Dec 29th - Disneyland or Universal??

[markmcalear]

I am staying in LA for a couple of nights on way back to UK from Aulani. I understand both Disneyland and Universal will be busy due to the time of year but which should I go to?

We are a family of 7 (5 kids - 9,7,6,2,1) who usually go to WDW and Universal Orlando. Only girl is the 9yo.

I have been to Magic Kingdom on Xmas day so I know what to expect from Disney on level 10 crowd days.

Am I correct in thinking that Disneyland uses to "old" paper FP system?

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I am staying in LA for a couple of nights on way back to UK from Aulani. I understand both Disneyland and Universal will be busy due to the time of year but which should I go to? We are a family of 7 (5 kids - 9,7,6,2,1) who usually go to WDW and Universal Orlando. Only girl is the 9yo. I have been to Magic Kingdom on Xmas day so I know what to expect from Disney on level 10 crowd days. Am I correct in thinking that Disneyland uses to "old" paper FP system?

Having just done wdw and universal orlando for the 1st time... I would do disneyland, and save universal for when you are in orlando... Orlando's universal is amazing, where California's is meh in comparison. Enjoy disneyland and its craziness during the holidays, focus on the rides wdw doesn't have or are so much better at DL... And enjoy the old FP system

 

[markmcalear]

Yes I am probably leaning more towards DL if I am honest.

Is it worth getting a park hopper or is it just too busy at the time of year to hit both parks in one day?

 

[goooof1]

I would get park hoppers just for the flexibility. If it gets too crowded in one park you can hop over to the other (2 minute walk!) and then hop back later. Get to the park early - rope drop - hopefully stay at DLR hotel or walking distance (Harbor Blvd.), right across the street from the entrance.
HAVE FUN!!

 

[DahliaRW]

I agree that DL is the way to go. Universal in California can't even compare to the one in Florida.

I would park hop, at least for an hour or two to go see Cars Land. But if you're rather just do one park, do Disneyland over DCA.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...Orlando's universal is amazing, where California's is meh in comparison...

...Universal in California can't even compare to the one in Florida...

Don't forget that USH is a working studio, meaning that it is being used daily for television and movie filming. It was built to be a movie studio, not primarlly an amusement park (although rides and attractions have been added on since the studio was built). That is why USO seems more impressive. It was built to be an amusement park and has been themed accordingly.

 

[Geemo]

We try to go to DLR at least once a year. On our October 2013 trip we took one day to drive up to Universal. We arrived at opening and the kids were BORED by lunch time. We left about 1pm. Took a stroll through some of the shops on City Walk and then headed back to DLR where we were staying.

Given the age of your children (5 kids - 9,7,6,2,1), NO QUESTION DO DISNEY!! There really isn't much to entertainer your age group for the entire day. With Disney even the 1 and 2 yr.old will have fun during the day. The hours for Dec 29th won't be listed until tomorrow. But I'm sure they'll be open early and stay open late. As you know, Disney has something for all ages.

I took my DGD to Universal six years ago, she was 10 yr.old. She didn't really like much of anything. The Mummy ride was too scary. The Backdraft movie set demo terrified her, we had to take an emergency exit out. Look at the website for Universal Hollywood and you'll be able to compare.

If you're trying to do something other than Disney, how about LegoLand? I've never been there but it seems to be geared for your age group. Maybe other DisBoard'ers can give their opinion on LL.

The paper FP's have worked fine for us. Easy to understand, follow the timing on them and it'll work for you too.

Good luck making your decision on which venue to visit.

 

[markmcalear]

Thanks all, I have booked DL. Gonna stay at Grand Calfornian and do 2 days in parks. Our flight back to UK leaves LAX at 5:15pm on Tuesday 30th so we will plan to leave the parks by noon that day.

Looking forward to it. The kids love WDW so I imagine they will love DL too! Be a nice hectic ending to our relaxing Xmas trip!!

 

[DahliaRW]

Don't forget that USH is a working studio, meaning that it is being used daily for television and movie filming. It was built to be a movie studio, not primarlly an amusement park (although rides and attractions have been added on since the studio was built). That is why USO seems more impressive. It was built to be an amusement park and has been themed accordingly.

Yes, that is true. But with the OPs kid's ages and date they are visiting, there probably won't be any filming going on and the OP had kids too young to go see a filming. That would be the main advantage of USH if wanting to go (to see the working part). Most of the rides are also for older kids. We haven't bothered to go yet since my youngest is only 5, largely for this reason. Though she had a great time at USF (which, IMO, is on par theming/quality wise with Disney, which totally surprised me!).

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Disneyland. Don't bother with Universal in California.

 

[Disneyqueendenmark]

I think you made the right decision choosing DL especially since you are able to stay at GC.
I'm sure you and the kids will have some awsome days in DL!

I agree that USH is for older kids or just adults... But I think USH is waaay better than USO! I went to Orlando 2 years ago and I didn't think Universal Studios were that good - I liked the Harry Potter land in Islands of adventure, it was great and I would love to go again and see the expansion. But I prefer Universal Studios Hollywood over the Universal Studios in Orlando!