I'll be the naysayer about the tour. Please do not proceed if you do not want this experience spoiled and/or ruined. This is my experience and I'm sure the lack of staff and opening night played a part.
My family and I were there the first night it opened and it was not great. I realize the ticket prices are only $80 each, but most of that 5 hours is spent waiting in line or waiting on someone/something.
When we arrived around 5:30, we thought we were going to be early for the 6pm. Nope. The line was almost to the Universal entrance. At 6pm, they started letting people in. There were hundreds and they had 2 people accepting tickets and handing out wristbands. They then finally added a 3rd person. The first people let in were sent into the Who-liday Spectacular and myself and hundreds of others, were still waiting in that massive line winding through when that group was lead out and onto other parts of the tour.
When we did show our VIP tickets, we were then directed (sort of) about where to go, to then get verified on an Excel spreadsheet of people. However, if the person you were assigned to was not available, because they were "hosting" you had to wait or join someone else. Then you waited in another line to wait to go see the Who show while your Tour Guide showed up and the rest of your "group of 12". Then you went to the show and waited for the entire auditorium to be filled. Yes, packed full.
Bring your patience and best waiting shoes, because it does not stop there. The show is great, no complaints. The rest of the "tour" lead us to another line of waiting to have our tickets verified (park tickets this time, not tour tickets), then our guide "thought" we were supposed to go one way, but ended up being another. Again, "Opening Night hiccups" mentioned by staff. Sure, sure, please continue to iron it out with us along for the ride. We did some behind the scenes touring and made our way to Seussville to get our food / drinks. The tour guide just says "Here's where you get in line to snag food and drinks, I'll meet you later. You have 45 minutes to do this and meet the Grinch."
The food is eh. It's not like anybody expects it to be super amazing, but it was edible. Minus the cookies which even my kids wouldn't eat. The hot cocoa station was left unmanned when we arrived, so that meant there were already some hot cocoas ready, so you could grab and go. Later on though, they added people to help with them and you received a hot cup and the promised "fixings" for the top. Access to the water / FreeStyle machines is a disaster with that place filled with people, but not much to be done.
You could meet Max, he was a very good boy, even if he seemed scared to be there. Not that I blame him. The Grinch was amazing! Our first encounter and nothing but great things to say.
Except, don't forget you're part of a "tour group" and you then have to wait another 20+ minutes because the other couple in your group waited until time was almost up to get in the long line to meet The Grinch. Fear not, they'll finally have their meet & greet and you can all be on your way to some other behind the scenes stuff. Oh, but there's also a ride! Spoiler alert, it's Jimmy Fallon's ride. We walked right on as it was already filled with other tour groups. Hooray!
We were then lead outside to a balcony for more "info about the park". Cool if you are interested in what buildings used to be there, but not cool if you have zero interest in that stuff. To each their own.
We went back inside to stand in line to meet Santa! The man himself! You must use the photocard they provide, so do not worry about carrying around your photo pass!
Then we went "behind the scenes" and made our way to Hogwarts. It was packed. The hot butterbeer spot was open, but the line did not seem worth it. So, we waited for the castle show. It was spectacular. Really very fun, but there's limited room.
And now? You guessed it. The entire mob exits. It's almost like the rope drop morning run for Hagrid's, but in reverse and less running because it's now 11pm.
I'm sure there are people who will / did enjoy this, but it's not for us ever again.
It’s been awhile, seem to recall most concerts after the parades
