We rose early to be ready for Universal, as we had a 9:15 tour, and I had to drive across LA to get there. Apple Maps estimated an hour and 15 minutes, which was about our actual travel time. We had cereal with milk and Deborah, and I had coffee. We boarded Air VW the Gray and then crawled across most of LA to near Hollywood for Universal Studios and Park. I had decided our best plan was a VIP tour as it covered everything we wanted to do, plus a nice lunch, and valet parking for Evie.
We arrived, walked for quite some time, missed the VIP sign at first, found it with help, and then signed in. We met our fabulous tour guide, Laura, who would be with us until almost 4. While they waited for the other guest to arrive, a lovely breakfast was served, our second one, and it was wonderful. Filled with baked goods, yogurt, and even shopped salmon, we were ready to start. Laura introduced herself, and we headed across the park to the backlot tour.
The tour had us visit a sound stage, walk the backlot with Laura explaining things (with here collegue Sara; Laura had another group and us, while Sara had a larger group). Laura, who had been a tour guide for ten years, answered our questions and added even more to them. She was friendly and enthusiastic. We cannot imagine a better guide.
We walked through the prop warehouse on the first floor; it was amazing (items are rented for 15% of the value a month, Laura shared). We saw items from various movies, some of which have since been repainted or revised for other shots and usage. Laura explained and pointed out these items as we walked (look but no touch).
This tour was great and the best thing we did. Laura then walked us to the Harry Potter section, and we rode two rides, Jeanne passing on them, but Deborah and I were both happy to do the Hogwarts Castle and Hippogriff rides.
We went to Muilon Rouge for the VIP buffet. The food was wonderful and fresh. We spent an hour there. We met Dracula on the way in, who suggested we were going there to die, but Laura rather playfully corrected the vampire’s usage to dine. He asked us to eat well, as we would meet again!
We would meet Dracula again, and I later realized he was in a reproduction of Bela Lugosi’s costume with matching makeup, a white vest, a white shirt, and a white bowtie. He asked me, as I was wearing a St Louis Arc T-shirt, what I thought of the experience of the small containers used to lift people. I told him how small they were and that the trip might be too short for him to finish his work. He assured me it would be enough time for that, but he usually flies up to the top in bat form. He showed a lot of fang while we chatted, and his tough crossed his teeth when we discussed his work in the lifts in St Louis.
Laura appeared, and we were soon back on track to see the rides, but the other folks had other plans, and soon it was just Laura, the three of us. Laura took us to the base of the park via a set of escalators. Laurea walked us through the rides and explained their themes. No spoilers. It was great! Mario Land was excellent. All recommended (though some rides are short, one only 27 seconds).
Laura walked us to the Hogwarts part of the park, and after that, we said goodbye. A most excellent guide. We got Butterbeers and the 10th-anniversary glasses. I had mine poured into the new glass. I remember it being way too sweet for me, but today it was refreshing.
Shopping followed (I resisted anything more), and then at 5, we headed out (the park closed at 6). Traffic would not be good at 5, and we decided that dinner now was better than hours later (and it would not likely be cheaper in Long Beach). The Vivo Italian Kitchen fit the bill (the chairs looked more comfortable than at another place), and the manager checked in with Deborah to ensure her dinner was prepared within her parameters. I had a steak, Deborah had salmon, and Jeanne had pasta. No booze for me as I had lots of driving to enjoy (iced tea).
We thought Universal had excellent service, and while we were VIPs, it seemed that everyone was looking out for us and wanted our visit to be special, VIP or not. Laura walked us through everything and the park, explaining as we went what she liked about this show, this ride, or that cafe. She was greeted by the other staff, and we were greeted as VIPs. While expensive (don’t ask, hundreds, here), the VIP includes valet parking, breakfast, lunch, a fast pass, and being escorted onto every ride by your guide (Laura for us). It was just wonderful.
Aside: I checked, and it is too expensive (thousands of dollars) to do this for Disneyland.
We got the car back from the valet, which was included in the cost, and then took 90 minutes to get back to Long Beach, with Nav taking us through parts of LA on the local streets to avoid some highway traffic. It was fun to see more of LA.
We reached the hotel, and soon folks from the East Coast were resting (Deborah and Jeanne). A favorite board game, Concordia, is coming out in a second edition, and I pledge to it. I then wrote this blog.
Thanks for reading. Tomorrow is a bus tour of LA and Hollywood.
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