Universal Orlando compared to Universal Hollywood?

[EMom]

We've been the Universal Orlando a few times and enjoyed it, especially staying onsite and getting FOTL privileges.

How does Universal Hollywood compare? We went in the 80s, but I don't think it's remotely close to what it was. Are there about the same amount of rides? Does staying onsite get you FOTL? Basically, what is different, better, worse?

 

[Lynne G]

I just went to USH at the end of August. It is only one park, and there are no onsite perks. I did stay at the Sheraton at USH, and it was not a bad walk to the park. There are not as many rides, some the same, but slightly different, like Jurasiac and Mummy. There is also a lot of construction, as HP and Minion ride were still being built, as well as the new entry way.

I guess needing the express pass is dependent on when you go. We went at rope drop, got the lower level done with a double ride of Transformers, then hit the upper level. By lunch, it was more crowded, but we did not use express. Longest wait was up top. We waited about 20 minutes for the tram ride right before lunch. We did not think that was bad. We did all the shows, and watched the latest water show. That one and the pets were our favorites.


We stayed until closing, and had a very late dinner in Citywalk. We had a great day.

My teen and tween rather go to Orlando, as the HP2 is a big draw and Orlando for us is a shorter flight. Plus, there is Hollywood and the beach near USH, but we find so much more to do in Orlando.

If you have not been in some time, we were glad to see it, as we really enjoyed seeing actual production taking place and the water show is nothing like anything in Orlando. We only had one day, and for us, That was enough.

If you are out that way, and have a day, it is a fun park.

 

[EMom]

Could you explain the upper level/lower level thing? Thanks!

 

[Kathymford]

The Hollywood park is split into two levels with lots and lots and lots of elevators in between. So half of your attractions are on the bottom, and the rest on the top (maybe not half, but some number). Actual park space is limited since it's a working studio.

 

[Lynne G]

Could you explain the upper level/lower level thing? Thanks!

Yes, the park is on a huge hill. I think there was 4 sets of escalators, with one really long one. Yes, because of the studios, it had to be broken into 2 parts. That is why they refer to it as upper and lower. The entry and City Walk are on the upper level. Jurasiac,Transformers, Mummy and I cannot remember what else are on the lower part. The rest of the park, including the studio tour is on the upper, or main part of the park. Less rides than USO, though maybe about the same or so as IOA. You could definitely do the park in one day, but that will depend on crowds. Really busy time, express would only be the best way to see most of it. We thought the shows in USH were better. We really enjoyed the Water World show.

 

[atricks]

4 LONG escalators (not elevators/lifts) are between the upper and lower lots. There is a small tram that also can take folks between the upper and lower lots if you are in a wheelchair. They call it the big "Star Way". Transformers, Mummy, and Jurassic Park River adventure are at the bottom, everything else is at the upper level. The new potter area is being built as part of the upper lot as well.

Here's a video of it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hONAyhFGyG0

 

[niemand88f]

I like USH but Orlando is much better. I personally wouldn't make a special trip for USH yet (maybe once they do the HP part), only go if I'm doing other things in the area. Fewer rides, smaller park & Citywalk- you can probably do everything in one day. The backstage tour on trams is pretty cool though, since they actually use or have used those areas to film movies & tv shows.

If you look at local hotels you can find some awesome deals though. On our last trip we stayed at a Marriott by the Burbank Airport that included 2 day park tickets and transportation to the park for a great price.

 

[agavegirl1]

I went to California last August and used a day each at DL/CA and US. I liked the California Universal quite a bit. We purchased the Express Pass due to summer crowds and that was a Godsend. I actually enjoyed the escalators between levels and thought it was fun and scenic. The Studio Tour made the trip worth it for me. Nothing like it in Orlando. Also, I got to ride Transformers before it arrived in Orlando.