I recently returned from a quick trip to Walt Disney World, a trip I make often with my Disney-obsessed children. While at Disney I had the opportunity to meet a Disney VIP tour guide and talk to her a bit about what a VIP tour offers.
Disney has a VIP Tour Services Department that offers the ultimate VIP experience for those willing to pay for it. With door-to-door transportation from your resort (as well as between parks if you have Park Hopper Tickets), a special entry to each Park and expedited entry to all rides via the FastPass line, you can see more of the parks in less time. Each tour guide can accompany up to 10 people and there is a minimum 7 hours. The price of the service is $400 - $600 per hour.
Is it worth it?
I think it all depends on how much time you have to spend. If you have the time to spread the four parks over a week, it might not be worth the investment. The cost of the tour guide is in addition to your park tickets so if you can purchase multiple day tickets, and do so as part of a resort package, you can save a lot of money and take a more leisurely approach to your vacation.
If you only have a short period of time to spend, this could be a great option. The idea of being picked up at your resort and having your own private transportation between the parks for the whole day is priceless in the heat of summer in Orlando. Not to mention not having to battle the crowds at the entrance and on the buses.
Another interesting option is more limited (and less expensive) VIP tours. Disney offers The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP tour for $199 per person and the Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour for $299 per person. Both take advantage of the most popular attractions and give you similar benefits of no wait and a curated day at the Parks.
Having worked for Disney years ago, we know the ins and outs of the parks. Our trips always include perfectly leveraging the FastPass options, the best dining on property and knowing the shows and events that are worth taking time to seek out. We have planned many trips for parents looking to fulfill their obligations to their children while dreading the theme park experience. While using a VIP guide is one way to craft a vacation, utilize a knowledgable travel planner who knows the ins and outs of the parks might be a better value.
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