Los Angeles with kids

Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids? An Honest Comparison

The two big Los Angeles theme parks feel very different. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is two parks of classic characters and gentle rides that suit little kids all day long. Universal Studios Hollywood is one compact park built around movies and video games, with more thrill rides and the famous Studio Tour.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

The Play Your Trip card for Los Angeles

Here's how they compare for families, so you can pick one, or plan both. Ride heights, prices and line-skipping options change, so check the official sites before you buy.

The short answer

  • Kids under about 8: Disneyland. Far more rides for little ones, the characters, the parades, and a whole land (Fantasyland) built for them.
  • Kids 8 and up, gamers and movie fans: Universal. Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Studio Tour are the stars.
  • One day only: Universal fits in one day more easily. Disneyland's two parks really want two days or more.
  • Mixed ages: do both. Disneyland for the little ones' favourites, Universal for the older kids' big day.

Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)

  • Two parks: Disneyland Park (the castle, Fantasyland, the classics) and Disney California Adventure (Pixar, Avengers Campus, the pier).
  • Best for: toddlers to tweens, character fans, families who want a slower, all-day pace.
  • Time: two days to see both parks without rushing; three with young children.
  • Waiting with kids too small to ride: Rider Switch lets one adult wait with the child while the others ride, then swap without queuing again.
  • Skipping lines: Disney sells paid Lightning Lane options; worth comparing on busy days. Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)

  • One park, two levels: the Upper Lot (Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, the Simpsons) and the Lower Lot (Jurassic World, Transformers, the Mummy), linked by long escalators.
  • Best for: school-age kids and teens, movie and gaming fans.
  • Time: one full day, two if you want to repeat favourites.
  • The Studio Tour: a tram ride through real film sets and backlots; great for all ages and unique to this park.
  • Height limits: several big rides need kids to be at least 40 inches tall, and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge needs 40 inches with a companion for kids under 48 inches. Child Switch works like Disney's Rider Switch.
  • Skipping lines: Universal Express includes admission and skips the regular lines once per ride. Tickets

Tips for either park

  • Arrive before opening. The first hour has the shortest lines of the day.
  • Use the official app for wait times, maps and mobile food orders.
  • Plan a midday break with younger kids: pool, nap, then back for the evening.
  • Measure your kids before you go and check each ride's height limit on the official site, so nobody is surprised at the gate.
  • Getting between them: the parks are about an hour apart by car, more in traffic, so don't plan both on the same day.

Questions

Is Disneyland or Universal Hollywood better for toddlers?

Disneyland. It has many more rides with no height limit, character meetings and Fantasyland, which is built for young children. Universal suits school-age kids better.

Can you do Universal Studios Hollywood in one day?

Yes, for most families: it's one compact park. Arrive before opening and see Super Nintendo World and the Studio Tour early.

How many days do you need at Disneyland with kids?

Two days to see both parks at a relaxed pace, three with young children who need breaks.