As the home of Hollywood, California promises nothing but entertainment and excitement at every turn. It doesn’t boast just one but two iconic theme parks: Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Resort. While both parks are definitely worth the visit, sometimes there’s only enough time for one. The big question is, which theme park should you pick?
To help you make the right decision, we’ve done the work for you and compared the two parks!
Rides Compared
Disneyland Resort Rides
Explore Tomorrowland in minutes aboard the Monorail
There’s a reason why it’s one of the most visited theme parks in the world—Disneyland Reosrt has something for everyone. From fun, musical attractions based on iconic cartoons to heart-pumping roller coasters like Space Mountain and Star Wars, Disneyland rides are unlike any other. Whether you’re with little kids or flying solo, there won’t be a dull moment thanks to the resort’s whopping 60 attractions, the most for a Disney park.
Universal Studios Hollywood Rides
Remember to pack an extra shirt if you want to experience Jurassic Park: The Ride. Credit: artist_lenses
When it comes to incredible rides, Universal Studios Hollywood is certainly no slouch. The park offers adrenaline-pumping experiences like Jurassic Park: The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, as well as kid-friendly rides such as Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Silly Swirly. With 20 attractions to pick from, you’ll have a blast trying as many as you can.
Theme Park Locations Compared
Where is Disneyland Resort located?
See the Sleeping Beauty Castle decorated differently, depending on the season. Credit: diadianaxo
The happiest place on Earth is also one of the most accessible theme parks with plenty of different options using public and private transportation.
By train:
- Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) and ride the Anaheim Resort Transit Route 14 or 15 bus to the Disneyland Resort
- If you’re staying in Southern California, you can take the Metrolink train to ARTIC and take the Anaheim Resort Transit Route 14 or 15 bus to the Disneyland Resort
By bus:
- Take the bus to Greyhound bus station and transfer to the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) Route 10 before alighting at Disneyland
- You can also ride the Metro Express Line 460 bus, which runs from downtown Los Angeles to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
By car:
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can reach Disneyland by taking US Route 101 South to Interstate 5 South, turning at Exit 11 and following South Anaheim Boulevard until you reach the park
Where is Universal Studios Hollywood located?
Pose for photos in front of the iconic Universal Studios globe, which was originally located in Florida. Credit: 3bp_oint
As one of the biggest draws in LA, Universal Studios is well-connected to different parts of the city. You can opt to bypass the rush hour and use public transportation or rent a car and travel to the park at your own pace.
By train:
- Take the red line of the Metro to the Universal / Studio City Station, where you can take the free shuttle bus to the park
By car:
- From LAX, take the 105 Freeway East to the 110 Harbor Freeway North until you reach the Universal Studios Blvd. exit then turn right on to Universal Studios Blvd.
Wondering what you need for a hassle-free trip to the US? Check out our handy guide for the most important info you need to know.
Which park has shorter queues?
Queuing at Disneyland Resort
Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and more—Disneyland has it all. Credit: janet_libra
For a park as famous as Disneyland, waiting is inevitably part of the experience. The good news is that they’ve launched Genie+, which is an additional service you can add to your ticket using the Disneyland app. With the program, you can skip lines to some of the most popular rides like Splash Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, It's a Small World, and more!
Queuing at Universal Studios Hollywood
See special effects in person at Universal Studios Hollywood
Similarly, Universal Studios Hollywood also offers guests the opportunity to avoid the queues with the Express and VIP tickets. Unlike the Genie+, the best part about these passes is that they allow you skip-the-line access to all rides. You can also use them at the shows so you and the rest of the fam can have the best seats in the house.
Bad Weather Plan
What happens if it rains at Disneyland Resort?
Flo's V8 Café is one of the many indoor areas in Disneyland. Credit: Leila Bandringa on Unsplash
Among Disneyland’s 500-acre lands, you’ll find heaps of indoor attractions and shows to enjoy while avoiding the rain or heat outdoors. Take the kids to watch the Frozen show in the Hyperion Theatre or enjoy the famous It’s a Small World ride. The grown-ups can enjoy Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and more. Check out the Disneyland map to look for the nearest restaurant where you can eat while waiting for the rain to stop.
What happens if it rains at Universal Studios Hollywood?
See the flowers in full bloom at Springfield, home of the Simpsons. Credit:mvee.e
Universal Studios Hollywood also has lots of fun things to do indoors or during the rain. Make the most out of the time and head to the indoor attractions like Transformers: The Ride 3D, King Kong 360 (which uses the world's largest 3-D projection installation ever!), and Revenge of the Mummy. There’s also one of the most popular rides, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which takes guests inside Hogwarts Castle to meet Harry and the rest of the gang.
Ticket Options Compared
Disneyland Resort tickets
Explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, one of the park’s newest additions. Credit: wachira_gun
Disneyland California Resort is actually home to two different parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. A ticket grants you all-day access to one of the parks so you can take your time enjoying all the shows and attractions.
While the ticket prices of Disneyland and Universal Studios vary only slightly, the former is slightly more expensive. The good news is with Klook, you can get a Disneyland ticket at the best price available without waiting in line at the ticket booths to save you time and money.
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
Grab a glass of butterbeer to cool off while at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Credit: katiepearceee
Universal Studios Hollywood offers different kinds of tickets, which cater to people with plenty of time to spare and to those who are in for a quick visit. With Klook, you can get a free second day access with your general admission Universal Studios ticket. You also have the option of upgrading to the Express pass, which allows you priority entry to all attractions, or to the VIP pass, which includes skip-the-line entry, an exclusive tour to real-life Hollywood sets, and access to the VIP lounge where you can savour a gourmet meal.
