For as long as anyone can remember, the back-and-forth between Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World has fueled one of the most entertaining rivalries in the theme park world. Guests compare everything—attractions, food, resorts, seasonal events, and so on. But lately, Universal has stepped into a new gear, pushing out perks and updates at a pace that’s making Disney fans angrier by the minute. They’re watching Universal roll out win after win, wondering why the company they love hasn’t matched that energy. And this week’s newest announcement from Universal might be the one that finally pushed some Disney loyalists over the edge.Before diving into what Universal has just revealed, it’s helpful to consider the broader context of this rivalry. Disney and Universal are constantly trying to outdo one another. When one park introduces new tech, the other follows with a new show. When one expands, the other unveils something splashier. It’s a game of theme park leapfrog, but Universal’s recent moves, especially around annual passes, feel less like a leap and more like a full sprint ahead.Credit: Henry Mestre, FlickrPassholders Are the Heart of the CompetitionAnnual Pass programs have become a major battleground. Many guests rely on passes for flexibility, affordability, and those extra magical touches that make frequent visits worthwhile. Disney and Universal both know this, but they treat their Passholders very differently. And that difference is exactly why Disney fans are ticked.Universal’s pass program has grown stronger year after year, offering a range of perks that feel generous and accessible. Disney’s, by comparison, has often felt more limited, more expensive, and more restrictive. The price gap alone has been enough to frustrate people, but the perks gap is what’s getting the most attention—especially now.Credit: UniversalA Perk That Disney Fans Can’t BelieveOne of the loudest talking points right now involves something Universal promotes proudly: “As a Passholder, you get special pricing on 1-Day tickets to Universal Epic Universe.” That’s a huge deal because Epic Universe is Universal’s newest theme park—an absolutely massive addition built to change the landscape of Orlando tourism. Giving Passholders discounted access to a park of that scale? It’s bold. It’s generous. And for Disney fans, it’s increasingly infuriating.Credit: UniversalFewer Blockout Dates, More FreedomUniversal also offers fewer blockout dates on its lower-tier passes compared to Disney’s. Even the more affordable Universal tiers offer guests a significantly larger selection of days to choose from, including many weekends and special periods that Disney often blocks. For families who travel during peak times or locals who work standard schedules, that difference feels huge.Seasonal Savings and Event ExclusivesThe perks keep stacking. Universal Passholders gain access to exclusive discounts and seasonal experiences that often extend far beyond what Disney offers. Halloween Horror Nights, for example, becomes significantly cheaper with a Passholder discount—and on top of that, the highest-tier Universal pass comes with a complimentary HHN ticket each year. That alone is something Disney fans wish they had during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.Universal also offers exclusive treats, rotating food items, and packages tied to seasonal events. During Mardi Gras, Passholders can snag discounted ride-and-dine experiences, turning what’s already a massive event into an even more appealing one for frequent visitors.Credit: UniversalExclusive Lounges, Freebies, and Special MerchInside the parks, perks continue with the UOAP Lounge—a spot where Universal Passholders can grab exclusive merchandise, relax, and pick up complimentary seasonal magnets. These magnets have essentially become collectibles, updated throughout the year and offered free of charge. Disney occasionally offers free magnets, but Universal consistently provides them, leading Passholders to expect them as a core benefit.Serious Hotel Discounts That Add Up FastIf you want to stay onsite, the savings grow even bigger. “Throughout the year, passholders can save up to 40 percent off room rates at select hotels,” which includes top-tier properties like Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Additionally, passholders receive resort-wide discounts on food, poolside beverages, and shopping, which significantly lowers the overall cost of a Universal vacation.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortParkwide Discounts and Everyday SavingsInside the theme parks, Universal passholders save across the board. Dining at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk comes with built-in discounts—usually around 10–15% off. Parking perks are included in higher-tier passes, such as free CityWalk parking. That’s a small fortune saved over the course of a year.Passholders can even purchase discounted multi-day tickets for friends and family, making it far more affordable to bring guests along.The Express Pass AdvantageThen there’s the Premier Pass, which includes Express access at the parks once per day for most attractions. That means no extra purchase is required. Meanwhile, Disney annual Passholders must still purchase Lightning Lane separately, and Disney has not followed Disneyland’s lead with any AP discount on Lightning Lane purchases. That comparison alone has become a major point of frustration.Credit: UniversalUniversal’s Big Announcement That Sparked the OutrageAnd now, the news that poured gasoline on the fire: Universal Orlando Resort just announced that Passholder Bonus Benefits will return from January 5–31, 2026. This celebration brings a massive lineup of added perks. Universal calls it a way to thank Passholders, offering limited-time menu items, deeper discounts, and exclusive bonuses that feel surprisingly generous.Perks include things like:A special UOAP lanyard is offered only during the event25% off VIP Experiences, which can be purchased or redeemed through the end of JanuaryUp to 35% off hotel stays during select datesEarly admission to Volcano Bay for specific pass tiers35% off the “My Universal Photos” annual packageBuy-one-get-one deals on select food and drinks at participating hotelsFor Disney fans already frustrated, this was the breaking point. Universal is layering perk after perk while keeping its prices lower—hundreds of dollars lower when comparing top-tier passes. And with Epic Universe now open, Universal has three full theme parks alongside its water park, which only widens the gap.Credit: DisneyDisney Fans Want More—A Lot MoreAfter spending thousands on passes, visits, merchandise, and Lightning Lane, Disney loyalists are demanding better perks. They don’t just want discounts—they want meaningful value. And right now, Universal appears to be the company that is giving fans exactly that.For years, Universal was seen as the “other” park. The underdog. The one with fewer rides, fewer perks, and less pull. But that perception is fading fast. With new parks, new bonuses, and new benefits landing every few months, Universal is no longer sitting in Disney’s shadow. It’s challenging Disney directly—and winning.Disney fans aren’t just annoyed; they’re calling for change. And unless Disney responds in a big way, the perk war may finally tip in Universal’s favor.The post Universal Orlando’s Latest Announcement Has Disney Fans Furious appeared first on Inside the Magic.