USJ and Disney Resort are both popular theme parks representing Japan.
They each have different attractions, and their prices, crowd conditions, attractions, and access also vary.
This article thoroughly compares USJ and Disney to help you choose the perfect theme park for you.
Which theme park is right for our family?
You want to make the most of your limited budget, right?
What you’ll find in this article
- Price comparison of USJ and Disney
- Attraction comparison of USJ and Disney
- Crowd and number of attractions comparison of USJ and Disney
- Comparison of benefits for USJ and Disney trips from travel agencies like JAL Pack and JTB
- 1. USJ and Disney Resort: Which is optimal? Comparing travel plans
- 1.1. Compare ticket prices! Explaining variable pricing and discount information
- 1.2. Compare attractions! Differences in experience and target audience
- 1.3. Compare crowds! Waiting times, countermeasures, and crowd predictions
- 1.4. Compare the number of attractions! Differences in types and features
- 1.5. Compare access! Transportation methods and travel time
- 2. Compare travel agencies! Safe and affordable booking methods for USJ/Disney trips
- 【Thorough Comparison】Which is better, USJ or Disney? FAQ on comparing prices, attractions, crowds, and attractions
- 【Thorough Comparison】Which is better, USJ or Disney? Summary of price, attraction, crowd, and attraction comparisons
1. USJ and Disney Resort: Which is optimal? Comparing travel plans
- 1.1. Compare ticket prices! Explaining variable pricing and discount information
- 1.2. Compare attractions! Differences in experience and target audience
- 1.3. Compare crowds! Waiting times, countermeasures, and crowd predictions
- 1.4. Compare the number of attractions! Differences in types and features
- 1.5. Compare access! Transportation methods and travel time
USJ (Universal Studios Japan) and Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) are both popular theme parks representing Japan.
Let’s compare their features and consider travel plans.
1.1. Compare ticket prices! Explaining variable pricing and discount information
Both USJ and Disney Resort have variable ticket pricing.
Prices vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it’s necessary to check in advance.
Which is a better deal, USJ or Disney Resort?
USJ sometimes offers limited-time discount campaigns, so it’s a good idea to check frequently.
| Item | USJ (Universal Studios Japan) | Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day Studio Pass | Adult: 8,600 yen – 10,900 yen Child: 5,600 yen – 7,300 yen | Adult: 8,400 yen – 10,900 yen Child (4-11 years old): 5,000 yen – 6,500 yen Junior (12-17 years old): 7,000 yen – 9,000 yen |
| Features | Limited-time discount campaigns available | Tickets for guests with disabilities, and discounted weekday-only tickets are available |
| Others | 1.5 Day Studio Pass, 2 Day Studio Pass, Studio Pass for guests with disabilities, Annual Pass, Universal Express Pass, etc. are available | 2-Day Passport, Multi-Day Passport Special, etc. are available |
| How to Purchase | WEB Ticket Store, Official App, Partner Hotels, JR major station Midori-no-Madoguchi (some stores), Lawson Ticket, Delivery | Tokyo Disney Resort Online Reservation & Ticket Purchase Website, Tokyo Disney Resort App, Major Travel Agencies, Disney Store (some stores), Convenience Stores |
1.2. Compare attractions! Differences in experience and target audience
USJ and Disney Resort each have different attractions.
Let’s look at the differences in experience content and target audience.
| Item | USJ | Disney Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Hollywood movie world, collaboration with popular anime and games | Disney story world, character greetings |
| Features | Thrilling attractions, entertainment for adults | Attractions for children, shows and parades |
| Target Audience | Wide range of age groups (especially adults, young people) | Families (especially those with small children) |
| Atmosphere | Excitement, stimulation | Dreams, magic, emotion |
| Dining | Variety of restaurants, street food | Themed restaurants, character-themed menus |
| Merchandise | Movie and anime character goods, Universal Studios Japan original goods | Disney character goods, park-exclusive goods |
Which one can the whole family enjoy?
USJ has many elements that adults can enjoy, while Disney Resort can be enjoyed with peace of mind even with small children.
1.3. Compare crowds! Waiting times, countermeasures, and crowd predictions
Both USJ and Disney Resort are popular theme parks, so crowds are unavoidable.
However, by understanding crowd conditions in advance and taking countermeasures, you can enjoy your visit efficiently.
| Item | USJ | Disney Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Busy Season | Weekends and holidays, Golden Week, Summer vacation, Halloween, Christmas | Weekends and holidays, Golden Week, Summer vacation, Halloween, Christmas, Spring break |
| Waiting Time | Popular attractions can be over 1 hour, sometimes over 2 hours during peak times | Popular attractions can be over 1 hour, sometimes over 3 hours during peak times |
| Countermeasures | Check waiting times with the official app, use Universal Express Pass (paid) | Check waiting times with the official app, use Disney Premier Access (paid), get a Standby Pass, make an Entry Request |
| Crowd Forecast Sites | USJ Crowd Forecast Calendar | Tokyo Disney Resort Crowd Forecast Calendar |
| Shows/Parades | May require advance reservation | May require advance reservation |
Before visiting, we recommend checking the crowd forecast calendar and choosing a day that is relatively less crowded.
1.4. Compare the number of attractions! Differences in types and features
While Disney Resort has more attractions, USJ has its own unique features, such as temporary attractions appearing for a limited time.
| Item | USJ | Disney Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Attractions | Approx. 30 | Approx. 40 (Disneyland) Approx. 30 (DisneySea) |
| Types | Roller coasters, VR, shooting, theater, rides, shows | Roller coasters, dark rides, theater, boats, trains |
| Features | Many geared towards adults seeking thrills, frequent rotation of limited-time attractions | Many geared towards children, highly immersive |
| Representative Attractions | Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hollywood Dream – The Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt |
At USJ, limited-time attractions in collaboration with popular anime and games may also appear.
1.5. Compare access! Transportation methods and travel time
Let’s compare access methods to USJ and Disney Resort.
If I’m coming from Tokyo, which one has better access?
From Tokyo, Disney Resort is easier to access.
| Item | USJ | Disney Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka | 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba |
| Nearest Station | Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line | Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line/Musashino Line |
| Travel Time from Major Stations | Approx. 11 minutes from Osaka Station/Umeda Station Approx. 16 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station | Approx. 15 minutes from Tokyo Station |
| Transportation | Train, Bus, Car | Train, Bus, Car, Highway Bus |
| Parking | Available (Paid) | Available (Paid) |
| Others | Approx. 70 minutes by limousine bus from Kansai International Airport | Approx. 45-60 minutes by limousine bus from Haneda Airport, approx. 80 minutes from Narita Airport |
Both parks are conveniently accessible by public transportation.
2. Compare travel agencies! Safe and affordable booking methods for USJ/Disney trips
- 2.1. JAL Pack, USJ trip benefits and precautions
- 2.2. JTB, USJ trip benefits and precautions
- 2.3. JAL Pack, Disney trip benefits and precautions
- 2.4. JTB, Disney trip benefits and precautions
- 2.5. Other travel sites, points utilization and precautions
When traveling to USJ or Disney Resort, you can receive various benefits and support by using travel agencies such as JAL Pack and JTB.
Which is better, JAL Pack or JTB?
It’s important to choose a travel agency that suits you.
2.1. JAL Pack, USJ trip benefits and precautions
JAL Pack’s USJ trips primarily offer plans that include airfare, accommodation, and studio passes.
| Item | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Earn and use JAL miles | ◎ |
| May receive meal coupons usable in the park or original goods | ◯ | |
| Precautions | Prices may vary depending on the booking period, such as early bird discounts | △ |
| Cancellation fees may increase closer to the departure date | △ |
With JAL Pack, you may receive meal coupons usable in the park or original goods.
As of April 2024, JAL Dynamic Package USJ Limited offers a plan that includes a 1,000 yen meal coupon usable in the park and park merchandise.
Highly recommended for JAL Mileage Bank members!
2.2. JTB, USJ trip benefits and precautions
JTB’s USJ trips offer plans that include bullet train or airplane tickets, accommodation, and studio passes, as well as a wide range of local sightseeing plans.
| Item | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | May come with priority boarding passes for attractions or coupons usable in the park | ◯ |
| Extensive local sightseeing plans available | ◯ | |
| Precautions | Popular plans may sell out quickly | △ |
| Adding too many options may increase the price | △ |
With JTB, you may receive priority boarding passes for attractions or coupons usable within the park.
For example, JTB’s exclusive “Early Park-in” plan allows you to enter the park 15 minutes earlier than general admission.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy Osaka sightseeing in addition to USJ!
2.3. JAL Pack, Disney trip benefits and precautions
JAL Pack’s Disney Resort trips offer a wide range of plans that include airfare, accommodation, and park tickets.
| Item | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Earn and use JAL miles | ◎ |
| May receive meal coupons usable in the park or original goods | ◯ | |
| Precautions | Park tickets are date-specific, so desired dates may be sold out | △ |
| Some hotels may be far from the park | △ |
With JAL Pack, you may receive meal coupons usable in the park or original goods.
As of May 2024, JAL Pack offers an exclusive plan commemorating the Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary.
JAL Pack is recommended for Disney trips that involve flying.
2.4. JTB, Disney trip benefits and precautions
JTB’s Disney Resort trips are attractive for their wide range of plans and comprehensive support.
| Item | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | May come with priority boarding passes for attractions or coupons usable in the park | ◯ |
| Extensive local sightseeing plans available | ◯ | |
| Precautions | Popular plans may sell out quickly | △ |
| Adding too many options may increase the price | △ |
When can I book a Disney trip?
With JTB, you can book Tokyo Disney Resort Vacation Packages approximately one year in advance of your stay.
2.5. Other travel sites, points utilization and precautions
Travel sites such as Rakuten Travel, Jalan, Yahoo! Travel, and Ikyu.com also offer USJ and Disney trip plans.
| Travel Site | Features | Points Utilization | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Travel | Earn and use Rakuten Points | Rakuten Points can be applied to travel expenses | Some plans may not include park tickets or transportation |
| Jalan | Earn and use Recruit Points (exchangeable for Ponta Points) | Ponta Points can be applied to travel expenses | Some plans may not include park tickets or transportation |
| Yahoo! Travel | Earn and use PayPay Points | PayPay Points can be applied to travel expenses | Some plans may not include park tickets or transportation |
| Ikyu.com | Strong for booking luxury hotels and ryokans | Ikyu Points can be used for discounts | Many hotels are not official USJ or Disney Resort hotels |
The appeal of these travel sites is that you can earn and use points.
However, some plans may not include park tickets or transportation, so be careful when booking.
For example, on Rakuten Travel, make sure to choose a plan that states “USJ Studio Pass included”.
Refer to this information to choose the perfect travel agency for you and book your USJ or Disney trip at a great price.
【Thorough Comparison】Which is better, USJ or Disney? FAQ on comparing prices, attractions, crowds, and attractions
-
QWhich is a better value, USJ or Disney Resort?
-
A
Looking at ticket prices alone, there isn’t a significant difference. However, USJ sometimes offers limited-time discount campaigns. Disney Resort has tickets for guests with disabilities and discounted weekday-only tickets, so it’s best to make a comprehensive judgment.
-
QIf I’m torn between USJ and Disney Resort, which do you recommend?
-
A
If you’re looking for thrilling experiences, USJ is recommended. If you want to experience a dream-like world, Disney Resort is recommended. The content of attractions and target audiences differ, so choose according to your preferences and travel purpose.
-
QWhat are the crowd conditions like at USJ and Disney Resort?
-
A
Both are popular theme parks, so they get very crowded on weekends, holidays, and long breaks. We recommend checking information on official apps and crowd forecast websites in advance and planning countermeasures.
-
QWhich park is recommended for families with small children?
-
A
Disney Resort has more attractions and shows suitable for small children. It also has well-equipped facilities such as stroller rentals and nursing rooms, so you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
-
QWhich travel agency offers better deals, JAL Pack or JTB?
-
A
Both travel agencies offer travel plans to USJ and Disney Resort. JAL Pack’s appeal is that you can earn and use JAL miles, while JTB’s appeal is that it may come with benefits such as priority boarding passes for attractions.
-
QCan I also book through travel sites like Rakuten Travel or Jalan?
-
A
Yes, you can book. The advantage of these travel sites is that you can earn and use points. However, some plans may not include park tickets or transportation, so be careful when booking.
【Thorough Comparison】Which is better, USJ or Disney? Summary of price, attraction, crowd, and attraction comparisons
USJ and Disney Resort are both popular theme parks representing Japan, but each has different characteristics.
- Price comparison of USJ and Disney
- Attraction comparison of USJ and Disney
- Crowd and number of attractions comparison of USJ and Disney
- Comparison of benefits for USJ and Disney trips from travel agencies
- USJ has more attractions for adults
- Disney has more attractions for children
- USJ has limited-time attractions
- Disney has more attractions than USJ
- USJ tickets have limited-time discounts
- Disney tickets have weekday discounts
- JAL Pack earns miles
- JTB’s USJ benefits are attractive
- Rakuten Travel earns points
- USJ is in Osaka, Disney is in Chiba
- It’s good to choose a park based on your purpose
Based on these differences, choose the optimal theme park for your travel purpose and make advantageous bookings with travel agencies such as JAL Pack and JTB.