hours has a smaller pool of eligibility and happens much less continuously than Early Entry. It’s solely for company staying at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, or different choose accommodations. Prolonged Night Hours happen two nights per week in complete and lasts for two hours. It’s vastly useful to eligible company, and minimally burdensome to those that usually are not eligible since it could actually simply be deliberate round.
Common Orlando affords Early Park Admission to pick out points of interest at Islands of Journey and Volcano Bay one hour earlier than the theme parks open to most of the people. These are formally on a seasonal foundation, however Common retains extending the calendar of dates they’ll be supplied.
Extra reliably, Epic Universe affords Early Park admission at choose points of interest one hour earlier than the theme park opens to most of the people, most notably in Tremendous Nintendo World. See our Early Park Admission at Epic Universe Technique Information for suggestions & tips.
Regardless of their length variations, the 2 early entry applications are fairly comparable to at least one one other. For those who’re one of many first within the pack headed in the direction of headliners on a busy day, this will save a ton of time. In each circumstances, traces can construct for eligible points of interest fairly rapidly.
For those who’re taking a look at reserving larger tier resort, Walt Disney World will get the win right here as Prolonged Night Hours are incredible and don’t have any counterpart at Common Orlando. For everybody else, it’s roughly a wash.
Line Skipping
With the elimination of free FastPass, there isn’t a longer a big on-site benefit in the case of Lightning Lanes, exterior of shopping for a la carte line-skipping entry to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Company desirous to make the most of Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World can count on to spend $18 to round $60 per particular person, per day. The decrease quantity is in case you go to throughout a less-busy time and solely buy the Lightning Lane Multi-Move service; the upper quantity is Lightning Lane Multi-Move and Single Move throughout peak season. There’s now one other tier referred to as Lightning Lane Premier Move, which begins at over $100 per particular person per day and might value as much as $450.
We’d estimate that the typical on-site visitor will find yourself spending round $80 to $150 per particular person for line-skipping at Walt Disney World over the course of their journey, relying upon crowd ranges. This assumes that they’ll not buy Lightning Lanes once they’re not vital or helpful, and can make the most of savvy technique to beat the crowds. (See our Information to Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World for every part it is advisable know, together with when to purchase and not purchase line-skipping entry.)
In contrast, company staying at Common Orlando’s Premier Accommodations (Royal Pacific, Laborious Rock Lodge, Portofino Bay) get free Limitless Categorical Move to skip the common traces at hottest points of interest in Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey. That is Common’s equal of Lightning Lanes.
Limitless Categorical Move usually prices much more cash and, because the title suggests, it’s limitless. That’s proper, company of Common’s prime tier accommodations get infinite line skipping! Limitless Categorical Move has a price of over $100 per particular person every day, so its worth might exceed the entire value of the resort. For those who’re a celebration of 4, there’s a very good probability that’ll be true, as Common’s Premier Accommodations begin at round $325 per evening.
Whereas every part else right here is important, Limitless Categorical Move is the promoting level for Common Orlando’s Premier Accommodations. For those who’re household is filled with journey junkies and also you’ll do 2 days or extra at Common Orlando, this one perk–by itself–is sufficient to justify not less than a break up keep between Common and Disney. It’s big.
Nevertheless, it comes with a colossal caveat: there isn’t a Limitless Categorical Move at Epic Universe and Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t provide Limitless Categorical Move anyplace. Some followers appear to assume that’ll change as soon as Epic Universe is not brand-new, however they’re mistaken. Loews’ contract with Common doesn’t cowl future parks or resorts, which is why Limitless Categorical Move won’t ever be supplied at Epic Universe or Helios Grand.
Service High quality
Diehard followers will inform you that Walt Disney World is extra magical due to the Forged Members. It’s truthful to say that Disney attracts extra passionate workers, lots of whom purchase into Walt Disney’s legacy and the corporate’s core values. That is additionally aided by the Faculty Program, which brings contemporary faces to Florida who typically espouse the above, and certain have extra enthusiasm by advantage of much less long-term publicity to company.
Nevertheless, the notion that there’s an throughout the board distinction between Disney and Common workers is fake. This isn’t to denigrate or disparage Forged Members–on the contrary, many go above and past to make lasting reminiscences for company. It’s extra a mirrored image of the fact that each are largely drawing from the very same labor pool in Central Florida.
We’d additionally add that Loews (which operates the resorts at Common Orlando) is a greater hospitality firm in the case of resort operations. Disney’s experience is in theme parks, and whereas there are particular person WDW accommodations which can be extremely well-managed, it’s clear that the core product is theme parks. Disney’s resort operations aren’t structured in a approach that loyal company of chained-brand accommodations may count on, and plenty of service options are unavailable or missing. Neither are on par with an upscale Hyatt or Hilton–however Loews is a slight step up.
Theme & Design
Many company love to remain in accommodations which can be an extension of the theme park expertise. Walt Disney World resorts provide a variety of distinct designs, from price range choices that scream “Disney” with icons from animated movies to upscale lodging with refined and immersive ambiance. They’ve an extra layer of element and storytelling to “transport” company to a unique time and place.
By way of luxurious, Disney accommodations typically don’t surpass their actual world counterparts, however they virtually all the time have a greater sense of place. It’s a really encapsulating expertise, and one of many massive promoting factors of on-site lodging at Walt Disney World.
Common Orlando is not any slouch on this regard. Just a few of its resorts arguably are among the many prime 10 themed accommodations in Central Florida, and a number of other maintain their very own in opposition to Disney’s counterparts. Particularly, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, and Cabana Bay all execute their respective themes at a really excessive degree, providing a degree of depth and element on par with Disney.
Evaluating the Polynesian to Royal Pacific or Seaside Membership to Portofino Bay could make sense, as there are clear parallels and deliberate contrasts. The comparisons disintegrate when taking a look at Sapphire Falls vs. Port Orleans Riverside. Their design goals had been radically totally different, every with distinctive however incomparable execs and cons.
One factor that’s notable right here is that Common’s accommodations are typically newer. Each single Common resort was constructed inside the final 25 years–most inside the final decade. A few of Walt Disney World’s resorts had been constructed 50 years in the past–most are properly over a decade previous. That is truly not related from the angle of situation or put on & tear, however is by way of model and sensibilities. A lot of Disney’s accommodations are sprawling, with rooms in outlying buildings separated from the primary foyer.
Most of Common’s accommodations are tower-style, all beneath one roof. Their designs concentrate on a streamlined format, consolation, and facilities–relatively than a transportive theme. The latest accommodations have been a little bit of a disappointment on this regard, particularly Helios Grand. We anticipated this new in-park resort at Epic Universe to be the brand new flagship Common Resort, however it’s positively not. It has an amazing location, however is in any other case underwhelming.
Rooms & Swimming pools
This may look like an odd pairing, however it’s solely being executed as a result of these two very totally different, and essential classes are additionally essentially the most hotel-specific. The one generalization we’ll make is that Common tends to do the decrease finish resort rooms higher and Disney tends to do the upper finish resort rooms higher (and bigger).
Rooms and swimming pools in any other case range for every particular resort–discuss with particular critiques for perception that’s truly helpful. A first-rate instance of that is Helios Grand Lodge, which has rooms roughly the dimensions of close by worth resorts paired with a smaller pool. Once more, the promoting level of Helios Grand is the in-park location at Epic Universe. All the pieces else is an afterthought.
Eating
That is most likely our largest blind spot and supply of bias. We’ve eaten at each single Walt Disney World resort restaurant, most a number of occasions. We’ve eaten at many–however removed from all–Common Orlando resort eating choices.
There are some features of eating at which Common Orlando resorts excel. Throughout the board, the espresso state of affairs is healthier. Meals courts on the inexpensive accommodations are extra formidable and a greater expertise. Foyer bars are typically robust, and poolside eating is surprisingly sturdy at Common accommodations.
Whereas Common accommodations are inclined to have quite a lot of restaurant choices, I’d argue that they lack selection. Nearly each meal we’ve had at Common accommodations could possibly be described as consolation meals. There are quite a lot of selections, however most are regional variations of that–even nice eating is commonly simply costlier consolation meals, not delicacies that’s truly formidable or creative.
At one time, this was comprehensible as a result of Common’s resort eating places supplied considerably higher worth for cash. That’s nonetheless true to a level, however the hole has closed. Within the final two years, we’ve seen menu costs bounce at Common Orlando, outpacing even Walt Disney World eating places.
Pricing
Each are considerably insulated from off-site competitors. For guests who need the on-site location, a seamless expertise from their resort to the theme parks, rooms with particular themes, or sure theme park perks, there’s no actual different. Common and Disney are thus in a position to cost greater than they might for the very same accommodations plopped down in Duluth, Minnesota.
Regardless, Walt Disney World is costlier than Common Orlando at each single resort tier. For low season dates, the hole just isn’t notably pronounced between Countless Summer season and the All Stars, however it grows bigger for extra fashionable dates and better finish accommodations. On the mid-tier, Disney costs will be double Common’s. On the prime tier, Disney typically expenses triple or extra for comparable lodging.
In gentle of the above, the case could possibly be made that there isn’t a such factor as “comparable” between Common and Disney since there isn’t a single resort at Common with a view of Cinderella Fortress or inside strolling distance of the preferred theme park on this planet. In spite of everything, location guidelines actual property. That argument is much less persuasive when evaluating costs of Saratoga Springs or Previous Key West to Laborious Rock Lodge or Royal Pacific, although.
In lower than a decade, Common has constructed 5 new accommodations and almost tripled its variety of on-site rooms. Throughout that very same span, the complicated added Volcano Bay water park and theme park attendance has elevated, however to not a proportional diploma–or something near it.
This growth was possible overdue, satisfying a number of the demand from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s additionally possible that Common Orlando aggressively developed its resort portfolio forward of theme park growth tasks with the expectation that demand and bookings would quickly comply with go well with.
Epic Universe was constructed with an eye fixed in the direction of the long-term and is a game-changer for Common Orlando’s standing as a vacation spot resort. Three theme parks and a water park will entice many extra folks to remain on-site. Merely put, demand has not but caught as much as resort growth.
It ought to go with out saying, however larger demand will end in larger resort costs. It’s not as if Common is purposefully charging below-market charges as a result of the corporate needs to be extra truthful to theme park followers, or its leaders have been benevolently impressed by Walt Disney’s “dream” to supply inexpensive lodging to the center class.
These are each ruthless multinational companies; companies don’t get into the Fortune 50 as of late by being charitable in the direction of shoppers. Common’s mum or dad firm is Comcast. One of the crucial hated firms in America, and for good purpose. They aren’t working their theme parks division as a philanthropic endeavor on the aspect.
If Common might cost Polynesian costs for Royal Pacific proper now, they might. However they can’t (not less than, not but), so they don’t. There’s prone to be a degree within the not-too-distant future when Common Orlando’s theme park lineup has significantly extra drawing energy, and its resort costs will enhance because of this.
Personally, I wouldn’t be stunned if Common’s prime tier accommodations common a lot larger nightly charges in about 5 years, following the same trajectory to what has occurred with Disney resorts. For those who’re searching for robust worth, now’s positively the time to e book Common accommodations–they’re arguably underpriced for his or her high quality, location, and perks.
Even right this moment, one factor to notice is that Common Orlando/Loews use dynamic pricing for his or her accommodations. What this sometimes means is that costs enhance as dates draw nearer. That’s not all the time true, however we’ve seen it occur not less than 80% of the time. Even through the low season. Common often offsets this by providing discounted charges to Florida residents and Annual Passholders.
Regardless, one of the best observe is all the time reserving early at Common and rebooking later if costs do drop for some purpose. We’ve heard from numerous readers who had been watching costs at Common Orlando accommodations, ready to e book for no matter purpose, who noticed costs come near doubling in a single day. That’s an excessive, however jumps of ~20% usually are not unusual.
Parking Charges
Walt Disney World stopped charging for in a single day resort parking final yr, reversing a particularly unpopular choice made a number of years earlier. For individuals who drive or have rental automobiles, that quantities to a financial savings of $15 to $25 per evening, relying upon the resort tier.
Common’s accommodations had parking charges previous to Disney introducing the fees and nonetheless do at the moment after Disney has eliminated them–we count on nothing to vary. Common’s self-parking charges are $19 to $36, with Countless Summer season being least expensive and the Premier Accommodations being most costly. Cabana Bay can also be on the decrease finish of the pricing spectrum, whereas Sapphire Falls costs are fairly near the Premiers.
Charging for parking is a method that Common “bridges the hole” on resort pricing. One other approach is at meals courts, that are typically about ~25% costlier than Walt Disney World. Fortunately, neither expenses resort charges.
Cut up Stays
For those who’ll be spending equal (or near it) time at Common and Walt Disney World throughout your Orlando, Florida trip, you must give severe thought to staying at Common as a substitute of Disney–or not less than doing a break up keep. It ought to go with out saying, however in case you’re not visiting the Common parks, you shouldn’t think about Common’s accommodations.
We’d additional advocate staying at Common’s south campus in case your emphasis is on Epic Universe. Helios Grand is good, however not important. For those who’re on a tighter price range, keep at Stella Nova or Terra Luna Resorts, that are worth accommodations inside strolling distance of Epic Universe. For those who’re spending equal time in any respect 3 parks, you must keep on the primary campus–or if you would like Limitless Categorical Move, as you’ll be able to solely get that on the authentic Premier Accommodations.
Principally, keep in whichever resort district will cut back your commutes and provide the perks that matter to you. Whereas this identical sentiment might ring true at Walt Disney World–particularly for company spending disproportionate time at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and DHS–it’s not as vital since the actual world doesn’t minimize by means of the center of Walt Disney World. We don’t advocate doing a number of break up stays to be nearer to every theme park. One resort change per journey when transferring from Walt Disney World to Common is perfect.
There’s so much to contemplate when figuring out whether or not you need to keep at Walt Disney World or Common Orlando–or each. There’s nobody measurement matches all reply as to which is “higher.” Completely different households may make very totally different choices primarily based upon what issues most to them–there’s actually no objectively proper or improper reply, it’s extra what you need out of your trip and the way you weigh the professionals and cons.
The subjective components are virtually all the time going to be the overriding ones, which makes this comparability actually difficult. One benefit that makes Common or Disney a no brainer slam dunk for one household could be completely irrelevant for one more. Which is best for you is basically a matter of desire and trip priorities, however hopefully this submit offered some issues so that you can weigh and make the choice for your self. On the finish of the day, competitors between the 2 advantages shoppers, so even when Common is a “arduous no” for you, it’s nice to see them so aggressively increasing in Central Florida.
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation on your go to to Central Florida? Be sure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for every part about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally try our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every part about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and way more, join our FREE electronic mail publication!
Your Ideas
Do you typically keep at Common Orlando or Walt Disney World? What are your key issues when figuring out the place you keep? For those who’ve beforehand been loyal to WDW, are you contemplating Common (or different off-site) accommodations on your subsequent Florida trip? Do any of the promoting factors above tip the scales in favor of 1 or the opposite? Something we’ve missed or executed inadequate justice? Do you agree or disagree with our recommendation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
