Express Pass or VIP Tour
Which Universal Studios Hollywood ticket should you buy?
At Universal Studios Hollywood, the VIP Experience is a step beyond Express Pass.
A VIP Tour provides a personal guide, backstage access, gourmet meals, and valet parking – plus unlimited Express skip-the-line access at all the rides.
A standard Express Pass only provides one-time skip-the-line access to all rides.
VIP Tour tickets are limited, so book early once your plans are set! For quicker ride access, choose the Express Pass. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, opt for General Admission.
The table below compares the two premium tickets:
| Feature | Express Pass | VIP Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | ~$189–$309 | ~$359+ |
| Admission Included? | Yes, for 1-day | Yes, for 1-day |
| Skip-the-line Access | One-time use | Unlimited use all day |
| Guided Tour | No | Yes, 5-hour tour |
| Meals & Lounge | No | Yes (breakfast & buffet lunch) |
| Parking | Self-park (paid) | Valet parking |
| WaterWorld Show | Priority seating once | Priority seating unlimited |
| Other Perks | N.A. | Backlot access, no ride lockers, etc. |
| Best For | Avoiding lines at rides only | Luxury experience with no waits |
Now let’s compare them in detail:
Front-of-Line Access
Both Express and VIP allow you to skip lines, but the VIP Tour includes Unlimited Express access to all rides and shows (you can ride attractions as many times as you want without waiting).
A standard Express Pass, by contrast, is valid only once per ride. So if you expect to repeat the rides (like multiple runs on Jurassic World or the Studio Tour), the VIP’s unlimited aspect is a big advantage.
VIP also currently guarantees unlimited Mario Kart rides and Super Nintendo World entry – something particularly valuable when the ride had limited access.
Guided Tour & Backstage Access
The VIP Experience is a guided tour in a small group.
VIP guests get a backlot tour on a special trolley, walking access to soundstages/sets, and other behind-the-scenes experiences that regular guests (even Express guests) cannot do.
If you’re a movie buff or want a deeper look at the studio operations, VIP provides that unique element.
An Express Pass, on the other hand, is self-guided – you’re on your own to explore the park (no special behind-the-scenes content).
So what is it going to be? Express Pass or VIP Ticket?
Food and Amenities
VIP Tours include food and additional services. This typically features a continental breakfast and a gourmet buffet lunch (in a private dining area) for VIP guests, valet parking, and complimentary snacks and bottled water throughout the day.
Essentially, your meals are taken care of, and you get pampered with refreshments.
Express Pass tickets do not include any meals, parking, or extras – those you’d pay out of pocket.
Group Size and Experience
With VIP, you’re part of a small group (often around 10–12 people or fewer) with a dedicated tour guide.
The tour portion lasts several hours, during which you’re escorted from ride to ride with immediate boarding (no lines at all, even better than regular Express lines in many cases).
You’ll also do the special backlot tour with your guide. After the guided portion, VIP guests have unlimited Express access for the rest of the day on their own.
By contrast, an Express Pass guest navigates the park independently throughout the day, using the Express lines but without a guide or a structured tour.
Cost of VIP Tour & Express Pass
The VIP Experience is significantly more expensive. It generally ranges from around $359 to $500+ per person, depending on the date (prices vary by season and demand, similar to Express).
The Express Pass is cheaper, ranging from $189 to $309, but it doesn’t include those extras.
A VIP ticket is roughly double the price (or more) of a regular Express ticket, but you’re getting an all-inclusive, luxury experience.
In Summary
In short, Express Pass vs VIP comes down to budget and interest in the extras.
If you just want to skip lines and ride everything once, Express Pass is the cost-effective choice.
If you want the ultimate experience – no waits and behind-the-scenes access, a personal tour guide, fancy dining, and a truly front-of-the-line day – and are willing to pay a premium, the VIP Tour is the way to go.