Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: which park is better?

Universal Orlando Resort has grown into one of the most thrilling theme park destinations in the world. What started with just Universal Studios Florida in 1990 expanded in 1999 with the addition of Islands of Adventure, bringing an all-new level of higher-tech rides and themed lands.

Since then, Universal has only grown bigger, adding the Volcano Bay water park.

And most recently, it added Epic Universe, one of the world's most highly-anticipated theme parks, which is set to open in May 2025. As of now, the general public is not eligible to buy one-day tickets to Epic Universe.

Because one-day, one-park tickets to Universal Orlando's theme parks are significantly cheaper than the option to hop between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay in one day, you might choose to spend your entire day at just one of those parks — especially if you only have one day at Universal Orlando Resort.

So when it comes to the two original Universal Orlando theme parks, how do you decide which one is best for your visit?

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a movie buff, or a Harry Potter fan, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure — including rides, themes, costs and overall experiences — so you can pick the perfect park for your trip.

Universal Studios Florida is the original park in what is now a sprawling, multi-park resort. The park's theme largely revolves the massive library of TV shows and movies under the NBCUniversal umbrella.

Most of the park is designed to resemble a Hollywood backlot. In some lands, it's supposed to feel like you're on set alongside the actors. In other lands, including one themed to Harry Potter and the Minions franchise you can step into the actual world of those films.

As Universal's original Florida park, it also tends to have slightly longer hours than Islands of Adventure — though check the schedule as the hours of operation for each park differ from day to day.

Some of the top rides and attractions at Universal Studios include: 

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

• E.T. Adventure.

• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. 

• Race Through New York, starring Jimmy Fallon.

• Revenge of the Mummy.

• The Simpsons Ride (pictured above).

Islands of Adventure is designed as a journey through different themed “islands”, each based on adventure stories. You’ll find lands dedicated to Jurassic Park, Marvel superheroes, Dr. Seuss and more, all connected by a central lagoon.

Most rides and attractions at Islands of Adventure are made with thrill-seekers in mind. though there are also kid-friendly rides (especially in the Dr. Seuss-themed area).

Some of its top rides are:

• Flights of the Hippogriff. 

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster (pictured above).

• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. 

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. 

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Winner: tie

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are both situated between City Walk, which is the free-to-visit outdoor district with shopping, entertainment and dining.

The two parks sit adjacent to each other, and both are within walking distance to many of the best Universal Orlando hotels, as well as some off-property hotels such as the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.

If visiting both on the same day, you'd likely walk. Or, guests with park-to-park tickets can ride the Harry Potter-themed Hogwarts Express train, which takes you between Hogsmeade (a Harry Potter-themed land in Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (the newer Harry Potter-themed land in Universal Studios).

If trying to rank the two on location, it's a toss-up. The location is practically the same.

Winner: tie

Though Universal Orlando Resort ticket prices vary by date and season (a common practice for amusement parks), both parks command the same ticket price.

That's in contrast to Universal Orlando Resort's closest competitor, Walt Disney World. Over there, prices vary by park. For example, tickets to Animal Kingdom (one of the smallest Disney parks) often go for roughly $20 per day less than Magic Kingdom (the most iconic Disney park).

» Learn more: How to travel to Orlando on points and miles

Theme park ticket prices

Adult tickets start at $119 per day for Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, granting you access to one of those parks of your choice for one day.

You can also buy multi-day tickets, which are a higher net price, but amount to a lower price per day.

But you might pay more than that once you go for the add-ons, like the ability to hop between parks on one day (ideal if you only have one day but want to see both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure).

And if you do only have one day but want to hit as many rides as you can, you might also buy a Universal Express Pass, which allows you to bypass the standard line in favor of a (typically) shorter line. Though it can be expensive — it can be worth it depending on how much you value your time.

Winner: Islands of Adventure

If you’re after high-speed roller coasters and intense rides, Islands of Adventure is the better pick. Some of the biggest thrill rides include:

• VelociCoaster: A high-speed, heart-pounding launch coaster themed after "Jurassic World."

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster: A forceful, looping coaster that launches you from 0 to 40 mph in seconds.

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure: A story-driven coaster that’s both thrilling and immersive, inspired by the Harry Potter franchise.

Winner: Islands of Adventure

Both Universal parks feature The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is a chain of themed areas across Universal's parks worldwide that are based on the Harry Potter media franchise.

All three Universal theme parks in Florida feature a unique section, each made to depict a famous spot in the Harry Potter universe.

• Universal Studios Florida's land is designed to look like Diagon Alley. Its signature ride is called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which is an indoor steel roller coaster with motion-based 3-D projection that whizzes you through the famous bank. The theming is impressive, all the way up to the famous fire-breathing dragon atop Gringotts Bank.

• Islands of Adventure's land is designed to resemble Hogsmeade, a charming village near Hogwarts. It has two standout rides: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Theming includes a replica of the iconic Hogwarts Castle.

Both Harry Potter lands are connected by a replica Hogwarts Express train. Annoyingly though if you're on a budget: you can only ride it with a Park-to-Park ticket (and yes, they scan your ticket when you ride).

Splitting the Harry Potter lands between parks might be annoying for fans who want to see it all, as they'll have to pay for either a multi-park ticket, or a multi-day ticket to experience the other land. To ride the Hogwarts Express, they'll need a multi-park ticket.

Luckily, there are a few key features that exist in both lands. It's nearly impossible to go to a Harry Potter land and not drink butterbeer (a sugary, cream soda-like drink beloved by Harry and his fans), and luckily both lands have it for sale.

Both lands also have a version of the Ollivanders Wand Shop, which is an intimate theater experience where a park guest gets to experience the wand selection process (and all guests are encouraged to buy their own want).

But, if you can only choose one park to visit (and you love Harry Potter), go with Islands of Adventure. It has more rides, and its theming hits on the more iconic aspects of the story — particularly with Hogwarts Castle anchoring it all.

Winner: Universal Studios Florida

When it comes to food, both parks offer great options, but Universal Studios Florida has a slight edge given its wider variety of options, as well as some standout themed restaurants from beloved franchises. There's also a crepe stand that fans go nuts for.

Best food at Universal Studios Florida

Right off the bat, the Central Park Crêpes stand as a cult-like following. Located at the front of the park, stop by for a sweet or savory crepe to begin the day.

Harry Potter fans have to stop at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley for British pub fare like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and butterbeer.

For fans of The Simpsons, Fast Food Boulevard serves Krusty Burgers, Lard Lad Donuts and even a real Duff Beer at Duff Brewery next door. Don't miss the famous Flaming Moe’s, either.

The Illumination’s Minion Cafe stands out not just for its hilarious theming, but surprisingly inventive cuisine such as Otto’s Noodle Bowl, Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower, Agnes’ Honeymoon Soup and a Fluffy's Unicorn Cupcake.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, your best option is Lombard’s Seafood Grille, which serves seafood specialties like clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Best food at Islands of Adventure

With the better of the two Harry Potter lands also comes the better of the two Harry Potter restaurants: Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. There, Harry Potter fans can enjoy traditional British fare like shepherd’s pie, roasted chicken, and butterbeer while dining beneath rustic wooden beams.

As far as fancier dining, Mythos Restaurant in The Lost Continent is one of the most controversial theme park restaurants amongst critics ever. Some say it's one of the world's best theme park restaurants period, while other say it's too expensive with small portions and long waits.

If you're craving hearty, Jurassic-sized portions, Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park serves up rotisserie chicken, ribs, and turkey legs with a fantastic view of the Jurassic River Adventure ride.

For snacks, it's hard to pass up the Green Eggs and Ham Tots at Seuss Landing.

By the way, if you want to save money on theme park food, you can skip all these spots. You can bring your own food into all U.S. Universal parks, with just a few stipulations, such as no hard-side coolers, glass or alcohol.

If you can afford a park-to-park ticket or have extra time to visit the parks for multiple days, don't pick. Just go to both parks. 

But if you can't afford the luxury of time (or a multi-park ticket), the choice doesn't have to be that hard.

Universal Studios is better if you prefer a park centered around movies and TV with a more laid-back atmosphere. If you like superheroes and thrill rides, go to Islands of Adventure.

(Top photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)