Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Ticket
The VIP Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience, where you’ll explore movie sets, enjoy priority access to rides, and skip long lines.
With a personalized guide, you’ll dive deeper into Hollywood magic, enjoy gourmet meals, and receive VIP treatment throughout the day.
If you’re seeking a luxurious experience with special perks and exclusive access, this is the ultimate way to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood.
What to Expect: Video
Is the VIP Tour Worth It?
The VIP Tour is ideal for those looking to avoid long wait times at rides while enjoying exclusive perks. This ticket provides special access to the highly popular Super Nintendo World, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which is not available with standard tickets.
Along with VIP dining and valet parking, the VIP Tour offers a personalized studio tour and many other luxuries. You’ll even skip the hassle of ride lockers—just hand your bag to your tour guide, and they’ll take care of it while you enjoy the ride.
From reserved seating at WaterWorld to access to private lounges and a dedicated guide, the VIP Tour guarantees you a premium experience.
Duration, Inclusions & Cost of the VIP Experience
Duration & Group Size
- Tour Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
- Group Size: Limited to 13 guests per tour, ensuring a personalized experience
VIP Tour Inclusions
- Park Admission: One-day entry to Universal Studios Hollywood
- Valet Parking: Complimentary valet service upon arrival
- Express Access: Unlimited Universal Express access to all rides, attractions, and shows
- Guided Tour: Expert-led exploration of the Universal Backlot
- Studio Tour: Extended version with behind-the-scenes insights
- Meals: Continental breakfast & gourmet buffet lunch in a private dining room
- Refreshments: Complimentary beverages, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Priority Seating: Reserved spots at select live shows, such as WaterWorld
Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: 5 years old to participate
- Accompaniment: Guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
Meeting Location
VIP Reception: Located to the right of the main entrance, next to Will Call. Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.
Cost of VIP Experience
Prices typically start around $359 per person, varying based on date and availability.
Book This TourWhat to expect at Universal Studio’s VIP Tour
The VIP Tour at Universal Studios is your ticket to an ultimate luxury theme park experience. Whether you’re a movie buff, thrill-seeker, or simply someone wanting to enjoy the park in style, the VIP Tour takes your visit to the next level. If you book a VIP tour, here is what you will experience during the five- to six-hour period at the park.
Arrival: VIP Perks Begin Right Away
The moment you arrive, you’ll notice the VIP treatment begins with valet parking at the entrance. No more wasting time searching for parking—simply hand your keys to the valet, and you’re set for the day. For those with electric or hybrid vehicles, the valet even offers free charging, so you can leave with a full battery!
Once you’ve parked, head to the VIP lounge, located to the right of the entrance, where you’ll check in, receive your lanyard and credentials, and enjoy some complimentary refreshments. The lounge offers bagels, sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and juice in an air-conditioned setting. At the VIP Experience Center, you will also receive sunscreen and lip balm.
Guided Tour: Exclusive Access and Comfort
Unlike the standard tram ride, the VIP tour uses a special trolley with extra seating and enhanced visibility. This comfort lets you switch sides for better views during 3D shows while your guide shares fascinating behind-the-scenes details.
One of the main perks is the ability to walk through famous sets. While regular guests only see from the tram, VIPs can hop off and explore Courthouse Square and New York Street, plus step inside real soundstages where TV shows and films are produced.
Your guide may also take you to special locations such as the Edith Head Costume and Prop Department, where you’ll see original props and costumes from Universal’s film history.
Priority Access: Skip the Lines
As a VIP guest, you’ll enjoy Unlimited Express Pass access to all rides and attractions. Whether tackling Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, or WaterWorld with reserved seating, you’ll save time and maximize fun. Even after the tour ends, your VIP lanyard doubles as an Express Pass for the rest of the day.
Gourmet Dining: A Taste of Luxury
Enjoy a one-hour gourmet buffet meal in the exclusive Moulin Rouge Dining Room, with dishes like mushroom risotto, melon and prosciutto, and caprese salad. You’ll also meet Universal characters while indulging in desserts and drinks.
WaterWorld & Other VIP Benefits
Another highlight of the VIP tour is premium seating at WaterWorld, Universal’s thrilling stunt show. Forget the scramble for seats — your VIP ticket guarantees a prime view of this action-packed spectacle.
Tour Duration and Flexibility
The VIP Tour lasts at least 5 hours, but can extend depending on your group’s preferences. While there is a structured itinerary, including the Studio Tour, WaterWorld, and a meal in the VIP dining room, your guide can adjust the tour based on your interests and input.
Want to visit specific rides or shows? Your guide can help make that happen. The maximum group size is just 13 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience than the general tours.
VIP Ticket: Premium Experience at a Slightly Higher Cost than Express Pass
Let’s break down the numbers to show you just how much value the VIP Tour offers at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The VIP Tour starts at $359 per person, depending on the date, while a regular Express Pass costs anywhere between $199 and $339. To upgrade to an Unlimited Express Pass, the additional cost is $40–$50.
Now, let’s factor in some other costs: lunch and snacks at the park will likely run you $20–$30 per person, and if you’re driving, parking will cost $35–$75 for your entire group.
When you tally everything up, the VIP Tour might just cost a little more, but it’s a worthwhile investment for a seamless experience that lets you skip the lines, enjoy VIP perks like gourmet meals, and truly feel like a VIP while you make the most of your day at the park.
VIP Tour vs Express Pass: A Comparison
| Feature | VIP Tour | Express Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher (starting at $359 per person) | More affordable ($199 – $339) |
| Access to Rides | Priority access + unlimited Express access for the day | Skip-the-line access for each ride once |
| Studio Tour | Full tour with behind-the-scenes access, walking through sets | Standard tram tour |
| Tour Duration | Minimum 5 hours | No specific duration |
| Group Size | Up to 13 people per tour | Larger group size |
| Valet Parking | Included | Not included |
| Food | All-you-can-eat gourmet meal in VIP room | Not included |
| Behind-the-Scenes Access | Access to working movie sets & soundstages | No access to movie sets |
| WaterWorld Reserved Seating | Included | Not included |
| Personalized Experience | Yes, with a personal guide | No, self-guided |
Where to book your VIP Tour Ticket?
You can book your Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Tour online or call the theme park’s dedicated VIP tour office at (818) 622-8477 for pricing and availability.
However, we suggest booking your VIP tour online, as they are limited and tend to sell out, especially during peak seasons such as summer, holidays, or special events like Halloween Horror Nights.
Premier ticket booking company Viator offers Universal’s VIP Tour, with the option to cancel 24 hours before the visit. We suggest this because it gives you that extra bit of control over your planning.
Find out moreThings to know before booking VIP Tour
If you’re considering the VIP Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, here are some important details to help you plan your experience:
- Tour Duration: The VIP Tour lasts a minimum of 5 hours, providing ample time to explore and experience the park. Be prepared for a mostly walking tour, focusing on key attractions, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive perks.
- Group Size: Each VIP tour group is limited to 13 guests, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience. Please note that rides and experiences are selected as a group, so you may not have the opportunity to choose every activity during the tour.
- Age Requirements: Guests must be at least 5 years old to join the VIP tour. If you have younger children or prefer a private VIP experience, Universal offers a higher-priced option with no age minimum (Contact them at (818) 622-8477 for price and availability). Additionally, guests must be 17 or older to participate without an accompanying adult.
- Reservation Changes: If you need to modify your VIP Tour reservation, you can do so up to 48 hours before your visit. You can reach the VIP Tour desk directly at 818-622-8477 for any changes or questions.
- Valet Parking Included: Valet parking is included with your VIP experience, so you can skip the hassle of finding a parking spot and head straight to the action.
- Meal Included: Your VIP experience includes a gourmet meal at one of Universal Studios’ exclusive dining spots, like the Moulin Rouge dining room. Enjoy character dining as part of the experience and indulge in a wide selection of delicious food, all at no extra charge.
- Universal Express Unlimited: With your VIP Tour, you receive Universal Express Unlimited, which lets you skip the lines for all rides and attractions for the rest of your day at the park.
- No Need for Ride Lockers: Forget the hassle of ride lockers—as a VIP, you can hand your belongings to your tour guide while you ride and they’ll hold onto them for you.
- Exclusive Access to Experiences: Depending on availability, your VIP guide will escort you to exclusive backlot sets, soundstages, and other behind-the-scenes locations, subject to availability (based on production schedules).
- Explore & Shop: You’ll have plenty of free time before or after the tour to shop, explore, or enjoy the park at your leisure.
- Halloween Horror Nights & Special Tours: If you visit during the Halloween season, consider the RIP Tour, a VIP experience that takes you through Halloween Horror Nights attractions. Alternatively, you can check out the Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour for an exclusive experience during special events.
- No Planning Needed: One of the best parts about the VIP Tour is that there’s no planning required before your visit. Your expert guide will take care of everything, ensuring you make the most of your day without any hassle.
Can children join the VIP Experience?
Hi Matilda, yes indeed. However the minimum age to join the VIP tour is 5 years. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
I have a family of ten members. Can I book a VIP Tour for such a large group?
Yes Derek, if you want to do a group booking of VIP Tour, you can use Viator link in this article. In one order, you can book only five VIP tour tickets – but you can book multiple times.