VIP Tour Review

[jcjen519]

We love using the VIP service. It makes the day so much more relaxed. We did it the first time for my grandmother who was 100 so she could enjoy some things in the heat last summer and we have continued to use it ever since. OP--thanks for posting this, when we were considering using the service originally we couldn't find much in the way of reviews.

We have done it with just the three of us as well as with more people and we really find it makes for a better day with so much more accomplished in a short time period.

 

[Jennygt]

Thanks to op for posting, fun to read about such a splurge

 

[Jing]

Great review! I plan on doing this or similar in the future when we will not be able to travel during off-peak, particularly if I can rope my parents into coming along and accepting it as a gift.

 

[crowls]

Great post - thank you!! We have been looking for this info, it is a little scarce to come by. I think you have convinced me to go ahead and book a VIP day for our family!

I saw a few questions above - sorry but have to throw in my few cents as well: This is a complete splurge, granted - however for some who come from afar, spend thousands in airfare to get there (+other expenses) this is actually a very reasonable fee if it allows for you to be more comfortable and creates an easier atmosphere for you to enjoy the parks.

Also, just a FYI for anyone who is looking for the Universal VIP info.......here is what I received: (Note: Universal package is only for 5 guests)
The Private VIP Experience:
As the only guests with the VIP Guide, your experience can be tailored to the interests of your party, visiting the rides and attractions you most want to see while being provided with information about the parks and resort you are most interested in.
The Private VIP Experience generally departs at 10:00AM EST, but can be scheduled to your convenience (within normal park operating hours) if booked at least 2 weeks in advance of your visit. Private VIP Experiences last up to 8 consecutive hours, 1 hour of which is a meal break mid-way through where you will be provided with complimentary dining at one of our award-winning, full service restaurants (Lombard’s Landing Seafood Grill or Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida, Mythos or The Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure).
Single Park Private VIP Experience – the choice is yours as to how to spend your day at either Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,599 per party of up to 5 guests, $325 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
Park-to-Park Private VIP Experience – offers you the choice as to how to spend your day visiting both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $3,199 per party of up to 5 guests, $400 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)

 

[mesaboy2]

Great post - thank you!! We have been looking for this info, it is a little scarce to come by. I think you have convinced me to go ahead and book a VIP day for our family!

I saw a few questions above - sorry but have to throw in my few cents as well: This is a complete splurge, granted - however for some who come from afar, spend thousands in airfare to get there (+other expenses) this is actually a very reasonable fee if it allows for you to be more comfortable and creates an easier atmosphere for you to enjoy the parks.

Also, just a FYI for anyone who is looking for the Universal VIP info.......here is what I received: (Note: Universal package is only for 5 guests)
The Private VIP Experience:
As the only guests with the VIP Guide, your experience can be tailored to the interests of your party, visiting the rides and attractions you most want to see while being provided with information about the parks and resort you are most interested in.
The Private VIP Experience generally departs at 10:00AM EST, but can be scheduled to your convenience (within normal park operating hours) if booked at least 2 weeks in advance of your visit. Private VIP Experiences last up to 8 consecutive hours, 1 hour of which is a meal break mid-way through where you will be provided with complimentary dining at one of our award-winning, full service restaurants (Lombard’s Landing Seafood Grill or Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida, Mythos or The Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure).
Single Park Private VIP Experience – the choice is yours as to how to spend your day at either Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,599 per party of up to 5 guests, $325 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
Park-to-Park Private VIP Experience – offers you the choice as to how to spend your day visiting both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $3,199 per party of up to 5 guests, $400 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)

This description is consistent with my recent experience. We were a party of seven and did park-to-park, but I do not know what my host paid for it. All I know is it was most awesome.

 

[staceyeileen]

Just for comparison's sake, Universal's version of this includes true "front-of-the-line" everywhere and a nice lunch. Like WDW you still have to pay for tickets separately.

When I did the Universal tour, I also remember getting a small gift card to cover the cost of some snacks throughout the day. Not much, like $10. Enough for a butter beer.

 

[mesaboy2]

When I did the Universal tour, I also remember getting a small gift card to cover the cost of some snacks throughout the day. Not much, like $10. Enough for a butter beer.

We did not get that. We did qualify for a discount on any merch we bought while on the tour, but I didn't see anything different from prior visits that I wanted.

I forgot our guide also fetched some ponchos for us when it started raining, and all on-ride photos were included (but not the video from HRRR).

 

[kaytieeldr]

You got to go straight to the FP line, but not to the front of the line. So you could have done that a minimum of 3 times per day anyway. We actually used 8 FPs on our last trip to MK in one day. Spend a few days and you could easily have that many FPs.

But tgey were able to experience 15 or 16 attractions that way in six hours - instead of across five days. I'd do it if it were in my own price range.

 

[twodogs]

Thank you for this detailed and current review. We are thinking of using this service when we visit this May, with my daughters (7 and 9) and my parents (very fit). We hope to hit all 4 parks in about 8-9 hours of this service, though I am not sure it is doable? We won't have to manage a stroller, so that my help our speed a little... We have fans of the big thrill rides, and those that think TSM is a "thrill ride"! I am wondering if the guide can put part of the group in one FP line, and then take the rest of the group to another nearby ride in that FP line? It sounds like M&G are allowed with the service (someone gave a review from 2013 saying they were not included, but that was prior to FP+)? Also, why is ETWB not included, as I think it has FP+? Any other rides off limits? Did you do any shows or fireworks/parades with the guide's help?

I can't answer for anyone other than myself on why this service might be worth it for our family. We have been to WDW twice and DLR once in the last 4 years (all in May) and have never used the service. However, this past May many, many rides were closed for refurbishment at DLR while we were there (they were getting ready for the 60th anniversary this year). Lines were pretty awful on the limited rides that were open, and even though we went at RD, used FP- to the max and used a touring plan, there were a lot of long lines and we didn't get to do as much as we had hoped. We have limited time to go to Disney in general (once a year at most), and since I own my business, when I am away on vacation, I am paying overhead and making nothing. So for me, the time I take off needs to be maximized. I agree that we could do the same number of rides by using FP+ for several days in each park, but I can't do that with my business. So we are going to try this for one day, to try to get in the top priorities for everyone, and then enjoy the few other days of our trip in the parks at a more leisurely pace. It certainly is not everyone's choice of how to spend their vacation budget (and hasn't been mine, up until this trip), but hopefully it works for us this time. I will report back...

 

[Meriweather]

Glad it worked out well for you.
I would never pay that much. That would pay for our annual passes and airfare and we could just stay longer and do all the parks at a leisurely pace.....which we do anyway.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I could see us paying for something like this (although I would rather have some sort of golden FP than have to walk around with someone). My husband's vacation days can be limited and sometimes we can only get down for a short trip. So if you don't have a lot of days, you can get more done with this way in a short amount of time. Even moreso if you are limited to going during the crowded weeks.

Also, everyone's financial situation is different. For some folks (not talking about myself or anyone on this thread but in general), the price may not be that big of a deal.

 

[disneynutz]

Okay, I'm not trying to be totally snarky, but am trying to understand exactly what you're paying for.

You had a private shuttle. Nice enough. You could also hire a taxi if that's a concern.

They kids got stuffed Minnies. Eh.

You got to go straight to the FP line, but not to the front of the line. So you could have done that a minimum of 3 times per day anyway. We actually used 8 FPs on our last trip to MK in one day. Spend a few days and you could easily have that many FPs.

You still had to pay for tickets/hoppers. You still had to pay for lunch.

Sounds like the "guide" didn't know a whole lot more about special Disney things than any regular reader on these boards.

I just don't get the value added for that exorbitant price tag. Is it just to be called a VIP for the day? Is it really just a time constraint? I know Disney prices are crazy for almost everything, but this just seems to be really above and beyond without getting much in return--other than a little time savings. I'd rather just add an extra day or two (for much less than $2400!!!!) and do just as much at just as leisurely a pace.

I must be missing something....

Not missing anything, Disney is in business to make money and everyone has a different idea of what things are worth.

As far as CM interaction, on all of the different tours that we have been on, the CM interaction and tour experience has been mixed.

Bill

 

[disneynutz]

There are some new tours now that are similar, but a little less and less expensive. I just got an email about them within the last week. They are called the "Ultimate Day" VIP tours. The two that are available now are "for Young Kids" and "for Thrill Seekers" I think. They are going to have others in the future.

They are similar with multiple parks and transportation, but they are priced at a flat rate. $299 per person (DVC discount of 20% available) for 7 hours. I was considering it, it would be about $1000ish for my family after the discount.

It appears that both go to MK, DHS, and AK.

I think these are intended to be a little more "pre-packaged" vs customized.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

My understanding is that these tours are done in mixed groups where you are taken in a group on the tour.

Bill

 

[drnp]

Thank you for this detailed and current review. We are thinking of using this service when we visit this May, with my daughters (7 and 9) and my parents (very fit). We hope to hit all 4 parks in about 8-9 hours of this service, though I am not sure it is doable? We won't have to manage a stroller, so that my help our speed a little... We have fans of the big thrill rides, and those that think TSM is a "thrill ride"! I am wondering if the guide can put part of the group in one FP line, and then take the rest of the group to another nearby ride in that FP line? It sounds like M&G are allowed with the service (someone gave a review from 2013 saying they were not included, but that was prior to FP+)? Also, why is ETWB not included, as I think it has FP+? Any other rides off limits? Did you do any shows or fireworks/parades with the guide's help?

I think you can do all 4 in 9 hours, depending on how long/how many rides you want to do in each. (if just thrill rides at each like all the mountains, TT, RNR, ToT, etc, i think you can). 3 parks in that time limit should be absolutely no problem considering how close DHS and EP are, again depending on how many attractions in each you want. We didn't split our group up, so not sure what is allowed. She did stay with us until the second FP checkpoint (bc remember your magic bands won't have an FP loaded on it) so they can't just drop you off at the entrance and take another group away to another ride. All rides are allowed, but if it has an FP line, you get to use it without having an FP+. Not sure why ETWB was excluded, but it was stated on the confirmation letter we received as the only attraction that has FP+ that we couldn't use the guide to take us through. But considering it is about 30 mins to do, we didn't want to spend our tour time doing it anyway. We got FP+ for it the next day and just did it then. We didn't do any shows or fireworks (I actually used my FP+ that day on Illuminations bc I didn't have to worry about getting one for TT or Soarin), but she did tell us we would get preferred seating for any parades, shows, etc we wanted to if we were still on tour. Again, we just felt that as we were being billed for the time, we didn't want to use up any significant chunk of it during a show. She did tell us if we did a show, that she could try to make sure we got picked out of the audience for any volunteer type activities if we wanted.

If a M&G has an FP entrance like Ariel, Anna/Elsa, Cindy/Rapunzel do, then yes you can use the guide to go through the FP entrance.

She did offer to get us in a TS even though we didn't have a reservation, we just needed to give her about an hour notice and she would set it up. But we had BOG reservations the next day and we wanted to do a QS since the girls weren't going to eat much anyway so we did Harbour House.

 

[jon18uk]

Great post - thank you!! We have been looking for this info, it is a little scarce to come by. I think you have convinced me to go ahead and book a VIP day for our family!

I saw a few questions above - sorry but have to throw in my few cents as well: This is a complete splurge, granted - however for some who come from afar, spend thousands in airfare to get there (+other expenses) this is actually a very reasonable fee if it allows for you to be more comfortable and creates an easier atmosphere for you to enjoy the parks.

Also, just a FYI for anyone who is looking for the Universal VIP info.......here is what I received: (Note: Universal package is only for 5 guests)
The Private VIP Experience:
As the only guests with the VIP Guide, your experience can be tailored to the interests of your party, visiting the rides and attractions you most want to see while being provided with information about the parks and resort you are most interested in.
The Private VIP Experience generally departs at 10:00AM EST, but can be scheduled to your convenience (within normal park operating hours) if booked at least 2 weeks in advance of your visit. Private VIP Experiences last up to 8 consecutive hours, 1 hour of which is a meal break mid-way through where you will be provided with complimentary dining at one of our award-winning, full service restaurants (Lombard’s Landing Seafood Grill or Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida, Mythos or The Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure).
Single Park Private VIP Experience – the choice is yours as to how to spend your day at either Universal Studios Florida OR Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,599 per party of up to 5 guests, $325 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
Park-to-Park Private VIP Experience – offers you the choice as to how to spend your day visiting both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Pricing:
 Standard - $2,899 per party of up to 5 guests, $350 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)
 Peak^ - $3,199 per party of up to 5 guests, $400 per each additional guest (no more than 10 guests maximum per guide)

For comparison we did the VIP tour at Universal Hollywood. Although the standard VIP option isn't a private tour (there are other strangers with you unles you pay more for a private tour) we only had five guests on our tour (us two and three others) and so it almost felt private. This tour consisted of breakfast, a 3-4 hour tour of the working backlot, including some stops (Back to the Future square, Phsycho House) a walk through of the prop warehouse, the rest of the tour (Jaws, Kong etc). Then into the theme park side of Uni Hollywood, rode Simpsons, ate lunch (buffet included), watched Waterworld, rode the rest of the rides with front of the line access and the tourguide to look after bags! The once the guide left about 3pm we could keep using front of the line access (Uni's equivilant to the Fastpass entrance) to re-ride or to watch the few shows we didn't see with the guide. At the time this tour (including parking, breakfast, lunch, entry, VIP backlot tour, front of the line rides and a merchandise discount) was $249! Now its $299-$349 I think. But still I thonk this is a pretty good price when park entry and express pass for one time only on each ride is from $149.

 

[twodogs]

I think you can do all 4 in 9 hours, depending on how long/how many rides you want to do in each. (if just thrill rides at each like all the mountains, TT, RNR, ToT, etc, i think you can). 3 parks in that time limit should be absolutely no problem considering how close DHS and EP are, again depending on how many attractions in each you want. We didn't split our group up, so not sure what is allowed. She did stay with us until the second FP checkpoint (bc remember your magic bands won't have an FP loaded on it) so they can't just drop you off at the entrance and take another group away to another ride. All rides are allowed, but if it has an FP line, you get to use it without having an FP+. Not sure why ETWB was excluded, but it was stated on the confirmation letter we received as the only attraction that has FP+ that we couldn't use the guide to take us through. But considering it is about 30 mins to do, we didn't want to spend our tour time doing it anyway. We got FP+ for it the next day and just did it then. We didn't do any shows or fireworks (I actually used my FP+ that day on Illuminations bc I didn't have to worry about getting one for TT or Soarin), but she did tell us we would get preferred seating for any parades, shows, etc we wanted to if we were still on tour. Again, we just felt that as we were being billed for the time, we didn't want to use up any significant chunk of it during a show. She did tell us if we did a show, that she could try to make sure we got picked out of the audience for any volunteer type activities if we wanted.

If a M&G has an FP entrance like Ariel, Anna/Elsa, Cindy/Rapunzel do, then yes you can use the guide to go through the FP entrance.

She did offer to get us in a TS even though we didn't have a reservation, we just needed to give her about an hour notice and she would set it up. But we had BOG reservations the next day and we wanted to do a QS since the girls weren't going to eat much anyway so we did Harbour House.

Thank you so much for this very helpful information. I agree with your assessment about the best use of the time not being in ETWB and shows/parades (I guess unless it is the last thing of the day, they get you in and leave). You have given me so very valuable points to think about regarding how to best use our time and budget. I agree as well about TS lunch, as my kids are not the best eaters at those types of places, so we may end up at Harbor House too! Thanks again for the information!!

 

[pumpkin_tx1]

For comparison we did the VIP tour at Universal Hollywood. Although the standard VIP option isn't a private tour (there are other strangers with you unles you pay more for a private tour) we only had five guests on our tour (us two and three others) and so it almost felt private. This tour consisted of breakfast, a 3-4 hour tour of the working backlot, including some stops (Back to the Future square, Phsycho House) a walk through of the prop warehouse, the rest of the tour (Jaws, Kong etc). Then into the theme park side of Uni Hollywood, rode Simpsons, ate lunch (buffet included), watched Waterworld, rode the rest of the rides with front of the line access and the tourguide to look after bags! The once the guide left about 3pm we could keep using front of the line access (Uni's equivilant to the Fastpass entrance) to re-ride or to watch the few shows we didn't see with the guide. At the time this tour (including parking, breakfast, lunch, entry, VIP backlot tour, front of the line rides and a merchandise discount) was $249! Now its $299-$349 I think. But still I thonk this is a pretty good price when park entry and express pass for one time only on each ride is from $149.

That does sound like a great deal! I think it sounds like you got much more bang for your buck than the VIP Disney offers.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

To me that didn't sound worth it, at all.

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself in just a bit more frugal with what I spend my money on.

Again, it's subjective matter, I'm just happy uou had a wonderful time.

 

[jon18uk]

That does sound like a great deal! I think it sounds like you got much more bang for your buck than the VIP Disney offers.

Just remember the VIP Experiance at Uni Hollywood isn't a private tour, you can't tell the guide where to go. If you say you have interests iin certain movies they will talk more about sets related to those, but they still have a set schedule. I think for an extra fee you can get a fully private tour such as what the OP did at Disney but I think it was a perfect halfway between regular guest and full private tour.

 

[baler31]

Thank you so much for this very helpful information. I agree with your assessment about the best use of the time not being in ETWB and shows/parades (I guess unless it is the last thing of the day, they get you in and leave). You have given me so very valuable points to think about regarding how to best use our time and budget. I agree as well about TS lunch, as my kids are not the best eaters at those types of places, so we may end up at Harbor House too! Thanks again for the information!!

We do all 4 on a 9-10 tour day every time. We start later in the day so that we can finish with the evening parade, Wishes and Fantasmic. We really like the tour for the parade views sitting on the Liberty Square bridge and it other than the actual parade/fireworks it does not take that much time. For Fantasmic they park in the back and take you up the stairs into the theatre and the show literally starts as soon as we take our seats.

Unlike the OP we always send our attraction list prior to the tour and the guide has it pre-arranged before we arrive. We do a lot of attractions on the tour so I would not call ours a leisurely pace. Most of the time we have asked the guide if they would like to ride and most of our guides have ridden with us. The teacups is the one ride that not one guide has ridden with us.

I do agree that ETWB and longer attractions that don't usually have a big wait may not be the ideal for the tour if you have more than one day. We really like the tours for the ability to repeat attractions.