| Imagine you're taking a vacation to Southern | | | | you see back stage very clearly. |
| California and realize you don't have enough time to | | | | Both parks employ lovable characters in the public |
| visit all of the seven world-class theme parks. What | | | | relations department. Disneyland has the Seven |
| do you do? Given how much there is to see and | | | | Dwarfs; USH has Ghostbusters. Anaheim has Goofy; |
| experience in So Cal, this is not such a far-fetched | | | | Hollywood has Homer Simpson. Disneyland puts up |
| dilemma. | | | | Minnie Mouse and it's answered by Betty Boop. |
| First of all, can you name the major theme parks? | | | | Disney movies vs. Universal Pictures. There's Indiana |
| It's like naming the Seven Dwarves or Santa's | | | | Jones vs. The Mummy's Revenge. |
| reindeer. There's Disneyland (plus California | | | | In Anaheim you'll catch the evening fireworks and the |
| Adventure, a worthy park in its own right), Knott's | | | | Fantasmic show; in Hollywood you'll catch the Blues |
| Berry Farm (the oldest of the parks), Universal | | | | Brothers tribute show. For shopping, dining and street |
| Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Sea | | | | entertainment there's Downtown Disney...or there's |
| World and Legoland (for the little ones). | | | | Universal City Walk. Overall, Disney probably wins but |
| The first thought would be to hit Disneyland Resort; | | | | Universal Studios does give them a run for their |
| after all, who doesn't want to visit the original Magic | | | | money. |
| Kingdom? But there's a good chance that you've | | | | Your vacation schedule could affect your decision. |
| already been to Disneyland and maybe you should | | | | You probably need the better part of two days to |
| broaden your horizons-try something new. So let us | | | | really see Disneyland. A single long day at USH will |
| do a brief comparison between Disneyland and one | | | | most likely do the job unless the lines are really long. |
| of the most likely alternatives, say Universal Studios | | | | You might be frustrated with a single day in |
| Hollywood (USH). | | | | Anaheim-especially with Disney's California Adventure |
| USH has a distinct personality and offers an | | | | next door (which we aren't even talking about here). |
| experience you won't find in Anaheim. The theme | | | | Bottom line: if you really don't have enough time to |
| park was built around a working studio and one of | | | | do the Magic Kingdom justice, it may be a better call |
| the defining features is the Studio Tour. You can also | | | | to have a great single day at Universal Studios. |
| purchase a VIP tour that really immerses you in the | | | | Both parks offer fun for visitors of all ages. But, you'll |
| movie-making process. Disney offers nothing | | | | not find quite as much at USH for very small children. |
| comparable to this. | | | | On a hot summer day, Universal could be tough on |
| In fact Disney is all about carefully creating and | | | | toddlers in strollers. They won't appreciate spending |
| maintaining that fantasy façade-a wonderful | | | | as much time on the tour or shows as your older |
| pretend world where backstage activities are hidden | | | | children. On the other hand, Disneyland is more |
| from the "guests." Universal Studios revels in showing | | | | expensive overall. If the budget is a significant issue, |
| you the magic behind the scenes. The Studio Tour, | | | | Universal Studios could save you a bit of money. |
| Waterworld Stunt Show and other smaller shows let | | | | |