Thoughts on VIP Tours?

[Pink Flamingo]

I'm looking for a new experience for our next Universal vacation.

Was wondering if those who have done the VIP tour (any of the non-exclusive ones) would recommend them, & particularly for a group with a pre-teen & teen boy?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[donaldduck352]

I see in your siggie you won A contest and staying at RPR in June.I have never done the tour cause we mostly stay on-site-FOTL.I would save the $120+tax per person tour and do A charactar breakfast.Also eat dinner somewhere like Bice or something,evereyone loves spaghetti(sp).
But this my opinion.

 

[KristineN]

We LOVED it!!!!

Disney should take a cue from Universal on their VIP tours....we have done both and Universal's VIP tours are top notch. We did it in June, our first trip to Universal. If money is not an issue I highly recommend it.....our kids are 21, 14, 11, 10.

We are going to Universal again soon...but I just can't swing a tour this time

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Thanks for your thoughts DonaldD & Christine.

We usually splurge on one big event each trip. Last year it was Blue Man. I would enjoy a character meal, but the boys aren't really interested in that, so we're looking at other possibilities right now.

Are the tours more for getting FOTL access (which we won't really need since we're staying on property) or do they provide a lot of behind the scenes looks and info. you wouldn't get just by touring the park on your own?

Are the tours geared more towards adults or would the kids (12 & 15) enjoy it too?

 

[KristineN]

IMHO...it was more about getting on the rides with no lines...we were backdoor accessed on everything...so there were NO lines that we stood in. We were also able to ride things more than once. We did go behind the scenes at some wrestling event...the guys got a kick out of that...and there was a lot of interesting trivia....but I still say it's more about the rides if that makes sense.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Thanks Kristine (got it right that time - with a K)! What you wrote makes total sense.

I was thinking it might be more behind the scenes looks, insights into the rides/attractions & their history, etc., so I'm glad you explained things for me.

 

[inkkognito]

We've done the VIP tours a few times over the years before we moved to FL. In the early years, they have a lot of interesting trivia, backstories etc. In later years, it seemed more focused on getting on the rides. I suspect that's what most people want, but personally I loved hearing all the backstage details. Oh well, I guess you have to appeal to the masses.

If you can ever get out to Busch Gardens, they have some great backstage tours. We did their Coaster Insider Tour where you get to go into the maintenance garage for Montu and then climb the brake run. You stand on the platform, one flight below the brakes, while the train goes overhead. Way cool!

 

[donaldduck352]

We've done the VIP tours a few times over the years before we moved to FL. In the early years, they have a lot of interesting trivia, backstories etc. In later years, it seemed more focused on getting on the rides. I suspect that's what most people want, but personally I loved hearing all the backstage details. Oh well, I guess you have to appeal to the masses.

If you can ever get out to Busch Gardens, they have some great backstage tours. We did their Coaster Insider Tour where you get to go into the maintenance garage for Montu and then climb the brake run. You stand on the platform, one flight below the brakes, while the train goes overhead. Way cool!

I would say Busch Gardens also.If your not coaster fans they got other tours available.Plus there is A shuttle bus Between US and Busch Gardens.Here is the link:

http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/Explore/UpClose.aspx?id=735

 

[Pink Flamingo]

If you can ever get out to Busch Gardens, they have some great backstage tours. We did their Coaster Insider Tour where you get to go into the maintenance garage for Montu and then climb the brake run. You stand on the platform, one flight below the brakes, while the train goes overhead. Way cool!

I would say Busch Gardens also.If your not coaster fans they got other tours available.Plus there is A shuttle bus Between US and Busch Gardens.Here is the link:

http://www.buschgardens.com/BGT/Explore/UpClose.aspx?id=735

Great thoughts! We just may have to take a trip to BG.
The coaster tour sounds like something our whole family would love, & the shuttle would be great because we won't have a car.

A couple of questions about the shuttle
Where do you catch it?
How much does it cost?
Approximately how long of a ride is it?

 

[Purseval]

Busch gardens is about 75 miles from Universal, almost all of that on an Interstate so it's about an hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic.

https://secure.mearstransportation.com/MearsExpress/BuschGardens.asp

The fare for round trip transportation is only $10.00 per person (payable at the Busch Gardens Service Desk once you arrive). Transportation is complimentary with the purchase of the Orlando Flex Ticket Plus or any Busch Gardens combination ticket.
Passengers are responsible for transportation to and from the designated pickup and dropoff locations in and around the Orlando area. Mears Taxi services are available at a minimal charge by calling (407) 422-2222.
Arrival time at Busch Gardens is subject to change: could be as late as 11:30 a.m.
Departure time from Busch Gardens depends on park closing time. Please call the number below for exact departure time.
# of stops for each shuttle are not determined until day of trip. Your shuttle could potentially have a maximum of 3 stops on the route.
For additional information please call 1-800-221-1339.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Great info. Purseval.
Thanks so much!!!

 

[inkkognito]

If you want to see some pictures and more detail on the Roller Coaster Insider Tour, click here for my report. My fave is the one on the brake run with Montu behind us.

Busch as VIP tours for the rides too. We haven't done one of those, but we did a private Howl-O-Scream tour and it was great. Mostly focused on the houses, but there was also a small group meeting with their head creative guy. Much cheaper than Uni's HHN tours, so anyone who is there around Oct. should check it out.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Very cool inkkognito! Loved the pics & info.

 

[inkkognito]

I did think of one thing that could be a problem. The tour was only offered first thing in the morning when we did it, and I don't know if they have expanded the times. That means the bus might get you there too late. Alternately, you could rent a car for the day. Busch is really, really easy to get to via I-4. It's just a little over an hour from Orlando.

 

[schumigirl]

Sorry to bounce in..........I wasn`t aware Universal did any VIP tours, apart from HHN`s.

Can anyone please enlighten me to what they are and can they be booked in advance???

Thanks

 

[donaldduck352]

Sorry to bounce in..........I wasn`t aware Universal did any VIP tours, apart from HHN`s.

Can anyone please enlighten me to what they are and can they be booked in advance???

Thanks

Here is the link.


http://www.universalorlando.com/Tickets/viptours.aspx?ComponentId=1173&SourcePageId=11424#3

 

[lachica]

Yes you can book them in advance 407-363-8295.