Universal Orlando Resort vs Universal Studios Hollywood: 6 Key Differences

In the age-old battle between the East and West Coasts of the US, everyone has a preference. Yet when it comes to choosing whether to visit Universal Orlando Resort in Florida or Universal Studios Hollywood in California, the decision can feel almost impossible! 

On the surface, these two epic theme parks are incomparable. One is a gigantic and well-established holiday destination for Brits. The other, better known as one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios. However, both offer out-of-this-world experiences, state-of-the-art rides, and iconic characters.  

The crucial question is: what do you want out of your theme park holiday? If it’s epic roller coasters and family fun, then Orlando may be your best bet. But if you’re after authentic behind-the-scenes movie experiences, combined with glitz and glamour away from the parks, then Universal Studios Hollywood can deliver. 

This guide will explain the key differences between these incredible destinations, so that you can plan your movie moment with confidence.

What is the main difference between the parks?

Aside from being located on opposite sides of the country, the primary distinction between the parks is that Universal Orlando Resort is absolutely massive! It’s roughly the size of a small city and home to several individual parks and numerous resort hotels, while Universal Studios Hollywood is a single theme park that doubles up as a working film and TV studio with active soundstages and backlot sets to explore.

What is the layout of each park?

The much smaller Universal Studios Hollywood is built within a steep mountain slope on various levels and is divided into two parts: Upper Lot and Lower Lot. The Upper Lot features a range of family-orientated attractions as well as shops and shows to see, while the Lower Lot is where you’ll find the thrill rides and attractions more densely clustered. To access the different sections of the park, you can use the exciting ‘Starway’, a giant outdoor escalator system that connects the two levels up and down the hillside. 

Universal Orlando Resort is spread over more than two square miles over a flat, walkable area that’s almost double the size of the City of London and significantly larger than its Californian counterpart. The campus is expansive and comprises four individual theme parks: Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay, and the brand-new Epic Universe. CityWalk Orlando is the Resort’s central entertainment district and there are also loads of on-site hotels to stay in, making it a multi-day destination.

What rides and attractions are in each park?

The sheer size of Universal Orlando Resort allows for several themed lands and a host of large, world-class attractions and expansive areas such as Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Marvel Super Hero Island, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and of course The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, Hogsmeade at Universal Island of Adventure, and the new Ministry of Magic over at Epic Universe.


In Universal Studios Hollywood you’ll find most of the family-friendly rides in the Upper Lot, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons (Springfield), Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Kung Fu Panda Adventure. The Lower Lot boasts a range of intense coasters such as Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers: The Ride – 3D, and Super Nintendo World with interactive play and a Mario Kart racing ride. 

What sets Universal Studios Hollywood apart from its Floridian sister is its wonderful, immersive Studio Tours. You can take a unique tram ride through active backlot sets and soundstages, including King Kong 360 3D, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Earthquake, and iconic film and TV sets like Psycho House, Jaws, and War of the Worlds. In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to welcome its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, in the Upper Lot!

What hotels are featured in each resort?

Universal Orlando Resort currently boasts 11 incredible themed hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options like Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort to more upscale resorts, like the sleek new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which opened in April 2025. Each hotel comes with its own exclusive benefits and easy access to all the Universal parks.


In contrast, Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t feature any official on-site hotels. However, park guests often choose to stay in nearby partner hotels in the heart of the city action, like the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City or the Sheraton Universal Hotel, which are both located within walking/shuttle distance of the park and Universal CityWalk.

What are the nearby attractions to each park?

Universal Orlando Resort is designed to be an all-in-one resort destination experience, with hotels, entertainment, and dining all in one huge place. Nearby are the popular areas of Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and International Drive, where Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, world-class dining, and villa accommodations reside.


Universal Studios Hollywood is a relatively small slice of what’s on offer in Los Angeles, and many visitors are there for the chic city vibes as much as the theme park thrills. Universal CityWalk Hollywood is adjacent to the main park and offers a lively hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining nearby, but there is much more to see beyond the Universal orbit.  

Los Angeles presents an amazing and varied destination with lots to see, including the iconic Griffith Observatory, Runyon Canyon Park, the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the coastal splendour of Santa Monica, and a host of local landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the famous Hollywood Sign, and Rodeo Drive for shopping in Beverly Hills.

How does the atmosphere differ between parks?

Despite sharing many of the same rides, themes, and attractions, a key difference between Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort is the vibe. 

Universal Studios Hollywood has a more laid-back atmosphere. A longer, busier, holiday-style visit is required to experience Universal Orlando Resort and its parks due to their sheer size. Whereas you could visit Universal Studios Hollywood and see most of it in a single day, giving you ample time for a glitzy city break too (or even an epic California road trip) with a dash of nostalgia and fun! 

As both parks are part of the same company, there are obvious shared franchise attractions based on The Simpsons, Harry Potter, The Mummy, Despicable Me, and Jurassic Park. But even with the overlap, no two versions are quite the same. Unique layouts, effects, and overall ride design ensure that hopping from one coast to the other doesn’t just repeat the fun, it multiplies it! 

Ready to discover the wonders of Universal? Check out our bespoke Universal Resort Holiday packages and let’s get planning!