UK Family Guide 2025: Disneyland Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood
California with kids is magic and loud in the best way. Disneyland Resort is in Anaheim. Universal Studios Hollywood is in Los Angeles. They sit about 35 miles apart. Traffic can turn that into 60 to 120 minutes, so plan travel days with care.
Getting There and Getting Around
Stay near Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim and you can walk to the gates. The ART shuttle links many hotels to Disneyland. Buy passes in the A-Way WeGo app. Universal sits on the LA Metro B Line. Ride to Universal City or Studio City, then take the free park shuttle. Parking is available at both resorts if you drive.
Ticket Costs in USD and £
Prices change by date. Check your exact dates before you buy. Pound values below use 1 USD ≈ £0.74.
Disneyland Resort
- One day adult, about $104 to $206, roughly £77 to £152.
- Two days adult, about $330, roughly £244.
- Three days adult, about $415, roughly £307.
Universal Studios Hollywood
- One day adult, about $109 to $154, roughly £81 to £114.
Exchange rates move. Confirm at checkout.
How Much Time You Need
If you have 1 to 2 days
- One full day at Disneyland Park.
- Half to full day at Universal.
- Start early. Hit headliners first. Use single rider where offered.
If you have 3 to 4 days
- Two days across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
- One full day at Universal.
- Keep a spare morning for pool time or Downtown Disney.
Top Rides and Attractions
Disneyland with kids
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
- Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
- Toy Story Midway Mania.
Disneyland for adults and older teens
- Star Wars Rise of the Resistance.
- Indiana Jones Adventure.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.
- Radiator Springs Racers.
- Incredicoaster.
Universal with kids
- Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge.
- The Secret Life of Pets.
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Universal for adults and older teens
- Studio Tour.
- Jurassic World The Ride.
- Revenge of the Mummy.
- Transformers The Ride 3D.
Where to Stay Near the Parks
Walkable to Disneyland
- $ Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn, Desert Inn & Suites.
- $$ Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, Howard Johnson Anaheim.
- $$$ Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel.
Close to Universal Studios Hollywood
- $ Nite Inn, BLVD Hotel & Spa.
- $$ Sheraton Universal, The Garland.
- $$$ Hilton Los Angeles Universal City.
Food Costs Inside the Parks
- Quick service meals, about $12 to $20 per adult, roughly £9 to £15.
- Table service meals, about $30 to $60 per adult, roughly £22 to £46.
- Snacks, about $5 to $10, roughly £4 to £7.
Build a small buffer. Peak dates push prices up.
Smart Time Savers
- Download the park apps before you go.
- Use mobile order for meals.
- Rope drop the big rides. Take a midday break.
- Bring a refillable water bottle.
- Use ART if little legs are tired at night.
Parking
Disneyland standard parking is about $35 per day. Preferred costs more. Universal has tiered parking at CityWalk and the park. Check rates for your dates.
The Simple Plan
Stay within walking distance in Anaheim. Give Disneyland two days if you can. Add Universal for films, the Studio Tour, and Jurassic World. Keep nights free for fireworks or CityWalk. Your kids will sleep on the flight home. You might too.
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