Don’t jump to conclusions! Just because “VIP” sounds expensive, that doesn’t mean a Universal VIP tour is out of reach! Universal packs a punch of value in their tours, and a VIP experience can be just what you need to take your vacation to the next level!
For those just looking for the bullet points:
- Private (Your party only, customizable itinerary) or Non-Private (up to 6 in your group, will join another group for up to 12 people in a tour guide chosen itinerary) VIP Tours
- Available for 1 park (5 hours) or 2 parks (7 hours). Tickets must be purchased separately for the same day.
- Minimum 8 rides for 1-park tour; minimum 10 rides for 2-park tour. More may be done at the tour guide’s discretion.
- Front of the line access – better than Express Passes!
- Reserved seating at shows (seasonal exclusions apply)
- Breakfast and lunch included, free beverages available in the lounge all-day (Dinner included in the Private tour.).
- Express Unlimited Passes for remainder of the park day after tour
- Complimentary Valet Parking
- Exclusive behind the scenes experiences and guide’s knowledge
- Discounts on select merchandise using VIP credentials
Got more time? Great! Let’s break it down…
Let us consider a few things:
Is this your first visit to Universal Orlando? Are you visiting for only a short time?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, a VIP tour should be on your radar!
When visiting for the first time, planning your park time can be a bit of a whirlwind! Having the best experience on your trip is your top priority! The first time I brought my youngest to Universal, we only planned on one day since we were primarily doing Disney parks. My oldest wanted to do the thrill rides and I, of course, need to do Hagrid’s Motorbike every time I am in Orlando! This was the perfect way to fit everything in that day without feeling rushed!
Having breakfast and lunch included took a lot of pressure off of us, too! Both are served buffet style, which helped ensure there was something everyone liked, rather than trying to find someplace to eat in the parks that everyone can agree on.
A VIP tour guide will be your second best friend…(your BEST friend being your travel agent, of course). Thes tour guides have the behind the scenes access and in-depth knowledge to make your first visit smooth and as immersive as possible! Your guide will show you the ropes, give you the back-story, and make sure you experience the best of the parks.
Our tour guide was AMAZING! He showed us little hidden things in the parks, gave us insider info on some of the new attractions coming down the line, and even hung out with my daughter when she was too scared to ride The Mummy (note: not all guides will wait with children).
Limited time? You may be adding a day or two at Universal to your vacation, or maybe you’re only in the Orlando area for a short visit. Either way, your time is valuable. With a VIP tour you will maximize your time in the parks, minimize wait times, and keep your family happy by experiencing something for everyone.
So, is it worth it? I say yes! But if you are not convinced yet let’s do a quick comparison.
One Day 2-park non-private VIP tour sample price $320 per person
Vs.
Express Pass $155 per person + Avg Food $50 + Avg Merch discount $20+ Valet Parking $75+ your time (priceless) = $300+ (prices are subject to change and vary by date and preferences)
We cannot even put a price tag on the guide’s knowledge and the value of an ideal experience. What about your time? What is the price tag on that?
Now that you understand the ultimate pro tip, here are a few more tips to make your experience as magical as possible:
- VIP Tours can be added to your vacation package by your agent!
- You can pick up your VIP credentials before your scheduled meet time for plenty of time to relax with your breakfast in the lounge prior to your tour.
- Tours do sell out, especially during peak seasons. Book early.
- Small children? If your child is not yet tall enough for a majority of rides, the non-private tour may not be worth it. During a private tour, you can choose to do more for your littles, but the non-private tour will be hitting all the big headliner rides! (Note- tour guides will watch bags, but are not typically able to watch non-rider kiddos while adults ride.)
- Pack your park bag with essentials! You don’t want to take time out from your tour to get forgotten items (I forgot my dramamine during a tour once, and had to run to a shop during the tour. They kept moving and I had to catch up to them.) You will, however, have access to beverages (including water) at the lounge, so no need to purchase or carry extra.
- Dress for seven hours in the parks! While you will have meal times and time for some seated breaks, seven hours in the parks can be a lot for some. Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are prepared for weather (sweatshirt, umbrella/ponchos).
- Relax! VIP tours are the best way to take the pressure off your day and focus on making those memories with your family!
So, are you ready to elevate your vacation to new heights? Ready to skip the lines and chaos, and experience the parks in style with exclusive access and experiences?
If you’re already working with a Smart Moms Travel Agent- YAY! Let her know you’re ready to add a VIP Tour to your package! If you have not booked your vacation yet, I would be honored to help you plan your epic adventure. Let’s chat about which package options are best for you! Get started with some quick answers on this form.
