The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 648 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California worth booking?
The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California is a 24-hour experience in Anaheim, United States, from $360 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 648 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (648)
- Duration
- 24 hours
- From
- $360 per person
** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY ** On the VIP Experience, you’ll have exclusive access to backlot sets not open to the general public. And you’ll enjoy unlimited express access to ALL rides and attractions. Get ready to be treated like a star. Your day begins on the red carpet, and from there, it only gets more exclusive. Walk among the most iconic sets in cinema history, enjoy a gourmet meal and experience the Park in a different way. What really sets this day apart is the exclusive access you’ll have on the VIP Experience. Today, you’re a celebrity!
What you get
About this experience
** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY ** On the VIP Experience, you’ll have exclusive access to backlot sets not open to the general public. And you’ll enjoy unlimited express access to ALL rides and attractions. Get ready to be treated like a star. Your day begins on the red carpet, and from there, it only gets more exclusive. Walk among the most iconic sets in cinema history, enjoy a gourmet meal and experience the Park in a different way. What really sets this day apart is the exclusive access you’ll have on the VIP Experience. Today, you’re a celebrity!
What's included
Included
- Valet Parking
- A VIP Guide to tour locations closed to the general public
- Unlimited (Per Day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show
- Tour historic backlot locations
- A gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room
- Light refreshments served in an exclusive VIP lounge
- 1-Day Park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood
Not included
- Carnival games (available to purchase)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Movie tickets for Universal CityWalk Cinemas
- Food and drinks not listed above (available for purchase
What you'll see and do
Universal Studios Hollywood
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Don't miss the chance to visit the world's largest movie studio and theme park! At Universal Studios Hollywood there's a world of fun-filled adventures the whole family will love.. Your VIP guide will escort you to the park’s most popular rides and attractions, taking you in via special exclusive VIP entrances. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the vast park on your own, you can skip the queues at every attraction, get the best seats in the house for every show, enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch and more.
480 minutes here · Admission included
Add a classic Hollywood finish to your day at Universal CityWalk, more than 30 places to eat, awesome night spots, 19 screen theater with state-of-the-art IMAX® and more than 30 unique shops. It’s LA’s favorite place to play. CityWalk is located directly next to Universal Studios Hollywood.
60 minutes here
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade™, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus, experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ and Flight of the Hippogriff™ as you are transported into a world of magical thrills and excitement.
60 minutes here
Feel the rush of adrenaline on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. Featuring a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual vehicles that creates a seamless sensation of drifting cars in motion at speeds up to 72 mph, this ride will let you experience the heart-pounding thrill of the Fast & Furious universe like never before. * Not available for Universal Express TicketsOpening September 16, 2026: Feel the rush of adrenaline on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. Featuring a groundbreaking 360-degree rotation of the individual vehicles that creates a seamless sensation of drifting cars in motion at speeds up to 72 mph, this ride will let you experience the heart-pounding thrill of the Fast & Furious universe like never before.
Jump into the world of Super Mario™ and battle Team Bowser on the groundbreaking Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge, dine at Toadstool Cafe™ and level up with themed merch. It's a new way to play!
30 minutes here
Exclusive Backlot Access - Tour the movie industry’s busiest sets in a special trolley where you can disembark to explore some of our famous outdoor sets.
90 minutes here
Discover the exciting world of your favorite Pets characters on the all-new ride, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, now open. Join Max, Duke, Gidget and Snowball on a journey through the streets of New York City and celebrate at your very own welcome-home party.
30 minutes here
Jurassic Park The Ride
Prepare yourself for an epic world of adventure in Jurassic World. Enter into an immersive land where you’ll experience the all-new heart-pounding Jurassic World –The Ride. Then, come face-to-face with Blue at the Raptor Encounter, excavate fossils at DinoPlay, grab a bite at Jurassic Café, a cocktail at Isla Nu-bar, and shop at Jurassic Outfitters
30 minutes here
Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride
Face heart-pounding special effects and shocks at every turn, plus raging mummy warriors, on a rollercoaster ride into the world of The Mummy.
30 minutes here
Transformers: The Ride - 3D
Fusing photo-realistic 3D HD media and elaborate flight simulation technology with cutting edge physical and special effects, TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D is the next generation immersive Theme Park attraction
30 minutes here
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Enter through the towering castle gates and make your way down the familiar passageways and corridors of Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Visit iconic locations such as Dumbledore's office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor™ common room, the Room of Requirement, and more. Then get ready to soar above the castle grounds as you join Harry Potter™ and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure, coming face-to-face with an array of magical creatures. This amazing attraction uses groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology (and a little magic) to create a one-of-a-kind ride.
30 minutes here
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling ride. Start your journey in Gru’shome, where you’re recruited for his latest scheme – one where you’ll become an actual Minion. Then, visit a re-creation of Illumination’s Despicable Me’s memorable seaside carnival, Super Silly Fun Land, an all-new, over-the-top outdoor family play zone.
30 minutes here
Super Silly Fun Land
Super Silly Fun Land is an elaborate play zone adjacent to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. This colorfully themed, interactive Minion-inspired outdoor venue is a literal interpretation of the seaside carnival from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” designed to entertain guests of all ages with its more than 80 different water-play features. A nearby dry zone invites guests to climb, jump and slide, while the Minion-themed ride, “Silly Swirly Fun Ride,” will soar and spin guests around for a 360-degree view of “Super Silly Fun Land” aboard a fleet of uniquely styled ride vehicles.
30 minutes here
King Kong 360 3-D
Don’t miss the award-winning King Kong 360-3D created by Peter Jackson – The world’s largest 3-D experience, only on the Universal Studios Hollywood™ Studio Tour. Your heart will pound. Your survival instincts will be on overload. Prepare to be caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.
5 minutes here
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride™ and Springfield, U.S.A. Careen and crash through Springfield U.S.A. with America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons™. Enjoy the town by visiting the famous KrustyBurger, indulging in delicious Lard Lad Donuts and meeting friends at Moe’s Tavern!
30 minutes here
Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff™ is a family-friendly roller coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and then swoops past Hagrid’s hut.
15 minutes here
WaterWorld
Experience Universal Studios #1 rated show. Join an adventure that surges to life with jumping jet-skiers, perilous plunges, firefights, massive explosions, and an in-your-face plane crash you need to see to believe.
30 minutes here
Get ready for another level of awesomeness at DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda. Join Master Po in a multi-sensory attraction using state-of-the-art visual effects and cutting-edge technology to engulf you in a world of adventure
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, California, 91608-1002, United States
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Universal Studios Hollywood · 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, California, 91608-1002, United States
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Universal Studios Hollywood
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: Booking is only valid on selected date of travel.
- Minimum age is 5 years
- HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s26).Inc.TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission.© 2026 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.© 2026 DreamWorks LLC and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. The Mummy © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Kung Fu Panda © 2026 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved. Universal’s Animal Actors © 2026 Universal Studios. THE SIMPSONS TM & © 2026 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Universal elements and all related indicia TM and © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 646 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
646 verified traveler reviews for The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
VIP Experience - The only way to do this
We had purchased the Universal Express Pass and decided to change to VIP Experience, A costly error however "Best Decision" we made. From the Red-Carpet arrival to the VIP room where we met Dracula and Marilyn Monroe, great coffee and nibbles on offer. We headed out with our guide Kevin Brooks who kept us entertained at every turn. We boarded the VIP bus, and it was wonderful to drive around the studios and buildings you see in movies and sitcoms. The real backstage pass very informative. VIP Line to the rides being able to walk in ahead of everyone else was pretty cool. "Fast & Furious" a new ride opened in September 2026 the best ride by far, were you drift and spin in the air. Then off to an all you can eat buffet lunch in Paris "Moulin Rouge" restaurant. VIP experience goes for approx. 6hrs where you have your guide the whole time. Kevin looked after his group of 12 very well and held our bags while we did the rides. Would definitely recommend the VIP experience to all.
via Tripadvisor
Be Wary of VIP Parking at Universal Studios
Studio tour was good but not as historical in content (museums) as the Paramount or Warner Bros tours. Rides were varied and unique but be ready for extreme jolting and upside down ride experiences. Very packed even in off season so getting in front of others through our VIP pass was great. Walked over 5 miles even with the trolley transport for the studio tour. Horrible experience with VIP parking. When the car was returned, I found a dent in my rental car door caused by another door. After they reviewed a video of the car on entry that they said was not conclusive, magically >20 minute later they came up with a attendant card showing a dent on their entry inspection. Why not the first data to present? And they did not tell me of that damage when they accepted the car. I do not believe the validity of that card. Fortunately my rental car company decided the dimple type door dent was not large enough to charge me. But this ruined and tainted my whole experience there. I recommend taking photos of your car before leaving it with the VIP parking attendants.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely worth the...
Definitely worth the money. Our tour guide Laura was great and the food, which is included in the tour, is wonderful. We really enjoyed our day!
via Viator
Pay More - Get More. great experience.
pay more - get more. VIP package was everything you ever wanted. queue cut on all the rides. An amazing tour guide of the movie sets with lots of inside stuff on where and how movies were made. VIP restaurant for lunch. more rides. best seats in the high action-packed stunt show. after yout guide you still get queue cuts to all the rides. fabulous time.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome activity
Fabulous It was raining & our guide ensured we got to the rides & activities based on the weather Loved the VIP experience- the best ever
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $360 to $520
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 227
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Universal Studios Hollywood, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.5.
See everything Universal Studios Hollywood runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Anaheim.
How much does The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California cost?
+
Prices start at $360 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Anaheim usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California take?
+
Plan for about 24 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Anaheim is not rushed.
Is The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 648 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Anaheim, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 24-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
Around 227 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Anaheim can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Anaheim and add a light layer if any part of the 24-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Anaheim within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Anaheim?
+
Anaheim's activity market is built around Disneyland Resort and Knott's Berry Farm, then widens into Angels games, brewery crawls in the Packing District and easy runs to Laguna and Newport beaches. Skip-the-line timing and park-hopper detail matter more here than anywhere else in California, so we weight logistics heavily. On Outty we rank every Anaheim experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More, Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour, Best of LA: Hollywood, Griffith, Santa Monica, Venice, and Rodeo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Anaheim?
+
March to May and September to November, when park crowds ease and days stay warm. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Anaheim?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
Included: Valet Parking; A VIP Guide to tour locations closed to the general public; Unlimited (Per Day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show; Tour historic backlot locations; and A gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room. Not included: Carnival games (available to purchase); Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Movie tickets for Universal CityWalk Cinemas; and Food and drinks not listed above (available for purchase. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
The experience starts at Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, California, 91608-1002, United States. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Anaheim. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California?
+
Across 648 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in California.
Pick your date
