Universal’s Epic Universe VIP Tour: How to Feel Like a Celebrity (Without Paparazzi, but With Plenty of Roller Coasters)
By: Sue Plesca
May 20, 2025
The Wishes Family Travel team was recently granted an incredible opportunity—to step foot inside Universal Orlando’s amazing new Epic Universe! Hosted as part of a Universal FAM and armed with my camera and a “must-try” list, I set off for Orlando with one goal in mind: to see, do, and experience everything this park has to offer.
But just when I thought the adventure couldn’t get more exciting, our Universal representative surprised our group of travel advisors with VIP access!
Now, aside from once cutting the line for a bathroom break when I was pregnant, I’ve never been a VIP. I had no idea just how life-changing this experience was about to be.
If you ever get the chance to visit Epic Universe as a VIP, I promise—you will not regret it.
Step Into the VIP Experience
Our day began with a warm welcome from our VIP tour guide, Todd, whose enthusiasm and park knowledge immediately set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. He knew we were there to soak up every detail for our clients and made sure we got the full VIP treatment.
Isle of Berk: Where Dragons Roam
First stop? How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk! We raced past towering Viking rock statues and Berk Mountain before hopping on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders—an absolute must-do ride that quickly became my favorite of the day.
From there, we took a thrilling spin on Dragon Racer’s Rally and rounded out our Berk adventure by meeting Toothless—an experience made even more magical by the fact that we skipped the 75-minute wait.
We conquered most of Isle of Berk in just one hour—something that would be nearly impossible without the VIP perk of bypassing lines.
Super Nintendo World: Power-Up Time!
Next, we stepped through the Super Nintendo Portal, where we met Mario and Luigi before jumping straight onto Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness—a ride that left us breathless as we literally skipped sections of track!
After all that action, it was time to recharge. We made our way to The Oak & Star Tavern, where Todd placed our orders directly with the restaurant. That gave us time to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while savoring a delicious BBQ lunch—a perfect mid-day break.
Dark Universe: Monsters, Thrills, and Chills
After lunch, we crossed into the eerie realm of Dark Universe, where Todd led us through a hidden door straight into the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment pre-show. This attraction was an absolute showstopper—with monsters lunging from above and immersive effects that kept us on edge.
We followed it up with Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster that had us dodging through the haunting forests of Darkmoor. This section of the park was spooky, thrilling, and completely unforgettable.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Next, we traveled to 1920s Paris to explore the brand-new Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic. Todd revealed that Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was running—and within 10 minutes, we were stepping into one of the most groundbreaking rides Universal has ever created.
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, the combination of animatronics, storytelling, and advanced ride technology makes this a must-do experience.
Back to Super Nintendo & Celestial Park
With Bowser’s Challenge finally reopening after technical delays, Todd swiftly guided us back to Super Nintendo World. We raced against Bowser’s crew in this high-energy ride—skipping the multi-hour wait, of course.
Next up? The ultimate thrill ride of the day: Stardust Racers! This double-launch coaster sent us soaring into the sky with breathtaking speed. The daredevils in our group even jumped back in line for another round.
Before wrapping up, we returned to Isle of Berk for a special viewing of The Untrainable Dragon, a live musical featuring beloved characters from How to Train Your Dragon. Thanks to Todd, we enjoyed early seating and premium viewing access.
And as a perfect finale, we managed one last ride on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders before saying farewell to our incredible guide.
The VIP Experience: Worth Every Penny?
In just 8 hours, we conquered every major ride, met beloved characters, enjoyed a delicious meal, and saw a live show—all without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Would this have been possible without VIP access? Absolutely not.
VIP Tour Pricing & Perks
Universal offers Group VIP Tours and Private VIP Tours, with pricing ranging from $300 to $650 per person, depending on the season and package type. This is in addition to park admission.
Yes, that may sound steep—but consider this:
The average wait time for Battle at the Ministry was over 300 minutes on the day we visited.
The VIP Tour allows you to skip the longest waits and maximize your time in the parks.
Your VIP guide updates you on ride closures, best touring strategies, and even places your meal orders for you.
For families or groups who want to experience everything without sacrificing comfort, this is hands-down the best way to see Epic Universe.
That said, even without VIP access, Epic Universe is stunning, immersive, and absolutely worth visiting. But if you’re dreaming of the ultimate experience—VIP is the way to go.
Ready to Feel Like a VIP?
Let’s create an unforgettable, stress-free, and magical Epic Universe vacation tailored just for your family.