1 day: Disneyland or Universal Hollywood for a WDW veteran?

[Skbak]

Been to WDW Orlando many times.

Doing a 3 day layover trip to LA this spring but only have 1 day to use for a park. Have 3 daughters ages 7-10 who aren’t too into most of the universal stuff other than despicable me—maybe quasi into Nintendo and Harry Potter. But universal is really close to where we will stay, and being able to get out in a half day would be nice

In an ideal world, Disneyland would be the move, but feel like it would be better saved for a later date when we could enjoy the parks more (also we have a WDW trip planned for October). Curious if universal Hollywood is a better option given we really have only one day to work? Or does the new lighting premier pass make it doable to hit both parks in a day?

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

I vote Disney California adventure

 

[Minnie1222]

Curious if universal Hollywood is a better option given we really have only one day to work?

Not for me!

For reference, I go to WDW 3-4 times per year, and I always make time to visit Disneyland once every two years. I would probably go more often if they brought back the coast to coast annual pass. There are so many different things between the two resorts. To me, they are six different parks with some similarities.

(I go to Universal Orlando twice a year. My last visit to Universal Hollywood was last year to see Nintendo World, and the prior visit to that was probably in the 90's).

Or does the new lighting premier pass make it doable to hit both parks in a day?

The Premier Pass will definitely work for a one-day visit.

 

[China Expat]

I like both...just went to Disneyland for one day yesterday after 10 years and had forgotten how amazing it is! Were there from 8 am until 11 pm with a front of line pass. Perfect day.

 

[Mle8308]

Disneyland! You can add on the hopper option to go to DCA. But if only one park, definitely DL!

 

[AmericanItGirl]

I'm going to be the outlier here. If your kids are into Hollywood (making movies etc.) and you don't have the time to do a separate studio tour, Universal Hollywood, especially if you have never visited Universal Florida. Unlike Universal Florida, Universal Hollywood has a backlot that is still in use, and that's what the studio tour takes you through. I used to do background work, and there was one Labor Day weekend when I did a night shoot on that Friday where they dressed up Wisteria Lane (called that because it's where they filmed Desperate H with Halloween decorations (the scene was kids trick or treating for a sitcom), and when I went on Sunday with my mom to the theme park, they still had the Halloween decorations up as the tour vehicle drove down Wisteria Lane. I haven't been since 2021 (when they opened Universal for a post-pandemic food fest, and just happened to be testing some of the rides that day), so I have not seen the Nintendo area, but the Harry Potter area is themed as well as any land in Disneyland or WDW.

The first time I visited the Magic Kingdom was a day trip for one day (I was in Orlando for a convention and only had the one day). I spent a lot of time trying to only see what was different from Disneyland that I feel like I didn't enjoy myself as much as I could have if I had more time to spend (I was focused on trying not to waste my time by riding rides, seeing things, etc. that I knew I had already experienced at Disneyland). Based on my experience, I think you'd be better off waiting until you can take a longer trip.

However, if there is a specific ride/show/parade that you know your whole group really wants to experience (ex. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Webslingers, Storytime with Deadpool), then by all means, go to the park that has it instead of Universal. And, unlike WDW, it's really easy to park hop if the crowds are not insane, so you could spend the morning in one park, and the afternoon in another park, and then finish up in the evening in the first park (I've had no problem watching the first show of World of Color and the second show of Fantasmic in the same night before).

 

[LKing]

Where are you staying? Los Angeles has a lot to offer. Are USH and DLR your only two options for things to do?

 

[sjmac42]

I’d save Disneyland for a later trip when you have 2-3 days for the parks and can stay in Anaheim. There are many rides that are unique to DL/DCA or different to WDW. Driving to and parking at DL from LA can easily take 2-3 hours and there’s a good chance you can miss rope drop.
If you want a 1 day park, have a look at Knott’s Berry Farm maybe. Lots of big coasters though so depends if the kids like those types of rides (think SeaWorld Orlando type coasters but more of them). Much cheaper than DL too meaning you could probably add the Fast Lane (like Universal Express unlimited).
Otherwise there are plenty of kid friendly activities in LA or you could do a real studio tour at Warner Bros, Paramount or Sony.