Universal Studios Hollywood is so much more than just a theme park. It's an actual working studio that has been around since 1915. While visiting the theme park, you're invited to experience the studio lot on a tram tour. The tram takes you through active and inactive areas and past sound stages, as well as through some 3D experiences. All while narrated by an incredible tour guide. But have you ever thought about how amazing it would be to actually walk through the studio lot? Well, that's exactly what you'll do while taking a VIP tour. And the studio lot is only a fraction of the day and included perks. Let's take a detailed look at the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour and all it has to offer.
What's Included in the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour
The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour revolutionizes the theme park/movie studio tour. It makes your day so easy. From the second you pull up to valet parking until you retrieve your car, you are taken care of. You'll be fed meals and given beverages, including plenty of water throughout the day. All the little extras are included to keep you comfortable. You'll be able to ride every ride as much as you want and see sets and prop shops other guests are not privy to. You'll certainly feel like a VIP in the park!
Priority Access
One of the most exciting parts about participating in a VIP tour is the priority access to all that Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer. Think of the VIP access as a super-charged version of the Express Pass. Instead of just having a separate line to hop in and skip over the regular line, your tour guide will actually walk you up to the front of the line to your group's chosen rides. Some of the more popular rides, such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Jurassic World - The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey can get pretty lengthy wait times. An escort to the front of the line is a toadally cool perk.
Even once your tour concludes, your credentials will still give you unlimited Universal Express access. This means you can go on rides and attractions and see shows as many times as you'd like for the whole day! Another frogtastic perk is never needing a ride locker. Instead, you can hand your bag to your tour guide while you hop on a ride. If you have a later tour, you can check in early and tour the park before your tour with the VIP Unlimited Express perk.
VIP Studio Tour
Some of history's most notorious movies were filmed on the studio lot right underneath the rides and shows in the park. These include "Frankenstein," "Back to the Future," "Castaway," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Truman Show," "To Kill A Mockingbird" and more. Not to mention countless TV shows, such as "Desperate Housewives," "Seinfeld," "House" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." The Studio Tour, which takes you through the same lot, is inarguably the coolest part of visiting Universal Studios Hollywood.
During a VIP tour, you get an even more incredible opportunity. You'll do the full tour from a trolley instead of the tram. The trolley has about double the amount of seats as the maximum tour, which means you are able to switch sides for a better view of Hollywood magic when your guide says it's safe to do so! During the tour, you get to leave your trolley and walk through sets used for major Hollywood movies.
This extended studio tour is led by an exceptionally knowledgeable and talented Studio Tour guide with intensive training on the history of the studio and the park, the industry as a whole and exactly how to maximize your VIP day. On your tour, you'll have the chance to explore iconic movie sets on foot. Each tour is slightly different (due to the nature of Universal being an active studio lot), but you'll either experience New York City, Colonial Street, Courthouse Square or even Little Europe.
During your time off the tram, you'll enter an actual soundstage. Here, you'll walk through rooms that look toadally real. But they're not! After that, you'll be taken to the costume and prop department. This is a massive building that houses hundreds of props and costumes used in iconic films.
All VIP Experience tour content is subject to availability based on production schedules. On our tour, we went inside a soundstage and saw the actual sets for "St. Denis," since it was on hiatus and not actively filming. Later, we visited the props shop. And then we exited the tram in Little Europe where we got a closer look at the sets and heard stories about all the movies and shows that were filmed there, including "The Good Place," "Pirates of the Caribbean" and even a recent Corona commercial with Pedro Pascal! Actual tour stops vary.
Keep in mind that the 3D experiences may be a little rougher on a lighter-weighted trolley versus a full tram. The trolley has bottled water on ice to keep you hydrated.
Reserved Seating
Reserved seating for WaterWorld is also included in your VIP ticket when the show is running. This is a stunt show with a lot of water, so be prepared to get wet! WaterWorld is packed with action, from explosions and firefights to world-champion jet-skier stunts and plane crashes. There are 168,500 pyrotechnic effects fired per year from this incredible show.
Note: WaterWorld is temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Complimentary Valet Parking
Valet parking at Universal Studios Hollywood is a major perk. The parking structures around the park can be a little confusing and it's easy to froget exactly where you parked by the end of a long theme park day. Valet parking will run you a pretty penny on a regular day, and pulling up to the valet and not worrying about parking during your VIP experience is an incredible perk included in the cost of your ticket.
If you have a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, the valet can plug in your car for no extra charge! Coming out of the tour with a full charge is a pretty nice perk!
VIP Lounge
After handing off your keys to the valet, you are invited into the VIP lounge. The lounge is located near the park entrance all the way to the right of the park gates. Downstairs, you'll check in and be given your lanyard and credentials for the day.
Upstairs, you'll find complimentary refreshments in a comfortable and air-conditioned waiting room. Bagels, sandwiches, fruit, pastries, coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate and other light snacks are provided while you wait for your tour to begin. Access to complimentary sunscreen, lip balm, tissues and water is also available in the VIP Experience Center.
You'll also receive a free poncho to keep you dry when you ride Jurassic World - The Ride.
Complimentary Meal
Did you know there is a private VIP dining room at Universal Studios Hollywood? Hidden away in the Parisian portion of the Upper Lot is the VIP exclusive dining room called Moulin Rouge. You can't miss it, as the outside façade is made to look just like the Moulin Rouge in Paris (except for the windmill!).
During your one-hour, all-you-can-eat experience, you'll try some of the best food Universal has to offer. The meal is buffet style with a gourmet menu and the lux experience you'd expect as a VIP. You can drink coffee, tea, sodas, lemonade, fancy water, bottled water, San Pellegrino and more.
You might even get a visit from some Universal characters. We got to hang with Lucy from "I Love Lucy" and Doc from "Back to the Future."
All food in the VIP Lounge and Moulin Rouge list allergens and whether they are vegan or vegetarian.
How to Purchase a Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour Ticket
You can save up to $161 on VIP tickets when you purchase through Undercover Tourist. We sell discount tickets for VIP tours, regular park admission and Express tickets, Halloween Horror Nights and the brand-new Fan Fest Nights! Undercover Tourist has been a trusted ticket seller for over 10 years.
VIP tickets include:
- Park admission
- Valet parking
- Unlimited Express
- Two meals
- Beverages (nonalcoholic)
- Free poncho, lip balm and tissues
- Nicer restrooms
- Character experiences
- An inside look at props and sets not seen by other guests
- Stories and Hollywood secrets
- Phone charging in the lounge and dining area
- A tour guide for about five hours
- A manual wheelchair if needed (let the tour know in advance if you have any disabilities)
When you add all that up, the VIP tour is frogtastic value. The VIP Tour prices vary by date, starting at $357.55 per person. An Express ticket is $199-339 regularly, plus $40-50 to upgrade to Unlimited Express. You can easily spend $20-30 per person, per meal in the parks. Parking runs $35-75 ($60 for valet). Once you've looked at your total spending on a day to visit the park, you might find the VIP Tour to be just a little more money and worth the value that comes with an easy day where all your needs are taken care of.
What to Consider Before Booking a Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour
There are a few things to consider while deciding if a VIP tour is for you:
- The tour lasts a minimum of five hours and is mostly walking.
- There is a maximum of 13 guests per tour. Rides and experiences are decided upon as a group, so you may not get to choose everything you do during your tour.
- Guests must be at least 5 years of age to participate in a VIP tour (there is a pricier private VIP tour option that does not have an age minimum available directly through Universal).
- Guests must be 17 years or older to participate without an accompanying adult.
- Requests to change your reservation must be made at least 48 hours in advance. The direct line for VIP tours is 818-622-8477.
- There are phone chargers in the dining room and VIP Lounge to use during your meal.
- The meal is included in the price of the VIP experience and includes character dining.
- VIP Experience tour content is subject to availability based on production schedules and other factors.
- Valet is included in the price of the VIP experience.
- Universal Express Unlimited is included and can be used for the remainder of your day at the park after your tour concludes.
- No planning is required pre-visit. Your tour guide will take care of everything for you!
- No ride lockers are required.
- You can shop and explore more before or after your tour.
- There is a Halloween Horror Nights version of the VIP experience called the RIP Tour.
- There is a Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour.
Is a VIP Tour Worth It?
If a VIP Tour is within your budget, it's toadally worth it. This is a luxury item, but it will really appeal to movie buffs and is useful to people making a one-in-a-lifetime trip to Universal where they want to see and do it all with little effort. The ease of getting around the park, operating outside the crowds, and getting peace of mind that you're getting it all done without having to prep, plan and make decisions is definitely worth it. You'll get a better Studio Tour with the VIP Tour. You'll have nicer restrooms. And someone will take care of you, hold your bags and hand you water. It's your vacation and you deserve some pampering!
We think the tour is more worth it when the park is busier and you can take advantage of being able to skip the lines.
If you really want to dine in the Wizarding World or have dreamed of eating at Toadstool Cafe, the tour dining might not hit the spot. You can buy your own food before or after the tour instead of eating the tour food. Your dining options are going to be elevated and more peaceful on the tour though. We were very hoppy with our food and relaxed dining atmosphere. If you wanted to do the tour but check some park items off your dining list, you could just snack on the tour and save bigger meals for the themed experiences after the tour if that's important to you. We were stuffed from the tour meal!
The VIP Tour is a larger budget item. You can definitely save money on general admission, Express and VIP tour tickets through Undercover Tourist. You might not need parking and want to plan your own meals. In that case, you can still have an amazing day at Universal Studios Hollywood on your own. Bring the frogs with you for help! We can recommend some time-saving blog posts and a park plan to help you navigate your own day:
- Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to Maximize Your Time
- Early Access Tips for Super Nintendo World
- When to Hop on Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass
VIP Tour FAQS
Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions regarding the VIP Tour:
When should we arrive?
Check in at least 30 minutes early so you have time to eat, drink, relax in the VIP Lounge and use the restroom. Allow extra time for traffic, to park, walk over and go through security. Plan to park about 45-60 minutes before your tour starts.
Do we have to stay with the tour guide?
You will be with your tour guide for the Studio Tour. If you want to break away from the group for any other portions of the tour, just let your guide know you are splitting up.
Should we tip the tour guide?
If you feel your tour guide was awesome and helpful, then you should toadally tip. You can read up on suggested amounts online and tip what is comfortable for you.
Is the trolley wheelchair friendly?
Yes! There are two trolleys fitted with a lift and they can fit a manual wheelchair or ECV. Let the tour know in advance if you have any support needs for any disabilities.
What is the schedule?
The actual schedule can vary. You will check in, enjoy the lounge and head out with your guide. When you check in you will receive a card with your tour time and meal time on it. You might do rides first or head straight to the Studio Tour. You can enjoy the park on your own before and after your tour.
Are there restroom breaks?
Yes. There are several bathroom breaks during the tour. Restrooms are available in the lounge and restaurant as well. We even had a bathroom break in the Backlot.
How long is the VIP Studio Tour?
Actual tour length may vary based on availability, but our VIP tour was longer than a standard Studio Tour — approximately an hour and 40 minutes.
What if we need to reschedule?
Reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Call the VIP tours at 818-622-8477.
Does the VIP Tour include Early Access?
No. But you can purchase Early Access to Super Nintendo World through Universal if you want to take advantage of an extra hour in the land before it opens.
Do you need Early Access in addition to VIP?
We think it depends on when you're going and your interests. If it's a busy time and you're interested in playing the Power-Up Band game challenges and meeting characters in Super Nintendo World, Early Access could be a helpful tool to experience these when the land capacity is low. Otherwise, the VIP tour does include Super Mario Kart, plus Unlimited Express before or after your tour.
What time does valet parking open?
Valet parking opens when regular parking opens, usually about an hour before Early Access starts, so two hours before park opening.
Are ride photos included in the VIP Tour?
No. Ride photos are not included. They can be purchased at the photo kiosks, or bundled for a discount at the end of your day.
Can we do other experiences aside from rides with our guide?
Yes! Keep in mind that being part of a group means majority rules. If everyone in your group wants to do something other than a certain ride, your guide can help you do that instead. While on our tour, we skipped over the Wizarding World rides and our guide walked us right into Ollivanders instead!
What if I am running late?
If you are running just a little bit late to your tour, the amazing VIP coordinators will get you to your group. Just make sure to give them a call and let them know the situation beforehand.
Are you interested in purchasing a Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour? Do you have any questions about this elite experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to Maximize Your Time
Related: 10 Not-to-Miss Universal Studios Hollywood Attractions & Shows
Hoppy planning!
