Disneyland vs. Universal: You Won’t Believe the Price Difference!

by

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me share some insights about theme park costs, especially when comparing Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. While both can be pricey, the difference in pricing between these two theme parks becomes strikingly apparent if you look closely – just as a viral social media post demonstrated recently. Disneyland’s expenses are significantly higher than those at Universal Studios Hollywood.

This summer, Costco stores are offering special ticket deals for both Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. A popular post on Threads highlights their differences. While Disneyland’s offer includes a 3-day ticket, Universal Studios Hollywood’s deal is for a Season Pass. Interestingly, despite the Season Pass being broader in scope, the cost of the Disneyland ticket is notably higher.

The cost of the Disneyland ticket is so high that it feels like you might choke on your words, leaving you doubting if someone has taken your wallet. In truth, the Disneyland pass costs nearly triple the price of a Universal Pass – quite a shock, don’t you think?

In recent times, there’s been a significant upward trend in the pricing of Disney Parks, with annual increments becoming almost predictable. Financial analysts on Wall Street argue that the prices have become excessive, and even Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has acknowledged past price hikes as being too steep. Regardless of these concerns, the increases continue unabated.

Comparing Disneyland Resort And Universal Studios Hollywood

It’s common knowledge that Universal Studios is more compact compared to Disneyland Resort. As a result, it’s reasonable to assume that the admission cost for Universal Studios would be less expensive than Disneyland. However, when you consider the price of a season pass for Universal Studios versus spending three days at Disneyland, it raises some questions. Anyone pondering a theme park holiday might find themselves wondering what could possibly account for such a significant difference in pricing.

It’s important to note a couple of things about the Universal Pass. Specifically, when it says “over 180 days” of fun, that’s because there are certain periods (blackout dates) during which the pass is not valid. If you want an all-access USH pass without any blackout dates, it will cost around $600 at the moment.

Although a yearly $600 pass may seem expensive at first glance, it’s actually quite reasonable compared to a $450 three-day pass at Disneyland. However, it’s essential to note that the Disneyland ticket comes with additional benefits such as a dining card and access to the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, which are not part of the Universal pass package. What makes this even more appealing is the Park Hopper feature, as the Disneyland ticket isn’t for one theme park but rather two – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, often overlooked as a gem.

Both Tickets Are Honestly Good Deals

Although these differences might reduce the apparent price gap, it’s undeniable that Disneyland is noticeably pricier. The crucial point is whether either ticket justifies its cost for prospective visitors. In fact, considering regular prices, both offers are definitely a good value.

At Costco, you can purchase a Universal Season Pass for $10 less than the regular “California Neighbor” pass provided by the park. Additionally, the Costco pass offers approximately 30 extra available dates. In standard pricing, all that the Disneyland Costco deal encompasses would amount to roughly $650, making it a substantial savings.

As Disneyland embarks on a significant expansion, it’s clear that costs are likely to rise further. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up for a new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster. It’s important to note that the Universal Studios Hollywood Season Pass from Costco will expire in April next year. Unfortunately, we don’t know yet when the new coaster will open, so it remains uncertain if the pass will grant access to the park’s latest thrill ride.

Read More

2025-07-14 19:39