Your family guide to conquering both Orlando resorts from one Kissimmee vacation home, with a sample itinerary, cost comparison, and money-saving tips for 2026.
Epic Universe changed everything. Universal Orlando is no longer a one-day add-on. It is a full destination. Families visiting in 2026 now need at least two or three days just for Universal, which means planning Disney World and Universal in one trip takes real strategy. A split-stay Orlando vacation lets you experience both parks without rushing, and staying in a vacation home instead of a hotel gives your family one central base between both resorts.
Why a Split Stay Orlando Vacation Makes Sense in 2026
Before Epic Universe opened, most families tacked one Universal day onto their Disney trip. That no longer works. Universal now has three full parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. Add Volcano Bay and you could easily spend four days there.
A split stay Orlando itinerary divides your trip between Disney and Universal so you can enjoy both without burnout. The two resorts sit just 9 miles apart, making it easy to drive between them in about 20 minutes from a Kissimmee vacation home.
How Many Days for Disney World and Universal in One Trip?
The right number of days depends on your family, but here is what works for most.
A 7-day trip is the sweet spot for a Disney Universal combo trip. Allocate four days for Disney World (one per major park) and three days for Universal (two for Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure, one for Universal Studios Florida).
If you only have five days, go three at Disney and two at Universal. For 9 to 10 days, build in pool days and off-park adventures. Your vacation home for large groups becomes a retreat between park days.
Sample 7-Day Split Stay Orlando Itinerary for Families
Here is a family vacation Orlando theme parks plan that balances energy and excitement:
Day 1 (Arrival)
Settle into your vacation home in Kissimmee. Swim in the private pool, stock the kitchen, and rest up.
Days 2 to 4 (Disney World)
Hit Magic Kingdom first since it draws the biggest crowds. Followed by Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Save Animal Kingdom for a shorter day and head back to save money on food by cooking dinner at home.
Day 5 (Rest Day)
Take a break at the pool, visit a resort community with free shuttles for its amenities, or explore Old Town in Kissimmee.
Days 6 to 7 (Universal)
Kick off Epic Universe planning on Day 6 since it draws the biggest crowds. Spend Day 7 at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida using a Park-to-Park ticket.
Disney World vs. Universal: Quick Comparison
| Disney World | Universal Orlando | |
|---|---|---|
| Parks | 4 theme parks + 2 water parks | 3 theme parks + 1 water park |
| Days needed | 4 to 5 | 2 to 3 |
| 2026 ticket (adult/day) | $119 to $209 | $120 to $180 |
| Distance from Kissimmee | 10 to 15 miles | 17 to 19 miles |
| Skip-the-line | Paid (Lightning Lane) | Free with select hotels |
| Best for kids under 6 | Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom | Universal Studios, Seuss Landing |
Why a Vacation Home Beats Hotel-Hopping for Disney World and Universal in One Trip
Most split stay guides assume you will switch hotels mid-trip. That means packing up, checking out, hauling luggage, and checking in again with tired kids. An Orlando vacation home near Disney eliminates all of that.
You stay in one place for the entire trip. Kissimmee sits between Disney World (10 to 15 miles) and Universal Orlando (17 to 19 miles), so both are an easy drive. Your vacation home gives you a full kitchen, a private pool, laundry, and room for everyone to spread out.
Families doing Orlando on a budget save hundreds by cooking breakfast and packing lunches. When you book direct with FunStay Homes, you also skip third-party fees. Staying in a gated community vacation home means resort amenities like community pools, gyms, and clubhouses for rest days.
Tips for Planning Your Split Stay Orlando Trip
- Buy multi-day tickets early. Disney and Universal both drop per-day prices on longer tickets. The cheapest time to visit Disney World is mid-January through early February and mid-September.
- Start with Disney, end with Universal. Epic Universe is newer and less familiar, so ending your trip there keeps the excitement fresh.
- Schedule at least one rest day. A full week of parks will exhaust even the most energetic family. Use that day for the pool, outlet shopping, or Kissimmee dinner shows.
- Download both apps before you go. My Disney Experience and the Universal Orlando app handle wait times, mobile ordering, and skip-the-line passes.
- Prep groceries before arrival. Use Instacart or Walmart delivery to stock your vacation home kitchen so breakfast is ready on Day 1.
Find Your Orlando Vacation Home
Private pools, full kitchens, and room for the whole family. Stay between Disney and Universal in Kissimmee.
FAQ
Can you do Disney World and Universal in one trip?
Yes. The two resorts are only 9 miles apart in Orlando. Most families plan a 7-day trip with four days at Disney and two to three at Universal. A vacation home in Kissimmee is the ideal central base for both.
How many days do you need for Disney and Universal in 2026?
Plan at least 7 days for a comfortable split stay Orlando vacation. Disney World needs four days for its four parks, and Universal needs two to three now that Epic Universe is open.
Is it worth going to Universal if you are already going to Disney?
Absolutely. Epic Universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Jurassic World are experiences Disney does not offer. A Disney Universal combo trip gives families variety and keeps every day feeling new.
What is the best location to stay for Disney and Universal?
Kissimmee is ideal because it sits between both resorts. An Orlando vacation home near Disney puts you 10 to 15 minutes from Disney World and about 20 minutes from Universal, without the hassle or cost of switching hotels mid-trip.
