Universal Studios, Florida or California?
Which one is better for a family vacation? Also, which one is cheaper.
Everyone has said Florida is better, but does Florida have the attraction where you can see how movies are made? If they don't, is it worth going to California just to see those attractions?
The ages of the family members are 2 adults, two 15 year olds, one 14 year old, and one 7 year old.
Also, can someone tell me about how much spending money we would need for either park.
Thanks in advance
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I haven't been to the one in Cali but I just went to the one in Florida. I have an 11 year old and 9 year old. Both my children were able to go on ALL the rides (even the upside down roller coasters) so depending on the height of your 7 year old and their threshold for fear...they could maybe go on all the rides. While waiting for either the Earthquake or Twister ride (don't remember) they pick members from the audience to particiapte in "stunts" to see how they do them in the movies. I also like Florida b/c it is 2 parks in one..Universal and Islands of Adventure..it definitely pays to get the multipark pass.. and Citywalk is also right there. At night you can walk around, there is live music and restaurants and just so much fun. As far as spending money, the food wasn't as expensive as I expected but just to eat and drink all day you'd probably need about $30 a person. The restaurants at City Walk are all price ranges and for the adults, drinks are very inexpensive. (at least compared to what I'm used to in NYC)
Again, I haven't been to Cali so I can't compare it to that one, but I guarantee you will have a blast at Universal Florida.
Which Universal Studios Is Better
the major difference is that universal studios in hollywood was a studio that started ofering tours and then it became a theme park. the orlando park was always intended to be a theme park. then they added a second park that is a complete theme park. the second park has nothing to do with movie or movie making. the first park does have a couple of things on movie making. there is the earthquake ride (which is currently going thru rehab) that shows how they make special efects. then they have a show about horror make up. can be intense for small kids. the rest are just rides/attractions. i have not been to universal hollywood in years so i can't tell you how much it has changed.
Universal Studios Orlando is nearly identical to Universal Studios Hollywood (only larger), including the "Back-lot Tour" that you mentioned that you like.
Plus, right next door is a full fledged theme park: Island of Adventure - Hollywood does not have that.
Pricing:
Hollywood is $61.00 for 8 y.o. and older and $51 for ages 3-7.
Orlando is $71.00 for 9 y.o. and older and $60 for ages 3-8.
HOWEVER, if you look at their on-line websites, they both have all kinds of discount pricing (from buying on-line to multi-day tickets).
Florida has lots of large rides and 2 diverse parks. California aspects extra of the in the back of the curtain on how they action picture. additionally they take you via some units and places the place they filmed video clips and television shows. the two are relaxing yet they're diverse.
I say, screw universal and go to MGM (Disney world, FL)! you get tos ee how movies are made, live car stunt shows, you get to go on the backlot tour and see props that actual famous people used! It's so amazing, you watch people making wardrobe for movies, it is great!!!! I seriously recomend you go there instead.
the one in florida has a lot of shows that show how the specail effects are made. plus it has better rides.
florida