Universal Studios VS Disneyland: Which California Theme Park Should You Visit?

Universal Studios VS Disneyland: it’s a difficult decision.

If you’re visiting California, and are trying to decide which one is worth your time and money, you’ve found the right post!

Choosing between Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland in California can feel a bit like deciding between two completely different adventures.

On one hand, you’ve got the magic of Disney—the nostalgia, the classic rides and incredible themed food!

On the other, Universal Studios brings the excitement of blockbuster movies to life, with thrilling rides and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood.

So, which one should you visit?

Whether you’re leaning toward Disneyland or Universal Studios, these comparisons will help you figure out which park fits your perfect day out.

This post is all about Universal Studios VS Disneyland – and choosing which California theme park you should visit.

Universal Studios VS Disneyland

Background on Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood started as a working film studio (and it still is today), so its roots are all about making movies.

(It’s not like Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where few movies have actually been filmed, despite its misleading name).

Universal Studios Hollywood opened for public tours in 1915, which, let’s be honest, was like a genius move to let people peek behind the curtain of Hollywood magic.

By the 60s, the studio tour had turned into a full-on attraction, with live demonstrations and special effects that totally grabbed people’s attention.

Fast-forward to now, and it’s not just about movies but also iconic rides tied to blockbuster franchises like Jurassic World and Harry Potter.

But the iconic Universal Studio Tour is still going strong!

Universal Studios VS Disneyland prices — Sneak peak of what you may find on the Studio Tour!

In addition to the one theme park, there is CityWalk, where you can find shopping and dining locations.

Background on Disneyland

Disneyland opened its gates on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California, as Walt Disney’s ambitious attempt to create a theme park that wasn’t just for kids—it was for everyone.

Back then, it was a pretty bold idea. Most amusement parks were seen as messy, loud, and honestly, a little sketchy.

Walt decided to create something different: a clean, family-friendly place, where people could step into the iconic stories.

In 2001, Disney California Adventure (the second park at Disneyland) opened. Whilst it has been less popular than Disneyland Park (for plenty of reasons), Disneyland is a very well-attended theme park resort and has been iconic for decades.

As well as the two theme parks, there is Downtown Disney, with dining and shopping locations (like a smaller version of Disney Springs, if you’ve been to Disney World).

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, FastPasses & Hotels

Universal Studios VS Disneyland Prices

One of the most important considerations is the Universal Studios VS Disneyland cost.

So, let’s consider some of the bigger expenses: tickets and accommodation.

Universal Studios Tickets & Express Pass

Universal Studios Hollywood is often considered as a destination for a single-day trip.

Thanks to its compact layout, you can navigate between attractions without feeling like you’re running a marathon.

This is especially true if you’re not visiting during a peak season. I visited on a Monday and Tuesday in early to mid December 2024, and wait times were between 5-45 minutes for the attractions (including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge!).

How much is a One Day Ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Prices start at $109 + tax for a one day ticket at Universal Studios California.

The prices are similar to one day tickets at Universal Studios Orlando, or Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

You may be able to save some money by booking through an authorized third-party seller.

How much is a Two Day Ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Two-day tickets can be more reasonable, starting at $75 + tax per day.

Some authorized sellers (such as Attraction Tickets) will have ticket deals where you can pay for one day and get the second free. If you want to take your Universal trip slow, this would be the way to go.

Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood

There is the option to pay for Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood (more details in this post).

This is essentially a Fastpass that provides guests with shorter wait times for most attractions at the park (excluding the Wand Pairing at Ollivanders at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter).

I didn’t pay for this upgrade during my visit – and I’m glad I didn’t.

I usually opt for Express Pass at Universal Studios Orlando, but the crowd sizes aren’t usually as significant in Hollywood (remember this will depend when you visit).

If you’re considering Express Pass, do your research, as it may be an unnecessary expense.

On the other hand, if you’re visiting during a holiday or peak season, and you’re only going for a day, it could make your visit far more enjoyable.

Express Passes Prices:

Universal Express (this also includes your admission in the price) – Starts at $199 + tax

Universal Express Add On (this DOES NOT include your ticket to enter the park) – Starts at $90 + tax

Early Access to Super Nintendo World

Want more time in the park? Consider Early Access to Super Nintendo World. This allows you to enter the park one hour before the official opening time, to go to Super Nintendo World.

When I paid for this in late 2024, the attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter were also open.

This extra hour costs $20 – $30 + tax, so it can be steep – especially for larger parties.

But if you want to ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge with minimal wait times, or join the queue for Toadstool Cafe early, it could be worth it.

From One-Day to Multi-Day Adventures and Lightning Lane at Disneyland

Disneyland, on the other hand, truly shines when it comes to multi-day visits. With two parks—the classic Disneyland Park and the adventure-packed Disney California Adventure—there’s just too much to soak in for a single day.

But if you want to visit for one day, here are the prices of one day Disneyland tickets:

One Park Per Day:

Ages 3-9: $98-$196 + tax

Ages 10+: $104 – $206 + tax

One Day Park Hopper Ticket:

Ages 3-9: $163 – $271 + tax

Ages 10+: $169 – $281 + tax

Want to visit for more than one day? Here are the prices for multi-day tickets without park hopper (which only allow you to visit Disneyland Park OR Disney California Adventure each day).

Two Day, 1 Park:

Ages 3-9: $310 + tax

Ages 10+: $330 + tax

Three Day, 1 Park:

Ages 3-9: $390 + tax

Ages 10+: $415 + tax

Four Day, 1 Park:

Ages 3-9: $444 + tax

Ages 10+: $474 + tax

Five Day, 1 Park:

Ages 3-9: $476 + tax

Ages 10+: $511 + tax

Can’t decide and want to park hop with a multi-day ticket? Here are the prices:

Two Day, Park Hopper:

Ages 3-9: $395 + tax

Ages 10+: $415 + tax

Three Day, Park Hopper:

Ages 3-9: $480 + tax

Ages 10+: $505 + tax

Four Day, Park Hopper:

Ages 3-9: $539 + tax

Ages 10+: $569 + tax

Five Day, Park Hopper:

Ages 3-9: $581 + tax

Ages 10+: $616 + tax

So, right of the bat, it’s pretty clear that Disneyland tickets will probably cost you more – significantly more – than Universal Studios Hollywood.

Disneyland has more shows and attractions, so there’s a pretty valid reason.

But if budget is the deciding factor here, Universal wins.

Lighting Lane at Disneyland

But, let’s consider Lightning Lanes as well …

When planning your Disneyland trip, you might want to look into Lightning Lanes (Disney’s equivalent to Universal’s Express Pass – though the systems are undeniably different).

There are three types to choose from:

Single Lightning Lanes (costing $17-$27 + tax, per person, per day – for Radiator Springs Racers or Rise of the Resistance)
Multi Pass Lightning Lanes (with access to multiple attractions in a park, subject to availability – starting at $32 + tax, per person, per day)
The ultra-expensive Premier Pass (which costs a staggering $300–$400 per person, per day, plus tax).

On my first trip in December 2024, I opted for a Multi Pass, and it definitely came in handy. It helped us skip some long lines and hop on several popular rides faster.

However, keep in mind that not every ride is covered under these passes, so you’ll still need to plan your day carefully.

For more information on the different types of Lightning Lanes (and whether or not they’ll actually be worth it for you), check out this post.

Disneyland VS Universal Studios Hotels

Disneyland Hotel Offerings

Disneyland is home to three off-site deluxe hotels. Here they are (the “cheapest” at the top of the list to the most expensive at the bottom):

Pixar Place Hotel

Disneyland Hotel
Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa

In general, on-site Disneyland hotels will often cost you $300 – $1,000 + per night, not including tax.

Unlike Disney World hotels, these hotels don’t tend to offer decent discounts.

After all, there aren’t many on-site hotel rooms at Disneyland, so Disney doesn’t have to convince as many people to part with hundreds or thousands of dollars to stay there.

You may find a discount of around 10% to 20%, but it’s unlikely you’ll find deals to save 35% + on your hotels.

One way you can save is by renting DVC points to stay at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel or The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Now let’s be clear: this won’t take the deluxe resorts and make them comparable to value resorts.

But it can save some money (the amount will vary quite significantly depending on when you visit).

There aren’t tons of perks to staying on-site, but here are the main couple:

Early Entry – this allows you to enter a park 30 minutes before off-site guests. One day, Disneyland will open early, the next it will be Disney California Adventure etc.
Being within walking distance of the parks – If you’re staying on-site, you can walk to the parks within 10 minutes or less.

Disneyland does have 57 Good Neighbor Hotels.

They’re not owned by Disney, but they are close to the Disneyland parks. They often offer transportation to the parks – and some are within walking distance!

They could save you hundreds or thousands on your hotel bill, so it’s an option worth considering. Especially if you don’t mind staying outside the Disney bubble, or you’re planning to spend all day at the parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood Hotel Offerings

Unlike Disneyland, Universal doesn’t have any on-site hotels.

However, they have Universal Studios Hollywood Partner Hotels, including:

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City – can walk to the park within 10 minutes (I stayed here in December 2024, and it was a perfectly good hotel. Nothing special theming-wise, but super convenient. I’d stay there again).

Sheraton Universal Hotel – also within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Best Western Plus Carriage Inn
The Garland
Loews Hollywood Hotel

The price point will vary for each hotel, so do your research!

Thoroughly research the hotel, location and compare prices.

Universal Studios Hollywood VS Disneyland Attractions

Rides at Universal Studios VS Disneyland

When it comes to attractions, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland couldn’t feel more different.

Disneyland leans heavily into nostalgia, with iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Mr Toad’s Wild Ride, which have existed for decades.

That said, Disneyland has newer lands and attractions. For example, it has Galaxy’s Edge (the same Star Wars land you’ll find at Hollywood Studios at Disney World).

This contrasts against the timeless lands from the 1950s (such as Fantasyland and Frontierland).

The one notable thing that is lacking in a lot of Disneyland’s rides is thrills.

Even The Incredicoaster (the only ride with an inversion at Disneyland) is relatively tame.

Sure, it goes upside down. But it doesn’t go ridiculously fast (though I had been on VelociCoaster at Universal Studios Orlando a few days before I went to Disneyland, so maybe that clouded my judgement 😂).

However, Universal offers immersive rides centred around movies (and video games with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD).

From an immersive land – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (a smaller scale of Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Orlando) to the incredibly impressive water ride, Jurassic World – The Ride, there’s a lot to enjoy for one small park.

If you don’t like screen-based attractions, be aware that there are more at Universal than Disneyland.

In fact, around half of Universal’s attractions rely largely on screens.

Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood VS Disneyland

Universal Studios California Shows

Universal Studios Hollywood has less shows than Disneyland.

At the moment, here is a list of the shows at Universal Studios Hollywood:

WaterWorld – the INCREDIBLE stunt, water show.

Frog Choir – outside show performed by Hogwarts students.
Triwizard Spirit Rally – outside show, inspired by the fourth Harry Potter book/movie.
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle – a projection show that takes place on the castle. The Magic of Christmas is the same here as it is at Universal Studios Orlando.

Universal Studios California — The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show

Wand Pairing at Ollivanders – an interactive show where a guest is selected to be “chosen” by a wand.

Shows & Parades at Disneyland

Disneyland has numerous shows, which take place at both parks – offering more choice than Universal Studios.

Disneyland Park Shows/Parades:

Fantasmic! – a nighttime show that takes place outside in Frontierland. You get an insight into Mickey’s dreams. This is similar to Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios, but is arguably better (hello, the pirate ship 🏴‍☠️ in Disneyland’s version). This show only takes place on select nights.
Parades – these change depending on the season, and if there are celebrations at Disneyland.

Universal Studios Hollywood — A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Fireworks – they also change depending on the season, and if there are celebrations at Disneyland. Fireworks shows only take place on select nights.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – a musical show performed by animatronic birds (I promise it’s better – and more entertaining – than it sounds!)

Disney California Adventure Main Shows/Parades:

World of Color – ONE – a lights, water and projection show.

Disneyland — World of Color – Season of Light (Christmas show)

Disney Jr. Dance Party! – an indoor show, which is perfect for kids who want to see the Disney Jr. characters – such as Doc McStuffins and Vampirina!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – an outdoor 10 minute show.

Find more seasonal shows here.

Dining & Shopping: Universal Studios VS Disneyland

Themed Dining & Shopping at Universal Studios Hollywood & CityWalk

If you’re a foodie—or even just someone who likes variety—Universal Studios Hollywood has plenty to offer.

Universal Studios VS Disney World — 1-Up Mushroom Calzone with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, basil pesto, green pepper & spinach

Inside the small park, you’ll actually find over 10 dining locations across the Upper and Lower Lot.

Want more options? Check out the over 20 dining locations at CityWalk (which doesn’t require a park ticket for you to visit!).

Most of the dining locations at Universal Studios Orlando, therefore a lot of entrees will will cost around $20 or less, making it budget-friendly *as far as California theme park food goes*.

Interested in shopping?

You’ll find Universal merchandise inside the parks (including plenty of Harry Potter souvenirs) in over 10 gift shops.

CityWalk is also home to over 20 shops – from Universal-owned stores to Hot Topic, Lids and more.

Shopping & Dining at Disneyland

Disneyland takes food and shopping to a whole new level.

Disneyland is home to plenty of quick service and table service dining locations, meaning that most meals will be under $20.

Number of Quick Service Dining Locations at Disneyland:

Disneyland Park Quick Service Locations: Over 30

Disney California Adventure Quick Service Locations: 35+ locations

Downtown Disney Quick Service Locations: Over 10 locations

should I go to Universal or Disney? — Broccoli Cheese and Bok Choy Soup from Aunt Cass Café at Disney California Adventure

Want a more leisurely (and usually more expensive) table service meal or bar/lounge experience? There’s plenty of choice here too:

Disneyland Park Table Service Locations: 6+ locations

Disney California Adventure Table Service Locations: 5+ locations

Downtown Disney Table Service Locations: 5+ locations

And if you thought Universal Studios Hollywood had a lot of shops?

Well, Disneyland Park has over 30 shops (in JUST that one park!).

Disney California Adventure has a more “modest” over 20 stores.

And Downtown Disney has over 15 shopping locations – from Disney stores to other shops, such as The LEGO Store and PANDORA Jewelry.

Should I go to Universal or Disney?

You should opt for Universal Studios California if:

You’re a Harry Potter fan.
You want to see the new Super Nintendo World.
You want to go on the infamous Studio Tour, and maybe catch a glimpse of movies/TV shows/commercials being filmed!
You only want a 1-2 day experience.

You should opt for Disneyland if:

You want to see the original Disney park.
You’re not looking for thrilling rides.
You’re visiting with younger kids.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Studios VS Disneyland

Universal Studios VS Disneyland which is better?

When it comes to Universal Studios vs. Disneyland, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Disneyland has classic rides, plenty of food and shopping opportunities, and Mickey Mouse!

Universal Studios has a legendary studio tour, many screen-based attractions, and Harry Potter!

Disneyland VS Universal Studios for adults?

Disneyland and Universal Studios can both be fun for adults, but they offer completely different vibes.

Disneyland leans more into nostalgia, with classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan’s Flight, alongside detailed themed lands.

It’s a great option if you want to feel like a kid again.

Universal Studios, on the other hand, focuses more on action-packed attractions and pop culture.

If you’re a fan of big franchises like Harry Potter or Jurassic Park/World, this is ideal.

Plus, the studio tour gives an intriguing behind-the-scenes peek into Hollywood.

Disneyland or Universal Studios for kids?

When it comes to kids, deciding between Disneyland or Universal Studios really depends on their age and interests.

Disneyland is all about classic characters, fairy tales, and plenty of attractions that cater to young kids.

Think slow rides, over-the-top parades, and meeting Mickey and princesses—it’s got that magical vibe.

On the other hand, Universal Studios leans more toward older kids who are into action-packed movies and thrilling rides.

If your child loves Minions or Harry Potter – or even Nintendo – they’ll lose their minds over Universal’s immersive worlds.

What is the best age to go to Universal Studios?

I would argue that when it comes to Universal Studios Hollywood, it’s more important to consider height than age.

There are only three attractions with no height requirements:

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (only in a stationary seat)
Silly Swirly
The World-Famous Studio Tour

To be able to ride every attraction, you’ll need to be 48 inches or taller.

Is Universal Studios in LA worth it?

Honestly, it depends on what you’re after.

If you’re a big fan of blockbuster movies or Harry Potter, you’ll probably love it.

The Wizarding World section alone is impressive, and the studio tour gives you that behind-the-scenes feel you can’t really get anywhere else. But here’s the thing: it’s not cheap, and the park isn’t massive like Disneyland.

Is it cheaper to go to Disneyland or World?

Not interested in Universal Studios Hollywood, and considering a Disneyland or Disney World trip instead?

Check out our post that covers this: Disneyland VS Disney World: Which is Cheaper in 2025?

Ta Ta For Now

Have you visited Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland? Which do you prefer?

And if you haven’t visited these parks, which would you like to visit the most?

Please share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

This post was all about Universal Studios VS Disneyland – and choosing which California theme park you should visit.