Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios – Which Is Better?
If you’re planning a trip to Central Florida, you might find yourself choosing between Disney’s Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios Florida. Both parks offer immersive experiences, thrilling attractions, and unforgettable entertainment, but what many people don’t realize is that they cater to different audiences AND are on different properties.
Hollywood Studios is a Walt Disney Company park in Walt Disney World, while Universal Studios Orlando is a theme park home of its own with multiple theme parks on site.
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While the names are similar, and they do have some similar themes when it comes to the overall feel, they are not entirely similar parks. It’s helpful to understand the differences before determining which is best for your vacation.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios to help you decide which one is the best fit for your vacation.
If you are attempting to decide between a Universal Studios and Walt Disney World vacation for your next visit to Florida, check out the ultimate comparison guide.
Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios Differences
The Theme
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests into the world of movies, television, and classic Hollywood glamour. From the golden era of film to modern-day blockbusters, the park offers immersive experiences like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.
The overarching theme revolves around cinematic storytelling and bringing beloved Disney franchises to life.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is all about stepping into the action of your favorite movies and TV shows. The park features immersive lands based on franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, and The Simpsons.
Universal’s lands are designed to make visitors feel like they’re inside the worlds of their favorite films, with incredible special effects and engaging attractions.
The History of the Parks
Hollywood Studios
Originally opened in 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios (I miss the days!!), Disney’s Hollywood Studios was designed as both a theme park and a working production studio. Over the years, it has evolved into a premier destination for Disney fans, focusing on attractions rather than production.
Previously home to a backlot tour and fun stunt shows like Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show, the park had the feeling of being on-site and watching the production magic happen. While some of that still lives on through shows like Indiana Jones: Stunt Spectacular, it isn’t quite as behind the scenes as it used to be.
Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990 with the goal of giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made. Unlike Hollywood Studios, Universal has maintained its identity as a working studio while also expanding into a world-class theme park featuring the famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
However, Universal Studios Hollywood is truly the go-to among all theme parks if you want to experience an actual backlot experience within a park. Universal Hollywood offers a studio tour tram experience that drives through the set at Universal, where chances are high that you may see a celebrity, all while looking at many iconic sets actually used in the movies.
The Location of the Parks
Both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios Florida are located in Central Florida, making them easily accessible for visitors staying in the Orlando area.
- Hollywood Studios is part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando.
- Universal Studios Florida is located within the Universal Orlando Resort, closer to International Drive and about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando.
The Experience in Each Park
Hollywood Studios Experience
Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on immersive storytelling. Visitors can interact with characters, enjoy themed dining experiences, and experience Disney’s renowned customer service.
The park is known for its intricate details and magical ambiance that appeal to Disney fans of all ages.
If you are a Star Wars or Toy Story fan, this is the park for you. Galaxy’s Edge and the rides within it can not be beat. It feels like you landed within the Star Wars movies. The same goes for Toy Story Land where it feels larger than life as you are one of Andy’s toys wandering the backyard.
Universal Studios Florida Experience
Universal Studios Florida offers a more fast-paced and thrilling experience with an emphasis on action-packed attractions. The park is home to more adventure, several high-speed roller coasters, and also offers incredibly immersive environments like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal’s lands are designed for guests who enjoy high-energy experiences and movie-based thrills.
Diagon Alley in Universal Studios is a mind-blowing area of the park. If you picture scenes from Harry Potter, you would think you are in the middle of the action while within this area of the park.
The Rides and Attractions in Each Park
Hollywood Studios Top Attractions
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – An immersive adventure through the Star Wars universe.
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – A fun-filled journey into a Mickey Mouse cartoon. The first ride starring Mickey Mouse!
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – A thrilling drop ride through an eerie hotel.
- Toy Story Mania! – A 3D shooting game based on Toy Story characters.
- Slinky Dog Dash – A family-friendly roller coaster in Toy Story Land.
Universal Studios Florida Top Attractions
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – A thrilling ride through Gringotts Bank in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Revenge of the Mummy – A high-speed indoor coaster with intense special effects.
- Transformers: The Ride-3D – A 3D simulator ride featuring Autobots and Decepticons.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – A customizable roller coaster with high speeds and loops. (closing September 2025)
- The Simpsons Ride – A hilarious motion simulator through Springfield.
FYI: The Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Skull Island: Reign of King Kong are part of Universal but they are within the Islands of Adventure park and not Universal Studios.
Special Events Within Each Park
Hollywood Studios Special Events
- Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios – A separately ticketed event offering low crowds and short wait times for top attractions.
- Star Wars: Galactic Nights – A Star Wars-themed event featuring character encounters, shows, and special merchandise. Even just being in Galaxy’s Edge on May 4th, without there being an event, is an incredible experience. Bring your lightsabers!
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dining – Themed dining events with Minnie and friends throughout the year. This takes place at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant.
- Disney Jollywood Nights – A holiday event featuring festive entertainment, limited-capacity rides, and exclusive food options.
Universal Studios Florida Special Events
- Halloween Horror Nights – One of the most popular Halloween events in the country, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and thrilling entertainment.
- Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando – A family-friendly celebration with parades, live music, and authentic New Orleans-style food.
- Holidays at Universal Orlando – A festive event featuring Christmas decorations, The Grinch, and holiday-themed shows. The parade is like a mini version of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and it’s SO cool!
- Rock the Universe – A Christian music festival featuring top artists and special faith-based experiences.
Ticket & Paid Options at Each Park
Please keep in mind that these ticket prices reflect pricing at the start of the year in 2025. Prices are subject to change (and often do) at any time.
Hollywood Studios Ticket Options
- Single-Day Ticket – Grants access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for one day.
- Park Hopper Option – Allows guests to visit multiple Disney parks in a single day.
- Multi-day Tickets – Giving guests the option to experience multiple days in the Disney parks.
- Disney Genie+ – A paid service that provides access to Lightning Lanes to skip the standby lines for certain attractions.
- Annual Passes – Various tiers of passes for frequent visitors, offering perks like discounts and early park access. Florida residents have multiple options while out of state guests have one choice for an annual pass.
Universal Studios Florida Ticket Options
- Single-Day Ticket – Grants access to Universal Studios Florida for one day.
- Park-to-Park Ticket – Allows guests to visit both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on the same day. If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express (YOU DO!), you will need a Park-to-Park ticket.
- Multi-day Tickets – Allowing entry into Universal properties for multiple days during a trip. This is currently the only way to experience Epic Universe (Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and more).
- Universal Express Pass – A paid add-on that lets guests skip the regular lines at most attractions.
- Annual Passes – Various levels of passes with benefits such as discounts, early entry, and free parking.
Dining and Restaurant Options
While both parks offer great dining options, I wouldn’t say it’s the main focus, so keep that in mind going in. There are some theme parks (within Disney World and Universal!) where you will receive incredible fine dining meal options, but I wouldn’t say either of these two parks will really rank as the highest.
Hollywood Studios Dining
- The Hollywood Brown Derby – A signature dining experience offering upscale American cuisine. I love the margarita flight!
- Woody’s Lunch Box – A quick-service spot in Toy Story Land serving nostalgic comfort food.
- Oga’s Cantina – The perfect place to grab a drink within the park, especially if you are a Star Wars fan! The drinks are great and the experience is perfect for the entire family.
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – A Star Wars-themed restaurant with galactic-inspired meals. The food is good but the setting is even better! Eat inside or outside.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – A unique dining experience with a retro drive-in movie theme. This has always been a classic for me, but you want to make sure you can get a table in a car as that really creates the overall experience.
Universal Studios Florida Dining
- Leaky Cauldron – A must-visit for Harry Potter fans, serving British pub fare.
- Mel’s Drive-In – A 1950s-style diner offering classic American burgers and shakes.
- Fast Food Boulevard – A Simpsons-themed food court with items like a Krusty Burger and Duff Beer.
- Finnegan’s Bar & Grill – An Irish pub with hearty meals and live music.
Are you trying to determine which resort in Walt Disney World is right for your family? Check out the Ultimate Walt Disney World Resort Guide to learn everything there is to know about each resort – from cost to location, activities to perks.
Additional Information to Consider
Hollywood Studios
- Part of the Walt Disney World resort property, along with three other theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom) and two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach).
- Over twenty Disney resorts to choose from to receive additional benefits while in Hollywood Studios. Check out the complete guide to Walt Disney World resorts to learn more** about each resort.
Universal Studiios Florida
- Home to three Universal theme parks: Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe (opening in May 2025), as well as one water park (Volcano Bay Water Park).
- Over five Universal hotel options to receive additional benefits within the parks. Including options for a complimentary express pass!
General Considerations About Both Parks
- Family-Friendliness: If you’re visiting with young children, Hollywood Studios might be the better choice due to its abundance of family-friendly attractions.
- Thrill Factor: Universal Studios Florida is the better option for thrill-seekers, offering more intense rides and coasters. This is one of the major differences for me. In my opinion, the Universal parks focus is on the thrilling rides and overall excitement, while Disney parks pull at your heartstrings by showing you your favorite characters, immersive lands and unique experiences.
- Themed Lands: Fans of Harry Potter will love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, while Star Wars enthusiasts will appreciate Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.
- Park Hopping: If you plan to visit multiple parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is part of Walt Disney World, allowing easy access to other Disney parks, while Universal Studios Florida is connected to Islands of Adventure.
- On-site hotels: Universal offers better perks for guests staying in their premier level resorts, but Disney World has far more options, and they tend to be immersive resorts.
- Use a free travel planner: Travel agents are free to use, will get you the best deals, and answer all the questions. I have a favorite travel agency if you would like more information! I use them for every trip, even as a Florida local!
When deciding between Hollywood Studios vs Universal Studios, it ultimately comes down to your interests. If you’re a die-hard Disney fan who loves immersive storytelling and family-friendly attractions, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the way to go.
If you prefer high-energy rides, cutting-edge effects, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida is your best bet.
No matter which park you choose, both offer an incredible experience in Central Florida. Whether you’re exploring Universal’s lands or immersing yourself in Disney magic, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure!
Just be sure to look into the most popular rides, interesting live shows, and understand the overall experience you are hoping for when determining which parks are perfect for your trip.
