Recently Naddia and I (Tanya) were able to attend in-person, on-site training at Universal Orlando Resort with a number of other travel agents from around the world. There have been a LOT of additions, upgrades, and changes to these parks and properties over recent years and we only had a few short days in which to explore it all, so … They gave us the VIP Experience.
If you want to explore ALL that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer — both in front of and behind the scenes! — you have got to try this. Let me tell you why.
What is the VIP Experience at Universal Orlando Resort?
You don’t have to be a celebrity to get red carpet treatment! With the VIP Experience you will be led by a Universal Orlando expert through the most popular rides and attractions and even enjoy some exclusive benefits before and after the tour.
See those nifty lanyards and blue cards we’re holding above? Those will get you through a private entrance to the parks. We were then led to a private breakfast buffet before meeting our guides. That’s when the fun really begins!
The guides are tremendously knowledgable about the parks, the rides, the attractions, the history of the company, and all sorts of trivia about what movies were filmed where and what memorabilia is still kept on-site. Not only can they educate, they can also provide:
- Priority front-of-the-line access to even the most popular rides and attractions.
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Reserved seating at shows
The VIP Experience also includes:
- that great breakfast buffet pictured above
- Complimentary Valet Parking (1 car per party, based on availability)
- Souvenir Lanyards
- Voucher for a Quick Service meal in the parks during the day
- Universal Express Unlimited for the full day (not just during the tour!)
- Universal CityWalk Party Pass
- Discounts at select Universal merchandise locations
What do you mean “priority front-of-the-line” and “behind-the-scenes” access?
Well, we never waited for anything. That’s not hyperbole — we literally waited for nothing. Our guide would take us through back entrances and straight to the front of the line of anything we wanted to do. That includes all the most popular rides … The Fast and the Furious … Skull Island: Reign of Kong … and … yes, even the Harry Potter rides. 🙂
Because we had Park-to-Park passes, these VIP perks were valid in BOTH Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure!
In addition to our line-jumping privileges, we were also able to explore areas not open to the general public. The Dave School, for example, is an on-site animation studio and training center. It was really fascinating to be able to explore that area and see what they do there and how they work.
Two ways to be a VIP!
There are two ways to do a VIP Experience.
VIP EXPERIENCE: If you have 6 or fewer people in your travel party, you’ll be paired with other VIP guests. Your tour guide will work to create a line-up that everyone can enjoy. Pricing starts at $189 + tax per person and gives you a custom-designed selection of everything above. If you choose to VIP just one park, the tour lasts 5 hours. If you choose a Park-to-Park VIP Experience, the tour is for 7 hours.
PRIVATE VIP EXPERIENCE: If you have 7 or more people or if you’d rather not be paired with other guests, you can choose to do a Private VIP Experience. This tour lasts 8 hours and includes a few extra VIP perks.
- TWO full-service meals
- My Universal Photos 3-day Photo Package
- Universal’s Islands Of Adventure™: Jurassic Park™ Discovery Center Egg Hatching, and VIP Priority Entry to Pteranodon Flyers™
- Universal Studios Florida™: VIP Priority Entry to Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show On-Stage Actor Meet and Greet, and Ollivander’s™ Wand Shop
Pricing for the Private VIP Experience varies by the number of guests in your party.
TAKE NOTE: Park admission is not included in VIP Experience packages, but is required for in-park experiences. So be sure to budget for this on top of your chosen park tickets.
Want to know more? Contact me or your favorite A Time to Treasure Travel agent.