There is something magical, energizing, about Orlando that amazes travelers lucky enough to drop their bags there. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, Florida in the next few weeks (spring break is just around the corner!) and your adrenaline rush has dried up… plan a visit to Universal Orlando!
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For a more mature audience than Disney parks, Universal Orlando immerses you in the worlds of Hollywood’s biggest films. Thrill-seekers will get their adrenaline pumping on the Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster courses, where you can listen to your choice of music as you ride.
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The neighboring park Islands of Adventure is not to be missed. Here you will find the famous wizarding world of Harry Potter, where you can stroll through Hogwarts (Hogwarts), shop in Diagon Alley, drink Butterbeer in Hogwarts Village-Lard (Hogsmeade), get lost in Knockturn Alley, catch a train on platform 9 3⁄ 4 and ride Hagrid’s famous motorcycle.
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As a victim of his own success, the wait to board the attractions can seem INFINITE. Many opt for the Express Pass or VIP access to skip the line for the day.
If you want an unforgettable experience, maybe you covet the VIP experience at Universal? But the real question remains: is it really worth it?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Universal Orlando VIP Experience.
1Oh Is it expensive?
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The answer is yes! The VIP experience is offered at a base price of US$189 per person (approx. US$250). The price depends on the season. So expect to pay more in the summer and holidays. Also, you should know that this is an addition to the ticket. You must purchase your day pass to access the parks.
There are several packages including the 1 Park Experience (which includes access to Universal Orlando) and the 2 Park Experience (which includes access to Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure). This second option gives you access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and allows you to board the train that connects the two parks from King’s Cross Station. An option to consider if you are a Harry Potter fan.
Good to know: To have tested the experience, we recommend that you prioritize access to the two parks. For a difference of $10, you can easily enjoy both parks in a single day.
2Oh Valet parking is included
Although less crowded than the Disney Parks, Universal Studio attracts large numbers of visitors each year. Several hotels near the park offer a shuttle service to facilitate access. If you’re renting a car while on vacation in Florida, you can get free valet parking with the purchase of a VIP pass. To make your experience as comfortable as possible, your car is nearby and you don’t have to worry about it.
3Oh You have your own guide
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The VIP pass includes the service of a specially trained guide for seven hours. This guide accompanies you throughout the day. You have unlimited access to all rides, shows and attractions.
The guides for the VIP experience are often film-loving students. These cineastes will enrich your visit with additional information, personalize the day according to your desires and desires, but above all they will help you to avoid endless queues.
4Oh No queue
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The main benefit of VIP access at Universal Orlando remains backstage access. Forget the Express Pass (which halves the waiting time) because thanks to your VIP package, your guide will show you through the exit of the attraction. This is how you arrive at the front of the carousel. Not only can you sit in the front row of the car, but you’ve waited a total of 0.5 seconds!
Waiting for the popular rides (here we’re thinking of Hagrid’s ride and Jurassic Park’s VelociCoaster) can be hell. When we visited last February, we had to wait two and a half hours to access Hagrid’s carousel. Think about it!
5Oh Lunch and dinner are included
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The Universal Orlando VIP experience includes continental breakfast and dinner at the restaurant. So you don’t have to carry around a limp lunch all day. Lunch is at Café La Bamba, an American and Mexican-inspired restaurant. The decor transports you to Los Angeles in the 1960s.Breakfast is served in the form of a buffet. For dinner, you can settle down at the La Bamba café or the Confisco Grille restaurant.
6Oh Enjoy discounts in store
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The VIP experience includes in-store discounts. Your guide can tell you which shops are included in the package. It’s ideal if you plan to bring back a wizard’s or witch’s wand and a range of souvenirs.
7Oh The express pass is included
At the end of your tour you can use the famous Express Pass. Although seven hours gives you plenty of time to visit most attractions at both parks, it’s hard to turn down the Express Pass.
An advice: Use your guide to board Hagrid’s Carousel and Jurassic Park’s VelociCoaster. These attractions do not have an express line.
So is it worth it?
If you’re looking to visit Universal Orlando to take on as many rides as possible, it turns out that VIP access can be a better deal than the Express Pass. The Express Pass can easily range from $270 to $325 (between $361 and $435 CAD) per person (depending on the day chosen), while the VIP experience comes in at $239 ($320 ($320 ( Yes / Yes! )). In addition to the royal treatment, you will benefit from discounts in store, lunch, dinner and a personalized tour!
So it’s a no-brainer if you plan to visit the park during the busy months!
Good to know: The least busy months at both parks are January (after the New Year), February, September and early November.
Silo Voyage tested the VIP experience thanks to an invitation from Visit Orlando.
Here are more experiences tested by Silo Voyage:
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