“This is not the way other people ride rides at amusement parks!” I said this as we were ushered on to the Simpson’s Ride at Universal Studios. I felt compelled to explain to my son that our VIP access was very unusual and special. He shrugged. At 7 he did not “get” how extraordinary VIP access really is. His mom did!
My family was able to experience a VIP Tour at Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure this past January. The VIP Tour was more of an whole day experience. Calling it a “tour” doesn’t do it justice. We had an incredible experience from the moment we met Branden, our VIP Tour Guide. Within minutes he was able to assess what made our group tick. VIP Tour Guides go out of their way to make sure that your group has the best day possible.
Branden asked each of the kids and my husband and I what we wanted to do. No easy feat…we’re a bunch with varied tastes that’s for sure. Let’s break it down:
- The husband DOES not do roller coasters…no free fall or going upside down either.
- The Teen will do roller coasters sometimes, but more often will ride something else.
- The Tween will not do roller coasters ever. Period.
- The Kid might do a roller coaster if the rest of our family wasn’t so wishy washy about them.
- I’ll do roller coasters, but feel guilty about making my family wait for me.
So, what did we decide to do on our VIP Tour. Well, roller coasters were out by consensus. No Incredible Hulk Coaster or Dragon Challenge for us. We unanimously voted out all shows at both parks. We had two more days, so we knew we would catch the two shows we wanted to see — Eight Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show and the Terminator 2: 3D — before our trip was over.
On tap for our VIP Tour was our first stop at the Islands of Adventure… Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, Storm Force Accelatron, High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train ride, and Cat in the Hat ride. After recharging our batteries with a quick lunch at the International Food & Film Festival, it was on to adjacent park, Universal Studios. I was super excited that the VIP Tour continued after lunch. We loved ALL of the rides: Jaws, Men in Black, Shred 4D, the Simpson’s Ride, and ET. So many fun rides. Great day for all five of us.
The details on the VIP Tour include:
- Complimentary valet parking
- Complimentary refreshments (coffee, bottled water) upon check-in
- VIP Tour credential and lanyard
- Opportunity for private character meet and greets
- Exclusive information and select backstage access (when available)
- Select discounts on Food and Merchandise
- Universal Express access to attractions at conclusion of tour
So, enough about writing about the VIP Tour, let me show you some pics.
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