Is it worth going to Universal Studios in California?

Being a movie-making geek, Universal Studios Hollywood is an entertainment mecca for me. From blockbuster, thrill rides to shows that light up the night, there's something for everyone, and I would recommend going. Just make sure to do some research and plan your trip, especially if it's as packed as it was for us!



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If you're more interested in large rides like roller coasters, Universal is going to be your best bet. The same is true if you're a big fan of Harry Potter. If you don't mind some of the more family-friendly rides or you have little ones to bring along, Disney may be a better option.

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Universal Studios in California is sometimes maligned when compared to that neighboring iconic theme park in Anaheim (cough cough). But we think a visit to Universal Studios is 100-percent worth the money if your kids are Potterheads. It's the ultimate experience for people who love all things Harry Potter.

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For the full Harry Potter experience, head to Florida Both Orlando and Hollywood offer guests an engaging Wizarding World experience. However, Universal Orlando logistically has more to provide in the way of themed options for visitors to explore.

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If you're more interested in large rides like roller coasters, Universal is going to be your best bet. The same is true if you're a big fan of Harry Potter. If you don't mind some of the more family-friendly rides or you have little ones to bring along, Disney may be a better option.

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Avoiding special events on those peak days is the secret to low crowd levels. According to the Undercover Tourist crowd calendar, a great time to visit is in the middle of the week, specifically Tuesday and Wednesday.

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If you want to revolve the entire vacation around theme parks, then Universal Orlando is probably your best bet. However, if you consider visiting a theme park as only part of a larger itinerary, then Universal Studios Hollywood may be a better option.

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Universal Prices. Another very popular question we receive is, is Disney or Universal Cheaper? And as a general rule of thumb, Universal is cheaper than Disney in almost every category, from tickets to theme park food, and the most noticeable being hotel rooms.

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At Universal, the wait times can be long for the bigger roller coasters, but the parks themselves are generally much less crowded. There's usually more room to space out and breathe without other guests crowding around you.

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Certain attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Break Out and Soarin' Around the World are not at Disneyland. Really, the only reason not to go to Disneyland is if you want to experience the attractions and experiences that are only available at Disney California Adventure.

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When is Universal Orlando Most Crowded?
  • Presidents' Day week (third week in February)
  • Spring Break period from mid-March through late April.
  • Memorial Day weekend.
  • Summer (mid-June through Labor Day)
  • Thanksgiving week (including the weekends)
  • Christmas week through January 1.


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Here are the days we expect to have the lowest crowd levels at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2024: Weekdays in January (minus the week of New Year's Day and the days around MLK Day) Weekdays in February (minus the days around Presidents Day) The first few days in March (until March 9)

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Here are the days we expect to have the lowest crowd levels at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2024: Weekdays in January (minus the week of New Year's Day and the days around MLK Day) Weekdays in February (minus the days around Presidents Day) The first few days in March (until March 9)

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Is Universal Studios cheaper than Disneyland? Both SoCal theme park resorts are comparable in terms of ticket prices, with one-day, single-park tickets to Disneyland Resort beginning at $104 and one-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood beginning at $109.

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We will say that Disney's Hollywood Studios does have more quality over quantity and is home to the most popular themed land in Star War's Galaxy's Edge. However on the flip side Universal Studios is also home to the very popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.

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It turns out that not only can it be done, but you may not even have to miss out on any rides in doing so. Though you may have to pass on some attractions – like live shows, tours or more elaborate dining options. But should you? Honestly, that depends on whether you're a first time visitor to the park or not.

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Wondering how many rides are at Universal Studios Hollywood? There are 12 rides, one studio tour, and two shows!

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Visitors may bring into Universal Studios Hollywood bottled water (maximum 2 liters), small snacks, any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements, any food required for special dietary needs, baby food/baby formula and soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high ...

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