Is Universal Studios in California worth it?

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!



In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood is widely considered "worth it," especially due to the continued popularity of Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Unlike its larger counterpart in Orlando, the California park is built into a working film studio, and the World-Famous Studio Tour remains a unique, high-value experience that you cannot get anywhere else. However, the "worth" depends heavily on your tolerance for crowds and your willingness to pay for a Universal Express Pass. During peak 2026 dates, wait times for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge can exceed three hours; without an Express Pass, guests may only manage to ride 3 or 4 attractions in a full day. The park is smaller than others, making it easy to navigate in a single day, which is a plus for tourists with limited time. For families with young children or fans of classic cinema, the combination of high-tech "4D" rides and the historical "backlot" access makes it a top-tier Los Angeles destination, provided you budget for the premium "skip-the-line" options.

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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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You'll need at least one entire day to visit Universal in order to make the most of your experience. Consult Universal's website and social media channels before visiting to see what's new and happening at the park during your visit.

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As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows.

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Our Top Ways to Save Money at Universal Studios Hollywood
  1. Purchase Tickets in Advance. ...
  2. Purchase Discount Tickets. ...
  3. Pick the Least Expensive Days to Visit. ...
  4. Save on Halloween Horror Nights Tickets. ...
  5. Bundle Hotel or Theme Park Tickets with Rental Car to Unlock Deeper Discounts. ...
  6. Save on Dining. ...
  7. Purchase Souvenirs in Advance.


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It's an essential day trip on any traveller's L.A. itinerary; and not just those travelling with kids, either. In fact, there are plenty of perks in visiting Universal Studios Hollywood without little ones in tow, and more than enough adult-geared attractions to keep a grown-up under its spell for a full day.

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How far apart are Disneyland and Universal? There are about 35 miles between Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, a city that's about 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport.

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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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Rideshare pricing for a standard service (accommodating up to 4 riders) from Disneyland to Universal Studios Hollywood is typically between $60-90 for one way (between a $120 and $180 round trip).

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If your family is partial to high-octane thrills, then Universal Orlando would probably be the better choice. Although Hollywood features some rides for thrill-seekers, such as the aforementioned Revenge of the Mummy coaster, Orlando boasts eight roller coasters between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

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Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Park is best for people who want to take in the atmosphere and those who have always wanted to explore the world of Harry Potter for themselves. Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure is for thrill-seekers looking for groundbreaking, jaw-dropping attractions.

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While strolling through CityWalk is free, parking at Universal is not. However, if you are visiting CityWalk to go to the movie theatre, you can get a rebate (or cash back) on your parking bringing the price down to only $5 for parking!

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Can Universal Studios Hollywood be done in one day? It's possible! If everything is open, if showtimes are spread out enough, and you're going for the entire day, it's totally doable, even without the Express Lane passes.

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I'd say save your money under between $500.00 - $1,000.00. Avoid Universal Express Pass because it is not free and can get pretty costly depending on the time of year you visit. The average price per ticket ranges from $74-$153 depending on the day you pick for your visit.

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Either way though, you're going to need 2 days to see both areas of Harry Potter World. However, if you don't have a park hopper, I still recommend waiting for sunset to see each park during the day and at night.

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