If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, Florida and are a fan of amusement parks, a visit to Universal Orlando may be on your list. However, a trip to Universal can come with many questions. Mainly, should you spend the day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure?

The primary difference between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is their theming. Universal Studios is focused on movies and television shows, while Islands of Adventure is themed around superheroes and magical creatures.

Both parks include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offerings, but rides and experiences differ.

Here is what you need to know before packing your bags and heading to Florida.

Key differences between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

If you’re planning a trip soon, you may wonder which parks are worth a visit. It depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for and what rides you enjoy.Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are two of the three Universal Orlando Resort amusement parks.

The main differences between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the themes. Universal Studios centers around TV shows and movies, and various rides reflect that.

On the other hand, Islands of Adventure features adventure and thrill rides, as the park is themed around superheroes and magical creatures.

When it comes to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios features Diagon Alley, while Islands of Adventure has Hogsmeade.

The hours of operation for each park differ from day to day.The parks are located within walking distance of each other and it’s possible to buy a park-to-park ticket, which gives guests access to both parks on the same day.

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are each situated between City Walk, which has shopping, entertainment and dining options.