I’ve stayed at the cheapest hotels Disney World and Universal Orlando have to offer. Only one blew me away. [Video]

I’ve spent years telling friends, family, and readers that it’s worth splurging on hotel rooms at Disney World’s value resorts if you find yourself visiting Orlando, Florida.

After all, Disney has set the gold standard for all tourist attractions in the area, right?

That’s what I thought until one trip to a Universal Orlando value hotel.

In October, I spent one day and one night at the Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, and the following day at Disney World’s All-Star Sports Resort.

I enjoyed my stays at both locations and would recommend them to other travelers — but only one hotel truly blew me away.

Disney vs. Universal: what’s the difference?

Disney World and Universal Orlando are two totally separate parks with drastically different offerings.

At Disney, you’ll find four theme parks (Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT), two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), a shopping center, and a sporting complex alongside other attractions. Universal, on the other hand, lists two theme parks (Universal Studios and …