Is Universal Studios Hollywood fine to miss if been to US Orlando many times?

Lucky'sMom

DIS Veteran

Joined

Dec 7, 1999

• Jan 31, 2016

• #1

I'm in the early stages of planning a trip (first time to California for the kids, all teens) with 3 days at DL, 3 days in LA and 3 days in San Diego. We go to Orlando every other year, and have done Universal Orlando many times. I am thinking that we don't need to spend a day at US Hollywood, since there doesn't seem to be a lot there different than Orlando, and with no FOTL perk, I think the kids would be miserable (esp. with the Harry Potter area opening soon). Would you agree that it is skipable for us? For our LA days, I was looking into one whole day on the "Day in LA tour" of Hollywood, LA, etc, visiting the Warner Bros tour and maybe also another like Paramount, as DS is a huge "behind the scenes" fan. I'd like to spend some time at a more coastal area (maybe Santa Monica?)...any thoughts/suggestions would be so appreciated!

 

H

Huff

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 2, 2007

• Jan 31, 2016

• #2

Only you can answer that depending on what your family enjoys. Orlando Universal is very different than Hollywood. The latter is a full working studio with a lot of history. The tram tour takes you through quite a few back lot sets, most still in use for todays movies and TV. The War of the Worlds plane crash set is there as well as many others. Orlando's tram tour closed in 1995 and to me was a cheap attempt at recreating the real thing at Hollywood. The Hollywood tour for many is a huge highlight. Also the Water World live show is excellent and a lot of fun. However, much of the rest of the park is much the same.

Universal Hollywood does sell FOTL passes. I've never needed them if you know how to plan your day. However, with Harry Potter opening this could change things considerably on weekends, spring break and summer.

 

StageTek

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

Joined

Apr 20, 2007

• Feb 4, 2016

• #3

From what you say here; "there doesn't seem to be a lot there different than Orlando" and "I think the kids would be miserable" my suggestion is you skip Universal.

 

S

sheetz

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 13, 2012

• Feb 4, 2016

• #4

I don't think it's worth it. At one time the backlot tour was more interesting with more behind-the-scenes stuff but now they've tried to make it into just another theme park ride. Unfortunately the tram "rides" are usually not as good as the real, stand alone rides in Florida.

 

Lucky'sMom

DIS Veteran

Joined

Dec 7, 1999

• Feb 5, 2016

• #5

Thank you, I appreciate your responses. With so many other things to do in L.A., I think we'll pass.

 

V

vbmom40

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 22, 2008

• Feb 5, 2016

• #6

We took my 4 year old grandson in October and then visited Universal Orlando in December. We will probably not do Universal Hollywood until he is old enough to do HHNs. Too much standing in line. It is too bad that Universal Hollywood does not have a hotel that offers an express pass for staying there. If you go get the front of the line pass even though it does not include Harry Potter it will help you with the long wait times

 

paintingoncelluloid

Mouseketeer

Joined

Oct 10, 2014

• Feb 13, 2016

• #7

I haven't been to Universal Hollywood yet, but I do want to make a plug for the Paramount studio tour, which I REALLY enjoyed. That studio lot is a huge part of Hollywood history, and the tour is extensive with manageable group sizes and (IME) very knowledgable guides. I bet everyone, but especially your son, would really enjoy it.

 

finchy3

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jan 30, 2014

• Feb 14, 2016

• #8

We have been to both Universal's and i reckon the Hollywood one should not be missed, with all the history behind the park i.e. the making of films there which is covered in the studio tour.
A different experience to Orlando.