Trip Review - VIP Tours for WDW & Universal

Question

Just recently took a family trip to Orlando. Knowing it would be crowded during President's Day week and looking to maximize the one day we had at each venue, I opted for a VIP tour for each.

If anyone is considering this experience at either or both, here are my thoughts & notes. Every person is different and has their own specific needs or wants, so this isn't to say which was "better" but what each entailed and the options and customizations available along with the standard VIP Tour.

First and foremost, the VIP option is above and beyond the park entrance ticket cost. You must purchase park tickets.

When planning the trip and deciding whether or not to go VIP, Speaking to representatives at each was a delight. Everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and personable. They answered all my questions, offered tips or advice when asked and made me comfortable that I was probably making the right choice (for us and our trip). I had multiple phone calls and emails with each and never felt like we were being a bother. Top notch at both.

Universal 2-park tour is roughly 9a-5p. Universal includes free Valet Parking, buffet breakfast & lunch.

WDW Tour is done by the hour (7hr min). You pick your start time. Parking is extra unless you are staying on-property or park at Port Orleans where there is a lot & they will pick you up. They offer snacks(popcorn, pretzels, ice cream) & drinks(soda, water) but not actual meals.

For Universal, we signed up for the "group" option which means your "group" can consist of up to 12 people. We were 5 and so were paired with another family of 4 and a family of 3. Not surprising considering it was a super busy week, but you could get lucky and not have a full 12. The people we were paired with were very nice and I had requested upfront to be paired (if possible) with people of similar interests & kids ages. We all got along and all wanted the same rides. Universal offers an "exclusive" VIP like WDW but I didn't think we needed that.

WDW is "exclusive" only. It's your group only and you are allowed up to 10 people in your group.

For Universal, they (currently) only have "2" parks, and since the Harry Potter theme extends within both, we opted for a 1-day/2-park ticket. The 1-day/1-park option is a shorter "tour" (approx 5hrs), slightly less cost, but limited to the 1 park you pick. Sidenote, I had a follow up phone call with Universal this week for any information about a tour experience when EPIC opens, but they did not have any info yet.

For Disney we opted for a 1-day/1-park pass as we "pre" decided on Magic Kingdom for our tour. You are not limited to any park in particular with their tour. If you purchased a 1-day/MultiPark ticket you could theoretically hit MK, Epcot, Animal & Hollywood, but likely would not get to more than a couple rides at most in each, but they will provide transportation from park to park for your group. For WDW day, we were only 3 in our group and we had lunch and dinner reservation in MK so that was the bookends around our 7 hours. We hit everything easily within roughly 5hrs and then went back and did some rides multiple times in the remaining 2hrs. We ended our tour with a drop-off into the roped off area in front of the castle for the fireworks. Personal note, if we were to go back with a bigger group & more kids and decide on a VIP tour, I would probably opt for 8hr (or 9hr) and hit 2 parks, but as we adults hadn't been to WDW in 10+ years and our child never, MK was the one for us this time.

The tour itself-

Universal brings you to each (major) ride once, you skip right to the front and you go from ride-to-ride for the day. We hit 13 rides (I think 7 before lunch & 6 after). The nice "perk" is your lanyard with VIP card also allows you to the express lines after your tour ends until the park closes. So from 5p-8p you can ride as much as you can on your own.

WDW is during your "time" with your guide. They bring you right to the front so no waiting here either. There are restrictions on a couple rides (Tron in MK is limited to once) but we rode Space Mtn 4 times, dwarf train 4 or 5 times, etc...

When your time is up, you are back to standard queues (waiting or Lighting...)

Guides-Both guides were fantastic. They were really into making sure we had the best experience possible. Both had been with their respective companies/jobs for years and answered any questions, gave tips, offered stories. They made the experience one our child will remember which was the most important part.

"Steps" - I'm not a step counter, but be prepared to be continually on the move. Since there is no waiting between each ride, you're constantly walking. I was told its something like 20,000 steps or 6-7miles worth during your day. The best part is the kids will collapse when you get home !

Tipping - There is no real guidance here and while not required, certainly appreciated. I have no idea if I under tipped or over tipped. If anyone cares to opine please feel free so I know for next time. I gave each one $500

To wrap up, it was worth it for me and what I was looking to accomplish. I hate waiting in lines and this trip was last minute and trying to navigate Orlando Theme Parks on the fly and not 3-6months in advance (aside from having no clue how complicated it has become) I have no regrets and would do it again without question at either/both companies.

Happy to answer any particular questions if you want to ping me direct.

Answer

If you are considering VIP tours at both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, here is a detailed breakdown based on a recent family experience during a very busy week (President’s Day week). The VIP tours are designed to maximize time on rides, minimize wait times, and provide a personalized experience, but keep in mind they are additional to park admission costs.

Planning & Communication

Both Universal and Disney have knowledgeable and responsive VIP tour representatives. Multiple phone calls and emails can help tailor your experience, including pairing with groups of similar interests or ages. Disney offers exclusive tours for your group only, while Universal allows for shared group tours (up to 12 people) unless you opt for the exclusive VIP option.

Tour Lengths & Inclusions

Universal 2-Park VIP Tour: Approx. 9am–5pm, includes free valet parking, buffet breakfast, and lunch. The standard tour allows your group to hit major rides once with front-of-line access. After the tour ends, VIP lanyards permit access to Express lines until park close.
WDW VIP Tour: Hourly-based (minimum 7 hours), you choose your start time. Parking is extra unless staying on-property. Snacks and drinks are included, but not full meals. Disney tours are exclusive to your group (up to 10 people). Transportation between parks is provided if you have a multi-park ticket.

Group Dynamics

Universal allows for a “group” tour with up to 12 people, which can be paired with other families. Advance requests for pairing with similar interests and ages can be accommodated.
WDW tours are exclusive to your group, ensuring a more private experience. Ideal if you prefer not to mix with other families.

Park & Ride Coverage

Universal: You visit each major ride once during the tour. After the official tour, your VIP status allows continued Express access. The 1-day/2-park tour covers both parks; 1-day/1-park tours are shorter and limited to a single park.
WDW: Your guide brings you directly to rides, minimizing wait time. Some ride restrictions exist (e.g., Tron limited to one ride), but other rides can be repeated multiple times. Exclusive VIP tour allows you to maximize rides within the scheduled hours.

Guides & Experience

Guides at both Universal and Disney are highly experienced, attentive, and engaging. They ensure your group gets the most out of each day, including answering questions, sharing tips, and adding stories. Continuous movement is expected, typically covering 6–7 miles and around 20,000 steps per day, so prepare for a very active day.

Tipping

Tipping is not required but appreciated. In this example, $500 was given per guide, though the appropriate amount can vary depending on group size and satisfaction.

Summary & Recommendation

For families or groups looking to maximize their time, avoid long lines, and experience the parks efficiently, VIP tours at both Universal and WDW are highly effective. Universal provides meal inclusions and front-of-line access with optional continued Express privileges, while WDW offers exclusive group experience, direct front-of-line access, and guided transportation between parks. Guides are knowledgeable and enhance the overall experience, making these tours worthwhile, especially during peak seasons or short visits.

Tips for Prospective VIP Tour Participants

Plan your tour during peak times to avoid long waits without VIP.
Communicate any group preferences or age considerations in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for significant walking.
Consider meals and snacks provided, especially for Universal, and plan accordingly for Disney.
VIP tours are flexible in length and can be customized based on your park goals.

Overall, VIP tours are a valuable investment if your goal is efficiency, front-of-line access, and a well-guided experience for your family. Each park’s VIP offerings cater to slightly different needs, so choose based on group size, preferences, and desired level of exclusivity.

Trip Review - VIP Tours for WDW & Universal

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