Universal -LA compared to Universal Orlando

[TosaTrio]

Hi- we'll be in Southern CA in July and have 2 1/2 days slotted for the LA area before we head to San Diego (2days) and Anaheim (5 days).

We plan to do typical tourist stuff the arrival 1/2 day and would like to go to Santa Monica one day. I am wondering if spending a whole day at Universal is worth it. It' me, DH and dd (8). We have been to Universal Orlando and IOA which we enjoy however DD is not a big ride fan- Big Thunder Mountain at WDW is about as wild as it gets and she will not go on rides that are dark.

Do the two Universal Parks have enough differences that make it worth our time and money to go?

All advice appreciated. This is my first trip to LA.

Thanks! Gail

 

[Rebekkap]

Hi- we'll be in Southern CA in July and have 2 1/2 days slotted for the LA area before we head to San Diego (2days) and Anaheim (5 days).

We plan to do typical tourist stuff the arrival 1/2 day and would like to go to Santa Monica one day. I am wondering if spending a whole day at Universal is worth it. It' me, DH and dd (8). We have been to Universal Orlando and IOA which we enjoy however DD is not a big ride fan- Big Thunder Mountain at WDW is about as wild as it gets and she will not go on rides that are dark.

Do the two Universal Parks have enough differences that make it worth our time and money to go?

All advice appreciated. This is my first trip to LA.

Thanks! Gail

I wouldn't have thought it was worth it. I have done both, and Univeral Orlando is much bigger and in my opinion more enjoyable.

 

[helenb]

The big thing that Universal Hollywood has over Universal Orlando is the studio tour. It is much longer and more elaborate, and goes through real studio sets, unlike the mocked up stuff in Florida.

Other than that, there is the Transformers ride (identical in movement to the Spiderman ride in Orlando) and a couple of different shows. The Simpsons and Jurassic Park are pretty much identical, the Mummy has less story and is more of a 'dark coaster'.

If you're not as interested in rides, but like the idea of the studio tour, I would highly recommend taking the WB Studios VIP tour instead. It's even more of an inside look and a lot of fun, plus it's unique to Hollywood!

 

[TosaTrio]

Thanks everyone! I do not think my dd would find interest in the studio tour so it sounds as though we should pass.

I appreciate the information.