The ultimate theme park experience in Los Angeles: Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood

California is the place for everyone who dreams of a trip full of magic, action and unforgettable attractions. In this part of the United States lies Disneyland Resort Anaheim, containing both Disneyland Park as Disney California Adventure Park. A bit further on you will find Universal Studios Hollywood, where film and theme park come together.

What makes this destination special is that here you visit the very first Disney park ever. Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and has a fine, uncluttered layout that feels different from the large-scale Walt Disney World in Orlando. In addition, Universal Studios Hollywood is located right next to the real movie studios. So you are at the place where movies and series are actually made, which makes the experience just that little bit more real. 

In this blog, you'll read about the two Disney parks in Anaheim, what to expect at Universal Studios Hollywood, and how to conveniently combine these parks during one trip.

Disneyland Park Anaheim - The original magic kingdom

What is Disneyland Anaheim?

Disneyland Park is located in Anaheim, California and is where it all began for Disney! This is where the first Disneyland Park opened in 1955, conceived and built under the direction of Walt Disney. The park consists of several themed areas, each with its own atmosphere, range of attractions, entertainment and restaurants.

Highlights of Disneyland Anaheim

Disneyland Park is home to many attractions that have been popular for years. Below are some highlights that will give you a good idea of what to expect:

• Space Mountain - Fast indoor roller coaster in the dark. The short turns and limited sightlines make the ride feel extra exciting.
  
• Pirates of the Caribbean - Quiet boat ride past scenes from this world-famous film. The attraction is long and full of recognizable details.
  
• Haunted Mansion - Ride through a large haunted house. You will see moving objects, optical illusions and there is also a little humor in it.
  
• Indiana Jones Adventure - Adventurous darkride through temples and ruins. The cart actively moves along, making the ride feel more alive.
  
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Roller coaster through an abandoned mining area. The ride is fast, but doable for most ages.
  
• Matterhorn Bobsleds - Roller coaster along the Matterhorn mountain, found only in Anaheim. The track is fairly rugged and therefore different from modern roller coasters.
  
• It's a Small World - Quiet boat ride through colorful worlds with recognizable music. Suitable for all ages.
  
• Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Large area where you walk around among spaceships, stores and restaurants. The attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run can be found here.

Practical information and tips

A visit to Disneyland Anaheim is often more pleasant when you know in advance what to expect. With the points below, you'll arrive well prepared.

Disneyland Anaheim Map - Handy to review in advance. It gives you an idea of the themed areas, restaurants and popular attractions, allowing you to plan your day more efficiently. 

Best travel time - Spring and fall are generally quieter and the weather is pleasant. Summer can be busier and warmer, which affects waiting times.Want to know how to fill out a two-day visit? Then read our blog about Disneyland Anaheim!

Accessibility & parking - Anaheim in California is easily accessible by car. Several parking garages and shuttles are available near the resort, so you can get to the entrance quickly.

Faster access - The former Disneyland Anaheim FastPass has been replaced by paid options. With Disney Genius Service reserve access through the app to Lightning Lanes in both parks within Disneyland Resort Anaheim. For some top attractions, there is additionally a Lightning Lane Single Pass, with which you purchase a time slot for each attraction.

Disney California Adventure Park - Adventure for all ages.

What is Disney California Adventure Park?

Disney California Adventure Park is located right next to Disneyland Park and together with it forms the Disneyland Resort Anaheim. The park takes a different approach than the original Disneyland: here it is much more about modern franchises, movies and recognizable themes.

Highlights of Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure Park has several themed areas and attractions that appeal to many visitors. These are some highlights that will give you a good idea of what to expect in the park:

• Cars Land - Based on the movie Cars. You walk through Radiator Springs, complete with gas pumps and famous buildings from the movie. The main attraction is Radiator Springs Racers, where you take a ride through the landscape and race against another car
  
• Pixar Pier - Area around Pixar films such as The Incredibles and Toy Story. Here you will find, among other things, the Incredicoaster, a fast roller coaster with strong gears. You will also find various family attractions, games and food stalls.
  
• Avengers Campus - Area where Marvel heroes take center stage. You can do Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, an interactive attraction in which you fire virtual webs. You will also regularly see superheroes on the streets and find several themed stores
  
• Soarin’ Around the World - Simulation attraction in which you appear to float above famous places worldwide, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China. It is a tranquil experience suitable for almost all ages.
  
• Grizzly Peak - Forest-style area, with hiking trails and rock outcroppings. The main attraction is Grizzly River Run, where you are dragged through the water in a round boat; especially fun on hot days....

Combine with Disneyland Park 

Many visitors choose to combine Disney California Adventure Park with the adjacent Disneyland Park. With a so-called Park Hopper Ticket you can switch between the two parks in one day, which gives flexibility in your schedule. This is especially useful if you want to do certain attractions in both parks or have limited time. Overall, the Disneyland Resort Anaheim is a compact destination, making it easy to explore both parks in one visit.

Universal Studios Hollywood - Film and action in one park

What is Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park located right next to working movie studios. This makes it not only about attractions, but also about movie productions that actually take place here. The park is located in the hills of Hollywood and can be combined well with a stay in Los Angeles.

Highlights of Universal Studios Hollywood

At Universal Studios Hollywood, you will find several areas and attractions that show how movies and series are made and experienced. Here are some popular highlights:

• Studio Tour - A tour of real movie sets and backlots. You'll drive past streets and buildings used in movies and experience short shows along the way. This tour lasts longer than an average attraction and is an important part of the park.
  
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - An extensively themed area centered around the world of Harry Potter. You'll walk through Hogsmeade, find stores like Ollivanders, and can visit a major attraction inspired by the movies.
  
• Jurassic World - The Ride - Water attraction based on the Jurassic movies. You sail past dinosaur scenes and at the end of the ride there is a substantial descent downhill.
  
• Super Nintendo World - New themed area featuring familiar characters like Mario. Among other things, you will find Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, an interactive attraction in which you “join” the race using a headset.
  
• Transformers: The Ride 3D - Faster 3D attraction with an active story revolving around the Transformers characters. You move past screens and physical sets.
  
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem - Family-friendly 3D attraction in which you participate in a training session of the Minions. Also fun for younger children.
  
• WaterWorld - Live show inspired by the movie Waterworld. With stunts, fire and water effects, this is the best-rated shows in the park.

Practical tips for your visit

Universal Studios Hollywood is easy to visit from Los Angeles. The park is located in the hills of Hollywood and is accessible by car or public transportation. Plan enough time for the Studio Tour, as it takes longer than the average attraction and can fill up quickly.Be careful not to confuse Universal Studios Hollywood with Universal Studios Florida. That park is located on the east coast in Orlando and is part of Universal Orlando Resort. The experience there is different and the offerings greater, so check carefully in advance which park you want to visit.

What are the differences between Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios? 

Disneyland Resort Anaheim has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. You will find many different types of rides here, from quiet rides to some faster roller coasters. The atmosphere revolves mostly around familiar Disney characters and themed areas such as Fantasyland and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Everything is close together, making it easy to walk from one park to another. Many visitors plan two to three days to quietly explore both parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood is one park and is right next to real movie studios. As a result, the park feels different from Disney: film takes center stage. The Studio Tour is unique because you drive past sets used in movies and series. You will also find themed areas around Harry Potter and Super Nintendo. The attractions are often a bit more active, with simulators and more intense movements. 1 day is enough for most visitors to see the park.

So the biggest difference is in design and experience. Disneyland Resort is broader, with two parks and more offerings for all ages. Universal Studios Hollywood is more compact and focuses more on film and action.

Combining Disneyland and Universal Studios: here's how to get the most out of your trip

Those who want to visit both Disneyland Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood can combine them well in one trip. Most travelers start in Anaheim, where you set aside two to three days for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. This gives you plenty of time to do the most popular attractions and leisurely stroll through the themed areas. Many people also visit these parks as part of a tour of California, such as in combination with cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. A rest day in between can be nice, for example to relax at the hotel or to explore Anaheim.

Universal Studios Hollywood is often visited on a separate day. The park is about a half-hour drive from Anaheim. Many travelers choose to stay a few nights in Los Angeles, so you have time for other attractions in the city in addition to Universal.

Would you like everything arranged for you? Then feel free to make an (online) appointment with one of our travel consultants to put together your customized trip. You can also view our composite trip directly: Los Angeles movie studios & theme parks.

Why choose to travel to California with Florivida?

Visiting California is extra fun when you are well prepared. Florivida supports you with knowledge and advice about Disneyland Resort Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood. As a specialist in theme park travel, we can help you with practical tips about the best travel time, day schedules, transportation and suitable ticket options. So you can easily include these parks in your trip, whether they are a main feature or just one of the stops on your tour of California.

In addition, we will help you look at suitable accommodations, for example in Anaheim within walking distance of the Disney parks or in Los Angeles if you want to combine Universal with other attractions. That way your trip will always fit your preferences and pace.

Feel free to take contact with us for all the possibilities! Do you already know a little bit about what you want? Then ask here request a no-obligation travel proposal and engage with one of our travel experts!

FAQ: your guide to the ultimate amusement park experience in Los Angeles