Universal and Disney theme parks are stuffed with dozens of themed experiences, from restaurants to mind-blowing rides and shows. Lots of times it is hard to see beyond the marketing buzz and pixie dust to see what you are getting yourself into. In 2020 I wrote an article comparing Disney and Universal offerings, and in this article, I will provide equivalent experiences at both resorts since my last article was published. All right, let’s go!

Rides

Jurassic World VelociCoaster opened in 2021 as one of Orlando’s best rollercoasters. Guests launch into a raptor paddock, flipping and diving before accelerating to 70 mph to crest the large hill overlooking the Islands of Adventure lagoon. VelociCoaster is an intense, inverting rollercoaster, just like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney Hollywood Studios – both coasters feature sudden accelerations, inversions, and steep drops, but we think VelociCoaster has a smoother ride and more comfortable restraints.

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast replaced Shrek 4D at Universal Studios Florida to create a Minion mini-land at the front of the park. Guests compete to top the leaderboard of the best supervillains by using the E-Liminator blaster to score points by causing havoc in animated scenes on large screens. Unlike most rides guests stand on a moving walkway, making this attraction great for all guests. Villain-Con’s closest contemporary is Toy Story Midway Mania – both are interactive games where guests score points by shooting objects on a screen, Toy Story it’s pies and carnival games, and Villain-Con its Minions and energy blasts.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster opened at Epcot in May 2022 to rave reviews. Replacing the Universe of Energy attraction, Cosmic Rewind is a launched family rollercoaster where the ride vehicles have a controlled 360-degree spin. Less the tea cups and more the Haunted Mansion, the vehicles can rotate to point guests for scenes or thrills. The spinning and rollercoaster elements are like those in Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, but Gringotts is more of a multi-media thrill ride than a rollercoaster.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a frantic family-friendly dark ride through Gusto’s Restaurant at the size of a rat. The ride vehicles glide and tilt to the action on the screens. Remy is a wonderful attraction for the whole family, so we like to compare it to The Incredible Hulk Coaster… just kidding we were making sure you were paying attention still. We’d compare it to The Cat in the Hat at Islands of Adventure family dark ride for its charming presentation and colorful sets.

Tron Lightcycle Run takes guests into the electronic grind on fast light cycles. Using unique ride vehicles that simulate being on a speed bike, guests strap in for a 60 mph launch into a large outside overbanked turn before heading back into the show building for lots of Tron neon coolness. The unique seat placement is unmatched at Universal, but we say the motorbike seat on Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure is the closest to Tron.

Shows

DreamWorks Land opened this summer with the new DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, a high-energy musical show featuring singing, dancing, and lights. Characters from Trolls, Shrek, Madagascar, and more show up in the 20-minute long show. Our reviewers said the show is a more watchable version of Disney Hollywood Studio’s Disney Junior Play and Dance! show.

The Bourne Stuntacular is an indoor stunt show with combat, aerial stunts, and gunfire. The show wows guests with amazing technical effects like complex physical sets that quickly move in and out of scenes using wireless technology. It would be easy to say the closest comparison would be Indiana Jones Spectacular at Hollywood Studios, but I disagree, that’s a completely different kind of show. Bourne stays firmly inside its own story, not a tongue-in-cheek movie set. Instead, I’d compare the show to Disney’s Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. Sure, Timon isn’t taking down assassins, but the show is a high-energy family-friendly show with acrobatics, dancers, singers, and characters.

Luminous shows that sometimes the third time is the charm as replacing Illuminations proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Luminous refines the Epcot nighttime spectacular formula by telling a story of life and sharing culture with fireworks, lasers, and fountains. Universal Studios Florida’s new CineSational celebrates music scores, from Jaws to Harry Potter, E.T. to Super Mario Movie, using fountains, lasers, projections, fireworks, and drones. Both shows are music-forward with rousing scores and emotional moments, but Universal’s show is on a much smaller scale than the backdrop of Epcot’s World Showcase lagoon.

Restaurants

Minion Cafe is a quirky restaurant featuring off-kilter menu items inspired by Asian and American comfort food. The inside is decorated as part break area, part front of house operations with lots of Minions touches. Menu items include noodle bowls, rice bowls, stuffed pizza, soups, and sandwiches plus fun, themed desserts and drinks. The eclectic menu is similar to that of Satul’i Canteen at Animal Kingdom, but we do prefer Satul’i’s larger menu.

Connections Eatery is the open-air, modern quick-service restaurant in Epcot’s World Celebration with a menu of sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. The food is good, but slightly downgraded since opening, but the giant windows offer amazing views of the park (and people-watching). Today Cafe at Universal Studios Florida also features amazing people-watching opportunities with a menu featuring salads and sandwiches.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a full service BBQ restaurant with family-style serving. The theming is over the top, we’re in Woody’s Toy Box, but it is a hoot with delicious food. Universal doesn’t offer many BBQ options (not until Epic Universe opens) so the closest is Thunder Falls Terrace in Islands of Adventure. While the restaurant doesn’t feature the same over-the-top theming it does have rotisserie chicken, turkey legs, and other BBQ items.

Are there other comparable experiences in the parks you can think of? Leave them in the comments below.