After visiting Universal Orlando a few times recently with my family, I was excited to head back to Universal Studios Hollywood so I could compare the two locations. I already knew Hollywood is much smaller and thus would have a lot fewer attractions. More isn’t always better though, so I am sharing 4 reasons Universal Studios Hollywood is better than Universal Orlando.
Why Universal Studios Hollywood Is Better than Universal Orlando
1. The Studio Tour
The iconic Universal Studios Tour is not offered at Universal Orlando making it a must visit attraction for all guests. Jimmy Fallon acts as the video host in conjunction with the live tour guide that offers insight into the various sets and soundstages along the tour.
There is no guarantee that you will see anyone famous but because it’s a working studio lot, it is possible. We saw George Eads from the tv show CSI one while taking the tour. The one hour tour has been upgraded over the years and now includes a few 3D experiences including one from the Fast & the Furious franchise.
2. Super Silly Fun Land
Both parks off the 3D minion ride but only Universal Studios Hollywood has Super Silly Fun Land. What is Super Silly Fun Land? It’s an interactive kids playground and splash pad and includes Silly, Swirly Fun Ride. It can be a quick stop for little kids that can’t or don’t want to ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. My kids love visiting Super Silly Fun Land and have no problem playing there for most of the day. Be sure to bring a towel or change of clothes if you plan on letting them loose in the water area. Otherwise, yourself buying obscenely overpriced Despicable Me towels in a pinch, don’t ask me how I know this. 😉
3. The Walking Dead Attraction
The Walking Dead attraction is awesomely fun for any fans of the The Walking Dead or zombies in general. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk through the attraction but includes live zombies and is not for the faint of heart. It’s very close to Super Silly Fun Land and the 3D Despicable Me Minion Ride, making this a great area for the whole family to find their version of fun.
4. Lard Lad Donuts
Springfield, U.S.A. is a great stop in either park for any Simpsons fan. The whole area is completely immersive, featuring locations you’d expect Homer or Bart to visit on the show. The Lard Lad Donuts in Hollywood features the iconic Big Pink donut, plus several other gigantic varieties that change daily. We tried a couple different crazy huge donuts during our visit, they were delicious. Lard Lad Donuts in Florida only offers the giant pink donut, you can buy other varieties of regular sized donuts though.
Why Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t better than Universal Orlando
1. Diagon Alley
Now to anyone that hasn’t been to Universal Orlando, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is amazing. It features several rides, Hogwarts Castle and the shops of Hogsmeade. Any Harry Potter fan would enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood just for this section of the park.
In addition to a similar Hogsmeade experience, Universal Orlando also has second Harry Potter location, Diagon Alley, complete with additional shops, rides, and experiences. I think Diagon Alley is cooler than Hogsmeade too. The best part about having two completely distinct Harry Potter areas at Universal Orlando is the ability to actually ride the Hogwarts Express between the two locations. At Universal Studios Hollywood you can take a picture with a conductor in front of a replica Hogwarts Express.
Universal Orlando offers a much more amazing experience for any Harry Potter fan. Beyond the addition of Diagon Alley, there are definitely many other attractions at Universal Orlando that we enjoyed that aren’t available at Universal Studios Hollywood due to the size difference between the parks. I won’t declare either a true winner over the other though, I think which park is better for you really depends on your family. What your family likes, where your family lives, and how much time you have to visit the park, all factor into which park experience is best for you.
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I received complimentary media admission in order to share my experience with you.
A few reasons we love Universal Orlando
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