The 2022 Holiday Tours have been released...

[MamaKate]

I received an email and booked the Holiday Tour for 2022, but it looks like it is modified from last year and the price has increased:

Join the tour to unwrap all this awesome:

• Exclusive Meet and Greet with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog, Max
• Reserved seating for the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular
• Small plates including cookies, Who Hash, Chicken & Waffles, Popcorn Shrimp, plus non-alcoholic beverages and a hot cocoa bar at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous™
• A Santa meeting including one (1) My Universal Photos digital download per party
• Priority access to one (1) attraction (subject to Tour itinerary).
• An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle.
• *Tour times are approximate. Subject to vary by date. Reservations and separate theme park admission are required.

Some food is now included, but no parade viewing. It doesn't mention after-hours in Hogsmeade so I'm hoping that's still a part of it. I'll probably call on Monday to see if there are any AP discounts and ask a few questions.

 

[cschaaf]

Mmmm, shrimp and cocoa

 

[MamaKate]

Mmmm, shrimp and cocoa

Sounds like a great pairing, right?

 

[dawnnikol]

Priority access to one (1) attraction (subject to Tour itinerary).

That's my biggest question. I'm happy about the rest of the offerings though (skipping the shrimp) and it's a way better price than we were considering for Mickey's party. If you find out anything, would you mind posting? Thanks so much.

 

[MamaKate]

That's my biggest question. I'm happy about the rest of the offerings though (skipping the shrimp) and it's a way better price than we were considering for Mickey's party. If you find out anything, would you mind posting? Thanks so much.

I’m going to call on Monday. I’m really hoping they still have the after hours in Hogsmeade and I’m curious about the ride attraction. My fingers are crossed for Hagrid’s since I already have FOTL passes.

 

[MrsDanielle]

Bought my tickets for December 14!

 

[Michael188]

I know in past years Macy's Parade viewing was included. Do you think that will be included this year?

 

[dawnnikol]

I know in past years Macy's Parade viewing was included. Do you think that will be included this year?

It's not listed in the description and, correct me if I'm wrong, but since this Tour starts at 6pm, wouldn't it start after the parade?

 

[keishashadow]

and it's a way better price than we were considering for Mickey's party.

That is true, however, other than it being a holiday tour (we loved last year); not really comparable as to the different components.

I’m really hoping they still have the after hours in Hogsmeade

It is listed on website description. Be aware that last year we had to wait until they cleared IoA of day guests

basically, we sat at a table near fireaters for 45 starting at 9 pm, then a ’private’ viewing for tour participants at 10pm ish

I know in past years Macy's Parade viewing was included. Do you think that will be included this year?

sadly, appears not. the one thing that has me questioning whether to do it again or not this year.

It's not listed in the description and, correct me if I'm wrong, but since this Tour starts at 6pm, wouldn't it start after the parade?

Makes sense.

however, if anyone does have time to call & inquire, please post!

 

[Captain Morgan Sparrow]

Honestly, the parade part was a nonstarter for me.

The reserved parade section was frequently more crowded than the peasants parade viewing.

Dont get me wrong, I love the parade. But if I'm going to camp out for 45 minutes early to make sure I have a curbside spot, I can do that in the spot of my choice rather than in a roped off section.

 

[MrsDanielle]

Honestly, the parade part was a nonstarter for me.

The reserved parade section was frequently more crowded than the peasants parade viewing.

Dont get me wrong, I love the parade. But if I'm going to camp out for 45 minutes early to make sure I have a curbside spot, I can do that in the spot of my choice rather than in a roped off section.

I’ve read several reviews from last year’s event, and time and time again I heard that the view from the reserved area isn’t that great. I’m sure we’ll find find a better spot for watching the parade during our two or four days at the park.

 

[C&Jx2]

I can’t seem to stop myself this trip… So I also booked the tour. We’ll be doing the luau and the Holiday Tour. It will be a trip of firsts!

 

[MrsDanielle]

I can’t seem to stop myself this trip… So I also booked the tour. We’ll be doing the luau and the Holiday Tour. It will be a trip of firsts!

I plan on wearing the ugliest of the ugly Christmas sweaters too, and I’ll be sure to post a photo of myself on here for everyone’s amusement. hard to believe we’re almost in the Christmas season! Super excited to see all the beautiful decorations and mostly, the Grinch and Max!

 

[keishashadow]

Dont get me wrong, I love the parade. But if I'm going to camp out for 45 minutes early to make sure I have a curbside spot, I can do that in the spot of my choice rather than in a roped off section.

while others, who prefer having the designated spot, lose the choice of viewing spots. Can’t please everyone. do have to point out tho that perk was included in prior pkg at the same approx price point. will file it under I accept it, doesn’t mean I have to like it lol

We were there on 2nd Saturday in dec last year. it was very crowded. Far busier than years past on week after Thanksgiving.

enjoyed that reserved viewing area better than across from xmas tree/macy’s & the PH area for the actual viewing of floats.

we were quite pleased with the area we staked out, arriving only 30 min early to check in.


The seats last year were the furthest away from the stage we’ve been seated tour or otherwise

 

[MrsDanielle]

I just called. There will not be a roped off area in which to view the parade. Also, they do not know which attraction will be opened for the priority access portion of the tour. Oh and Max will be a real dog!

 

[WoodlandCreature]

Does anyone know whether Holiday Tour tickets will be available on Undercover Tourist, or can you only buy them directly from Universal?

 

[keishashadow]

Does anyone know whether Holiday Tour tickets will be available on Undercover Tourist, or can you only buy them directly from Universal?

Don’t recall any posts as to that in last year’s thread.

 

[MamaKate]

So I was finally able to call to get more information on the tour and as of now, the gift shops in Hogsmeade will NOT be open after hours. I guess it will still be a good opportunity to take pictures of Hogsmeade semi-empty, but I was looking forward to the gift shops without huge crowds.

As for the attractions, she told me there will be a couple options depending on where the tour is at the time, but said she couldn't tell me and it won't be listed on their website because they don't want any disappointment if it changes.

I'm going Thanksgiving week so the price of the tour $106.49/each with tax, so I'm trying to decide if it worth it or not...I'll already have FOTL with our hotel so unless the attraction is for Hagrid's or Velocicoaster then that benefit doesn't hold much value for me. But she did mention that Guest Services might be able to refund the $10/per person AP discount once my annual pass is activated.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

Ah, this is making me want to book a last-minute Xmas trip to Universal. I had considered a DCL cruise but I'm not giving Disney any more of my money at this point on principle. I think my DH would even come if we did Universal instead, he likes the Grinch.

ETA: He said no, why would you want to go to a theme park again so soon, you're crazy, that sounds terrible, if you go I'm not going.

 

[Captain Morgan Sparrow]

while others, who prefer having the designated spot, lose the choice of viewing spots. Can’t please everyone. do have to point out tho that perk was included in prior pkg at the same approx price point. will file it under I accept it, doesn’t mean I have to like it lol

We were there on 2nd Saturday in dec last year. it was very crowded. Far busier than years past on week after Thanksgiving.

enjoyed that reserved viewing area better than across from xmas tree/macy’s & the PH area for the actual viewing of floats.

we were quite pleased with the area we staked out, arriving only 30 min early to check in.

Fair enough. I didnt HATE it, I just thought for the time you have to stake out, its not very "exclusive". I feel like it was more crowded than regular spots on the curb, thats all.

Either way, I'd want to do the parade and the tour, preferably on the same night.

I see that the tour is marked to begin at 6:30 most nights. Would that exclude a parade viewing on the same night? Or could you watch the parade, then book it to tour check in?