So, what's the difference?
Here's some park info.
Learn about the 4 parks on Walt Disney World property, as well as the 2 parks at Universal Orlando Resort. Additionally, Disney has 2 waterparks, and Universal has 1.
Walt Disney World
Think Cinderella Castle. This is the main Disney World park, and also the one with the most rides suited for small children. There is a firework show at the end of the night (currently, Happily Ever After) that you will definitely want to stay for, as well as two different times for the Festival of Fantasy Parade during the day. Here you can find some of your favorite nostalgic rides, lots of character meet and greets, and the newest Disney World (thrill ride) attraction TRON Lightcycle Run. This park probably has the most "magical" feel.
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Magic Kingdom
*My personal favorite*
Home of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, an Aerosmith concert, a runaway train adventure, a backyard full of toys, AND A Galaxy Far Far Away... this is the park I always look forward to the most. Hollywood Studios has some of the best rides on property and multiple shows that are always a good time. You'll definitely want to stay for the nighttime show Fantasmic. Those who prefer some of the more thrilling rides will enjoy this park.
Hollywood Studios
Ever heard of drinking around the world? Well, this is the place. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow, is home of the World Showcase. Here you can find pavilions that represent different countries, including food, drinks, and different educational opportunities. If you're a foodie, you don't want to miss the multiple festivals that go on throughout the year. This is also where you can ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This is park with the least amount of attractions that may appeal to children, overall.
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EPCOT
Some first timers may expect Animal Kingdom to be a big zoo, but that's not the case. You do get to have close up experiences with the animals, though. Whether you go on the walking trails or the Kilimajaro Safari, you are sure to see some pretty cool things! Disney cares for their animals immensely and also provides educational experiences for you to learn more about them and some fun facts that you might not know. In addition to animals, this park also has some great attractions, including Avatar: Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.
Animal Kingdom
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Florida
The main park of Universal Orlando Resort. This park is heavily influenced by movies. Contrary to Disney, Universal is a little less "cutesy" and tends to appeal to people who prefer more thrilling rides. This is 1 of the 2 parks at Universal Orlando, and it has tons to experience with the rides, shows, and even lots of live street entertainment. This park is home to Diagon Alley, the second installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal completely immerses you into the movie experiences. On top of that, this is where the increasingly popular (and my favorite) event, Halloween Horror Nights, takes place.
Islands of Adventure
The second park to Universal Studios Florida. ​Out of the 2 parks, this one has a couple of the bigger coasters. The newest one is the Jurassic World Velocicoaster, and it is so intense and so much fun. Islands of Adventure has a few different lands including Jurassic Park/World, Marvel Superheroes, Toon Lagoon, Suess Landing, and Hogsmeade Village - which is the original installment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This park is where you will find the most popular coaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, as well as the Hogwarts Castle itself. It's important to note that the ONLY way to ride the Hogwarts Express is to have a park-to-park ticket, where you can go from one to the other in the same day.