Universal Orlando Private VIP Experience: What It’s Like & What’s Included
Celebrity status without the paparazzi? Yes, friends, it’s true! A little movie star treatment might be waiting for you on your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort. No Hollywood agent required (although a great travel advisor certainly helps!).
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Universal’s Private VIP Experience.
I had the unbelievable pleasure of enjoying a Private VIP Experience recently, and it has proven to be a game changer in how I will plan future visits to Universal.
Alongside a dozen of the most phenomenal friends and travel mates, our day was shaped by personalized moments, tailored experiences, focused care, and some stellar behind-the-scenes opportunities.
What Is a Private VIP Experience at Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando offers both Private VIP Experiences and non-private VIP tours. Both pair you with a knowledgeable guide and priority access to participating attractions, but a private tour lets your group help shape the itinerary.
For our Private VIP Experience, we spent an approximately eight-hour day with our dedicated guide (we love you, Thiago!), enjoying priority attraction access, meals, and some wonderful surprises.
We explored Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, though Universal now offers VIP options that include Epic Universe as well. The available parks, tour lengths, and benefits depend on the experience you book.
A non-private VIP tour follows a more structured itinerary with other guests. It can be a great fit if you want the guided experience without reserving a tour exclusively for your party.
Private vs. Non-Private Universal VIP Tours
Walking the Red Carpet
Our day kicked off at VIP Services, where we strutted the red carpet right into the welcome area for check-in. This is where we met our dutiful and darling Director of Perfection, aka our tour guide.
Once we were checked in with VIP passes in hand, it was time for nonstop excitement! We were escorted to breakfast and had the opportunity to begin shaping our plans for the day across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
First in everyone’s heart: the lovable and loyal groundskeeper of Hogwarts. Before you could say “Wingardium Leviosa,” the whole crew had taken a ride on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure not once. Not twice. But three times! And this was only the beginning.
Our guided priority access had us escaping The Mummy, chasing Kong, soaring on VelociCoaster, escaping Gringotts, riding the Hogwarts Express, sailing with E.T., turning into Minions, and exploring fascinating backstage areas, including soundstages, green rooms, and Team Member spaces.
When taking on an immersive, experience-packed vacation like Universal Orlando, how you spend your time matters. In eight hours, we fit in a remarkable number of attractions alongside two leisurely meals, backstage moments, little Easter egg hunts (looking at you, Jaws nods!), and shopping. Exact attraction access and backstage opportunities are always subject to availability.
But Girl, You Don’t Ride Rides.
Correct. And that fact alone is one of the biggest reasons this Private VIP Experience meant so much to me.
I am, at my core, a vibes-and-snacks-and-carousel kind of girl. Thrill rides are not for me. So instinctively, going to Universal Orlando can feel mildly counterintuitive: a lot of investment with very little personal payoff or enjoyment.
Until this trip.
VIP access brought the thrills and excitement front and center for all my friends, but it brought so much to me as well.
It brought me a caring, compassionate tour guide who expertly advised me on which attractions might be a good fit and shared hidden secrets and treasures while we waited together for the rest of my pals.
It cut down on my time away from my people. Their shorter ride waits minimized my alone time, wiping out FOMO moment after moment.
It gave me the opportunity to ride something I was really heart-set on trying. Our guide explained the seating and prepared me for what to expect. With his help, and two very amazing hands to hold, I escaped Gringotts! Me! Captain Kiddie Ride!
I walked away loving a day filled with fun and excitement even without taking on every one of Universal’s biggest thrills. It has opened my heart to exploring Universal Orlando again.
What’s Included in a Universal Orlando Private VIP Experience?
In every way, a Private VIP Experience is about your group: your favorites, your must-dos, and your biggest wishes. Calling this the celebrity treatment is quite an understatement.
During our tour, we enjoyed repeated priority access to favorite attractions, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Priority access applies during the guided experience, with attraction availability and safety restrictions still in effect.
- Depending on the private tour purchased, benefits can include:
- A customized itinerary and dedicated VIP guide
- VIP priority access to participating attractions during your tour
- Behind-the-scenes experiences, subject to availability
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Valet parking for one vehicle, subject to advance-purchase terms and availability
- Reserved seating at select shows
- Universal Express benefits after the tour for the eligible park(s) and date
- A three-day My Universal Photos package
- A 10% merchandise discount at select Universal-owned locations
Your booking confirmation and Universal’s current terms are the final word on inclusions, particularly for different park combinations.
Let’s Talk Meals
Taking on Universal Orlando requires energy, and our Private VIP Experience kept us well fueled for the fun.
During our experience, we enjoyed a wonderful spread at Cafe La Bamba for both breakfast and lunch. At each meal, VIP team members welcomed us into a private dining area. There was a variety of food for different tastes and dietary needs, plus snacks, sweets, and beverages.
For dinner, we had our choice of participating restaurants around Universal Orlando and CityWalk, including Mythos and our pick for the night, Bigfire.
Our guide helped arrange our dinner reservation, and our meal included shared appetizers, an entrée and dessert for each guest, and non-alcoholic beverages. Restaurant selections and meal details may vary, so confirm what is included with your particular tour.
Kidding About the Paparazzi. Sorry.
You can skip the sunglasses and disguises. Private VIP Experiences include a three-day My Universal Photos package, so you can capture the memories throughout your visit. Strike a pose and smile!
What’s Not Included in a Private VIP Tour?
As marvelous as the day can be, a few details still need to be factored into your plans:
- Theme park admission: Each guest needs valid admission for the same date and park or parks covered by the VIP Experience. Tickets are purchased separately.
- Gratuity: Tips for your VIP guide are not included or required, but Universal says they are appreciated. The amount is entirely at your discretion.
- Alcoholic beverages and additional purchases: Do not assume these are included in your tour or dining package; confirm the details before you arrive.
A helpful planning tip: Private VIP Experiences are limited and can sell out. Booking ahead gives you more options, especially for larger groups and busy travel dates.
Is a Universal Orlando Private VIP Experience Worth It?
With anything travelers are considering, mileage may vary.
If your whole party is visiting mainly for the atmosphere, planning to try a ride or two, grabbing quick snacks, and skipping Express access, a Private VIP Experience might not be your ideal companion.
But if your crew dreams of experiencing as much as possible, peeking behind the movie magic, making the most of your park time, and enjoying delicious meals along the way, it may be worth exploring. And take it from a non-thrill-rider: the personalized attention can make a difference for people who enjoy the parks in completely different ways.
It also helps to compare the total private-tour cost across your group with the cost of admission, Express passes, meals, and other extras you would otherwise purchase. Pricing varies by date and tour selection.
Ready for Your Own Universal Orlando VIP Experience?
Maybe you’re dreaming of riding Hagrid’s three times in a row, exploring the magic behind the movies, or simply enjoying a day with a little extra VIP treatment. Be Our Guest Vacations would love to help you make it happen!
Our travel advisors can help you explore VIP tour options, compare Universal Orlando hotels, and plan a vacation filled with all the thrills (or snacks!) your heart desires.
Explore Universal Orlando vacations with Be Our Guest Vacations