RIP tour versus HHN express pass

[JC Butterfly]

Trying to learn the "advantage" of one over the other.
Tours are groups of twelve right? So does the guide pretty much just do whatever the group demands? I assume that the tour bypasses lines for the attractions it visits?

Or express pas, I know you can only use it once. Is it for the houses only or for attractions too?

Since HHN is only in the Studios, does that mean that IOA is closed? Or simply doing regular hours while HHN is happening?

So much to learn!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

RIP tours bypass the lines entirely. There are exclusive RIP tours, but they cost more than the non-exclusive tours.

HHN express usually has a pass for all the attractions, the houses, and the FIRST Bill & Ted show.

When HHN is happening, IOA will be closed completely. Only employees shceduled to work in IOA will be there.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Are there any discounts on VIP Tours with an AP?

 

[F-L-A]

RIP tours aren't really necessary. Unless you go on a bad night, Express lines are 10 minute waits at worst. You can often walk right into the house. Express passes are also valid for the regular park attractions.

 

[JC Butterfly]

ok, so to be clear. If I buy an express pass. I can only use it one time per house/attraction and I may have to wait at least a short while to enter the attraction. While if on a RIP tour, they have the ability to just walk right on whatever they are going to do?

However, the descriptions of RIP tours (non-exclusive) say that going on rides may not be included. If the tour is five hours, what else would fill that time? (even seven houses wouldn't take that long).

Coming in on a Friday night, and leaving for a cruise the next day. Won't have any daytime hours at either park and wanting to make sure that if I go to HHN, I'm able to maximize my time. Hmm decisions, decisions!

 

[Notatourist]

Hi there, let me give you a little clarity. Why a tour is different from a express pass. Not only do you get a knowledgeable guide, but you get an experience. You don't have to plan your night, it's planned for you.

Guides will try to mix it up and allow you to not only see HHN, but a couple of cool attractions along the way. Did I also mention Bill and Ted? Ever wonder what it was like to have REALLY GREAT seats there? Yes, you might think, well, this express pass gets me a shorter line, but on tour, there is NO line. Nada. They stop the line for YOU.

This is the info from the website. Enjoy.
_____

Non-Exclusive RIP Tour
The focus of this tour is on the Halloween Horror Nights venues which include the haunted houses and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure show. There is a 30 minute break built into the tour. Access into the regular park attractions such as the coasters is not guaranteed.

Exclusive RIP Tour
The focus of this tour is on, but not limited to, the Halloween Horror Nights venues which include the haunted houses and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure show. There is a 45 minute break built into the tour. As the exclusive tour will consist of just your family or group, the attractions and venues visited will be tailored to what you want to see. September 29, 30, October 8, 11, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 & 31

More expensive, but it's just your group.

Non-exclusive tours
$100.00* plus tax per person plus your admission into the event
4 hours in length
Departs promptly at 7 PM
Tour groups will consist of other tour guests, up to 12 guests per guide
Exclusive tours

$1400.00* plus tax per group plus your admission into the event
Up to 5 hours in length
Time is tailored to your group’s needs, but can not begin until at least 7 PM
Tour group size is limited to 15 guests per guide
*Prices do not include admission to Halloween Horror Nights.
October 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28

Non-exclusive tours
$140.00* plus tax per person plus your admission into the event
5 hours in length
Departs promptly at 7 PM
Tour groups will consist of other tour guests, up to 12 guests per guide
Exclusive tours
$1800.00* plus tax per group plus your admission into the event
Up to 7 hours in length
Time is tailored to your group’s needs, but can not begin until at least 7 PM
Tour group size is limited to 15 guests per guide
*Prices do not include admission to Halloween Horror Nights.

Book your RIP tour, call 407-363-8295 or email at viptours@universalorlando.com.
Tours are subject to availability, and advanced reservations are recommended

 

[F-L-A]

You don't have to plan your night, it's planned for you.

I don't know about you, but I don't consider that a good thing.

 

[Laurabearz]

We did the RIP tour a couple of years ago...

We rode Mummy several times in a row... 4 maybe... but did not ride much else. We did all the houses once, and two or three of them twice. Our seats for Bill and Teds were good.

Zero lines for any of the houses... walked ahead of everyone and the lines were very LONG that night....

This year I have express pass and an excellent tour guide. I expect a better time will be had by all

 

[Motherfletcher]

We have done both the express pass (3 years ago) and VIP Tour (last 2 years). The VIP Tour is the way to go for us. You are taken through the back lots and through secret doors and merged into the regular line right at the beginning of the Houses. You get to see all of the Houses, Scare Zones, parade, Bill & Ted, eat and ride most of the rides that are open and sometimes twice in a row. The guides are the best and I always learn something new from them.

 

[Notatourist]

I don't know about you, but I don't consider that a good thing.

It can be good if you want to just kick back and have fun. The guide does actually talk with the group, hits the basics of HHN and time permitting fits in other attractions.

It can be a great time.

 

[F-L-A]

But how are you kicking back if you aren't on your own schedule? If you have an Express pass, you have more than enough time to get everything done at your own pace. I guess the RIP tour makes sense for completely clueless guests. But people who know what they're doing, not so much.

 

[Notatourist]

But how are you kicking back if you aren't on your own schedule? If you have an Express pass, you have more than enough time to get everything done at your own pace. I guess the RIP tour makes sense for completely clueless guests. But people who know what they're doing, not so much.

You'll get everything done in four to five hours. Afterwards, you can go explore again, if you feel the need. The only thing that's scheduled is Bill and Ted. That's it.

But if you have to plan every minute, enjoy the express pass.