Disney and Universal

Disneyland vs Universal Studios Hollywood - Comparing the two popular Southern California theme parks

What are the differences between Disneyland® vs Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
By Casey Makovich

Both are amusement parks with themes from popular movies; movies which each theme park owns exclusive rights to represent.

We’ve put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions broken down by:

  • General Admission Price
  • Skip the Line Options
  • Park Themes
  • Location of the Parks
  • Attractions and Rides
  • Conclusion: an At-a-Glance Comparison

Should I visit Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood?

You'll save on admission to Universal Studios Hollywood plus dozens of other top LA area attractions with a pass for Los Angeles! General admission tickets are included on our All-Inclusive 3, 4, 5, or 7-Day Passes.

Please note, tickets to Disneyland are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Los Angeles pass.

If you're a fan of rollercoasters and theme parks, check out our guide to the best LA attractions for thrill-seekers. You may want to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain or Knott's Berry Farm.

What is the price of General Admission at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: General Admission ranges from $105-$116, depending on the day.
  • Disneyland: General Admission ranges from $97-$124, depending on the day.

How do you skip the line at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks offer ways to 'Skip the Line' at popular attractions and rides and minimize waiting time in lines.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Front of Line upgrades are available for around $70-$150, depending on the day. This is in addition to general admission. Front of Line lets visitors skip to the front of the line at each ride or attraction once.

Disneyland: select rides and attractions feature FASTPASS on a first-come, first-serve basis at no additional cost. However, quantities are limited. FASTPASS kiosks are located near the main entrances of major attractions. They dispense timed tickets tied to your admission ticket that let you come back at an assigned time for an expedited wait in a shorter line.

 

What are the park themes of Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks cater to the whole family with attractions specifically designed for young kids, teens, and adults. But which is better? Depending on the main purpose of your trip, one park might be better suited to your travel group than the other.

Universal Studios Hollywood features attractions inspired by popular films. Plus, it has tours of the working studio included with the park's general admission. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult. While there are rides and attractions geared towards younger kids, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for a slightly more mature audience than Disneyland. Most rides have a minimum height requirement of 40" or more. If you are visiting SoCal with young kids, we highly recommend a trip to LEGOLAND California.

Disneyland themes exclusively revolve around characters and setting from the Disney movie franchise with a large emphasis on their animated films, Mickey, and Minnie Mouse. Families with kids ranging from toddler age to young adult and nostalgic millennials. While there are rides and attractions geared towards all ages, the majority of the park's attractions are suitable for ages 2-10. Disneyland also targets loyal Disney fans, particularly 'budding princes and princesses.'

 

Where is Universal Studios Hollywood? Where is Disneyland?

Both parks are located in California. Universal Studios Hollywood is located right in Hollywood, outside of Los Angeles and Disneyland is located in Anaheim, CA which is about a 50-minute drive south of Los Angeles. How big is each park? Disneyland is a larger park with a greater number of attractions and rides, but Universal Studios Hollywood is expanding at a faster pace.

 

How long does it take to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Both parks require about a full day to experience all of the attractions. Universal Studios Hollywood a little less, Disneyland at least a full day, especially if visiting during a peak time or on the weekend. If visiting with younger kids, you may want to break up the day and visit over a two or three day period, especially at Disneyland as there are more attractions geared towards younger kids.

 

What attractions & rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland?

Universal Studios Hollywood:

Universal Studios Hollywood is arranged around its major attractions, which can be themed areas, rides, or activities.

 

Jurassic World – The Ride

Jurassic World has just opened in Universal Studios Hollywood. Based on the popular movie franchise, this area includes lots of new rides, dining options and shops, including...

  1. Raptor encounter: meet Blue the velociraptor and a triceratops
  2. DinoPlay: DinoPlay is a fun, interactive play area for smaller children
  3. Jurassic Cafe: A Costa Rican inspired lunch spot.
  4. Jurassic Outfitters: Clothing and jewellery store – perfect for gifts or souvenirs
  5. Isla Nu-Bar: A tropical tiki cocktail bar.
  • WaterWorld®: inspired by the hit movie, this 20-minute stunt show features water-packed fun with explosions, surprises, and more
  • Shrek 4-DTM: enter Lord Farquaad's dungeon and make your way to the 4-D theater for an exclusive Shrek experience. It features moving seats, water, wind, mist, and other special effects that will make you feel like you're fully immersed in the story
  • The Walking Dead Attraction: prepare to fight for your survival in a post-apocalyptic world based on the popular TV show. (Parental advisory).
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: transform yourself into a Minion and help Gru and his daughters in their latest scheme.
  • Super Silly Fun Land: this outdoor family play zone features a wacky, Minion-inspired playground. It has water play features, climbing structures, slides, and more.
  • Universal Plaza: central area in the park featuring shops, cafés, and dining and seating areas.

The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM:

  1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden JourneyTM: follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a journey through the castle grounds as you dodge obstacles and surprises along the way.
  2. Flight of the HippogriffTM: hop on the back of a Hippogriff on this family-friendly coaster and soar around Hagrid's hut and through the pumpkin patch.
  • The Simpsons RideTM: a cinematic experience featuring Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie and a hilarious visit to Krustyland.
  • Special Effects Show: learn all about what really goes on to create 'Hollywood Magic' in your favorite movies with a behind-the-scenes look at special effect technology and some of the best stunt performers in the business.
  • Universal's Animal Actors: watch real animals in this live show re-enact some of your favorite scenes from The Secret Life of Pets.
  • Jurassic Park®--The Ride: this water ride travels through terrain inspired by the hit movie, Jurassic World, where you'll narrowly miss dinosaurs, including a 50-foot T-Rex.
  • Revenge of the MummySM - The Ride: this fast moving coaster ride travels through scenes from Revenge of the Mummy with hair-raising special effects and unexpected surprises along the way.
  • TransformersTM: The Ride-3D: combining 3D theater technology with motion simulation, you'll be fully immersed in a battle of epic proportions as you fight alongside Optimus to save the human race.

Studio Tour:

Go behind-the-scenes of many of your favorite TV shows and movies on this real, working studio backlot tour in an open-air tour bus.

  1. King Kong 360 3-D: the world's largest 3-D experience takes you on a heart-pounding struggle between King Kong and a massive T-Rex.
  2. Fast & Furious - Supercharged: at the end of the tour, your bus will get involved in a high-speed chase in the world of fast cars and international crime cartels.

Disneyland:

Disneyland features a central 'kingdom' that the park revolves around with 8 themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A.: Main Street ushers visitors into the park and features a variety of shops, cafés, theaters, and more. Adventureland:

  • Enchanted Tiki Room: presented by Dole®, the Enchanted Tiki Room is a 15-minute musical celebration featuring tropical birds, tiki gods, and colorful flowers
  • Indiana JonesTM Adventure: fast-paced thrill ride that navigates rough terrain through a cursed temple starring Indiana Jones
  • Jungle Cruise: a gentle, guided water cruise through some of the world's most remote rivers
  • Tarzan's TreehouseTM: a tour of Tarzan's jungle home that requires navigating suspense bridges and stairs up in Tarzan's larger-than-life tree

New Orleans Square:

  • Haunted Mansion: one of Disney's most iconic attractions. This hair-raising ride features a slow moving coaster that takes you on a tour of a haunted mansion full of paranormal activity, ghosts, ghouls, and more frightening surprises
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: embark on a treacherous voyage on the seas on a 15-minute water ride with small drops

Critter Country:

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: this slow moving coaster travels through Hundred Acre Wood through scenes from Pooh's adventures
  • Splash Mountain: follow the adventures of Br'er Rabbit as he tries to escape Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox. Enjoy a 5 story drop ending in a big splash

Frontierland:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: a high-speed coaster that travels through cursed southwestern mines in search for gold

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition:

  • Practice your target shooting skills at this rustic shooting range. It features replica .54-caliber Hawkins buffalo rifles set amid a southwestern landscape.

Fantasyland:

  • Alice in Wonderland: follow the White Rabbit to his 'very important date' into the nonsensical world of Alice in Wonderland. You'll hop aboard a slow-moving caterpillar themed coaster.
  • Casey Jr. Circus Train: a kid-centric colorful train ride through Storybook Land.
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant: take flight with Dumbo on this spinny, high-flying ride geared towards younger kids.
  • It's a Small World: one of the most famous rides. This water-based ride travels through various parts of the world exploring different cultures and customs through animatronic dolls and catchy tunes.
  • King Arthur Carrousel: a classic theme park ride inspired by Knights of the Round Table.
  • Mad Tea Party: an Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday themed of the spinning tea cups ride.
  • Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: buckle up and get behind the wheel of an open-air, 2-seater buggy for a wild ride.
  • Peter Pan's Flight: fly to Never Land by way of London aboard a flying ship.
  • Pinocchio's Daring Journey: follow Pinocchio as he makes it back to Gepetto to become a real boy and avoid the evil puppet master, Stromboli.
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough: explore Princess Aurora's castle and re-live scenes of Sleeping Beauty.
  • Snow White's Scary Adventures: follow Snow White as she ventures into the dark forest to avoid the evil Queen.
  • Storybookland Canal Boats: float along a mini tour of fairytale settings on a slow canal cruise

Mickey's Toontown:

  • Chip 'n Dale Treehouse: climb up the nutty treehouse home of Chip 'n Dale for an unbeatable view of Mickey's Toontown
  • Donald's Boat: take a tour of Donald Duck's "quacky" boat home
  • Gadget's Go Coaster: this small-scale thrill ride features small drops
  • Goofy's Playhouse: walk through Goofy's goofy house, featuring a loony layout and fun design elements
  • Mickey's House and Meet Mickey: head to Mickey's House for a chance to get a photo with Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie's House: go on a walk-through of Minnie's living room, kitchen, and bedroom
  • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin: hop behind the wheel of a runaway taxi and navigate the loony streets of Toontown in pursuit of Roger Rabbit

Tomorrowland:

  • Astro Orbiter: a high-flying, spinny, space rocket-themed ride geared towards younger kids.
  • Autopia: buckle in and get ready to race on the Tomorrowland Speedway behind the wheel of a racecar.
  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: practice your target shooting skills on this slow moving ride. It features glow lights in a dark, space-themed setting.
  • Disneyland Monorail: for a smooth ride with incredible views of the park, board the high-speed monorail.
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: climb aboard a submarine for an undersea expedition following Marlin and Dory on their journey to find Nemo.
  • Star Tours - The Adventures Continue: this motion-simulated 3D experience explores a galaxy far, far away aboard a Starspeeder 1000.
  • Hyperspace Mountain: this high-speed thrill ride darts around in outer space dodging dangerous extraterrestrial elements.
  • Star Wars Launch Bay: go behind the scenes of Rogue One and see your favorite characters from the Star Wars universe, including film props, video clips, and more in this exhibition.
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi: watch a video compilation of all the highlights of the Star Wars films and re-live Luke Skywalker's heroic tale.

Each area in Disneyland caters towards a diverse crowd with rides geared towards younger kids and rides geared towards older kids (and adults).

 

Conclusion & Comparison At-a-Glance:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Gr4eDBu_y/ Both parks are similar in that they offer entertainment for the whole family. But the experience at each park can be quite different. If you're trying to decide between the Universal Vs. Disney parks, do both. If you have to choose one, narrow your choice down to the following deciding factors:

  • Price: Universal Studios Hollywood is more affordable. Plus you can save on combined admission with a Go Los Angeles pass.
  • Age: Disneyland has more activities geared towards ages 2-10. Many of Universal Studios Hollywood's attractions require a minimum height of 40" or more.
  • Location: Universal Studios Hollywood is significantly closer to Los Angeles.
  • Time: Universal Studios Hollywood can be done in less than a day. Disneyland requires at least a full day, but is more manageable in two or more days.
  • Experience: If you've visited each respective park's sister park in Orlando or another location, they're arguably very similar. Perhaps you prefer a new theme park experience.
  • Theme: Disneyland features Disney's beloved characters, like Mickey Mouse and popular Disney Princesses, and stories. Universal Studios Hollywood features a variety of attractions inspired by various blockbuster movies, including The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM.

If you choose Universal Studios Hollywood, be sure to check out our helpful guide for top tips. Plus, check out the attractions near Universal Studios Hollywood.

Save on Admission at Universal Studios HollywoodTM

Save on combined admission to dozens of popular attractions in Los Angeles. Your pass will include Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, when you buy a All-Inclusive Pass for Los Angeles of 3 days or more.

The All-Inclusive Pass includes admission to your choice of as many other included Los Angeles attractions as you want. These include Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, Pacific Park - Santa Monica, Aquarium of the Pacific, and lots more. So grab a Los Angeles pass and save while you sightsee!

 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of those American cities that is brimming with tourists all year round. Thanks to the Pacific Ocean and the city’s coastal seat, the location is blessed with perennial sunshine all year round. Still, L.A. has a lot more to offer than just that. From only-in-L.A. attractions and fabled natural wonders to its unrivalled drinking and dining scene, the city never falls short of great things to see and do. Whether you’re an artsy type, an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest any time of the year. So, when is the best time to visit La La Land? From exciting events to great prices on accommodation, here’s a month-by-month breakdown of when to visit Los Angeles. Pick your favorite time of the year and head over to this magical West Coast city, STAT! September-November Though you might not expect it, autumn is a fantastic time to visit Los Angeles. 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Well, for starters, when you travel to the West Coast in the wintertime the weather is temperate and balmy still without ever soaring into the high-80s. This means that you’ll be able to explore all of the city’s incredible attractions and points of interest just as you normally would. Of course, the atmosphere in L.A. around this time of the year remains unmatched. As with any major metropolitan city, L.A. is bustling with life around the holiday season, and you can most certainly feel the excitement. During the month of December you’ll also be able to find tonnes of magical activities and pop-up festive events around town. Some of our favorites include the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade, L.A. Zoo Lights, and Holiday Time at Disneyland. Whilst travelling to L.A. during the most magical time of the year might not be the most wallet-friendly, we promise you that this option is definitely worth the memories. January - February Don’t rule out a wintertime vacation to Los Angeles! Marking another sweet spot for visitors to the City of Angels, the start of the year has a lot to offer all types of visitors. Much like December, you’ll find that the weather is cooler and more comfortable around January to February time, with average highs sitting around the upper 60s. Still, rain is more common around this time of the year, so we suggest packing accordingly: take a light jacket and a sweater, since temperatures can dip in the evening time, and you’ll be good to go! Around this time of the year, school is back in session and the holidays will have died down. With smaller dispersing crowds, the city is more manageable to explore. As if this all wasn’t enough, the winter months are the cheapest time to visit L.A., so don’t hesitate to book fast! Since it’s low season, you’ll also be able to find great deals on entertainment, dining, and more. March - May If you’re drawn to Los Angeles for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes, you might want to consider heading over in the springtime. Springtime in L.A. is when things really start to heat up, so it’s perfect for sunseekers and outdoorsy types alike. There are a lot of great things to check out here, but some of our favorites include hiking the Santa Monica Mountains, stargazing at the Griffith Observatory and exploring tide pools at White Point/Royal Palms Beach. Just as you might have guessed, the city’s warm Mediterranean climate calls for a strong summer dress code and lots of water and sunscreen! Show up prepared, and you should be just fine. The city is pretty calm and quiet around this time of the year, though you might bump into some big crowds if you choose to travel during spring break or Memorial Day. With all of the advantages of travelling in the summertime and less of the fuss, couldn’t think of any reason not to visit L.A. in the spring! Summertime! For those who like to be in the center of all the action, we suggest booking your L.A. getaway for the summertime. Of course, one of the best things about visiting Los Angeles in the summertime is the legendary West Coast weather. With temperatures hovering around the mid-80s, the beaches are a popular place to be. During this time of the year, it’s hot enough to sunbathe and the waters are warm enough to swim, surf, or scuba dive in - whatever takes your fancy! But still, there’s much more to look forward to around this time of the year than just the beach. Visit L.A. in the summertime, and you’ll find that there are countless exciting festivals, pop-ups and conventions to check out. Whilst this might be one of the more expensive times to visit La La Land, we promise that you’ll never be bored exploring Los Angeles in the summertime. Sun, surf, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city - what could be better than that? No doubt, Los Angeles is an exciting destination to visit any time of the year. Promising great weather, iconic attractions and unmatched natural beauty, there’s so much to see and do here no matter where your interests may lie. Maximize your travel experience with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a fantastic destination that everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime. Still, choosing a place to stay can be a laborious task. The city is so massive and spread out, with iconic sites around every corner. From world-famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa, the city will always leave you wanting more. For dynamism, cultural impact and sheer diversity, the city is really hard to beat. Still overwhelmed by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down the best areas in Los Angeles to stay in and share some of our top travel tips. Santa Monica For those who want to be near the beach without missing out on the vibrant city atmosphere, we recommend staying in Santa Monica. This spot is perfect for both families and solo travellers alike, with a wide variety of exciting attractions and activities to choose from. The neighborhood is of course home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, but that’s not all there is to see here. For nature lovers, we highly recommend heading over to the Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. But if nature isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - the area is home to some of the best shopping in SoCal, with Montana Avenue and Main Street District right at your fingertips. Stay here, and you’ll also be surrounded by tons of great bars, restaurants, and entertainment. The neighborhood is super walkable and scenic, but if you want to go a little further out, we would recommend calling for a cab or taking advantage of some of the city’s great public transport options. Hollywood If you’re looking to be in the center of all the action, Hollywood would be the best bet. A once gritty, urban neighbourhood-turned major tourist hub, this spot now showcases iconic sights at every turn. Hollywood Boulevard, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios - you name it, Hollywood’s got it! In addition, the neighborhood is bordered by West Hollywood and Fairfax, the Hollywood Hills, and East Hollywood, granting access to some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in town. If you’re a foodie, we recommend heading over to East Hollywood, where you’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants in Little Armenia and Thai Town. Or, if it’s high-energy nightlife that you’re after, West Hollywood is the place to be. From spirited cabaret shows to fun comedy clubs, you’ll never be bored here. Since the neighborhood is so popular, you’ll find that there is a wide range of accommodation both in style and budget to choose from. We recommend booking quite far in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the spring or summertime. Beverly Hills For a truly luxurious stay in La La Land, what could be a better choice than Beverly Hills? As you might have guessed, this area is pretty extraordinary, so we recommend exploring it on foot as much as you can. Wandering through the neighborhood, you’ll be able to view some schmancy mansions in a wide variety of architectural styles and carefully-manicured gardens. Still, this notably glamorous place has much more to offer outside of its evident beauty. Living up to its famous zip code, this spot is home to some great attractions - here, you can visit the Beverly Hills sign, the Greystone Mansion, and the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Spadena House, a quirky only-in-Los Angeles attraction. Standing as a distinctive example of storybook style-architecture, this spot has served as a filming location for many fantasy films over the years. Though it is now a private residence, visitors are welcome to visit and take guided tours to marvel over its wholly unique interiors. The neighborhood is also home to one of the best shopping destinations in L.A., Rodeo Drive. Even if you’re not a big spender, this pristine thoroughfare is perfect for a casual day of window shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. And of course, the area boasts some of the swankiest hotels in all of Los Angeles, including the Beverly Hilton and the wonderful Beverly Hills Hotel. Though the area is obviously pretty pricey, we promise that staying here is well worth it. Malibu Another one of our favorite places to stay in the city has got to be Malibu. A little more grown-up than Santa Monica, Malibu is perfect for romantic getaways or solo travellers, known for its beautiful beachfront and aura of relaxed chic. Aside from serving as a prime destination for soaking up the sun, the district is great for shopping addicts, with Malibu Country Mart, Point Dume Village and Promenade at Westlake drawing in the crowds at weekends. Come nightfall, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s wonderful waterfront restaurants. Here you’ll be able to find locally-sourced fresh seafood in a wide variety of dishes. From oysters and classic lobster rolls to delicious sushi and coconut shrimp, this place is a total dream for food lovers. Come nightfall, sip a cocktail on the beach, enjoy jazz nights and rooftop theater. Combining SoCal’s laidback nature with a touch of sophistication, this spot has much to offer all visitors. Los Angeles is a fantastic destination to visit with so many great places to stay in. We recommend taking a little time to think about your itinerary so that you can be certain that your accommodation fits just right! Maximize your travel experience with an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less
Sarah Harris
Los Angeles transport
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Getting around LA - How to get around Los Angeles for tourists

We've got your go-to guide with all the info on getting around the city and beyond, including how to get to and from the airport. When you're visiting this sunny Californian paradise, we're sure you'll want to see as much as humanly possible. So we've got all the best tips and tricks for completing your Los Angeles Bucket List.
Casey Makovich

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