Review of the Universal Holiday VIP Tour at Universal Orlando Resort

The holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are nothing short of magical, and the Universal Holiday VIP Tour takes the festive experience to a whole new level.

From reserved seating for Grinchmas to exclusive meet-and-greets with iconic characters, this tour is packed with holiday cheer, insider stories, and VIP perks.

​Here’s a full review of what to expect—and how your Travel Bug Advisor can help you book the perfect tour for your trip!

Checking In: The Start of the Holiday Adventure

The tour begins at Soundstage 18, conveniently located near Rip Ride Rockit and just past the entrance to Universal Orlando. We recommend arriving by 5:00 PM, as check-in starts at 5:30 PM.
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Guests are grouped into parties of about 12, and each group is assigned a knowledgeable guide. Our guide, Mark, made the experience extra special with his fun facts and festive storytelling (look for him with his black glasses!).

Grinchmas Spectacular and Exclusive Perks

The tour kicked off with reserved seating for Grinchmas, Universal’s beloved holiday show. The performance is a highlight of the season, featuring a stage with 26 Christmas trees adorned with 26,000 lights on stage!

During the show, we learned some fascinating behind-the-scenes details—did you know it takes two hours to apply the Grinch’s makeup, which includes hand-tied yak hair for his fur? With 12 Grinches in rotation, it’s a monumental production.
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After the show, we enjoyed a festive snack break, complete with hot chocolate, and had the chance to meet the Grinch and his adorable sidekick, Max.

Exploring the Holiday Magic Around the Park

The tour included several incredible stops and highlights:

• Desserts at Café La Bamba: A quick 20-minute stop to savor holiday-themed treats.
• Christmas Tree Details: The Universal Studios Christmas tree stands at a towering 80 feet, takes two days to assemble, and is adorned with over 100,500 lights! Even the wreath at the park’s entrance boasts an impressive 75,000 lights.
• Holiday Tribute Store: A must-see for any Universal fan, filled with seasonal merchandise and immersive decor.​

Special Viewing Experiences

One of the biggest perks of the tour was the special viewing area for the Hogwarts Castle holiday light show, accessed through Seuss Landing. Watching the castle come alive with dazzling projections in our after-hours private viewing was a truly magical moment.

We also had reserved access to the balcony of the Jimmy Fallon building, the perfect spot to await a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself!

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Mark shared some fascinating stories throughout the evening, including how Universal Studios acquired the rights to Harry Potter. We even got a brief soundstage and production tour, learning fun tidbits like the fact that *NSYNC filmed a video here and how the set of Sharknado was used.

Wrapping Up the Night

The evening ended with a leisurely walk back to the resort, our hearts full of holiday cheer and heads buzzing with all the incredible memories made.

Why Book the Universal Holiday VIP Tour?

This tour is a must for anyone looking to maximize their holiday experience at Universal Orlando Resort. From exclusive seating and meet-and-greets to behind-the-scenes stories and VIP treatment, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the season without the stress.

Pro Tip: Your Travel Bug Advisor can help you select the right tour for your trip, ensuring you make the most of your time at the parks. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the fun!

Ready to plan your Universal Orlando holiday adventure? Email us today at [email protected] to make it happen, or click here to fill out the short interest form!