Universal Studios Hollywood: VIP Backlot Tour & Unlimited Express

Summary

Walk movie sets skip lines and taste the best of Universal Studios

You’ll step right onto legendary movie sets with your VIP guide at Universal Studios Hollywood, skipping every line and getting behind-the-scenes stories you’d never hear otherwise. Enjoy a gourmet lunch in a private lounge and explore rides from Harry Potter to Jurassic World without rushing — it’s as close as you’ll get to feeling like an insider.

What’s the experience like?

"Is this really the same door Tom Cruise used?" That’s what our guide, Marcus, asked as he led us through some old wooden set doors — and honestly, I still don’t know if he was joking. The air backstage smelled faintly like sawdust and coffee (someone in the crew waved at us, which made me feel like we’d accidentally wandered into a working day). It was weirdly quiet compared to the chaos outside. I kept expecting someone to yell “action!” but all you heard was Marcus’s sneakers squeaking on concrete.

The main keyword here is Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience, but it didn’t feel stuffy or exclusive in a bad way. We skipped every single line — even for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which usually has that endless queue winding through Hogwarts. Our group just slid right in. At lunch, they served these tiny desserts that looked too pretty to eat (I ate three anyway). There’s a private dining room for VIPs — white tablecloths, actual silverware, not the usual theme park trays. My nephew tried to sneak an extra roll into his backpack; I pretended not to notice.

Later, walking through Hogsmeade with butterbeer foam on my upper lip (no one told me it would stick), I realized how much more relaxed I felt without worrying about crowds or missing out. Marcus pointed out little details in the sets I’d never have noticed — like fake snow that somehow doesn’t melt even under LA sun. By the time we hit Jurassic World and Super Nintendo World (the Mario Kart ride made me laugh so hard I nearly dropped my phone), it felt less like a theme park day and more like being let in on some big Hollywood secret. Still thinking about those soundstage doors and how real everything looked up close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — VIP access and park exploration

• Begin on the red carpet
• Tour exclusive backlot sets by trolley
• Disembark to explore outdoor sets
• Enjoy unlimited express access to rides
• Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Ride Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster
• Explore Wizarding World of Harry Potter shops
• Visit Super Mario area and play rides
• Experience The Secret Life of Pets ride
• Ride Jurassic World – The Ride
• Meet Blue at Raptor Encounter
• Ride The Mummy roller coaster
• Ride TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• Ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Play at Super Silly Fun Land
• Ride The Simpsons Ride
• Watch Universal Studios stunt show
• Experience DreamWorks Theatre Kung Fu Panda
• Enjoy gourmet lunch
• Explore park on your own
• Finish day at Universal CityWalk

Top questions

What does the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience include?

The VIP Experience includes exclusive backlot access with a guide, unlimited express entry for all rides and shows, valet parking, gourmet lunch in a private dining room, light refreshments in a VIP lounge, and 1-day park admission.

How long is the VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood?

The guided portion varies but generally lasts several hours; after that you can explore the park on your own with continued express access for rides and shows.

Is food included in the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience?

Yes, you get a gourmet meal served in a private VIP dining room plus light refreshments in an exclusive lounge.

Can children join the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour?

Yes, children ages 5 and up are welcome; infants and small kids can use prams or strollers throughout the park.

Do you skip lines on all rides with the VIP Experience?

Yes, unlimited express access means you skip regular lines at every ride, attraction, and seated show during your visit.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible; guests of all fitness levels can join this tour.

Are there any restrictions on bags or food inside Universal Studios Hollywood?

Bags will be inspected; large bags/coolers aren’t allowed. Outside food isn’t permitted except bottled water, fruit, or baby food.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; valet parking at Universal Studios Hollywood is provided for VIP guests.

What’s included

Your day covers valet parking on arrival at Universal Studios Hollywood, guided access to backlot areas closed to regular visitors, unlimited express entry for every ride and show all day long (seriously—no lines), plus a gourmet lunch served privately just for VIPs. You’ll also have light refreshments in an exclusive lounge before heading out to enjoy everything else at your own pace with your 1-day admission ticket.