Complete Guide to the Universal Studios VIP Experience

Complete Guide to the Universal Studios VIP Experience

vip-tour-back-stage-universal-hollywood

Complete Guide to the Universal Studios VIP Experience

This article is your complete guide to the Universal VIP Experience! We are going to cover everything about the Universal Studios Orlando VIP tour and of course the Universal Studios VIP pass in Hollywood. There are some major benefits to the Universal VIP pass which include front-of-the-line access to all of the major shows and rides, free meals, free parking, and your tour guide for the day. We have done the Universal Studios VIP, and have a lot of good things to say, as well as downsides for the extra cost.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What Are The Universal VIP Tours?

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The Universal VIP tour offers an unparalleled experience for guests. This tour is guided by an expert through the park’s top attractions and shows, and is available at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood! This exclusive experience includes significant perks like the Universal Express Pass, allowing you to bypass lines at most attractions. The tour is offered in both private and non-private formats and provides the flexibility to customize your visit. Whether you enjoy the Universal Studios Orlando VIP experience or the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour, you’re guaranteed priority access, expert insights, and a memorable, comprehensive way to enjoy Universal Studios, making every moment unforgettable!

How Long Does the Universal VIP Tour Last?

  • 5 – 7 hours

The duration of the Universal VIP tours varies between 5-7 hours, depending on the type of tour package you choose. The Universal Orlando VIP tour typically spans 6-7 hours, while its counterpart, the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour, usually lasts between 5-6 hours.

How Early Should You Arrive for Your Universal VIP Tour?

  • 45 – 60 minutes before the tour begins

One of the most useful tips and tricks we can provide to get the most out of your Universal Orlando VIP tour is to arrive at least 45-60 minutes before your tour even begins. One of the main reasons is it will take you some time to get through security at Universal. And once you do arrive at the park gates, your group will still have to check in to your VIP experience. We also enjoyed getting to meet with our Universal VIP tour guide and coming up with a game plan for how the entire group would prefer to tackle the parks.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Harry Potter Orlando Vs California 

Universal Orlando VIP Experience Express Pass

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The Universal VIP experience provides guests with front-of-the-line access to both of the main Universal Orlando parks. Out of the many perks that the Universal Orlando VIP ticket also includes, the free Universal Express Pass ticket is our favorite one! The second biggest pro to the VIP experiences at Universal Studios Orlando is that they include the two most popular rides in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the VelociCoaster.

It’s important to point this out as although both of these rides are included with early park admission, they are not included with the Universal Orlando express pass ticket.

Does Universal VIP include Hagrid’s?

  • Yes, all VIP experience Universal offers front-of-the-line access to every ride and attraction within the theme parks, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure!

The significance of this feature cannot be overstated, especially considering that this ride is not covered by the standard Universal Orlando Express Pass. So when you decide to go for Universal Studios VIP tickets, you’re gaining an advantage that goes beyond the usual benefits!

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

Universal Orlando Non-Private VIP Tour Overview

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You can purchase tickets for up to six guests for the Universal Orlando non-private VIP experience. Then you will be combined with other parties to form a group of up to twelve people for the day’s adventures. The non-private Universal Orlando VIP tour typically begins at 11:00 AM each morning and typically lasts between five and seven hours. We will also say that even though guests follow the Universal tour guide lead on average they are guaranteed to get an average of ten rides.

One key distinction between the non-private and private Universal Orlando VIP experience is the role of the tour guide in selecting the day’s attractions. While the guide will make the final decisions, they typically conduct a group poll to gauge everyone’s interests. Given this, we strongly recommend engaging in a discussion with the other members of your non-private VIP experience Universal Orlando tour before it starts! This will allow you to align your ride preferences and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is Included in the Universal Orlando Non-Private VIP Tour?

  • Free Valet Parking
  • Front-of-the-line access to Universal Orlando shows and rides
  • Backstage tour and knowledge from your tour guide
  • Universal Express pass for after
  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch

Does the Universal Orlando VIP Experience Cost?

  • $189

Another common question we receive is, how much is the Universal Orlando non-private VIP tour? The Universal Orlando non-private VIP tour for 2 parks over 1 day starts at  $189.00 per person plus sales tax. It’s also important to note that a valid Universal Orlando park-to-park admission ticket is required as well to participate in the Universal Orlando VIP tour.

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Lockers at Universal Orlando

Private Universal Orlando VIP Tour Overview

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This option is mandatory for groups of seven or more who are interested in upgrading to the Universal Orlando VIP experience. The most significant difference between private and non-private VIP tours lies in the level of control you have over your itinerary. In a private VIP tour, the guests have the final say on which attractions they’ll visit during the eight-hour tour.

This level of customization can be a game-changer. For instance, if your private tour group is enamored with Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure or the VelociCoaster, you have the freedom to ride these attractions as many times as you’d like. This makes the VIP experience uniquely tailored to your group’s preferences.

As for the Universal Private VIP Experience cost, it’s worth noting that while this option may come at a premium, the personalized nature of the tour often makes it a value-added choice for larger groups or those seeking a bespoke experience at VIP Universal Studios.

Overall the private Universal Orlando includes the same private Universal tour guide to bring guests to the front of the line on all shows and attractions. It also includes free valet parking, a Universal express pass for after the tour, and two full-service meal vouchers which can be used inside the theme parks or at CityWalk. Non-private VIP tours also come with a 3-day Universal Orlando photo pass. 

What is included in the Universal Orlando Private VIP tour?

  • Free Valet Parking
  • Front-of-the-line access to Universal Orlando shows and rides which you select
  • Backstage tour and knowledge from your tour guide
  • Universal express pass for after
  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 3-day Universal Orlando photo pass
  • Additional discounts on food and merchandise

Private VIP tour Universal Orlando Cost?

So, what is the Universal private VIP tour cost? The Universal Studios private VIP tour costs start at $3,099 for the two park-a-day private VIP experience for up to five guests, and additional guests will start at $375 per person each. The private VIP tours at Universal Orlando can accommodate up to ten guests. It’s also important to note that these are the starting costs and the final price can fluctuate based on the time of year that you are visiting.

Related post: Complete Guide to All Universal CityWalk Stores

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour 2024

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Now, let’s shift our focus from Florida to California and address the question: What is the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP pass? Much like its Orlando counterpart, the Universal Hollywood VIP ticket represents the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering front-of-the-line access and behind-the-scenes experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The VIP offerings at Universal Studios Hollywood come in two flavors: the non-private VIP tour and the Universal Hollywood private VIP experience. Both options provide an elevated way to explore the park, but they cater to different needs and group sizes.

The non-private option is similar to the Orlando guided tours, where you join a group of up to twelve people and follow a pre-determined itinerary set by your tour guide. On the other hand, the private VIP experience is more akin to Orlando private tours, offering a customizable agenda that you and your group dictate.

If you’re considering the Hollywood option, you might be interested in looking up a VIP experience Universal Studios Hollywood review to get a sense of what past guests have thought of their experience. For those who are still weighing the pros and cons between the two coasts, comparing this with a private tour from Universal Orlando could provide valuable insights into which experience might be the best fit for you.

What are the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tours?

  • Non-private Universal Hollywood VIP tour
  • Private Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour

Related post: Discount Universal Hollywood Tickets

 Universal Studios Hollywood Non-Private VIP Tour

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So, what is the Non-private VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood? The non-private VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is a limited-capacity experience with up to eighteen guests per VIP tour. It will provide guests with a backstage tour of the famous Universal Hollywood backlot, free parking, an unlimited Universal Hollywood express pass with priority seating for select shows, light snacks and refreshments in the morning, and a gourmet meal for lunch.

What’s included with the Non-private Universal Hollywood VIP Tour?

  • Backstage tour of the famous Universal Hollywood backlot
  • Free parking
  • Unlimited Universal Hollywood Express Pass
  • Snacks and gourmet lunch

How much does the Universal Hollywood Non-private VIP tour cost?

Now that we have gone over the details, how much does the Universal Hollywood VIP tour cost? The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tours start at $379 per person and each group can accommodate up to eighteen people. We would say one of the biggest differences between the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP and the Orlando VIP tour is with Hollywood the cost of admission is included in the purchase price.

Related post: The Complete Guide to Harry Potter World: Universal Orlando vs Hollywood

Private Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour

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Okay, now that we have covered the non-private you might be wondering what is the private Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour. And, the private VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood includes guests a backstage tour of the famous Universal Hollywood backlot, free parking, an unlimited Universal Hollywood express pass with priority seating for select shows, light snacks and refreshments in the morning, and a gourmet meal for lunch. However, the biggest difference is it will only be for members of your group, and you will not be paired with any of the groups that day.

How long is the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour?

Another common question we receive is, how long is the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour? As a general rule of thumb, the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour is approximately 6 hours, however, it is important to note that guests can stay in the park until closing to take advantage of their unlimited Universal Hollywood express pass.

Related post: Complete Guide on Celebrating a Universal Studios Orlando Birthday

Is the Universal VIP Tour Worth it?

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One of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is: Is the Universal Studios VIP tour worth it? As a general guideline, if your goal is to maximize your time and experiences, the Universal VIP tour is often well worth the investment. This is particularly true if you’re already considering an upgrade to include the Universal Express Pass ticket.

The reason for this is quite compelling. In the case of Universal Orlando, three major rides are not covered by the standard Express Pass but are included in the VIP tour Universal. This offers families a significant level of flexibility. You won’t need to worry about arriving for early park admission, which can sometimes be as early as 7:00 AM, to benefit from shorter wait times at the most popular attractions.

So, when considering a tour of Universal Studios Orlando, the VIP option provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned theme park veteran, the Universal Studios Orlando VIP and Orlando VIP experiences offer a premium, hassle-free way to enjoy all that Universal has to offer.

From a budgeting standpoint families will also be surprised to learn that the non-private VIP tours can make sense when you add up all of the extra benefits. We believe the fact that an unlimited Universal express pass is included with your Universal VIP ticket is huge as it will allow you to get onto so many more rides within your day. We also find that the Universal express pass is typically 60-70% of the cost of the non-private VIP tour anyway. So once you add the free valet parking and meals to your budget it might not be that much more to upgrade to the Universal VIP tour.

Related post: Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express

Universal VIP Tour FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Universal VIP tour include VelociCoaster?

As a general rule of thumb, the Universal Orlando VIP tour does include the VelociCoaster. It’s important to note that the VelociCoaster is not included with the Universal Express pass so you will be sure to want to ride this attraction during your tour throughout the day.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!