Heading to the US to tick Universal Studios off your travel bucket list Awesome, you’re going to have the time of your life!
But wait—which one? If you didn’t know already, there are two Universal Studios theme parks in the US, one being Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California and the other being Universal Studios Orlando in Florida.
Both Hollywood and Orlando have the iconic Universal globe, but did you know that the one in Hollywood used to be in Florida? Image credits @danigrapegia on Instagram
While both are absolutely worth the visit, there are a few key differences you should know about. Universal Studios Hollywood is big on movie sets and behind-the-scenes experiences. Situated in a real and working movie studio with past and present projects, it’s a place where you can step into your favourite films.
Its sibling park all the way across the States also has a similar vibe, but with more outdoor rides and thrilling attractions. Universal Studios Orlando was made to be what you would usually envision as a family theme park.
So, which is the perfect park for you? Maybe you'd like to go to both? Well just keep reading for some pointers to help you make up your mind:
What parks are there?
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood was designed to give people the ultimate L.A. and film experience. Image credits @senatarakcii on Instagram
Both Universal Studios are amusement park complexes with multitudes of attractions. What sets Universal Studios Hollywood apart is that it is built with two levels.
Its upper lot is home to all the family-friendly rides and attractions based on beloved animated films, like Kung Fu Panda and Despicable Me. The lower lot is the smaller of the two lots, where the more thrilling 3D rides are, such as the famous Jurassic World: The Ride.
Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Orlando, also officially known as Universal Orlando Resort, is much bigger, with three individual theme parks under its wing.
Universal Studios Florida is the very first of the three parks in Orlando! Image credits @amandafelixlife on Instagram
Its first and original park is called Universal Studios Florida, which has a similar concept to its sibling in Hollywood as it’s also built on a real film set with plenty of immersive 3D TV and movie magic experiences. This includes Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, where you can be a Tonight Show guest for a day!
The Incredible Hulk Coaster is one of the many thrill rides in Islands of Adventure. Image credits @Airtime_ryan on Instagram
The newer Universal’s Islands of Adventure is where you’ll find all the wild rides that’ll make you scream on top of your lungs, all of which are inspired by your favourite comics, movies, cartoons, and even myths and legends!
Volcano Bay has all the water attractions for every type of visitor: from thrill-seekers to relaxation bums! Image credits @universalorlandopark on Instagram
Volcano Bay is not like other parks, if you will. Make a splash in this 20-attraction water park, which includes the wet and wild waterslide Krakatau Aqua Coaster and the chill Kopiko Wai Winding River.
Both Universal theme parks guarantee fun for the whole family, but if you’re tight on time, we recommend Universal Studios Hollywood. You can breeze through that in one day!
And while you can visit the Florida park in a day too, you’ll be hard-pressed to see everything. For the complete experience, we recommend Universal Orlando multi-day visits—make it a full-on vacation!
What rides and attractions are at Universal Studios?
Universal Studios Hollywood
The world-famous Studio Tour shows the magic behind the movies, with sets created with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself!
Universal Hollywood is big on immersive indoor 3D rides that transport you inside iconic films, cartoons, and TV shows with hyper-realistic special effects. They’re also known for their Studio Tour, where you’ll visit four acres of an actual film set!
The tour includes King Kong: 360 3D, where you’ll find yourself in the middle of a great battle between King Kong and a mighty T-rex. For the grand finale, you’ll have to hold on tight for Fast & Furious – Supercharged where you’ll race with the all-star cast through international crime cartels.
Transformers: The Ride-3D uses state-of-the art technology to bring the famous Autobots to life. Image credits @aditya1702 on Unsplash
Another well-loved 3D experience in the park is Transformers: The Ride-3D, where you’ll fight alongside Optimus Prime and help save the world from the destructive Decepticons. Jurassic World™ - The Ride, on the other hand, is a water ride that combines elements of practical effects, 3D images, lights, and sounds to take you through Jurassic World—and yes, there will be dinosaurs in sight!
Universal Studios Orlando
With Universal Orlando being the bigger of the two parks, it has the advantage of having space for bigger and wilder rides. It's known for its roller coasters and thrill rides ranging from kid-friendly ones to the baddest ones you’ll ever see!
Meet the VelociCoaster, dubbed as the apex predator of roller coasters! Image credits @rideonorlando on Instagram
The Jurassic Park-themed VelociCoaster will have you hurtling through T-rexes and prehistoric landscapes at a whopping 113km/h! Another adrenaline-pumper is The Incredible Hulk Coaster, where you’ll truly feel the Avenger’s rage as you race through twists and turns and go upside down three times!
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls is a colourful log flume ride at Toon Lagoon. Image credits @uniquelyuniversal on Instagram
Islands of Adventure isn’t just big bad roller coasters. At the Toon Lagoon area of the park, you’ll find a lot of kid-friendly rides. Honestly, just a walk here feels like you’re inside a cartoon with all the bright and wacky visuals!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You can strike a pose with the iconic Hogwarts Castle at both Hollywood and Orlando! Image credits @jmeguilos on Unsplash
Both Universal Hollywood and Orlando are home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in the parks. This houses all the Potter-related sights and stops.
The ominous Hogwarts Castle is also present in both parks, where you can enjoy the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a scenic dark ride that takes you around the castle. Flight of the Hippogriff is also present in both, with it being the first outdoor roller coaster in Universal Studios Hollywood.
Diagon Alley is a hub for all things Potter; it has shops, diners, and a can’t-miss 3D ride! Image credits @troyjarrell on Unsplash
There is one defining difference between Hollywood and Orlando when it comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In Orlando, the Potterhead experience is split between its two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
You’ll find Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, where you can grab some grub at Leaky Cauldron, shop for wizarding supplies at Ollivanders, and go on a magical 3D adventure with Ron, Harry and Hermione to retrieve a horcrux at Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
No matter the season, you can have some Butterbeer as you stroll Hogsmeade—they can be served hot, cold, or frozen! Image credits @anngiiecc on Unsplash
From Universal Studios Florida, you can hop on the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure, where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter continues. Step into Hogsmeade, which is right at the foot of Orlando’s Hogwarts Castle.
Hogsmeade has its own set of enchanted shops, taverns, and diners (don’t forget to grab some Butterbeer!) And since Islands of Adventure is known for its coasters, it also has a roller coaster ride for the Potter fans called Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Where can I get tickets?
Ready to delve into the world of your favourite characters? Then it’s time to get your tickets to the Universal park of your choice!
There are three types of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets you can get General Admission, Express & VIP Tickets. You can also purchase for peak and non-peak seasons. Here are the inclusions:
"Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free" General Admission
1 Day park admission with 2nd day free
Universal Express
Includes one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show (excluding food and retail locations or no seated shows)
VIP Experience
Inclusive of the following:
- Unlimited (per day) express access to each ride, attraction, and seated show (excluding food and retail locations or non-seated shows)
- Complimentary valet parking and VIP entry to the Park
- Exclusive VIP lounge with light snacks and refreshments and savor a gourmet meal in our private VIP dining room, prepared by Universal’s very own executive chef
- Exclusive Backlot Access: tour the movie industry’s busiest sets in a special trolley, where you can disembark to explore areas not open to the general public
For Universal Orlando Resort one-day tickets, you can pick between the following:
1 Day Base Ticket for 1 Park
- Admission to: EITHER Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure for one-day visit
1 Day Park-to-Park Ticket for 2 Parks
- Admission to: Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for unlimited times on the same day
- Unlimited rides on the Hogwarts™ Express
But as we’ve mentioned, the Orlando park is so big, it’s impossible to see and do everything in one day! If you’ve got the time, Universal Orlando Multi-Day Tickets are the way to go. You can pick from the following packages:
2-Day
Base Ticket for 2 Parks
- 1 guest admission to EITHER Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day
2-Day
Park-to-Park Ticket for 2 Parks
- 1 guest admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day
- Unlimited rides on the Hogwarts™ Express
2-Day
Park-to-Park Ticket 3 Parks
- 1 guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay on the same day
- Unlimited rides on the Hogwarts™ Express
14-Day
Park Explorer Ticket with Volcano Bay
- 1 guest with 14-day admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay on the same day
- Unlimited rides on the Hogwarts™ Express
Important note: park schedules tend to vary all the time, so make sure to check out each park’s opening hours before you go:
Now that you’re ready with your Universal tix, make sure to also check out our guide on how to travel to the US from Australia:
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