Need help deciding if Universal day worthwhile?

Lucky'sMom

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 7, 1999
We have been to Universal Orlando MANY times and really love it. This trip we are starting in San Fran, driving the down to LA over a couple of days and then ending up with 3 days at Disneyland. I had planned to spend one day at Universal right before our Disney days. I am second-guessing this now, and am so confused about whether this is a good use of our time or would be disappointing. US Hollywood is the #3 LA thing to do on Tripadvisor, some people love it. But then I read that if you're used to US Orlando, you will be disappointed and the crowds and lines will be horrible (mid-July). I can't afford the express pass at $260. It was suggested to me by a friend to go to a taping of the Conan show instead. Please help me decide, I really need to figure this out and keep going back and forth! Thanks so much.
 
It depends on what type of attractions and overall experience you enjoy. USH is first and foremost a working live studio production facility unlike USO. It doesn't have the coasters that USO has. The tram tour goes thru numerous actual sets various movies and TV shows have been or are currently being filmed at. If you have interest in that then it could be well worth it. If you enjoy coasters and such that USO has then USH would not be a park for you.

Many of the attractions found at USO are also at USH. Shows such as Water World are unique to USH. Water World is an awesome very fun show.

Mid week during the summer isn't always crowded. At rope drop the crowds will head to Potter. Lines there can get long by mid morning. If you don't have interest in the rides there then head to the lower lot. Few will follow. Most start with the upper lot then move to the lower later in the day. Do the opposite. Do all of the attractions on the lower lot first, Jurassic, Mummy, Transformers etc. Then head back up and do the tram tour, animal planet, water world, shrek, minions, simpsons etc. Even on very crowded days you'll get into the shows as long as you arrive early. Water World will have a HUGE crowd que'd up outside for each show almost always. Ignore it. Despite the large crowd you will get in. The seating area is large.

If you enjoy massive coasters then you can instead spend a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
If you enjoy a mix of medium coasters and old fashioned amusement park rides then perhaps Knotts Berry Farm would make for a fun day. It is 5 miles from Disneyland.
 
I can’t speak to the differences because I’ve never been to Florida but I know you’re HP experience is better. I was very impressed with HP, I really enjoyed a couple of the parts of the tram tour (a lot of it is pretty dated) and we really enjoyed Waterworld. I was willing to spend the money for HP for my son but if you are traveling with everyone in your signature I would say skip it for the price. Especially if you factor in the drive. I’m not sure which way you are going before and after but the drive was awful! We drove to USH from Disney and going was fine early but coming back took hours. Definitely factor in traffic.
 
It's true that if you're used to US Orlando, then US Hollywood will pale in comparison. For us, the one really great thing that Hollywood has over Orlando is the backlot tour. It's so much fun! But even taking into account the backlot tour (about 1 houri duration), US Hollywood is not a full-day for our family. You could easily do the park in the morning, then late lunch and sight-seeing on Hollywood Blvd. in the afternoon (for example).

Whatever you decide, hope you have a great time!
 



GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top