universal orlando holiday tour review

Review: Universal’s Holiday Tour: A VIP Experience

With the holiday spirit well underway at Universal Orlando Resort, many seasonal offerings are available for park guests to experience. From the classic Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure to the Universal Christmas Parade featuring Macy’s , the park’s merry transformation is sure to put you into a Holly Jolly Overload.

Thankfully, this year also features the return of the Universal Holiday Tour – a VIP Tour taking place near park close into the after-hours of Universal Orlando Resort. For park guests here in Orlando for a limited amount of time and looking to get the most out of their Christmas vacation, the Holiday Tour is hands down one of the best experiences of the holiday season at Universal.

Advertised as a five-hour walking tour priced anywhere from $79.99 per person to $119.99 per person depending on what date you book, the Universal Holiday Tour is so much more than just a sightseeing adventure. Peppered with exclusive viewings and special meet-and-greets, the five-hour tour featured popular encounters, light bites, sweet treats, and a few special VIP-exclusive meetings with some of the biggest names of the Christmas season.

Part One: The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

The tour started at 5:30 in the evening, giving guests about forty-five minutes to get checked in; as with most of their VIP Holiday Tours recently, check in was through the back gate of Universal, where the old Blue Man Group theater sits. This check-in location ended up being incredibly convenient, as the first stop on our tour was a private viewing of the Grichmas Who-liday Spectacular , which has been held in the very same theater for the last few years.

At 6:30, our tour group of twelve was ushered into the theater along with the other Holiday groups touring that evening. While the large theater was by no means full, it was still a decently sized crowd, and I found the viewing experience to be indistinguishable from any of the daytime shows run for standard park guests. Of course, this viewing was merely the kickoff to our merry adventure, and while the actual viewing experience didn’t feel any different, the reserved seating and exclusive showtime took the planning and hassle out of trying to catch a show during the daytime hours – especially considering it’s almost always a full house during park hours, and the showtimes themselves are limited.

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a thirty-minute retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic. Flawlessly fusing the 1969 animated special and the 2000 film starring Jim Carrey, this show remains one of the best holiday offerings that Universal Orlando Resort has. It’s effortlessly whimsical and always funny, with fun choreography and music arranged by Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. The Whos of Whoville are funny and charming, and the Grinch himself has all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile.

Considering this is a show that I make a point to see several times a year, this was the perfect way to kick off a night of holiday fun, and a must-see for any guests looking to feel the magic of Christmas come to life on the stage.

Part Two: La Bamba

By the time we had left the theater, both parks had closed, leaving only the Holiday Tour groups with run of the resort. Our tour guide led us through the deserted streets to La Bamba for a quick bite to eat. The buffet-styled smorgasbord offered simple and comfortable foods; baked alfredo mac-and-cheese, popcorn chicken, french fries, and an assortment of fruits and salad options as well as coffee, water, and sodas were offered for the half-hour we had to eat; we found this was more than enough time, and though theme park food has always had a certain reputation, we found the food that was offered to be pretty good!

Part Three: The Holiday Tribute Store

Perhaps one of the headliners of recent years of Universal’s Holiday Festivities is the Holiday Tribute Store. Relocated to the shops on Hollywood for the Christmas Season, the Tribute Store is a heavily-themed pop-up store dedicated to all things Universal Christmas. Being able to see the Tribute Store after-hours is a special treat since it’s packed at all hours during the day. You don’t realize how beautiful everything really is, how much care and craft goes into the individual rooms of each Tribute Store when you’re packed like sardines wall-to-wall during the daytime hours.

Occasionally (and I was lucky enough to experience this once or twice during Halloween Horror Nights) you hit the store just right during the daytime hours to find it near-empty, but those moments are growing increasingly more rare as the popularity and complexity of the Tribute Store grows yearly. With the Universal Holiday Tour, each small group more or less has the tribute store to themselves, which offers about a half an hour of exclusive me-time in some of the most well-themed rooms in the entire park. Plenty of time to take in all the gorgeous scenery and find some of the little easter eggs (Christmas eggs?) that the good folks at Universal Creative tend to scatter in each Tribute Store throughout the year.

This year’s Christmas Tribute Store is themed to the idea of being an in-universe Post Office that services many of the Universal Landmarks (Except for Atlantis and Amity, apparently), and is run by everyone’s favorite Holiday Nut, Earl the Squirrel.

During the Holiday Tour, we’re clued into some of the lore behind Earl the Squirrel and how he came to be part of the Universal cast of characters, as well as some fun trivia about the 80-foot Christmas tree at the corner of New York and Illuminations Avenue.

Part Four: Meeting Santa

No Christmas extravaganza would be complete without the Big Man himself! While day guests have the opportunity to see Santa as the grand finale of the Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s – a long running tradition in Universal’s holiday parade – Holiday Tour guests actually get an exclusive meeting with Santa.

This was by far my favorite part of the tour.

Even as a grown adult, having the opportunity to tell Santa that a recent and incredibly important Christmas wish really did come true was an incredibly special moment. Taking place in the upper floors of the 30 Rock building at the corner of New York, it was beautifully decorated and intimate, with each family in each private group getting to meet Santa individually. While the entire tour was a delight, this was certainly the highlight of the night and a moment that I’ll cherish forever.

Part Five: Secret Surprise Attraction

After our meet-and-greet with Jolly Old St. Nick, we were brought back to the front of the park for a surprise attraction experience; anyone with cursory knowledge of the parks knew which attraction we would be experiencing since our tour guide had given us the hint at the beginning of the event that it would be “a ride where you stand up.” Considering there’s only one attraction that fits the bill – and the newest attraction in Universal Orlando Resort to boot – it wasn’t all that difficult to figure out which attraction we would be experiencing!

Despicable Me: Minion Blast is a unique attraction, though I wouldn’t really call it a ‘ride.’ Guests are welcomed into Villain-Con to test their mettle in a competition to see who will become the newest member of the Vicious Six. Donning your E-Liminator X blaster, you board a moving walkway that carries you through themed rooms where you blast and destroy your way to the highest score!

While many have given this attraction mixed reviews, I like to think it has a lot of potential in its fully realized state. One of the first offerings of Universal’s app connectivity to bring digital gameplay to the parks, players are able to link their blasters to their accounts to join leaderboards, complete missions, and customize their weapon’s functionality based on unlockable upgrades.

Unfortunately, this fully realized state isn’t accessible to everyone. During the attraction experience, I learned the hard way that only smartphones with NFC (Near Field Communications) capabilities are able to tap and connect to the E-Liminator X blasters, limiting who is able to connect to the full game experience of the attraction. For those who are able to use Apple, Samsung, or Google Pay by tapping your phones to credit card terminals, connecting your Universal app to your E-Liminator X blaster should be a breeze – but if you have a slightly older model of smartphone or a phone that has not yet had its NFC settings turned on, you may not be getting the full experience of Despicable Me: Minion Blast .

Part Six: Meeting the Grinch and Dessert Bar

The Grinch is rude, abrasive, and has nothing nice to say about anyone who meets him – and that’s exactly why we love him. While a meeting with the Grinch may not be as holly and jolly as a meeting with Santa Claus, it’s a unique experience that’s sure to make you laugh. With Universal shaking up how this Grinchmas meet-and-greet works, daytime guests can find themselves in a standby queue for up to three hours to meet this Wholiday Hum Bug; one of the biggest draws and best perks of the Universal Holiday Tour is a private meet-and-greet session with the Grinch in all his Grinchy glory. This year’s meet took place in the same theater that we’d seen the Wholiday Spectacular in earlier, and while each tour group did get to go in on an individual basis, with each family in the tour group meeting the Grinch separately for some fun banter and a photo op, many of the night’s individual tour groups were in the theater at the same time.

To help control the crowds and ensure that each tour group did get an exclusive meeting with the Grinch, parties were ushered in one tour group at a time, while the others were encouraged to use their waiting time to enjoy a sampling of holiday treats that had been set up in the room opposite the theater, or to take advantage of one of the two other meet and greet opportunities in the sound stage: guests were given the opportunity to meet and take photos with one of the Whos, as well as a VIP-exclusive meet and greet that cannot be found anywhere else in the parks.

That’s right. We got to pet the dog.

Max the Dog was just as cute and lovable as you would expect; and why wouldn’t he be? He’s basically living the dream of any dog. He got to meet so many new people, and they were all there to give him pets.

After meeting Max and while still waiting for our party to be called to meet the Grinch (though, Max was a tough act to follow), we stopped for a quick bite in the holiday treats hall. Though a lot of sweet foods were offered, they were notably missing any kind of milk or hot cocoa to accompany it; which, really sounds like a nitpick, but being offered coca-cola alongside sweets is like being offered a root canal – not a very pleasant experience.

The sweets themselves were a nice snack break, though! Offering festive choices like sugar cookies and peppermint cheesecake bites, everything tasted just like the holidays!

Part Seven: The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts

After meeting the Grinch, our final stop on the Universal Holiday Tour was a private viewing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts , a stunning eight-minute projection show that sees the Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure come to life with Christmas Magic. Set against a beautiful and often haunting score that highlights the music featured in the film’s various Christmas scenes, viewers are treated to a lights show only possible through Wizarding Magic, complete with dancing ghosts, living snowmen, and a barely-noticeable ad placement for Weasely’s Wizarding Wheezes.

Having seen this show many times through the years, it’s safe to say that all showings of this spectacle for daytime guests are packed. The streets of Hogsmeade are often at a wall-to-wall standstill while the show is running and for up to forty minutes prior. As a day guest, I tend to view this show from the bridge connecting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Jurassic Park , to avoid the crush of the crowd trying to view it from in front of the entrance to The Forbidden Journey – arguably the most popular spot to try and catch a viewing of any nighttime Hogwarts Castle show.

As VIP guests on the Universal Holiday Tour, all tour parties converged at the end of the night to view this show, but the crowds still were not half as bad as they are during the daytime show. Nearing ten thirty at night by this point, the park had long been closed, and all the guests that remained in the park were Holiday Tour guests. For the very first time, I got to view the Hogwarts Castle show from the front of the castle, and it was without a doubt the best view I’ve had of the event in all the years and all the iterations I’ve attended.

Part Eight: Wrapping it All Up

At the end of the day, many of the things that were offered on this tour were completely accessible to day guests, and for Florida Residents with annual passes, the offerings on this tour were not necessarily things that we have ever had a hard time accomplishing throughout the Holiday Seasons. Notably missing from this tour was any viewing of the Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s , and because showings are extremely limited in the Christmas Season, this tour also did not include any special viewing or special seating for the Manheim Steamroller shows that are traditionally held at the Music Stage Plaza.

It’s important to note that while I greatly enjoyed this tour, it did not offer everything there is to do at Universal during the Holidays, and what it did offer is for the most part easily accomplished by a few dedicated days enjoying the park during their holiday festivities.

For the price, many residents who frequent the parks may not find extraordinary value in a Universal Holiday Tour the same way they might during the Halloween Season. However, for families coming from out-of-town or those who have a very limited time at Universal Studios for the Holidays, the Universal Holiday Tour is a brilliantly curated tour offering all of Universal’s best holiday experiences in a condensed – but not overwhelming – time frame that offers plenty of laughter, merriment, and Christmas magic.

In no way do I regret participating in this Holiday festivity, but I do wish that the website had offered more information on the itinerary of events that come standard in the Holiday Tour. During the after-hours experiences on this tour, you truly feel like part of a VIP group. The photo opportunities were amazing, once-in-a-blue-moon photos of an empty and dazzlingly lit park, and our tour guide was as kind as he was funny.

With Universal offering a rotating menu of VIP experiences throughout the year, I believe that they’re all worth a try, and given my experiences this year, I would absolutely come back in the future. The Universal Holiday Tour, while not necessarily offering you many experiences unavailable to particularly diligent day guests, was still a special experience, and a memory that I hope all of you get to make as well.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and a happy Who Year!!

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Is Universal Orlando’s New Holiday VIP Tour Worth the Price? Here’s What We Thought!

The holidays have kicked off at Universal Orlando  (and we’ve had SEVERAL Hot Butterbeers to commemorate the occasion!).

While we’ve been exploring the amazing Macy’s Balloons , eating a ridiculous amount of snacks (worth it), and embarking on a Holiday Tree Hunt , we are back again for another round of Christmas entertainment in the parks ! But, this time we’re going on a VIP tour that’s fit for the most festive fans!

Universal Orlando announced that it would be holding a new holiday tour this year for guests to participate in! And, of course, we decided to give ourselves an early Christmas gift as we set out on the tour today! So, we’re taking you with us to check out our full experience to get you in the holiday spirit.

The 2-park tour is 3 hours long as your guide takes you to different stops in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. When you arrive, they will scan your ticket to make sure that you have a park-to-park ticket before giving you your Holiday VIP Tour wristband.

Once you’re inside, you’ll be put into a group where someone will escort you to your guide. The groups are each at 12 people maximum in order to allow for distancing.

There were 4 big rules during our Holiday VIP Tour. Since the tour was 3 hours long, there was A LOT to do in that timeframe, so our guide kindly asked us to make sure we followed along and were on time throughout . Guests were expected to social distance from other parties while walking through the area. Our guide asked about any food allergies as well since the VIP Tour would be stopping at a private cookies and hot cocoa bar. And, lastly, we were reminded that we couldn’t take pictures in the backstage area. The tour was set to go between both parks with entrances near Rip Ride Rockit and Seuss Landing.

After all those details, we were off to our first stop of the night. Similar to the way the RIP Tours work during Halloween Horror Nights, the order of events switch up depending on where other groups are located. So, your Holiday VIP Tour may have a different line-up than ours did!

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous

Our first stop was Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, where we got to take a few pictures with The Grinch himself for the holidays!

Guests were given 30 minutes at the cafe to enjoy all-you-can-eat treats and drinks and take as many photos with the Grinch as you’d like!

While guests were taking photos, nobody was able to touch their phones and the Grinch stayed 6 feet away at all times (which was pretty in character anyway).

When it was our turn to talk to him, he made sure to wallow in self pity before interacting with us.

He also told us that he hoped we had a tolerable New Year, which is probably the nicest thing we might ever hear him say!

We also asked him if he would pose for us, and he gave us a fabulous mini photoshoot! How…

…can…

…you…

…not…

…LOVE…

…HIM?!

Molly is at @UniversalORL tonight and asked the Grinch to pose – he did 9 different poses 🤣 pic.twitter.com/V0v9L75Ltk — AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 23, 2020

After that iconic interaction, we indulged in the complimentary Hot Cocoa Bar during our tour.

There were three cookie options with two sugar cookies — a decorated snowman and Christmas tree — and a gingerbread man…

…to go along with the hot cocoa bar with toppings (or water, if you wanted it)!

The toppings included peppermint and cinnamon syrups, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and candy canes.

Each party was given a table to enjoy their treats, where complimentary postcards were laid out…

…with Harry Potter themed images on the front!

Plus, guests could even write a message on the back and mail it to themselves from inside Universal! More on this later…

Holiday Tribute Store

The next stop on our tour was front line access to the Tribute Store! Our guide told us that the store took 6 days, working 24 hours a day in order to flip it from Halloween to Christmas themed.

We also got a few more details about each of the four rooms’ themes (German Christmas Market, Grinch, Harry Potter, and Earl the Squirrel) …

…where we were even shown a tiny Earl the Squirrel with a face mask in the big tree right outside!

Here’s a full look inside the Tribute Store this year!

Guests were given 35 minutes to enjoy the store and purchase any treats or merchandise they would like to before meeting up again.

Check out all the treats you can find inside the Tribute Store here!

Universal’s holiday experience.

After the Tribute Store, we made our way over to Universal’s Holiday Experience.

Our guide told us that the Tribute Store and Universal’s Holiday Experience have both already gotten waits up to an hour sometimes. Plus, Universal expects to see them get even higher as the holidays near.

We were also told that the first balloon during the 1927 Macy’s Day Parade was named Felix and filled with air. In 1928, they filled him with helium instead, where they let him go at the end of the parade since they weren’t sure what to do with it.

They started to put return labels on the balloons and offered a $100 reward to the people who found them and returned them. The balloons at Universal were made by Ravens, who also make the ones for the Macy’s Parades.

While they used to get actual Macy’s balloons, they started getting custom ones in 2017 as Universal wanted to start their parades earlier.

While we’re missing the parade this year, it’s really cool to get up close and personal with these giant balloons — it’s amazing how big they really are when you stand right next to them!

Since we had previously gone to Universal’s Holiday Experience, we were expecting to see the characters out and about like they were previously. However, they were nowhere to be found, so our tour guide let us know that there was possibly a staffing conflict that evening. So, if you want to see the characters with the balloons, you might want to come earlier to see the Madagascar Penguins, Puss in Boots, and Lucy or Gru from Despicable Me (they rotate with one another).

However, Santa Claus was still ready to greet guests and find out what they would like for Christmas!

He was just as jolly and sweet as ever during our visit!

After our stop at Universal’s Holiday Experience, we traveled backstage again to return to Islands of Adventure for our final stop of the evening. Our guide let us know that we could mail our postcards once we arrived (and it’s SUPER fun to send yourself a postcard or two straight from Hogwarts).

“The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”

As the evening came to an end, we headed to an exclusive viewing location to watch “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in Hogsmeade. We were told that the only people in the park would be the Holiday VIP Tours at that time.

We were given a meeting spot to meet back up in 30 minutes so we had time to explore shops and do some magic! Of course, we had our wands all ready to go!

While we made a chocolate frog appear at Honeydukes…

…we also sent off our pre-stamped postcards at the Owlery! It’s so fun that it’s stamped from “Hogwarts!” This was a nice touch on the tour.

While we were at the Owlery, we were also able to redeem our gift ticket to receive our prize…

…which was a GORGEOUS metal Harry Potter Ornament that regularly retails for $18.99 in the parks.

Before we got ready to watch the show, we admired the Hogwarts Express…

…as we made our way over to the assigned sections for each group that were in place to watch the show take place on the castle.

If you haven’t watched “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” the show lasts about 7 to 8 minutes. Projections like the ghosts caroling, the flying car Fred and George advertising the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, the Yule Ball, and the castle getting decorated make everything feel super festive.

And remember — going on this tour is the ONLY way to see the Hogwarts projection show this year!

For the amount we got to do, see, and eat in a three-hour time frame, we definitely thought that the Holiday VIP Tour was worth the $60 (pre-discount) price tag! We especially enjoyed watching the show in Hogsmeade as it was a treat to only be there with 150 guests or less instead of giant crowds like previous years.

The postcards and ornament were a nice final touch to the evening, along with the ability to wander through Hogsmeade for a bit at night with very few people around.

We also LOVED meeting the Grinch since it’s the only way to meet him in the parks without him taking your photos. The interactions were a lot longer since you could have more one-on-one time with him. The VIP access was a plus since you were able to avoid lines, which would be an even bigger benefit and time saver with busier days closer to Christmas.

Night! 🧙🏼‍♀️ @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/VCn7CG6LHY — AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 23, 2020

Our guide was also amazing and never rushed us, while still keeping us on schedule. She had a blast interacting with guests of all ages, while also giving us fun trivia facts about the parks! If you’re looking for something unique to do in Universal Orlando this holiday season, we highly recommend trying the Holiday VIP Tour for yourself. And, we’ll be sure to give you a look at everything else you can find in Universal Orlando throughout the holiday season!

Read about the interesting Holiday Mimosas we found in Universal Orlando!

Will you be heading to Universal Orlando for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!

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Rachel Franko

Rachel Franko has been going to Disney Parks since she was a baby, and her love of Disney has only grown into a SLIGHT obsession since! She's been writing for AllEars since 2019 and loves sharing the magic with all the readers. When she's not writing, you can catch her heading to Disney and Universal Studios with a heart full of dreams and a backpack full of themed ears!

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• News / Seasonal / Universal Orlando

Universal Holiday Tour Returns to Universal Orlando This Holiday Season!

by Whitney Littlejohn · Published October 19, 2023 · Updated October 19, 2023

The Holidays have been announced at Universal Orlando and what better way to take it all in than Universal’s Holiday Tour?!

See the season come to life with Grinch greetings, reserved show seating, tasty food, an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, and much more.

Photo: Universal

Universal’s Holiday Tour includes:

Join the tour to holiday your way:

• Exclusive Meet and Greets with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog, Max.
• Reserved seating for the Grinchmas™  Who -liday Spectacular.
• Light bites, desserts and more.
• Private Meet and Greet with Santa
• Priority access to one (1) pre-selected attraction (Subject to Tour itinerary at Universal’s discretion).
• An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle.

Tours will include multiple parties in the same tour group; up to 15 guests per tour. Tour pricing and availability vary depending upon the date and product selection. Theme Park admission is not included in the listed price. Reservations are required.

The 2-Park 1-Day Universal Holiday Tour Ticket entitles one (1) guest a pre-scheduled tour of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks at select holiday attractions.

Tickets starting at $79.99. Click HERE to get yours today!

The Universal Holiday Tours are available on select dates November 19–December 30.

Thinking about a visit to Universal? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your complimentary, no-obligation quote from Let’s Adventure Travel!

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote for a Universal vacation! My planning services are included at no extra cost. Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at  [email protected]  or follow along on  Facebook .

Source: Universal 

Tags: Christmas Universal Holiday Tour Universal Orlando Universal Orlando Christmas Holiday Celebrations 2023

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From Hogwarts to Whoville: A Guide to Universal Orlando’s 2023 Holiday Celebrations

Universal orlando's beloved holiday traditions are back..

• Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, the Grinch, or just like to revel in the festive spirit of the season, Universal Orlando Resort is a fun place to celebrate the winter holidays.
• Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle are beloved holiday traditions at the theme parks.
• Here’s everything you need to now about the 2023 holiday celebrations at Universal Orlando.

Every year, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure get into the holiday spirit with special celebrations and fan-favorite annual traditions. These holiday celebrations are included with regular park admission, so there’s no expensive separately ticketed events to factor in when planning your at Universal Orlando Resort vacation . Here are the can’t-miss highlights for any holiday visit to Universal Orlando, plus all of the details you’ll need to make the most of a visit this winter.

A VERY DISNEY CHRISTMAS: A Guide to Walt Disney World’s 2023 Holiday Celebrations  

When Do the Holidays at Universal Orlando Start in 2023?

This year, the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort officially kick off on November 17, 2023, and go through December 31, 2023. The month-and-a-half-long celebration brings a host of activities, shows, and unique character meet-and-greets to the two Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. Each of the Universal Orlando hotels also gets fun decorations for the season.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of  Adventure

Inside  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade get all decked out for the holiday season with sparkling lights and strands of garlands. And of course, Hogwarts Castle is always in full holiday mode this time of year as well. Walking through the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is one of my favorite things to do during the festive season because the smell of warm butterbeer fills the air, and as night falls the lighted garland brings a warm ambiance to the park. Be sure to grab a gingerbread or peppermint-flavored treat to go along with your hot butterbeer.

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As you walk through the two Harry Potter lands, you’ll be able to listen to the carols from the Frog Choir made up of Hogwarts students and their froggy friends. You might also spot Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees singing a few holiday tunes. When night descends upon the Wizarding World, gather your family at the base of Hogwarts Castle for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle . It’s a breathtaking show of holiday moments from the Harry Potter films projected onto Hogwarts Castle that plays intermittently throughout the night until the park closes. I like to watch the later showings because they’re often less crowded.

Catch a Glimpse of The Grinch at Seuss Landing

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can meet the Grinch at  Seuss Landing . Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact times and meeting locations, but this is one thing I never miss when I go to Universal Orlando for the holidays. The mean green one may have a heart two sizes too small, but he loves meeting guests and making their hearts grow with joy and laughter.

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Over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, the  Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular  is a musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ classic story featuring music by Mannheim Steamroller. All the Who’s down in Who-ville gather each day to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Grinchy-Claus tries to use his dog Max to keep Christmas down, but the Who’s grab their pantookas to prove to the Grinch that Christmas, perhaps, means just a little bit more. 

My family loves this show and the Grinch himself truly makes the performance, even if he is upstaged a bit by the live dog playing Max. After watching Grinchmas, take your time wandering through Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing. This land is always a bright display of primary colors, but adding the additional holiday ornamentation transforms it into a yuletide marvel.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida

During  Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s , more than 30 fanciful balloons fly high above the streets right past their own Macy’s department store façade on Universal’s New York City-themed backlot, including a few of the iconic balloons that grace Manhattan along the actual  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route . The parade runs nightly during the holiday season, usually at 5:30 p.m., though times may be subject to change.

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Kids delight with the music, dancers, and floats laden with characters such as the Minions from  Despicable Me , Penguins from  Madagascar , and Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey from  Shrek . Of course, the star of any holiday parade is Santa Claus, and he flies over rooftops in his sleigh to wrap-up this Universal Orlando holiday parade.

I like watching the parade in front of Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride because you get a great view of the Christmas Tree as the floats and balloons glide by. To ensure you get a good spot for the parade, arrive about 30 minutes before it’s set to start.

Holiday Tribute Store

Located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, the Tribute Store features immersive rooms that are themed around the Post Office. Each room is stocked with merchandise and seasonal treats to swipe up faster than the Grinch stealing presents from the Who’s. Returning this year is an entire room dedicated to Earl the Squirrel, who is one of the official mascots of Universal’s holiday celebrations.

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I love trying the treats that are available inside the Tribute Store. There’s often a big glass case of them and it can be hard to decide which one to get, so I also think of one that would travel well back to the hotel or back home if it had to be in my backpack all day.

Catch a Mannheim Steamroller Concert

Some of my favorite sounds of the season come from listening to Mannheim Steamroller. This year, you can catch live performances from the band at Universal Studios Florida on December 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2023.

Universal Holiday Tour

Universal’s Holiday Tour is a VIP guided tour of both theme parks that includes meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his dog Max, a chance to see Santa, reserved seating for Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, an after-hours viewing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, light bites and drinks, and priority access to one pre-selected attraction.

The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast

If you like to kick off your morning with a character breakfast, consider The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast are $59 per adult over 10 years old, and $33 for kids ages three to nine. The meal takes place at Confisco Grill where the Grinch and some friends from Whoville will make an appearance.

The sit-down meal has themed food and classic breakfast options and reservations are required. I would do this breakfast if you want a guaranteed meeting with the Grinch; otherwise, I would opt to wait in line during regular park hours to see him.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 29 Festive Family Resorts and Hotels for Christmas
• 10 European Christmas Markets Where You Can Celebrate the Season  
• 10 Magical Christmas Vacation Ideas for Families  
• 10 Christmas Train Rides Guaranteed to Get You in the Holiday Spirit  
• 7 Festive Holiday Destinations to Visit with Kids Over Winter Break  

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Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Universal Holiday Tour Review

December 13, 2022 By Lindsay 2 Comments

Having just returned from Florida to enjoy Christmas offerings, I am ready to write several new posts. Today, I am reviewing the Universal Holiday Tour at Universal Orlando Resort ! It is one of two add on options offered during the holiday season. The other is breakfast with the Grinch , which I also did. I will provide a look at it next week as well as a post with an overview of Christmas at Universal Orlando . However, this tour was a whopping 5 hours and I felt it deserved its own post.

Universal Holiday Tour

As stated above, this is a 5 hour walking tour crisscrossing between the two parks! What the tour includes appears to change from year to year. However, it is held every night of the Christmas season at Universal Orlando. My mom and I paid $79.99 (plus tax) each for the tour but the price appears to go up with time. So, pro tip: book early before it goes up or sells out!

Beginning the Tour

One of the emails we received mentioned allowing 45 minutes to check everyone in. However, it also said to arrive early. We left the parade early and lined up about 10 minutes before our scheduled tour time. I think we should have just finished the parade and lined up afterwards as almost the whole first hour of the tour was spent standing in line waiting to check in. It felt like a huge waste of time. I know in previous years, there was a special roped off parade viewing area for the tour. I wish they had included that this year.

Everyone began the tour by watching the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular with reserved seating. You can catch the show several times throughout the day. However, it was nice to have the reserved seating. Also, the show is really good. I love the music with Mannheim Steamroller and story that combines both familiar movies.

Universal Studios Florida

After the show, the tour groups went their separate ways. Mine went to Universal Studios Florida while some other groups went to Islands of Adventure. We proceeded to spend even more time waiting around. It seemed like maybe there were too many tour groups and not enough for them to do. We looked at some holiday decor in the park. Then, we went upstairs in the building of the Jimmy Fallon ride and looked down on an empty park.

Next, we met Santa! This is the only way you can currently meet Santa at Universal Orlando Resort, which is odd to me. Nonetheless, we did it. I believe in previous years they gave you a physical photo and souvenir ornament at this point in the tour. However, we received a digital download and no ornament. So, that part was a touch disappointing. After meeting Santa, we went back downstairs and into the park to look at the huge Christmas Tree. We took photos in front of the tree with a nearly empty park.

Next, we were ushered into the Holiday Tribute Store. While I love the Tribute Store, I didn’t find this to be a very beneficial part of the tour as you can visit the Tribute Store anytime. Upon exiting, we stood around waiting some more. Our tour guide ended up asking everyone their favorite Christmas movie/song, etc. and then looked up some Home Alone trivia.

Our last thing in Universal Studios Florida was a ride on the Jimmy Fallon ride. It was very unfortunate that a member of our tour group couldn’t get a seat belt to go around them and had to exit the ride. I felt really bad for them and their group ended up leaving the tour early. I believe they were extremely embarrassed and it left the group with a weird mood.

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Islands of Adventure

Finally, we headed back to Islands of Adventure. We were led to Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous for some food and meet and greets. Unfortunately, there were several other groups in here at the exact same time. So, there was not enough time to meet The Grinch, Max (the only time you can do so), and grab a bite to eat. Thankfully, we met The Grinch at breakfast. So, we focused on Max and the food. I appreciated the addition of Pizza Tots, Who Hash, popcorn shrimp, and chicken and waffles as previous years had only cookies.

Following our allotted 45 minutes there, we headed over to a closed Hogsmeade. It was neat to see it almost empty. However, it would have been awesome to have some additional shops open. We were able to grab some Butterbeer at Hog’s Head , which was great. However, there was a somewhat long line for it.

We hurried with our Butterbeer over to the castle for an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. It was nice to have some room between us and other guests as we watched the beautiful show. It was a great way to end the long night.

Universal Orlando Holiday Tour Conclusion

As you can imagine, this tour involved lots of standing and walking. Unfortunately, I saw a few people who clearly weren’t physically ready for this type of tour and I felt for them. As such, I don’t recommend this tour for anyone who can’t walk and stand for long periods of time. Being an add-on event, it’s up to each person to decide if the money is worth it. However, the only things you don’t have to access to as a regular park guest included in the tour are: Santa meet, after hours park, after hours castle show, meeting Max and access to some food, and reserved Grinchmas seating. So, if those things sound like something you want, then sign up quick!

October 20, 2023 at 8:55 pm

Sounds like they have ruined this tour with all the changes. Why on earth would you pay extra to stand around for hours in lines on top of the park tickets. Way better to put that money towards express tickets surely? The meet and greets don’t look private at all and you to queue up for your grinch and Santa even being VIP? And they waste time in the tribute store and a c-class attraction but then you don’t get time to meet the grinch, max and eat the food you’ve paid for? Or get a spot to watch the parade anymore? Seriously this sounds terrible what were they thinking!

Lindsay says

October 24, 2023 at 2:58 pm

Thanks for the comment, David! 2022 was my first year doing this tour, so I can’t say for sure what it included previously. I also can’t guarantee what this year’s tour will look like either. However, this year’s description doesn’t mention anything about seeing the parade or tribute store. It also doesn’t specify which ride you get to experience. So, it’s entirely possible this year’s tour may be more worth the time and money.

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Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour Guide: Should You Do It in 2024?

Have you ever wanted to do the Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour ?

BEWARE ThemeParkHipster! 

Only read further if you’re interested in getting the FULL VIP, red carpet treatment during your next visit to Universal Studios Orlando!

Yup, that’s right.

Today I’m talking ALL THINGS Universal Orlando VIP Tour.

From what the Universal VIP Tour is, to how much it costs, by the end of this post you’ll know FOR SURE whether or not the this tour is for you!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Universal Orlando VIP Tour at a Glance:

• You are personally escorted by a Universal Orlando expert on a guided tour
• This experience can be a group tour or private tour
• You can choose from: 1-Day, 1-Park Tour (Not available during peak times), 1-Day, 2-Park Tour, 2-Day, 2-Park Tour
• Cost starts at $189 per person (however, based on my experience the price usually starts at $250) and DOES NOT include park admission

Keep reading to see if the Universal Orlando VIP Tour is worth the money!

What is the Universal VIP Tour?

The Universal Orlando VIP Tour is a private, exclusive experience available to all Universal Studio guests.

For an extra cost on top of park admission – which I’ll get into later – you’ll receive a 5 hour, 1 park or 7 hour, 2 park behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios Orlando and/or Islands of Adventure. 

You can also choose between a private or group tour.

Not only that, but the Universal VIP Tour includes:

• Escorted front of the line ride access
• Behind-the-scenes experiences
• Meals (breakfast and lunch)
• Valet parking
• Reserved show seating
• Access to all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ attractions
• Discounts at select Universal Orlando owned and operated merchandise locations
• An UNLIMITED Universal Orlando Express Pass

So, even when your Universal VIP Tour is over – you can still enjoy a little bit of VIP treatment!

ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

What’s Included in a Universal Orlando VIP Tour?

Ok, so I went into this a little bit above, but as always, when it comes to Universal Orlando add-ons like the Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour, everything’s not so cut and dry. 

By that I mean, there are different levels of the Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour that you can choose from. 

So, let’s get into EXACTLY what each one includes below.

1. The VIP Experience at Universal Orlando

• What is it?  A behind the scenes tour with other parties (capped at 12 people).
• What choices do I have? With the Universal VIP Tour, you get to choose if you want a 1 Day, 1 Park Experience for 5 hours , where a minimum of 10 rides of priority access is guaranteed, or a 1 Day, 2 Park Experience for 7 hours , where a minimum of 8 rides is guaranteed.
• What’s included? Personal behind-the-scenes tour guide, front of line access, valet parking (when available), breakfast and lunch, reserved show seating, all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ attractions and an UNLIMITED Express Pass.

2. The Private VIP Experience at Universal Orlando

• What is it?   A behind the scenes tour with ONLY YOUR PARTY.
• What choices do I have? A 1 Day, 1 Park Experience, a 1 Day, 2 Park Experience, or a 2 Day 2 Park Experience (which IS NOT a choice with the normal VIP tour).
• What’s included? Everything included in the VIP Experience, plus dinner at a full service restaurant and the ability to customize your own itinerary.

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

3 Easy Tips to Prepare for Your Universal VIP Tour Experience

Now that you know what to expect on your VIP Tour at Universal and Islands of Adventure, let’s go through a few tips to help you have the BEST experience ever!

1. Plan to Stay at the Parks ALL DAY!

To make the most of your Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour, I recommend staying in the parks all day, from open to close. 

Why?  Because you’ll also get an UNLIMITED Express Pass to use the day of your Universal VIP Tour, even after the guided tour part is over.

So, think of it like this.  After your AMAZING 5 or 7 hour behind-the-scenes park tour, you’ll still have at least 5 more hours to take advantage of these add-ons. 

The UNLIMITED Express Pass lets you into the shorter, Express Pass ride queue on the vast majority of attractions!

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2. Check Park Hours Before Booking Your Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour

Before deciding which day to book your Universal VIP Tour for, we highly recommend checking Universal theme parks and CityWalk’s hours here . 

Why?  Because park hours vary from day to day.

So, on some days you may find you get an extra hour or two of theme park fun , which is DEFINITELY something to take advantage of when you have an Unlimited Express Pass to use!

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3. Purchase your Universal Orlando VIP Tour Ahead of Time

Can you purchase your Universal VIP Tour upon arrival at Universal Studios Orlando? Sure. Is it recommended? No.

You see, the Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour has limited spaces, therefore it’s very possible that it will be sold out if you wait until the day of.

So, definitely plan like a pro and purchase your Universal VIP Tour pass here , well in advance of your park day!

For a no obligation, FREE Universal Vacation Quote, you can fill out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!

Pros and Cons of the Universal VIP Tour

Now let’s go over a few pros and cons of doing the VIP experience at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Pros of a Universal Orlando VIP Tour

1. good value.

Is the Universal Orlando VIP Tour pricey? Yes. Does it cost more than normal park admission? Yes. Do you still have to pay admission on top of the Universal VIP Tour fee? Yes.

HOWEVER, when you break it down by value – you’re actually making out on the deal. 

Especially if you book far in advance for a slow time of year – since the Universal VIP Tour price changes based on demand.

Anyhoo, remember that included in the Universal VIP Tour fee, you’re getting:

• breakfast ($12 value)
• lunch ($18 value)
• valet parking ($75)
• an unlimited Express Pass ($100+)
• in-park merchandise discounts
• behind-the-scenes and front of line access with a tour guide for 5+ hours

All of that is already well over a $200 value. And the Universal VIP Tour costs…. Well we’ll get to that in a sec.

2. So Many Perks Included

Honestly, it’s called the Universal VIP Tour for a reason.

You literally get everything handed to you for a seamless, headache-free, luxurious theme park day.

Meals? Taken care of. Parking? Done for you. Waiting in lines? Basically non-existent.

All of this to say, even when your 5 or 7 hour tour is over, you’re still getting the VIP treatment.

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Cons of a Universal VIP Tour

Obviously this goes without saying, but unfortunately the Universal VIP Tour will more than double your park admission.

As I discussed above, if you look at the value of what you’re getting, you’re probably saving money in the long run, but if you don’t want to put out a big chunk of change up front for one park day, then this might not be the best choice for you.

Additionally, the cost of the tour isn’t entirely predictable since, like the Universal Express Pass, it’s on a sliding scale, so that the price matches demand. i.e. peak times, seasons, and certain days of the week cost more.

So, definitely purchase your Universal Orlando VIP Tour as far in advance as possible to maximize savings!

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2. Dirty Looks

This one’s silly, but, let’s be honest. 

If you were standing in the 95 degree humid heat for one hour to get on a ride, and then a group comes up and totally cuts the line, wouldn’t you be a little angry?

Of course you’ll be on the receiving end of the dirty looks instead of the giving end in the Universal Orlando VIP Tour scenario, but if you’re someone who doesn’t like drawing attention to yourself, it’s something to keep in mind.

Especially since you’ll be wearing a Universal VIP Tour lanyard throughout your tour.

Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

How Much Does the Universal VIP Tour Cost?

Alright, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… how much is the Vip Experience at Universal Studios Orlando? $189, plus tax! Or, at least that’s the starting price. 

Because remember , the price spikes during peak seasons.  So let’s break down the specific costs below.

• 1 Day, 1 Park VIP Tour: Starts at $189, plus tax, per person (however, based on my experience the price usually starts at $250)
• 1 Day, 2 Park VIP Tour: Starts at $260 , plus tax, per person
• Private VIP Tour: Starts around  $3,200.00 per party (this price changes based on the season so call Universal at (866) 346-9350 to get a price quote for your party)

Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!

Universal Orlando Express Pass vs. Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour Experience… What’s the Difference?

Think of the Universal Orlando Express Pass as a Disney Genie+ that lets you take a shorter line on most rides, usually guaranteeing that your wait time is cut in half, and rarely ever more than 20 minutes total.

The Universal Orlando VIP Tour, however, goes FAR beyond that!

Sure, you get an Unlimited Express Pass, but you also get valet parking, meals , reserved show seating, and a 5+ hour behind-the-scenes tour. 

Basically, the Universal VIP Tour pales the Express Pass in comparison.

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Universal Private VIP Tour vs. Universal Non-Private VIP Tour… What’s the Difference?

Basically, there’s two major differences between the Private and Non-Private Universal Orlando VIP Tour: price and group size.

Whereas the Non-Private Universal VIP Tour will cost you in the hundreds and can accommodate up to 12 people from various different parties, the Private Universal VIP Tour is exclusively your party, and will cost you THOUSANDS.

Literally. The Private Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour starts at about $3,200 (price subject to change). And in addition to just being your own group, it also allows you to customize the itinerary, add a second day onto your tour, and have dinners included.

What’s Included in a Universal Studios VIP Tour for Halloween Horror Nights?

Just like how the normal Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour has multiple different offerings, the same is true for the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. tour experience (RIP instead of VIP…get it?)

Basically, you can choose between the Halloween Horror Nights Behind-the-Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour for around $120 and the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour for around $300.

The difference?  The Unmasking the Horror Tour DOES NOT require ANY additional admission, and is a daytime, lights-on haunted house tour for your choice 3 or 6 houses.

Whereas the Halloween Horror Nights R.I.P. Tour requires Halloween Horror Nights admission and allows you a guided tour and VIP front of line entry to each house – PLUS an Unlimited Express Pass, Valet Parking, food reception, and more. 

Basically, a great way to ensure you will experience EVERY haunted house during this limited time event!

25 BEST Halloween Horror Nights Tips (2024 Survival Guide)

Is a Universal VIP Tour Worth It?

As I broke down above in the Pros and Cons section, the Universal Orlando VIP Tour really does give you A LOT for your money!

Especially, when you consider that an Unlimited Express Pass alone already costs $100+.

I’d highly recommend the Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour to any Universal Studios superfan, anyone who’s never been to the park before, or any veteran ThemeParkHipster who wants to spoil themselves with the most stress-free theme park experience they can imagine!

Get up to 25% off of your Universal Studios Tickets with Groupon TODAY!

How Can I Book the Universal Orlando VIP Tour Experience at Universal?

You can book your VIP tour by clicking here or calling 1-866-346-9350 to book!

2024 Groupon Universal Studios Orlando Deal: How to Save THE MOST Money on Tickets

Wrapping Up…

Well ThemeParkHipster, I truly hope that this comprehensive guide gave you all the answers to your Universal Orlando VIP Tour questions!

So before you go, please do let us know in the comments below: Will you be booking the Universal VIP Tour anytime soon? Or, do you have your own Universal Orlando VIP Tour experience to share?

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests! 

Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!

UP NEXT: SMACKDOWN! Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: Which Should You Choose?

(Original Article Date: August 9, 2021/Updated by Editor on February 18, 2024)

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2024 Universal Orlando Packing List Guide: What to Pack for an EPIC Trip!

Avoid the universal orlando wait times with express pass: is it worth it in 2024, 2 thoughts on “universal studios orlando vip tour guide: should you do it in 2024”.

We are doing a Private VIP Tour at Universal and was curious and tipping our guide.

Sorry for the late response. From my understanding I didn’t find a rule from Universal that stops us from tipping a Tour Guide. You can double check with the Universal representative by calling (866) 346-9350. I like to tip but just make sure it’s okay for your visit.

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No blockout dates. Savings vary by day. Restrictions apply.

• VIP Tour Experience at Universal Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for the red-carpet experience at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Experience guided tour may be just the thing for you. With multiple options spanning both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure , this is a perfect way to feel like a celebrity as you “live the movies.”

Each VIP Tour permutation has its own special benefits, which we cover for you in-depth on this page. Before we do, however, it’s really important to point out one key item: the VIP Experience does not include theme-park admission. Please keep this in mind when pricing everything out.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s walk that red carpet!

Skip to: Overview | Options | Pricing | FAQ

What is the VIP Experience?

No matter which VIP Tour you choose, there are a few key benefits that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. The first, as you might have guessed, is a VIP tour guide to escort you on a group tour through Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or both. These guides are experts on all things Universal Orlando, so even if you think you know everything there is to know about the parks, you’re sure to be blown away by the fun facts and insider knowledge they share with you.

All VIP Tours also offer priority front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions, including the ever-elusive Pteranadon Flyers and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . (Yes, that means you’ll get to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with no line, virtual or otherwise!) Other benefits of VIP Tours include:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences (photography not permitted)
• Complimentary Valet parking
• Reserved seating at shows (excluding the seasonal Mardi Gras and Mannheim Steamroller concerts)
• Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch
• Unlimited Express Pass access throughout the rest of the day following your tour
• Exclusive VIP lanyard and credentials
• Discounts at select Universal merchandise locations throughout the resort

How many VIP Tour options are there?

Before you get to reap all those VIP rewards, you’ll have to first choose which experience is right for you. We’ve broken down all the options below:

1-Day, 1-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 1-Park VIP Tour lasts for five hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of eight major attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (you get to choose the park, though your tour guide sets the itinerary). And while you will receive all of the benefits listed above, keep in mind that you’ll only enjoy a free continental breakfast if your tour begins at or before 11:00 am. Generally, though, the 1-Day, 1-Park Experience kicks off at 9:30 am, so your chances of enjoying that meal are high!

1-Day, 2-Park Experience

A 1-Day, 2-Park VIP Tour lasts for seven hours and includes priority entrance into a minimum of 10 attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Besides the additional park and tour length, the main difference between a 1-Day, 2-Park Experience and its singular-park counterpart is that this version includes lunch at a full-service restaurant. You can expect this tour to (usually) begin at 9:30, 10:30, or 11:30 in the morning.

Private VIP Experience

If you’d rather travel with just your own party, rather than in a group with other individuals, you can opt for the exclusive VIP treatment with this experience (which lasts for the whole day!). Besides receiving the undivided attention of your tour guide, the main draw of this option is the chance to create your own itinerary (for the non-private VIP Tours, your guide lays out the agenda for you). You’ll also enjoy three full-service meals, including dinner, at one of Universal Orlando’s restaurants and receive a three-day My Universal Photos package.

There are a few options if you’re in the market for a Private VIP Experience, including the only two-day tour available:

• 1-Day, 1-Park Tour (availability may vary)
• 1-Day, 2-Park Tour
• 2-Day, 2-Park Tour

How much does a VIP Experience cost?

As you might have guessed, the price of your VIP experience will vary drastically depending upon which tack you take. The one consistent here, though, is that all ticket prices are the same regardless of age – that means your two-year-old will have to pay just as much as you do to enjoy all that exclusive access!

• 1-Day, 1-Park: $229
• 1-Day, 2-Park: $239
• Private VIP experiences: prices vary; call 1-866-346-9350

Remember: in addition to the cost of a VIP Tour, separate theme-park admission is required. Furthermore, guests that are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

VIP Experience Breakfast Menu

Available to Private and Non-Private VIP Tours that start at or before 11:00 am

House Baked Pastries

Dark Chocolate Chip Muffin

Flaky Butter Croissant

Blueberry Streusel Muffin

Elderberry Croissant

Fresh Cut Fruit

Golden Ripe Pineapple

Vine Ripe Strawberries

Oats & Yogurt

Overnight Oats Steeped in almond milk, agave, crunchy almonds, chia seeds, toasted coconut flakes

Vanilla Bean Yogurt Whole grain oat and wheat granola with slivered almonds and cinnamon

Warm Apple Oatmeal Flan

Hot Offerings

Applewood Smoked Bacon

Pork Sausage Links

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Red Bliss Potatoes Served with carmelized onions

Savory Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich Filled with braised mushrooms, leeks, scrambled eggs

VIP Experience at Universal Orlando – frequently asked questions

Do i need to buy a vip experience ticket in advance.

No, you don’t need to, but we strongly recommend it, as quantities are limited, and – you never know – Universal may sell out the morning of your arrival. Just as with Halloween Horror Nights , our motto is it’s better to play it safe and order in advance than be disappointed the day of!

Do I get to choose my itinerary for a VIP Experience?

That depends on which VIP Tour you go with. For the Non-Private 1-Day, 1-Park or 1-Day, 2-Park experiences, you’ll be touring with other traveling parties, so in the spirit of fairness, the day’s agenda will be determined by your tour guide. If you’d rather make the plans yourself, you’ll need to purchase a Private VIP Experience.

Is a VIP Experience worth it?

It depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. If you’ll only be in Orlando for a few days and want to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando Resort, a VIP Tour is a great way to do so. The priority front-of-the-line access can’t be beaten, along with the exclusive backstage experiences and insider tips from the VIP guides. Even if you’re a seasoned Universal veteran, you’re still bound to learn something new thanks to their expertise.

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The Complete Guide to the Holidays at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is loved by many Orlando couples because of the thrills and excitement found around every corner. The holiday season at Universal Orlando takes the joy of the holidays and amps up the excitement. Both theme parks are decked out for the holidays, the Universal Orlando hotels are decorated, and CityWalk gets in on the excitement too!

Here's what you need to know to have the merriest time together during the 2024 holidays at Universal Orlando.

Basics of the Holidays at Universal Orlando

First things first, when does Universal Orlando celebrate the holidays? You can enjoy the holidays at Universal Orlando Friday, November 22, 2024 to Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This is a lot shorter than the dates for the holidays at Walt Disney World , in case you are interested.

Each Universal Orlando theme park celebrates the holidays differently. You can choose one park, or purchase a ticket with park-to-park access. Taking the Hogwarts Express train between the two parks is so much fun, and a little romantic too.

I suggest downloading the Universal Orlando app before your visit. The app allows you to browse wait times and plan more efficiently.

If you're looking for ways to enjoy the holidays without needing a park ticket, there are some decorations at CityWalk, and each Universal Orlando hotel is decorated. However, you do have to pay for parking at CityWalk as well as the Universal Orlando hotels.

You can park for free at CityWalk after 6:00pm. Or, plan to see a matinee movie at the Universal Cinemark, show your parking receipt, and get a parking reimbursement at the box office.

Upgrade your holidays at Universal Orlando with a VIP Tour

Returning 2023:   Universal's Holiday Tour . This tour encompasses both parks and comes with serious perks, like hot chocolate with The Grinch, a special meeting with Santa, and reserved spots for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. And the merriment continues with an exclusive after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle.

Florida Residents Buy A Day, Get A 2nd Day Free* Valid On 2-PARK, 1-DAY PARK-TO-PARK TICKET.

*Not available at the front gate. Use by 3/6/24.

Christmas in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade And Diagon Alley

One of the best parts of the holidays at Universal Orlando is Christmas in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter . This celebration spans both parks.

At Universal Studios Florida is Diagon Alley, where beautiful Christmas decorations adorn the magical area in which Harry Potter was first introduced to the Wizarding World. Celestina Warbeck, the resident songstress, gives her show a holiday spin this time of year.

Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express and arrive at Hogsmeade Village in Islands of Adventure. Here the Christmastime festivities continue with more decorations and a holiday spin on the quirky Frog Choir performance.

The main event of Christmas in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle . Throughout the night, Hogwarts Castle is transformed with enchanting holiday projections.

Holidays at Universal Studios Florida

For classic holiday fun, Universal Studios Florida is your park. Thanks to the park's New York area, you'll feel like you're celebrating the holidays in NYC. The main event for most guests is the Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s . Watching this spectacle gives me goosebumps. The massive, colorful balloons gliding through the air down the parade route make me feel like a child again.

Also in the New York area of the park is the Tribute Store . This store changes themes throughout the year, highlighting the park's current events. During the holidays, the Tribute Store offers immersive holiday-themed rooms, complete with music.

You'll also find live entertainment with a holiday spin this time of year. On Delancey Street in the New York Area, The Blues Brothers perform rockin' bluesy versions of Christmas songs. And over at the Hollywood area, Marilyn Monroe and her dancers make the holidays hot with their sassy moves.

Manheim Steamroller will perform live concerts at Universal Studio Florida on the Music Plaza Stage on December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2023 at 7pm.

Universal Studios Florida is also where you will find Diagon Alley, which is part of the Christmas in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter celebration.

Holiday Date Ideas at Universal Studios Florida

• Grab a drink at Finnegan's Bar & Grill to go and enjoy the Blues Brothers holiday show with refreshments in hand.
• Stroll through the Tribute Store and take advantage of its many photo opportunities.
• Take an ornament selfie with the massive Christmas tree in the New York area, using your reflection in one of the many large ornaments.
• Claim your spot for Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s near Finnegan's so you can easily access some drinks before or after the parade.
• Head to the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley for one of the many specialty drinks before enjoying Celestina Warbeck's holiday performance.

Insider Tip: To view the show schedule at either park you'll have to use the Universal Orlando app . The showtimes are not usually published on the website. Universal does a pretty good job of setting the show schedule in a way that makes it easy to hop from one show to the next.

Here's a sample itinerary that my husband and I followed recently, each of the three shows we saw had holiday songs and decorations:

• 10:10 a.m. – Beat Builders show near the edge of the New York area, towards Fast and Furious Supercharged
• 10:55 a.m. – Blues Brothers show on Delancy Street in the New York area
• 11:30 a.m. – Lunch at the holiday food and beverage kiosk near Central Park
• 12:30 p.m. – Celestina Warbeck in Diagon Alley

Holidays at Islands Of Adventure

What this park lacks in a holiday parade it makes up for with spectacular decorations. Seuss Landing is one of my favorite places to explore this time of year. No other theme park land has more decorations. Here at Seuss Landing even the snack carts and ride signage are decorated.

Some people overlook the little truffula tree forest with The Lorax, but don't miss it. This little walk-through area is precious at night. Surround yourself in the glow of the holiday lights as you take a quick stroll among the truffula trees.

The big highlight here is the live performance of “ The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular .” If you and your love enjoy The Grinch or live theater, this is a fun, heartwarming production. Plus it is included in theme park admission. You will need to plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the performance time to get a seat.

It is a bit of a walk to the theater itself, so be prepared for a long walk.

Just across the bridge and through the Lost Continent, you'll arrive at Hogsmeade Village . The steam of the Hogwarts Express train welcomes you. Each magical shop has decorations that match the theme of the shop. There is garland everywhere and every lampost dons a festive wreath.

Don't miss the Owl Post's covered sitting area, which has a lovely collection of decorations and is a nice place to sit and relax for a spell. Islands of Adventure is also home to the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle .

Seuss Landing and Hogsmeade Village are by far the most festive areas of Islands of Aventure. But don't miss out on the decorations in the rest of the park. The merchandise shops and dining locations each have their own decorations.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, is back for 2023.  Start your day with a delicious breakfast and appearances by some of their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch. Guests also receive access to one digital download photo as a keepsake from their encounter with the Grinch.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Universal’s Islands of Adventure on select dates from November 17 through December 27, 2023 and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.

Pricing for this experience is $58.99+tax (ages 10+) $32.99 +tax (Ages 3-9) and separate theme park admission is required.

Holiday Date Ideas at Islands of Adventure

• Give your holiday cards some extra magic by sending them out through the Owl Post at Hogsmeade Village.
• Head inside the Hog's Head for a hot butterbeer and stroll Hogsmeade Village together.
• Although it is a kids' ride, board the Seuss Trolley Train to see the Christmas decorations at night.
• See if you can spot any of the ornaments throughout Seuss Landing that have The Grinch's face on them.

CityWalk Holiday Events for 2023

The holiday season isn't complete without holiday shopping and good eats. Universal Orlando's CityWalk is packed with fantastic dining options and unique shops. Though the variety here is not as large as Disney Springs, the energy of CityWalk is exciting, especially during the holidays.

You'll often find live entertainment on weekend evenings. Every shop and restaurant has its own vibrant holiday decorations. You can also walk over to the Hard Rock Hotel or Royal Pacific Hotel.  Or, board one of the water taxis for a romantic ride to one of the premium hotels. Each hotel will be decorated for the season.

Best CityWalk Restaurants – Book Your Reservation

If you want to make the most of your date night at Universal Orlando , be sure to book a dining reservation. It used to be easy to just walk into any table service restaurant at Universal Orlando, but that is not the case nowadays. Here are my top picks for the best CityWalk restaurants this time of year, with festive decor, menu items, and an overall great experience.

Be sure to book your reservation soon.

• Bigfire – best for hearty, rustic American cuisine and a cozy atmosphere
• Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen – with its sweets-inspired menu it is perfect this time of year
• VIVO Italian Kitchen™ – cooler weather and the holidays call for delicious Italian cuisine and handcrafted cocktails
• Jimmy Buffett's® Margaritaville® – enjoy the holidays with a tropical twist with fun decor, and raise a glass to Jimmy Buffett's birthday, he was born on Christmas day
• If you're on a budget then grab a seat at either the Riverfront or Shoreline outdoor bars located in the center of CityWalk near the main stage on the water

Universal Orlando Hotels with the Best Holiday Decorations

It can be hard to decide which Universal Orlando hotels have the best holiday decorations. The most important thing to know about Universal Orlando hotels during the holidays is that you'll have to pay for parking.

Universal Orlando hotels range from budget-friendly hotels to premium resorts. You can access each Universal Orlando hotel by parking at the main parking structure for the theme parks and CityWalk, and then taking transportation to the hotel of your choice.

Or, you can walk when you're at CityWalk or the parks. The most walkable Universal hotels from CityWalk are Royal Pacific Resort,  Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay Resort.

Endless Summer Resort Category: Value Location: Just off Universal Orlando property, former site of Wet n' Wild water park, accessible by bus Decorations: Simple tropical flair, only in the lobby

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Category: Prime Value Location: Edge of Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure side, accessible by bus or the Garden Walk Decorations: Retro and classic with lots of metallics and jewel tones

Aventura Hotel Category: Prime Value Location: Edge of Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure side, accessible by bus or the Garden Walk Decorations: Minimalist and modern

Sapphire Falls Resort Category: Preferred Location: Islands of Adventure side, accessible by boat or the Garden Walk Decorations: Caribbean and tropical influences

Royal Pacific Resort Category: Premier Location: Islands of Adventure side, accessible by boat or the Garden Walk Decorations: Vintage, Polynesian and golden age of travel influences

Hard Rock Hotel Category: Premier Location: Universal Studios side, accessible by boat or walkway along the water Decorations: Music and rock n' roll, unique style

Portofino Bay Resort Category: Premier Location: Universal Studios side, accessible by boat or walkway along the water Decorations: Romantic and regal, Italian and European influences

Is the Universal VIP Experience Worth It?

A few years ago, VIP tours at theme parks like Universal and Disney were only available for a select group of theme park guests, like public figures and celebrities . Today, any guest (with the proper budget) can book a VIP tour to experience white-glove service during their theme park day. Boasting benefits like front-of-line ride access, a private tour guide, peeks into backstage areas, and complimentary meals, Universal VIP Experiences are the gold standard when it comes to VIP tours. Universal VIP Experiences are well worth the price and are one of the best ways to spend a stress-free day while visiting a theme park. Here’s why Universal’s VIP tours are worth the splurge!

The Basics: What are Universal VIP Experiences?

Before we discuss why Universal VIP experiences are awesome, let’s go over what they are and what they include. Universal VIP tours offer multiple options with a private tour guide who spends the day escorting you around Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, allowing you to skip ride lines and giving you peeks of exclusive places and backstage areas. Food is included in some tours, as well. Universal offers two types of VIP experiences: Group Tours and Private Experiences. Group and Private Tours are then broken up into 1-Park and 2-Park options. Tip: you’ll get the best experience by booking a 2-Park Tour. During a Group Tour, you and other members of your party will be placed in a group of up to 12 guests. Your Tour Guide will escort your group around the parks, giving front-of-line access to at least eight attractions, sharing insider stories, and offering glimpses backstage. Private VIP experiences, on the other hand, allow you to craft a completely customized itinerary with a private tour guide just for your party. Tours can range between five and eight hours, depending on the type of tour and how many parks you’ll visit.

Ready to visit Universal Orlando in 2024 ? Our friends at The Vacationeer can help you plan the perfect trip! They’ll answer all your questions and make your reservations. And best of all, there’s no fee to use their planning services!

Get a free, no-obligation quote today and start planning your Universal Studios vacation with The Vacationeer !

Why Universal VIP Experiences are Worth It

Reason 1: included benefits.

Here are the perks that are included with every Universal VIP Tour :

• Dedicated tour guide
• Behind-the-scenes tours and experiences
•  Front-of-the-line access to attractions
• Valet parking
• Reserved seating at in-park shows
• Universal Express Unlimited passes for the rest of the day
• Discounts on merchandise and food
• Free admission to some clubs at CityWalk
• At least one complimentary meal (all 2-Park Tours)

 Private VIP tours include everything above and:

• A private tour guide for just your party
• Customized itinerary
• Dinner voucher
• Three-Day Photo Package (with unlimited digital downloads and free prints)
• Ability to use Child Swap
• Complimentary stroller rental

The number of perks and the numerous options available for VIP tours at Universal makes them an excellent choice for first-time VIPers.

Reason 2: Attraction Access

One of the main reasons people choose to book a Universal VIP Experience is to receive front-of-line access to rides. On average, you’ll wait less than 15 minutes to ride some of the park’s most popular attractions. Universal guarantees priority access for a minimum of eight rides for 1-Day, 1-Park Tours and ten rides for 1-Day, 2-Park Tours. However, guests often ride between 10 to 14 rides during a tour. You’ll also get an Unlimited Express Pass to enjoy for the rest of the day.

Although it’s never guaranteed, booking a VIP Experience may be the only way to skip the standby line at attractions that aren’t included with Express passes — specifically Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ and the VelociCoaster, which are the two most popular attractions at Universal right now. Just ask your VIP guide if these rides are available for priority access on the day of your tour.

Reason 3: Flexible Options

Universal allows a wide range of guests to experience a VIP tour, with Group and Private tours and multi-day options at different prices. Group Tours start at $189 per person (on top of theme park admission), making them potentially much more affordable than Disney’s Private VIP Tours , which are charged a flat hourly rate that starts at $450 per hour (with a seven-hour minimum requirement).

Reason 4: Complimentary Food

All guests on 2-Park VIP Tours have at least one complimentary meal. ( Note: food is not included with Group 1-Day, 1-Park Tours.) Not stressing about where and when to eat (and how much it costs) during your VIP tour day allows you to maximize your time with your guide and creates a relaxing experience.

Guests on tours that begin before 11 am are treated to a hot buffet breakfast at Cafe La Bamba at Universal Studios. View the breakfast menu . Cafe La Bamba is the official VIP Experience headquarters—it’s where you’ll check in for your tour, meet your guide, and plan your day. You can even check your children’s height in advance to save time once you arrive at the attraction queue. You’ll return to Cafe La Bamba for a buffet lunch later in the day. See the lunch menu here.

Those who book Private VIP Tours will also get a dinner meal voucher for a sit-down restaurant at one of the theme parks or CityWalk. Dinner includes non-alcoholic drinks, an appetizer (for every two people in your party), an entrée, and dessert. VIP Tour Guides are known for their ability to *possibly* pull some strings and secure reservations at some of the park’s most sought-after dining experiences, like the award-winning Mythos at Islands of Adventure or Bigfire at CityWalk. Be sure to ask your guide what options may be available on your tour date.

Common Questions About Universal VIP Experiences

How much does a vip tour cost.

Group Tours start at $189 per person. Exact prices vary depending on the time of year and crowd levels. Pricing does not include theme park admission, which needs to be purchased separately to participate in a VIP tour. Private Tour pricing also varies, but can be upwards of $3,000 per day for up to five guests.

Do you get to skip lines during a Universal VIP tour?

Yes. One of the best perks of a VIP tour is the ability to ride Universal’s top attractions with virtually no wait. Typically, you’ll wait between 5-15 minutes for each ride while on a VIP tour. You’ll get to skip lines at all Universal attractions, even ones not included in Express Passes, like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster. Skipping lines for these two attractions is never guaranteed and is subject to availability.

Where do you eat during a VIP tour?

A buffet breakfast (for tours beginning before 11 am) and lunch are provided for all 2-Park Tours at Cafe La Bamba at Universal Studios. Dinner is included for Private Tours at a sit-down restaurant at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or CityWalk.

Are VIP tours kid-friendly?

All Universal VIP Experiences are kid-friendly, but Private VIP tours are better suited for families with young children. Private VIP Tours offer more flexibility when traveling with kids, as you can pick your itinerary and move through the parks at your own pace. During a Group Tour, you may feel like you’re playing a game of catch-up to stay with the rest of the group. Another disadvantage of doing Group VIP Experiences with children is that you won’t be able to take advantage of child swap. This could be a huge drawback if you have young children who can’t go on many of the big rides (which means someone in your party wouldn’t be able to go on them, either). Stroller rentals are also included with Private VIP Tours, which is an extra perk.

What behind-the-scenes experiences are available?

The backstage areas you’ll see largely depend on your individual tour guide and your goals for the day. If getting a sneak peek behind the scenes of Universal attractions is important to you, let your guide know so they can build that into your itinerary. Backstage experiences could include a private tour of the Immigration Floor at the Men in Black™: Alien Attack™, the egg-hatching facility inside Jurassic Park™ Discovery Center, and actor meet-and-greets after the Horror Make-Up Show. Private VIP Tours may experience a private show at Ollivanders™ Wand Shop.

Do you tip your tour guide?

Tips are never expected but appreciated for a job well done. If you wish to tip your VIP tour guide, it’s customary to tip 15-20% of your total tour cost in cash (you most likely won’t be able to add a tip to your initial tour cost).

Group vs. Private VIP Tour — What Should You Pick?

Private VIP Tours are the way to go if you want one-on-one attention, a dedicated tour guide, and the ability to plan a custom itinerary for the day. Private VIP tours are also ideal for traveling with young children. A Group VIP tour is your best option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience a VIP tour and don’t mind being in a group with other families.

How Do You Book a Universal VIP Experience?

For a stress-free, no-hassle way to book your Universal VIP Experience , use an experienced Universal Travel Agent like the ones at The Vacationeer . As a Universal Preferred Travel Agency, The Vacationeer has knowledgeable agents who are up to date with all Universal offerings. They will offer advice and book the tour for you! The best part? Their services are free to you!

If you don’t mind handling all of the planning logistics yourself , Group VIP Experiences can be booked online (based on availability). To book a private VIP Experience or book a group tour with a child under three, call the VIP Center at (866) 346-9350 between 9 am and 7 pm.

For VIP experiences at nearby Disney World , see our articles on whether Disney Private VIP Tours are Worth It , Five-star Disney Hotels , Michelin Guide Dining at Disney , and The Ultimate Luxury Disney Vacation .

For more Universal planning tips and tricks , check out our Universal Crowd Calendar and learn about the Best Times to Go to Universal Studios . View our Best Rides for Kids list and a breakdown of the Most Popular Universal Rides . Then, check out our guides to the Best Universal Hotels and Universal’s Best Restaurants .

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Your Complete Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Travel Guide

We have compiled all of the details about this year’s Holidays at Universal Orlando offerings for you

The festive season is upon us, and Universal Orlando Resort is the ultimate destination to embrace the holiday spirit! Whether you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast, parade lover, or just seeking a memorable family vacation, Universal has something for everyone. Universal packs a TON of offerings between both theme parks and resort hotels, which can be quite a lot to sort through when planning a holiday vacation. But fear not: we have done the heavy lifting for you!

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida

From Christmas enchantments in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to the jovial Universal’s Holiday Parade, the resort transforms from the center of epic thrills into a winter holiday wonderland.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

From Nov. 17—Dec. 31, 2023, watch the magical Hogwarts™ castle light up as the holiday spirit engulfs both Hogsmeade™ in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida. Don’t miss the holiday-infused performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Find yourself experiencing a cool evening while reveling in the holiday festivities? Warm Butterbeer™ will be ready to warm you right up!

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

Have you always wanted to check out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, but don’t want to spend Thanksgiving lining up the streets of New York? Universal has you covered with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Marvel at larger-than-life balloons floating through Universal Studios Florida. Your beloved characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar are set to join in the festivity. The parade runs from Nov. 17—Dec. 31, 2023, and is a holiday event you do not want to miss at!

For my family, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort really mean Grinchmas. This annual celebration of the mean green one himself, Grinchmas is an amazing array of offerings that bring us back year after year. Get whisked away to Seuss Landing™ adorned in the holiday charm of Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville. Revel in The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular and pose for a keepsake photo with the Grinch himself.

You can even meet the Grinch via a special character meet and greet, but this does require a virtual queue that books up very quickly. To ensure you can meet the Grinch, you may want to check out The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast . This annual event invites you to kickstart your day with the Grinch™ and his Who friends at Confisco Grille, where you can enjoy a themed breakfast with specialty treats and grab a few photos with the Grinch! The breakfast costs Adults: $58.99+tax for adults and $32.99+tax for Children (ages 3-9). Note separate park admission is required.

Universal Holiday Tour

For the ultimate Holiday experience, you may want to consider booking Universal’s Holiday Tour . This VIP experience, which starts at $79.99+tax per person in addition to park admission, provides the ultimate holiday tour at Universal Orlando Resort. The tour includes the following experiences:

• Exclusive Meet and Greets with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog, Max.
• Reserved seating for the Grinchmas™ Who -liday Spectacular.
• Light bites, desserts, and more.
• Private Meet and Greet with Santa
• Priority access to one (1) pre-selected attraction (Subject to Tour itinerary at Universal’s discretion).
• An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle.

Related: Holidays at Universal Hollywood Returns on November 24th Through January 1st

Elevate Your Holidays at Universal’s Hotels

Need a place to stay during your trip to Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? The Universal Orlando on-site resort hotels have you covered! Each hotel offers exclusive holiday experiences that will allow you to extend the vacation fun from the parks right back to your room!

Premier Hotels

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Experience Italian-inspired festivities with holiday carolers and a New Year’s Eve Party.
• Hard Rock Hotel®: Enjoy a rock star holiday with menorah lighting, holiday meals, and a New Year’s Eve bash.
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Dive into a South Seas holiday with buffets, menorah lighting, and a New Year’s Eve Dessert Party.

Preferred Hotel

• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Celebrate in the tropics with holiday buffets, menorah lighting, and a New Year’s Eve Tavern Celebration.

Prime Value and Value Hotels

• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort & Universal’s Aventura Hotel: From retro festivities to rooftop New Year’s celebrations, the holiday season sparkles.
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts: Dive into the surf lifestyle or watch the sunset with ceremonies, special meals, and more.

Guests of the on-property hotels also enjoy the following amenities:

• FREE*** Universal Express Unlimited – Premier hotel guests get free Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
• Early Park Admission** – Guests can access one of our three amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening.
• Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

Have you experienced the holiday offerings at Universal Orlando Resort? Do you have a holiday trip planned this year? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today ! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

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“Universal’s Holiday Tour” available to book now at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando has recently announced the return of their “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” which is an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates starting November 21.

Different offerings available on “Universal’s Holiday Tour”:

• Meet the Grinch, in Seuss Landing while enjoying a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar
• Experience an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a transformation of Hogwarts castle with a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by beloved Harry Potter  films

• Take advantage of a reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
• Exclusive seating for Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” and after, see the Whos  from  Who- ville for an exclusive on-stage Q&A session
• Meet and greet with Santa and receive one My Universal Photos digital download
• Receive a Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to find 15-holiday trees throughout various merchandise locations within the theme parks and Universal CityWalk

And what is the holiday season without festive treats?? Below are just a few of the food and beverage items available this year.

• Nutella Cheesecake Reindeer Pop : This cheesecake pop is rich with smooth Nutella and garnished with candied hazelnuts – available at Croissant Moon Bakery, located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• “Red Hot” Holiday Shake:  Red Hot candies, crushed peppermint, and a Christmas tree snack cake milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk
• Voodoo Doughnut:  Holiday-themed Voodoo doughnuts will be available throughout the season with new flavors, including a gingerbread cake doughnut, green-glazed holiday gift doughnut, and marble cake wreath doughnut
• Hot Chocolate Bomb:  Available at the TODAY Cafe, located at Universal Studios Florida. There will also be a new Grinch-themed hot chocolate bomb – filled with marshmallows and red-candied hearts – at Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Vegan Brownie: Available in San Francisco at Universal Studios Florida or Croissant Moon Bakery at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

There will also be the return of the Tribute Store, as well as Mannheim Steamroller, with live performances at the Music Plaza Stage on the following nights: December 4, 5, 11, and 12.

For more information and to make a “Universal’s Holiday Tour” reservation, visit  www.UniversalOrlando.com . “Universal’s Holiday Tour” pricing starts at $69.99 (plus tax) and separate Park-to-Park admission is required.

And as always, be sure to follow ThrillGeek on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates from Universal Orlando.

Emily Ann has always loved the theme parks, and is now so happy she gets to create content around them for ThrillGeek! She considers herself a huge theme park foodie, as well as finding unique items across the parks. Would die for HHN.

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Universal Studios Florida · December 9, 2020

Breaking: More Dates Offered For Universal’s Holiday Tour

UPDATE:  Due to popular demand, Universal Orlando Resort has added more dates for guests to enjoy the first-ever “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” which gives them access to exclusive holiday experiences. The tour is now available December 13 – 17, in addition to the previously-announced dates of December 18 – January 3, 2021. See below for complete details about “Universal’s Holiday Tour.”

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT OFFERS FIRST-EVER “UNIVERSAL’S HOLIDAY TOUR” FEATURING ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES  

Now Available December 13 – January 3, Guests Can take their Festivities to the Next Level with a Guided Tour filled with Exclusive Experiences, including meeting The Grinch, a Private Showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,”    Special Access to the Holiday Tribute Store, and more

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 9, 2020)  – Guests can take their holiday celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort to the next level with the all-new “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” a specially-guided tour filled with exclusive access to holiday experiences across the theme parks.

Available every evening from December 13 through January 3, 2021, the guided experience will give guests the opportunity to:

• Enjoy priority access to Universal’s Holiday Experience Featuring Macy’s Balloons, where they can get up-close with larger-than-life parade balloons and stunning floats inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples to characters from popular animated films – and enjoy a special appearance by Santa Claus
• Embark on a tour of the first-ever Holiday Tribute Store, featuring four incredibly-themed rooms – including one inspired by The Grinch – stocked with a variety of new merchandise
• Meet and greet The Grinch at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing, where they can encounter the mean, green one himself and enjoy a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar
• Cap off the evening in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure with an exclusive showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a stunning projection of holiday spirit and Christmas moments inspired by the beloved “Harry Potter” stories
• And, guests will also receive a special, themed gift during the tour to commemorate their experience

Universal’s Holiday Tour can be booked by calling 1-866-346-9350 between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. EST daily, visiting  www.universalorlando.com/HolidayTour  or by emailing  [email protected] . Pricing starts at $59.99 (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket is required.

Universal Orlando Passholders receive a special discount on the tour with pricing starting at $49.99 (plus tax) per ticket, per Passholder. Passholders can book and take advantage of their discount through the VIP Call Center and in-park at the UOAP Lounge.

Universal Orlando continues to implement its enhanced health and safety procedures and guidelines focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization” across its entire destination, and those practices will be applied to all experiences taking place during Universal’s Holiday Tour. Key measures include requiring face coverings, enforcing social distancing, limiting capacity in each tour group and at each experience throughout the tour, including at “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” and more.

Universal’s Holiday Tour has limited availability and advanced reservations are required. For more information about this offering and all of Universal Orlando’s Holidays experiences, plus incredible deals for guests to take advantage of this season – including the limited-time “Get 3 Days Free When You Buy 2 Days” offer that is available for purchase through January 6, 2021, the “Get 3 Days for $55 per Day plus tax” offer for Florida residents, and $100 savings on select annual and seasonal passes

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My family is spending $3,000 on Halloween Horror Nights this year. As Florida locals, we know it's the best theme-park event of the year.

• My family attends Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights several times a year.
• This year, we're going to spend over $3,000 on tickets, food, and merch.
• No matter how much it costs, I think HHN is the best Halloween event in Central Florida.

As a journalist who covers theme parks and lives in Central Florida , I often joke that the spooky season is my Super Bowl.

From family-friendly Halloween parties at Disney World to jump-scare-filled haunted houses at SeaWorld, my family starts making its seasonal rounds in late August. But there's one event that stands above the rest: Halloween Horror Nights , or HHN, at Universal Studios Florida.

This year alone, my family will spend over $3,000 attending the scary but fun event — and that's not even the most we've spent in a single season.

Here's why we invest so much in HHN and why I think it's the best theme-park Halloween event.

HHN runs for nine weeks throughout the Halloween season.

The 2024 Halloween Horror Nights season is Universal Orlando's longest yet, running on select nights from August 30 through November 3.

The nine-week run leaves plenty of time to experience the spooky event, so my family knew going into the season we wanted to be there as many nights as possible — regardless of the expense.

We've already visited HHN twice this year and plan to attend a few more times in October.

Tickets range depending on the night you visit but average around $100 each. Since HHN takes place from around 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., you need a separate admission ticket if you're also going to the theme park that day.

The event isn't suitable for all ages.

Universal recommends that kids wait to attend HHN until they're 13. There's blood, gore, jump scares, and more, so it may not be the best spot for little kids, especially ones who are sensitive to scary or chaotic scenes.

My kids both waited until they were 13 to experience HHN. My 16-year-old son loves going each year, but my 14-year-old daughter decided it was a bit too scary for her.

If you're looking for something significantly less frightening, there's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World.

One of the reasons we have annual passes is to get a free event ticket each season.

I've often touted the benefits of being an annual-pass holder at Universal , from the affordable price (compared to Disney) to the significant discounts on food and merchandise. But my favorite benefit is probably that pass holders receive a free ticket to HHN on select nights each season.

We still have to purchase additional tickets once our pass-holder night has been used up, but the savings are helpful when you're planning to visit several times during the season.

There are 10 haunted houses to explore this year.

HHN has 10 haunted houses. This year, the houses range from one based on the "Quiet Place" film franchise to Slaughter Sinema 2, a campy original haunted house that lets guests walk through funny-but-imaginary B-list horror films.

Lines for the haunted houses can get long, so we've learned it's worthwhile to purchase an express pass for the night. The add-on costs about $150 a person and offers one chance at a shorter line at each house.

There's also a higher-tiered express pass that offers unlimited line-skipping, but we've found that getting through each house in one night takes up plenty of time.

The scare zones provide even more thrills.

There are also five scare zones in the park. This year, they're themed around concepts like a zombie-filled swap and the Blumhouse library of horror films .

A Halloween-themed show runs a few times throughout the night if you're looking for even more entertainment.

My family’s biggest HHN expense is always a VIP tour.

There are private and public RIP tours (a spooky play on VIP) at HHN, and my family always likes to do at least one.

This year, my son and I did a public RIP tour for about $400 a person. We were paired with other guests and led through the park by a guide who shared HHN knowledge. Plus, it included a buffet-style dinner.

More importantly, the guide also took us straight to the front of the lines at the haunted houses .

Last year, we spent about $4,000 on a private RIP tour with my friend group, which was lots of fun. But if you don't mind hanging out with strangers, the public version is more affordable and comes with the same perks.

We always splurge on the exclusive themed food and beverages.

From $9 corn-and-shrimp chowder to a $14 walking taco, we love trying all the seasonal food items available exclusively at the after-hours event.

Kiosks throughout the park sell treats themed around each of the haunted houses. This year, there's a "Ghostbusters"-themed Stay Puft Marshmallow Man s'more and a red pastry samosa that looks like the infamous red door in the "Insidious" film franchise .

We could spend an entire night walking through the scare zones and trying the food.

We’re also suckers for each year’s HHN merchandise.

Each year, fans of HHN await the release of the seasonal merchandise.

So far, we've already bought T-shirts with all the haunted houses on the back ($33 each) and cozy hoodies with some of the scary characters from this year's event ($60 each).

It's a good thing annual passholders get a 10% to 15% merchandise discount because we have a long list of things we plan to purchase this season.

Staying at a Universal hotel is a must for us.

We live about 90 minutes from Universal and often stay in a hotel on the property , so we don't have to drive home late at night.

Staying on the property is the perfect way to extend the creepy vibes. All the Universal hotels decorate their lobbies for HHN, plus there are photo ops and themed bars with limited-edition drinks.

Perhaps more importantly, the hotels provide easy access to buses and water taxis to the theme parks. It's a big perk when you're exhausted at the end of a good night at the event.

Between pass-holder and Florida-resident deals, I've snagged rooms for between $100 and $200 a night.

If you can only go to one theme-park Halloween event, make it HHN.

Provided everyone in your travel party is old (and brave) enough, Halloween Horror Nights is, in my opinion, the premier Halloween event in Florida.

I recommend it to all of my friends and have gotten many of them hooked on visiting every single year.

Like anything at a theme park, a night at HHN can be expensive. One private RIP tour last year cost more than our entire HHN budget for this year.

We tend to go all out, but you could easily tailor the event to your budget. It's completely possible to go in with just a $100 ticket and have a wonderfully scary time.

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