If you’re trying to decide between a vacation to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood, we have put together a breakdown of the differences between the two parks to help you decide. Many think that both of the parks are very similar, but they are, in fact, very different! To start off with, the two parks are different in that Orlando is a family theme park destination, whereas Hollywood is more about the Los Angeles experience.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Hollywood is extremely unique in that it resides within a real, live movie studio. When you think of Hollywood, you think of movies, celebrities, the red carpet…that’s what this park is all about! On the famous Backlot Tram Tour, guests have the opportunity to tour the studio and not only see how and where some of their favorite movies and television shows were made but also possibly see current projects being filmed on the backlot. You never know who you will end up seeing during this hour-long tour, but there is plenty to see, and this attraction is well worth the wait! Check out our Backlot Tour highlight reel on Instagram here.
Universal Hollywood is also built on multiple levels. The Upper Lot is where many family-friendly attractions are located, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Super Silly Fun Land, The Simpsons Ride, and Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. The Lower Lot (all the way down, down, down a series of escalators) is where more adventurous attractions can be found, including Transformers: The Ride-3D, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, Jurassic World, and Super Nintendo World. It is possible to do this park in one day, however, we recommend two days if you’re not planning on getting the Express Pass, which allows you to bypass the standby lines.
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is home to some big roller coasters, so if you’re craving a day of an adrenaline rush, this may be the park for you! Universal Orlando also has two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, so you would need a ticket for each theme park or park hopper ticket. At Islands of Adventure, you can find the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and the kid-friendly Seuss Landing area. Universal Studios Florida is home to the 65-mph Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the classic E.T. Adventure attraction. It’s important to note that for Harry Potter fans, Hogsmeade Village is in Islands of Adventure, and Diagon Alley is in Universal Studios, so to enjoy both (and to ride the Hogwarts Express train between them), a park-to-park ticket is a must! It’s also important to note that Universal Hollywood does not have Diagon Alley, so you can only experience this at Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando also has a water park, Volcano Bay, which offers 20 attractions, from the relaxing Kopiko Wai Winding River to the exhilarating Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
Universal Orlando Hotels vs Universal Studios Hollywood Hotels
One thing about the experience in Orlando, as opposed to Hollywood, is that your day doesn’t end at the parks. In Hollywood, when you finish at the theme park, you get in your car and move on to a separate experience at your hotel. AAA Four Diamond Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and the Sheraton Universal Hotel are both within walking distance of Universal Hollywood. There are also lots of good neighbor hotels, such as the Lexen Hotel North Hollywood, which is just a short 8-minute drive (or Uber ride) away!
Guests who stay on-site at Universal Orlando can choose from themed properties that suit any budget, from the retro Cabana Bay Beach Resort to the Caribbean-themed Loews Sapphire Falls Resort to the modern Aventura Hotel, all with early park admission and complimentary transportation to and from the parks. Plus, guests at premier hotels, such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Universal Orlando, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort, also receive complimentary Universal Express unlimited ride access. You can check out our Universal Orlando resort highlights on our Instagram!
Both parks on both coasts have so much to offer, and no matter which park you choose, you will be in for an epic adventure! Want to price out both parks? Get a FREE, no obligatory quote now!
Are you ready to book your Universal vacation? Leave all the details to our friends at Academy Travel Agency & let one of their Universal experts take it from here! Just click HERE, fill out the quick & easy questionnaire, and your personalized, free agent will be in touch soon! Take a look around our website in the meantime, and read all about resorts, dining, entertainment & more! Be sure to follow us @thekingdominsider on Instagram & The Kingdom Insider on Facebook for updates & Insider info on what’s not to be missed! Get excited, the countdown to your vacation is ON!
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