May 25, 2007

US & Canada | US | Florida | Orlando

VIP Ticket to Ride

By Mark Jolly

Standing in line at an amusement park? Let a stand-in do it for you.

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So what does a $3,000 VIP pass to Universal Orlando buy you? A private guided tour for you and your group (of up to 12) at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; front-of-line cut-ins on all rides (saves you waiting 90 minutes but guarantees you grizzly stares); and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the most popular attractions. Privilege passes are nothing new for theme-parks. Walt Disney started their VIP tours in 1955, when “VIP” meant someone who’d draw serious rubbernecking. But now, a reported boom in special services among America’s top theme parks is drawing a fresh wave of fun-seekers who want their thrills tailored. Six Flags has just launched a VIP program (from $199 to $249 per person) throughout its 12 U.S. parks, promising a “concierge-level service.” This includes a pre-tour phoner with your designated tour planner, customized kiddie events (brunch with Bugs, anyone?), and unlimited lashings of pizza, ice cream and chicken wings. Disneyland’s private tours offer preferred parade seating; someone to hold your place in line while you enjoy another ride (Disney doesn’t do cut-ins); and all the inside trivia you’d ever want on the magic kingdom — starting at $750. Oh, by the way: that Universal ticket for three grand? Park admission is not included.