Hollywood Studios vs. Universal Studios: How the Florida Theme Parks Compare
Hollywood Studios costs more but has more to do. Universal Studios Florida starts cheaper but requires expensive add-ons for the full experience.
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Orlando's two movie-themed parks — Disney's Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios Florida — compete directly for your vacation dollars. Both cost over $100 per day, both feature screen-based attractions and both claim to immerse you in cinematic worlds. But the similarities end there.
Here's the reality: Hollywood Studios usually costs about 10-15% more upfront but includes significantly more attractions. Universal Studios Florida advertises lower base prices but charges separately for park hopping (required to experience the full Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and Express Passes that nearly double your total cost.
This guide breaks down actual costs, new 2026 additions and which park delivers better value based on what you actually want from your Orlando vacation.
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The fundamental differences
Ownership and franchises represented
Disney's Hollywood Studios is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and features Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars properties. Universal Studios Florida is owned by NBCUniversal and showcases Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons and other NBCUniversal franchises.
This ownership difference matters because it determines everything from ride quality to food options to how aggressively each park upsells you.
Park philosophy
Hollywood Studios operates as one of four parks in the Walt Disney World ecosystem. Most guests visit as part of a multi-day Disney vacation, often using Park Hopper tickets to visit multiple parks per day.
Universal Studios Florida is one of three Universal Orlando parks (along with Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay). The park is designed to funnel guests toward purchasing Park-to-Park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
» Learn more: How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios?
Universal Studios Florida: what you're paying for
Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990 as Universal's first Orlando theme park. Today it functions primarily as a connector to Islands of Adventure via the Hogwarts Express train ride.
Top attractions at Universal Studios Florida
Thrill rides:
- Revenge of the Mummy (indoor coaster with fire effects).
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (3D dark ride combining screens and physical sets).
Family rides:
- E.T. Adventure (classic dark ride, unchanged since 1990).
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (3D motion simulator).
- Transformers: The Ride-3D (motion simulator).
- The Simpsons Ride (motion simulator).
- Men in Black Alien Attack (interactive dark ride).
Transportation:
- Hogwarts Express (requires Park-to-Park ticket to ride).
What's missing
Universal Studios Florida lacks water rides, traditional dark rides (beyond E.T.) and outdoor roller coasters with significant drops. The park relies heavily on 3D screen-based attractions, which can cause motion sickness for some guests.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter problem
Universal splits Harry Potter across two parks. Universal Studios Florida has Diagon Alley while Islands of Adventure has Hogsmeade. To experience both areas and ride the Hogwarts Express, you must purchase a Park-to-Park ticket.
This means Universal's advertised $109 starting price is misleading if you were intended to see all of the Harry Potter attractions. To see the full Harry Potter experience, you're actually paying $164+ for a Park-to-Park ticket.
What's new at Universal in 2026
Harry Potter 25th Anniversary Celebrations
Universal Orlando Resort is marking the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film with limited-time offerings throughout 2026:
- Butterbeer Season (March 1-May 31): Limited-edition Butterbeer treats, new themed merchandise and magical surprises celebrating the iconic wizarding beverage
- Special photo opportunities and character appearances throughout the year
Universal Epic Universe (opened 2025)
And though we're talking about the specific Universal Studios park, we can't ignore the new Epic Universe park. Orlando's first entirely new theme park in 25 years opened in 2025 with over 50 attractions across five themed worlds:
- Celestial Park.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
- Super Nintendo World.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
- Dark Universe.
Epic Universe requires a separate ticket and is not included with Universal Studios Florida admission. But because you typically will pay less once you add on more park tickets, do consider whether you'll also be heading to Epic Universe on top of Universal Studios.
Food and dining
Universal Studios Florida has fewer dining options than Hollywood Studios. Most restaurants serve standard theme park fare (burgers, chicken tenders, pizza) at $15-20 per entree.
Best dining:
- Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World): Traditional British fare, $15-25 per person
- Leaky Cauldron (Wizarding World): British breakfast and lunch, $12-22 per person
- Finnegan's Bar and Grill: Irish pub food, $18-28 per person
Budget tip: Universal allows outside food and drinks (no glass containers or alcohol). Bring sandwiches and snacks to avoid $50+ meal bills.
Disney's Hollywood Studios: : what you're paying for
Disney's Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios. The park underwent massive expansion between 2018-2019 with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land.
Top attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Major thrill rides:
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (launching roller coaster with inversions).
- Tower of Terror (drop tower with storytelling elements).
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (trackless dark ride, widely considered one of Disney's best attractions).
- Slinky Dog Dash (family coaster in Toy Story Land).
Family attractions:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (interactive flight simulator).
- Toy Story Mania! (3D shooting dark ride).
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (trackless dark ride).
- Star Tours (motion simulator).
Shows and entertainment (included with admission):
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.
- Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
What's new at Hollywood Studios in 2026
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: High-energy show with music and dancing featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. This replaces the aging Disney Junior Dance Party.
The Magic of Disney Animation: New experience inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Emmy-winning short film "Once Upon a Studio." Expect character meet-and-greets and interactive animation demonstrations.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run update (May 22, 2026): A new mission centered around "The Mandalorian and Grogu" launches at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This will be the attraction's first new mission since opening in 2019.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets (Summer 2026): The reimagined attraction takes guests inside a recording studio where the Electric Mayhem band is laying down new tracks. The courtyard will feature psychedelic design elements including a refreshed giant guitar marquee with nods to frontman Dr. Teeth.
This all represents Hollywood Studios' most significant update since Galaxy's Edge opened in 2019.
Head-to-head value comparison
Ticket prices
The pricing of Universal vs. Hollywood Studios isn’t all that different. Both parks charge upward of $100 per day, though Universal’s tickets start at $109 depending on when you’re visiting.
This price is valid for a one-day, one-park ticket, which means you’ll be able to enter only Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure — not both.
However, Universal often runs promotions giving extra days for free on multiday tickets, so it’s worth checking for these promotions before buying a ticket.
» Learn more: How to get discounted Universal Studios tickets
Options to skip the line
Universal Studios: Express Pass
If you don’t have much time to visit or you simply don’t enjoy waiting in line, Universal sells Express Passes that allow you to skip the regular queue.
The price for an Express Pass will vary based on how many parks you’re visiting and how busy the park is. Note that this cost is in addition to your park admission.
There are two types of Express Passes available for Universal Studios Florida:
- Universal Express Pass: This pass allows you to skip the line at most rides in Universal Studios Florida a single time. Prices start at $89 per day.
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass: This pass allows you to skip the line at most rides in Universal Studios Florida as many times as you’d like. Prices for the pass start at $119 per day.
» Learn more: Is Universal Express Pass worth it?
Disney's Hollywood studios: Lightning Lanes
Like Universal’s Express Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass (previously Genie+) and Lightning Lane Single Pass allow guests to skip the standard queue on certain attractions.
The price of Lightning Lanes varies depending on demand, and it's an added cost per person, per day. It starts at $15. It’s important to note that the Multi Pass doesn’t entitle you to unlimited, front-of-the-line access to all rides.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass access is limited to one use per attraction per day, and the most popular rides aren’t included. Instead, Lightning Single Passes are used for these in-demand rides. Single Passes start at $12. You can purchase up to two Single Passes per day.
» Learn more: Lightning Lane Multi Pass versus Single Pass
Universal Studios vs. Hollywood Studios: how to choose
There's no best answer for everyone, but here are some good guidelines.
Best for families with young kids (under 8)
Winner: Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios offers more age-appropriate attractions:
- Toy Story Land (entire land designed for families)
- Disney Junior shows
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (no height requirement)
- Character meet and greets throughout the park
Universal Studios Florida has limited options for young children beyond Despicable Me and the small Woody Woodpecker area.
Best for Harry Potter fans
Winner: Universal Studios Florida (but requires Park-to-Park ticket)
If Harry Potter is your priority, you need both Universal parks. Budget $164-214 for Park-to-Park admission plus $50-75 per person for wands, Butterbeer and merchandise. Total cost for a family of four: $1,000-1,500 for a single day.
However, the Wizarding World delivers unmatched immersion. Diagon Alley's detail level surpasses anything at Hollywood Studios.
Best for thrill seekers
Winner: Tie
Hollywood Studios has Tower of Terror and the reimagined Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Universal Studios Florida counters with Revenge of the Mummy.
Neither park competes with Islands of Adventure (Velocicoaster, Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure) or Magic Kingdom (Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain) for pure thrills.
Best value for your money
Winner: Hollywood Studios (for single-day visits)
Despite higher upfront costs, Hollywood Studios includes:
- More overall shows and rides.
- .
- Better dining variety.
- No additional costs required to access full park content.
(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)
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