Should My Disneyland Vacation Include a Side Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Mario from Nintendo is standing in front of universal studios hollywood

Whether to plan a side trip from Disneyland to Universal Studios Hollywood largely depends on your interests, the length of your vacation, and your budget. Both Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood offer unique experiences, and if you’re a fan of theme parks or certain franchises, you may want to visit both. Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Interests: Disneyland is well-known for its classic Disney-themed rides and attractions, while Universal Studios Hollywood is famous for its behind-the-scenes studio tours and attractions based on popular films and TV shows, like “Harry Potter”, “Jurassic Park”, and “The Simpsons”. If you or your travel companions are fans of these franchises, you might want to add Universal Studios Hollywood to your itinerary.

  2. Time: A trip to Disneyland itself can take several days if you want to explore both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park thoroughly. Universal Studios Hollywood typically requires at least one full day to enjoy. Consider how much time you have for your vacation and whether you’d like to dedicate a day or two to Universal Studios.

  3. Budget: Keep in mind that adding another theme park to your vacation will also add to the cost, including tickets, food, and potentially an extra hotel night. Make sure to budget accordingly.

  4. Location: Disneyland is located in Anaheim, while Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, near Los Angeles. The two parks are about an hour drive apart, so factor in travel time and transport costs as well.

  5. Crowds and Peak Times: Both parks can get crowded, especially during peak vacation times. It’s a good idea to check the expected crowd levels before you decide to add another park to your trip.

In the end, whether you should add a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood to your Disneyland vacation depends on your personal preferences, time availability, and budget. It could be a great addition to your vacation, but it’s also okay to focus on Disneyland if that’s your main interest.

Related Articles