Universal HHN RIP Tour plethora of information thread

[HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro]

Hey All!

Longtime reader, first time poster. I saw a lot of people gearing up for HHN at Universal and as a 9+ year veteran of attending the event I thought I'd post some REAL PERSON information regarding the RIP tours. Every year that I have gone to HHN I have done so utilizing the RIP tours...so hopefully I can provide any first timer with valuable information as to what you really get, and what it really consists of from a non-marketing point of view.

When you first make your reservations you'll do so with a dedicated group at the park which handles the tours...they handle pretty much all aspects of any special tour Universal offers (even non-HHN related). They are always really pleasant and will help you with any travel/prep questions you may have. The #1 key to remember when attending using RIP tours is BE-ON-TIME...no...BE EARLY... When you arrive at the park, you will goto the "VIP/TOUR" area which will be clearly marked. Upon arriving you will check in and you will receive your pass/necklace for the evening. After getting settled you have a nice assortment of "treats" to eat/drink while you wait for your tour to begin. They have canned soda/bottled water/juice to choose from as well as brownies/cookies/and various other pastry choices. There is no limit as to how much you can eat/drink and it's setup like a buffet.

Your tourguide will eventually call your group and you will assemble and get quick instructions on what your night will consist of. The focus of your evening will be on the halloween events in the park, but you will also most likely get to go on the major attraction rides as well.. It's important to remember that you will not have to wait in ANY lines during your tour...the most you will have to wait is behind another RIP tour group which is usually just a matter of a couple minutes. You will go through all of the scare zones in the park, and you will also go through each haunted house... If your group really wants to go through a house again, usually your tour guide will allow this, or they may double back that way again at the end of your tour...the tour guides are very nice/funny/full of info during the tour.. Just remember there will be other people in your group (for the non-private tours) so you don't have your OWN "run of the group"...but I've always had a very nice atmosphere, I could just be lucky thought, your mileage may vary on that.

You will also get to see the Halloween shows of the event..This year that will include Bill and Teds Excellent Halloween Adventure as well as Brian Brushwoods magic show... Bill and Teds is a staple of Halloween Horror Nights and it's almost always a pretty cool show. Your RIP tour includes reserved seating for these shows and your guide will seat you.. There is also a small break (45 mins) during your tour so that you can grab some food/drink and give your guide a small break...

It's also important to note that after your tour is over, your necklace/RIP tour pass allows you to go on ANY opened non-halloween attraction via the EXPRESS Pass line...and it is unlimited for the rest of the evening. This access does NOT include the haunted houses which you can go through at your own leisure but you have to wait in the normal line after your tour is over...

The tour can seem pretty pricey, but if you're only going to be going for one night to HHN during a Friday/Saturday you will not believe how helpful it is... On these nights some of the waits can be 90-120 mins for a SINGLE house... and it also GUARANTEES that you will be able to see EVERYTHING during your one night... if you are going multiple nights I do NOT suggest you do the RIP tour... I prefer to go during peak nights one time a year as I like the atmosphere having a lot of people in the park, compared to going on an off-peak night where it sometimes can be hit or miss atmosphere wise.

Sorry for the long post but tried to get as much info as possible and there is a lot more to it...I hope that I can answer any real world questions for anybody contemplating doing it.. it's a really fun time and definitely something you'd want to experience if you can not attend often...

 

[Marquibiri]

Amazing!

Thanks for the detailed info!
I have become a HHN fan, but haven't done the tours yet. I usually attend with a small group so haven't decided to do this yet. .. but I will, in the near future!

Cheers!

Marquibiri

 

[HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro]

Amazing!

Thanks for the detailed info!

Marquibiri

Just hope I can answer any questions anyone may have regarding it.
It's also best to go to HHN towards the middle-end of October.
Often they are working through "kinks" and making slight changes at the start of October...by the time mid-October comes along everything is in high gear and really clicking

Don't forget it could be some of the actors first year performing, so it takes them a little bit to get used to it.

Enjoy!

 

[donaldduck352]

Very detailed info.Love it!!!

 

[patster734]

A cool thing from last year's RIP tour is that the theater model that was used on the HHN website was on display near the RIP tour waiting area.

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid...2594937027147:-2.44764420223196&p=0:0&t=False

 

[JessicaR]

Do they offer an AP discount for the RIP tour?

 

[HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro]

Do they offer an AP discount for the RIP tour?

There are no discounts offered for the RIP tour.
You'd be surprised how quickly spots fill up for it too...

It seems very expensive but if you want to see everything, guaranteed, in one night it's well worth the price. Also if you choose to go on a peak night (Fri or Saturday) the park is open until 2am. so if you book one of the first tours of the evening you will have PLENTY of time afterwards to go on all the normal rides that are opened as well...and since your RIP ticket acts as an Express pass for the rides until they close, you can compress a full day worth of park viewing in 7 hours.. (keep in mind some rides/shows are closed during HHN)

but since you have an AP that will not concern you...

 

[JessicaR]

There are no discounts offered for the RIP tour.
You'd be surprised how quickly spots fill up for it too...

It seems very expensive but if you want to see everything, guaranteed, in one night it's well worth the price. Also if you choose to go on a peak night (Fri or Saturday) the park is open until 2am. so if you book one of the first tours of the evening you will have PLENTY of time afterwards to go on all the normal rides that are opened as well...and since your RIP ticket acts as an Express pass for the rides until they close, you can compress a full day worth of park viewing in 7 hours.. (keep in mind some rides/shows are closed during HHN)

but since you have an AP that will not concern you...

Oh! I just hung up and there is a 10% discount offered for the RIP tour with an AP. I booked for a family of 5!!! wooo hooo

 

[patster734]

Oh! I just hung up and there is a 10% discount offered for the RIP tour with an AP. I booked for a family of 5!!! wooo hooo

Awesome! I went on my first RIP tour a couple years ago and was hooked.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

There are no discounts offered for the RIP tour.

... if you have an annual pass, you do get a discount on the RIP tour ... this has been available every year since we've been doing them (2003)

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Just to clarify some information posted by HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro

After getting settled you have a nice assortment of "treats" to eat/drink while you wait for your tour to begin. They have canned soda/bottled water/juice to choose from as well as brownies/cookies/and various other pastry choices. There is no limit as to how much you can eat/drink and it's setup like a buffet.

As I mentioned previously - we have been doing HHN RIP tours since 2003 and the only thing available to tour guests is a cash bar while waiting for your tour guide.

There is also a small break (45 mins) during your tour so that you can grab some food/drink and give your guide a small break...

Unfortunately this is only for the private tours. Non-private tours do not get a break as they are only 4 hours in length.


For anyone thinking of doing a RIP tour, the following is the official information received from VIP Tours regarding the RIP tours. Also, please note that the price of your RIP tour does not include admission to the event. You must also purchase a HHN ticket for the night you want to do the RIP Tour.

Non-Private RIP Tours
Indulge in an evening of unbridled terror. You and your party, along with other RIP Tour guests, will enjoy a structured, guided walking tour of one (1) Halloween Horror Nights® event night, including reserved seating for Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and priority VIP Access to all of our Haunted Houses.

Non-Peak Nights (Park closes at 12:00AM)
Sept. 24 & 30, Oct. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 28 & 31
Non-Peak, Non-Private RIP Tours begin at either 7:00PM or 8:00PM and last approximately four (4) hours. Tour groups consist of up to twelve (12) guests*. After your tour, your RIP Tour Credential will grant you Universal Express® access to our regular attractions but will not grant express access to the haunted houses or shows.

Price: $150.00 per person, plus tax and event admission.

Peak Nights (Park closes at 2:00AM)
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30
Peak Non-Private RIP Tours begin at either 7:00PM, 8:00PM or 9:00PM and last approximately four (4) hours. Tour groups consist of up to twelve (12) guests*. After your tour, your RIP Tour Credential will grant you Universal Express® access to our regular attractions but will not grant express access to the haunted houses or shows.

Price: $175.00 per person, plus tax and event admission

*Groups of more than eight (8) guests will be required to purchase a Private RIP Tour. Non-Private Tour guest requests to be in the same tour group as other Non-Private Tour parties cannot be guaranteed.


Private RIP Tours
The consummate choice for the true connoisseur of carnage and chaos. You and your party of up to twelve (12) will enjoy a guided walking tour of one (1) Halloween Horror Nights® event night. As the tour will consist of just your family or group, the choice is yours as to how to spend your evening. Your tour can be tailored to the interests of your group to include not only the Halloween Horror Nights® haunted houses and shows, but access to select park attractions as well.

Non-Peak Nights (Park closes at 12:00AM)
Sept. 24 & 30, Oct. 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28 & 31
The start time of the tour can be scheduled to your convenience (earliest, and recommended start time is 7:00PM) and ends at 12:00AM. Tour groups consist of up to twelve (12) guests. There is a mandatory forty-five (45) minute break built into the tour.

Price: $1,500.00 per group of up to twelve, plus tax and event admission.

Peak Nights (Park closes at 2:00AM)
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30
The start time of the tour can be scheduled to your convenience (earliest, and recommended start time is 7:00PM) and ends at 2:00AM. Tour groups consist of up to twelve (12) guests. There is a mandatory forty-five (45) minute break built into the tour.

Price: $1,800.00 per group of up to twelve, plus tax and event admission.

RIP Tours are currently not available on the nights of September 25 & October 9

To reserve your RIP Tour, check on tour availability or have any questions, please contact us at either (407) 363-8295, or email us at viptours@universalorlando.com
Reservations can be made seven days a week between the hours of 9:00AM and 6:00PM, EST.

Please Note:

RIP Tours are subject to availability and advanced reservations are strongly recommended.​

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Full payment via credit card is taken at the time of booking (no more than two credit cards per booking)​

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Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult while on tour.​

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Tour prices do not include Halloween Horror Nights® event admission.​

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Each guest in the group must have the appropriate event admission in order to take part in the RIP Tour.​

​

RIP guides reserve the right to remove guests from, or cease the tour entirely at any time for any reason.​

 

[HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro]

As I mentioned previously - we have been doing HHN RIP tours since 2003 and the only thing available to tour guests is a cash bar while waiting for your tour guide

I should have noted that I attend both the HHN in Orlando and the HHN in Hollywood depending on the year...In Hollywood it's a full buffet style snacks as described above..HHN in Orlando used to do the same when it was located in Islands of Adventure..sorry for not clarifying as I was talking RIP in general (until questions were asked).

Unfortunately this is only for the private tours. Non-private tours do not get a break as they are only 4 hours in length.

Correct.. I was not talking Public/Private tours moreso RIP info in general. Was a lot to post to begin with not knowing if anyone would be interested! I could have posted the info from the website, but I know when someone sees it the price seems ridiculous and ponder "do I really need to do that?!?"... It's really tough to discern how much of a good deal it is from a first time attendee.

 

[Metro West]

It's too much additional money for me to spend after purchasing the FFP and I tend to go to HHN five or six times a year so I get to see everything...Ahh the joys of living in Orlando.

 

[keishashadow]

Correct.. I was not talking Public/Private tours moreso RIP info in general. Was a lot to post to begin with not knowing if anyone would be interested! I could have posted the info from the website, but I know when someone sees it the price seems ridiculous and ponder "do I really need to do that?!?"... It's really tough to discern how much of a good deal it is from a first time attendee.

all it takes is 1 visit to realize that if you'll only be able to attend 1 HHN, unless u r prepared to pick & choose between all that is available/wait in wildly long lines on the weekends; imo an express pass is essential to retain one's sanity.

when i realized express passes would be in the $80 range pp for our night this year, the non-private RIP tours (that i had always considered ridiculously pricey) for another $70 or so became far more appealing.

 

[JessicaR]

all it takes is 1 visit to realize that if you'll only be able to attend 1 HHN, unless u r prepared to pick & choose between all that is available/wait in wildly long lines on the weekends; imo an express pass is essential to retain one's sanity.

when i realized express passes would be in the $80 range pp for our night this year, the non-private RIP tours (that i had always considered ridiculously pricey) for another $70 or so became far more appealing.

Same for us and this will be our 3rd RIP tour! We're debating on doing one more night with just entrance but I think that could make me crazy.

 

[keishashadow]

Same for us and this will be our 3rd RIP tour! We're debating on doing one more night with just entrance but I think that could make me crazy.

we had express passes and our very own personal tour guide (friend) our 1st trip, otherwise we'd have been totally sunk.

im sure it's different if u r a vet or resident who does the frequent fear, but for those who need to make the most of their night, either EP or RIP is the way to go imo.

yes, it's more money, who doesn't expect to spend it when they're on vacationeasy enough to prioritize and cut back somewhere else in the trip

 

[HHN-RIP-Tour-Pro]

It's too much additional money for me to spend after purchasing the FFP and I tend to go to HHN five or six times a year so I get to see everything...Ahh the joys of living in Orlando.

I live between Orlando and California but I prefer to only go to the event once a year.. I totally agree with you, if you attend multiple nights and want to just take your time and linger around the RIP tour does NOTHING for you.

I enjoy going on a really busy peak night and waiting in line for 1-2 hours for some of the houses is just too much.. The Express passes are almost $80 on a peak night.. the extra cost is worth it for a one time visit IMHO...

Really depends on how you enjoy visiting the event!

when i realized express passes would be in the $80 range pp for our night this year, the non-private RIP tours (that i had always considered ridiculously pricey) for another $70 or so became far more appealing.

My wife wouldn't have it any other way.. she is a real whiner about lines!. I went one time in 2000 without doing the RIP tour and some of the lines were 90+ mins each.. didn't even have time to see everything 100%.

If your group really likes a certain house and wants to do it a 2nd time, the guide can usually make it happen. They are in general a lot more flexible than the reservation taker on the phone may allude to. They just don't want to over promise/under deliver.

Same for us and this will be our 3rd RIP tour! We're debating on doing one more night with just entrance but I think that could make me crazy.

If you don't mind me asking how has your overall experience been on the tour? Do you usually try to request the same guide each year? I can't believe it's only a littler more than a month away until we are going...

 

[JessicaR]

If you don't mind me asking how has your overall experience been on the tour? Do you usually try to request the same guide each year? I can't believe it's only a littler more than a month away until we are going...

Overall - worth its weight in gold! Yes requested in the past butTour Guide is no longer there at this time. I am working on having a super-spectacular tour (guide). When you going?