By Jenny Wheeler
Live like a VIP- Universal Orlando’s Non-Private VIP Experience!
I recently had the opportunity to experience Universal Orlando’s shared non-private VIP tour, and let me tell you – it was unlike any other theme park experience I’ve had before! If you’re looking for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes way to experience Universal Orlando, the shared non-private VIP tour is an excellent option.
My day started early with check-in at Universal Studios VIP check-in. Make sure you have your VIP confirmation number and park tickets ready. We were given a VIP lanyard and credentials- that got us 10% off merchandise and Express Unlimited after the tour concluded. We were also provided with sunscreen and hand sanitizer. Once we checked in, we were invited to have a private breakfast for guests on the VIP experience and met the other members of our small group. Our group consisted of 12- two parties or four and two parties of two. After meeting our VIP tour guide, we were whisked away to our first ride of the day: The Hogwarts Express. At Kings Cross our guide took a video as we crossed through platform 9 3/4 (if you know you know). Then upon arriving in Hogsmeade, our guide took our photo with the front of the Hogwarts Express without other guests in the background.
Ok- onto more attractions including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure! This is an incredible perk because this ride is NOT included in Express Passes, VIP is the only way to jump the long line. As a VIP tour guest, we had express access to all the rides and attractions – which meant we didn’t have to wait in line for more than 10 minutes! Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride was incredible – we zoomed through the Forbidden Forest on a motorbike, dodged creatures, and felt like we were truly a part of the Harry Potter universe.
We also rode the VelociCoaster in Islands of Adventure – if you’re a fan of thrill rides, this is a must-do. We had the opportunity to ride the coaster multiple times without having to get off and re-queue. It was a real thrill!
One of the highlights of the tour was getting to see the soundstages where Universal’s productions are made. We were able to learn about different movies and TV shows that were filmed in the parks- while the parks were open and operational to guests!
About half way through the tour we were invited to have our included lunch at a table service restaurant- Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. We were a party of two which entitled us to two non-alcoholic beverages, one shared appetizer, two entrees and two desserts! We were stuffed!! If you do want anything on top of that or a cocktail you would just pay for those additional items. This was a great way to cool down and relax, we were on a VIP tour, there was no need to rush to anything!!!
We even got to see behind the scenes on some of the rides! At Men in Black we went down into one of the scenes and acted out working in the MIB office, the guests above were taking our picture- for sure a VIP moment!!! Then over at Revenge of the Mummy, we went under the track to see how the track and vehicles operate.
Overall we rode:
- The Hogwarts Express
- VelociCoaster
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Men in Black: Alien Attack - Transformers
- E.T. Adventure
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Revenge of the Mummy
A Few Tips:
Remember- after your tour ends your VIP pass turns into an Express Pass, so you are free to explore the parks and go on more attractions!
Don’t forget to shop- the VIP pass also acts as a discount card- getting you 10% off! I made sure to stop by the Jurassic Park tribute store and saved a ton!
Ask questions- they know the answers!! The guides know the parks and will give you tips and tricks to use on the rest of your trip!
One last tip- don’t forget to tip! These guides work incredibly hard in the HOT Florida sun to ensure you have an awesome experience! You can tip with cash or go back to the VIP check in at the front of the park to tip with a card.
The shared non-private VIP tour at Universal Orlando was an incredibly memorable experience. The expedited access to rides, behind-the-scenes tours, details of the storylines behind the attractions and shortcuts between the parks all made it feel like we were receiving the VIP treatment the entire day. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Universal Orlando – it’s worth every penny!
We are here to help you with getting this booked for the best price to make your trip perfect!
Jenny Wheeler
