At Universal Studios, Do You Give The Vip Tour Guide A Tip?

The text describes a private VIP tour of Universal Studios for 7 people, including 3 adults and 4 kids. The tour guide was paid $200, the breakfast waitress $20, and the lunch and dinner waitpersons $40 each. The tour guides are generally accepted and do not make much more than the minimum wage. The author suggests that tips are never expected but appreciated for a job well done.

The Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience offers a VIP tour of the Studios, showing behind-the-scenes areas and locales that would not otherwise be seen. The author suggests that tipping is never required but is appreciated. They would give the guide a $5 bill for the entire family unless they did something really nice. Tour guide gratuities are not included in the price of any of the tours, but are very appreciated by Universal’s VIP guides. The general rule to tip a Universal Orlando VIP Tour Guide is 15-20 of the total tour base cost. However, a higher tip is recommended during the holidays or special events.

The author does not think a tip is required, and some guides at Universal don’t take tips. However, they average about $50 per person in their group and do not forget to tip their guide. It is not mandatory but appreciated. The customary tip for these guides is $20.

In summary, the text emphasizes the importance of tipping a VIP tour guide at Universal Studios, as it is not mandatory but appreciated for a job well done. The author recommends subtracting the ticket and express pass cost from the tour total for a more personalized experience.


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How much do you tip Universal valet?

A good tip for a valet parking service is between $2 and $5, depending on the hotel’s tier and the quality of the experience. The process is simple: drive up, pay for the service (if not complimentary), and let the valet take your car. Before handing over your car, it’s recommended to do the following:

  1. Check the parking location and ensure it’s clear and well-lit.
  2. Pay the valet fee if it’s not complimentary.
  3. Wait for the valet to return your car.

How much do you tip universal valet?

A good tip for a valet parking service is between $2 and $5, depending on the hotel’s tier and the quality of the experience. The process is simple: drive up, pay for the service (if not complimentary), and let the valet take your car. Before handing over your car, it’s recommended to do the following:

  1. Check the parking location and ensure it’s clear and well-lit.
  2. Pay the valet fee if it’s not complimentary.
  3. Wait for the valet to return your car.

How much to tip for a Universal VIP tour?

Every Disney experience is unique, with each guide having their own unique approach. However, using a VIP tour guide can enhance your Disney experience by efficiently visiting attractions, learning new things, and making new friends. It’s a great use of time and a worthwhile investment. It’s recommended to tip your guide, with a customary 20. Your travel agent can add an VIP tour guide to your booking, and ask for pricing and details.

Is the VIP tour at Universal Studios worth it?

The author suggests that, although a visit to the Harry Potter attraction is recommended, it should not be considered a priority if other activities can be accommodated within the allotted time frame. The consensus is that the price is excessive for the experience, with the back lot tour being the sole distinguishing feature. The longest wait time was approximately half an hour for the Harry Potter attraction.

Do you tip on a private tour?
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Do you tip on a private tour?

Private tours are generally more expensive than free tours, as gratuity is typically a percentage of the total service cost. People often tip more for private tours, as they are longer and often involve private transportation. For longer private driving tours, tips are common, but for larger groups, it’s around $10 per person. Free walking tours are not truly free, as locals who offer them expect gratuities.

Therefore, it’s important to factor this into your costs when planning a private tour. Tipping is generally more common for longer tours, such as a private Los Angeles tour, as they are typically more expensive.

Do you tip at the Leaky Cauldron Universal?
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Do you tip at the Leaky Cauldron Universal?

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando’s theme parks only accept tips from servers at full-service restaurants and bartenders at bars. The typical tip range is $2. 00 to $3. 00 per drink, with a higher range for mixed drinks. Full-service restaurants typically charge 15 to 20 dollars per drink, based on the total bill. If service is excellent, consider tipping more, while poor service is polite. Gratuity is not included in Disney Dining Packages or Universal Dining Plans, but for parties of six or more, a tip is automatically added at Disney World.

For other positions, tips are not accepted. Cast or team members can provide compliments through Guest Relations or Guest Services, or through Twitter, with their name and work location included. If you catch their hometown on their nametag, it also helps.

How many people can you have on a Universal VIP tour?
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How many people can you have on a Universal VIP tour?

The VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood offers a unique and exclusive experience for A-listers. Guests can explore the theme park with a knowledgeable tour guide in a maximum 13-person group, lasting a minimum of five hours. The tour includes a delicious meal, an extended Studio Tour, unlimited Express Pass access, and more.

Upon arrival at Universal Studios Hollywood, guests can enjoy several perks, including valuable parking, complimentary refreshments in the VIP lounge, and sun protectants. The Jurassic Parking garage is the main entrance, and keys are handed over to a Team Member. The VIP lounge provides a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area for guests to enjoy a complimentary spread, including bagels, coffee, and other light bites.

Guests also have access to complimentary sunscreen, lip balm, and ice water in the VIP Experience Center, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Do you tip in Universal Studios?

At Universal Orlando, tips are typically added to prepaid meals, dinner shows, parties of six or more, and those using discounts. Table service restaurants are popular and often book up in advance. With dozens of restaurants, Universal offers a variety of dining options, from sushi to Butter Beer. Dining with favorite Universal characters allows greater touring efficiency, but has disadvantages, including higher prices. If you have food allergies or special requests, you can contact the hotel directly for assistance.

Is it rude to not tip to go?

Tipping for takeout is a polite and sometimes expected practice, but the decision to tip is ultimately up to the individual. The expected tip amount has changed over the years, from a 10 to 15 or 20. Many restaurants offer set tipping options, such as 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent, which can be used or a custom tip can be added. While the cashier may hope the individual chooses a generous tip, the decision to tip is ultimately up to the individual. The expectation is to give a fair hourly wage and ensure fair pay for employees.

How do you tip a tour guide?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do you tip a tour guide?

During a trip, it is essential to tip out all staff members, including guides, cooks, caretakers, and cleaning staff. Tip your guide 10-20% of the total cost, and if multiple guides are involved, the lead guide can split the tip amongst the others. Leave a separate tip for the rest of the staff, either in a designated box or ask your guide where to leave it. This is especially important when traveling with pilots, waiters, housekeeping, bartenders, tail guides, porters, and local guides. It is crucial to ensure that local staff receive proper tips, as they are more dependent on them than the guide.

When traveling with family or friends, it is best to collect cash into one joint gratuity, either agreed upon per person or each contributing what you can. This prevents the guide from receiving stealthy handshakes with cash from multiple people from the same group. Having the group collect the tip is preferred and nicer for everyone, as it allows everyone to say their goodbyes and reduces transactions.

Does Universal VIP include photos?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does Universal VIP include photos?

The tour encompasses a My Universal Photos 3-Day Photo Package and a Private VIP Experience, which can be reserved for a 1-Park, 1-Day Tour, a 2-Park, 1-Day Tour, or a 2-Park, 2-Day Tour.


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At Universal Studios, Do You Give The VIP Tour Guide A Tip?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

About me

14 comments

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  • “Why don’t we have dracula just hanging around?” -my husband “Well we live in Illinois. It’d be concerning if we went to the HyVee and Dracula was just chilling in the middle of summer.” -Me In other words, I guess your articles immurse us enough to make us forget we are not always in Orlando. So thanks!

  • Molly, thanks for sharing your experience. That real working movie studio experience was so incredible and I am so glad you got to experience it. The tour guide seemed like a great guy and pulled it off well. After perusal this article, it’s my turn to experience the VIP tour of Universal Studios Hollywood as I am a huge movie nerd and pop culture enthusiast. It sounds like they take care of you great and provide that experience top notch.

  • Had to pop in the comments to share that I just got back from my first trip to Universal Orlando, and I had the absolute best time!! Thank you so much for all of the information and tips you share- I was able to have a truly perfect trip because of your articles. I even got over my fear of roller coasters and rode Hagrid’s 4 times and Velocicoaster twice in a row, among many of the other thrill rides. I’m already planning my next trip to go back for Epic Universe 🙂

  • If you do not live close to the park, have the money to splurge, and you only have one day to make the absolute most of your time at Universal Hollywood then this seems like an excellent way to upgrade your experience. Plus I like how you can peel off to go enjoy an alternative if you do not want to go with the group. And your coaster design would be epicly fun if it ever could be made.

  • me and my mom go to universal like almost once a month, and for my birthday we went for the vip tour, we didnt know it was the tour where you follow the guide, we just wanted to vip studio tour, so we asked the guide and did our own thing, the lunch was sooo good, like restaurant quality and the studio tour was awesome, seeing the sound stages. 100 % worth it!

  • I personally always do this tour. As an Australian, my time is critical on holidays so I only usually have 1 day at Universal so this is how I get the most out of it! All the tour guides I’ve had are always the best and the extra time on the backlot is something that I, a movie nerd, dream about. The price is high, but it is well worth it. I do recommend paying that bit more and going on a weekend as you get more time after the tour to go on more rides. But honestly, i’d just go for the lunch, it’s so good and last time Doc from Back to the Future joined haha

  • I took the VIP experience last year and it was amazing. Everything from the tour guide to exploring the “Back To The Future” courthouse to the food to the front of the line access multiple times. My friends and I went on Mario kart five times, Harry Potter forbidden ride four times, Transformers ride four times. We saw the Harry Potter drone show & the explored the props department. I highly recommend experiencing Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour at least once.

  • We have done it and would never go back specifically at Universal Hollywood. 2 reasons: Universal Hollywood is always ridiculously difficult to get to enjoy much due to the crowds, and more importantly the special backlot tour that is only available via the VIP is so special. Realistically speaking, if you buy the express pass the extra for this is not ridiculous at all. It’s a good value and a wonderful experience.

  • We live in So Cal, not far from Disneyland. We visit Universal, maybe once every 3 or 4 years, so we do the VIP every time. When in FL We stay at one of the WDW value resorts for 6-10 days and double up by staying at Hard Rock (on our last trip in 2017), which gives you the pass the line passes and early entry. So worth it!

  • I visited the year the Jurassic park ride opened, it was off season, and a bit rainy. Ran into the guy that was one of the designers of the ride and had a long conversation. He was the director of the He Man movie back in the 80’s I think, he went on to build a lot of ride attractions. My first job was working for Six Flags, and I was also taking a few film courses back then, so that’s what we were talking about. I remember getting reservations to be part of the audiences of a sitcom, ended up on the set for the Jeff Foxworthy show.

  • Thank your tram driver! Also funny story on Hippogriph they stop the ride if they see a phone out. the speaker is loud enough the whole line can hear you and watch you put the phone away. I watched it happen many times while in line during a recent trip and the people in line even started yelling because it happened so much

  • I just returned back to the States from London, England and would love to see the Mammoth Club vlog a trip there as well. My family and I did a guided local Harry Potter walking tour (with trivia questions) of buildings and the Millennial Bridge that were either actually used or inspired by in the films and books. We also went to the Universal Studios store at Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station (not included in the tour, so we did this ourselves afterwards) and took our pictures in front of the half Hogwarts trolley cart in the wall-next to the storefront. We also saw the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” play at the palace theater the next day (a 6 hour event, but we loved the entire show). Just as a side note there were a handful of kids (including our daughter) that wore their Hogwarts school uniforms & robes and a few women, but not a single man. There were some Harry Potter themed shirts worn by all types/ages of people, but the majority of attendees didn’t “dress up” at all. We did not do any of the Universal Studios London walking tours or theme park itself, but those are options as well. There are also other “wizard” themed shops that carry plenty of Harry Potter merchandise that we casually checked out as well.

  • This is totally off topic, but I have no idea how else to msg you all. Ever thought about checking out the new resort deal called “the Conrad”?!?! It looks…. Interesting. Not sure what to think about it. Would love if you guys did a stay-cation there! Or maybe you already have…🤔 anyway, I adore you all and am happy for all of your success!🩵🩷🧡

  • So I wanna do the V.I.P tour at Universal Studios Hollywood and I was wondering what the cost would be at Christmas time and does the price change from like Holidays like Halloween Saint Patrick’s and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? and it looks awesome and I wanna be able to walk on set so I was wondering what the cost would be on Christmas time for the VIP tour at Universal Studios Hollywood and so i wanna go on Fast and furious ride plus I know it’s part of the tour on trolley 🚎 and I wanna be able to meet Dominic Torreto and get his autograph and take a picture with him as well and I wanna to do the VIP tour plus I want to have the buffet over their and so at Christmas time how much would it be for like 3 adults ? and like 3 kids or something?