Universal Studios Hollywood: VIP Express & Backlot Access

What if you could walk straight onto every ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?

You skip every queue at Universal Studios Hollywood with unlimited express access to all rides, shows and attractions. A VIP guide escorts you through exclusive backlot sets closed to the public, then you explore the park freely. Lunch is served in a private dining room, valet parking is included, and you get a full day of admission. The express pass is what makes it possible to actually see everything instead of spending your day in line.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Universal Studios Hollywood8h · entry included
2. Wizarding World of Harry Potter1h

VIP tour and park exploration

• Arrive and walk red carpet
• VIP guide escorts to rides
• Use exclusive VIP entrances
• Enjoy unlimited express access
• Tour exclusive backlot sets
• Explore Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Ride Harry Potter and Forbidden Journey
• Visit Hogwarts castle interiors
• Experience Flight of the Hippogriff
• Explore Super Mario world
• Ride Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge
• Visit The Secret Life of Pets ride
• Experience Jurassic World attractions
• Ride The Mummy rollercoaster
• Experience TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• Ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Play at Super Silly Fun Land
• Visit The Simpsons Ride and Springfield
• Watch Universal Studios stunt show
• Enjoy DreamWorks Theatre Kung Fu Panda
• Explore Universal CityWalk

The experience

The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood gives you unlimited express access to every attraction, ride and seated show in the park, which means no queues, no waiting, no checking your phone to see how long the line is now. Your day starts with a VIP guide who takes you through exclusive entrances to the park's most popular attractions, and from there you're free to explore on your own with that express pass still in your pocket. It's the difference between spending half your day standing and actually experiencing what you came for.

What really separates this from a regular day at the park is the backlot tour. You'll ride a special trolley through the movie industry's busiest sets, the ones closed to general admission, and stop to walk around actual filming locations. You also get access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with express entry, so you can experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff without the crowds that usually pile up there. After that, everything else is yours to hit: Jurassic World, The Mummy, Transformers, Minion Mayhem, King Kong 360-3D, The Simpsons Ride. The park has a lot of ground, and the express pass means you're actually covering it.

Lunch is a gourmet meal served in a private VIP dining room, and there's a dedicated VIP lounge where light refreshments are available throughout the day. Valet parking is included, so you're not hunting for a spot or walking from the back of the lot. Your guide handles the logistics of the first few attractions, then you're on your own to move through the park at your own pace. The whole experience is built around not wasting time on the things that aren't the ride itself.

One thing to know: the park has bag inspection at entry, and large bags or coolers aren't allowed inside. Outside food isn't permitted except for bottled water, fruit and baby food. Minimum age is 5 years old. The booking is valid only on your selected travel date, so you'll need to pick your day when you reserve. Universal CityWalk (with over 30 restaurants, shops and an IMAX theater) is right next to the park if you want to extend your evening.

What’s included

Your day includes 1-day park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, a VIP guide to tour locations closed to the general public, unlimited express access to each ride, attraction and seated show, a tour of historic backlot locations, a gourmet meal in the private VIP dining room, light refreshments in an exclusive VIP lounge, and valet parking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day21 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:45

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Universal Studios Hollywood

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to experience the main attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood without spending hours in queues: the express access and VIP guide handle the logistics so you're actually riding instead of waiting.

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Top questions

Do I have to stay with the VIP guide the whole day?

No. Your guide takes you to the park's most popular attractions first via exclusive VIP entrances, then you're free to explore on your own with your express pass. The guide handles the initial routing, but the rest of the day is yours.

What attractions are included with the VIP Experience?

Unlimited express access to all rides and attractions in the park, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Mummy, Transformers, Minion Mayhem, King Kong 360-3D, The Simpsons Ride, and all others. You also get the exclusive backlot tour and access to all seated shows.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A gourmet meal is served in a private VIP dining room. Light refreshments are also available throughout the day in an exclusive VIP lounge.

Can I bring my own food into the park?

Outside food is not permitted inside the park, with the exception of bottled water, fruit and baby food.

Is valet parking included?

Yes. Valet parking is included with the VIP Experience.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 5 years old. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are also available nearby.

Can I visit Universal CityWalk after the park?

Yes. CityWalk is located directly next to Universal Studios Hollywood and features over 30 restaurants, shops, an IMAX theater and entertainment venues.

What happens if I have a large bag?

Large bags and coolers are not permitted in the park. All bags are inspected by staff at entry.