Disney VIP Tours: What You Need To Know: Cost, Perks, and Types
by
Robin Hutson
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It’s not just about skipping lines in California or Florida. Here’s what to expect.
There are many ways to pay for more magic while visiting the Disney World parks.
I had so many questions about hiring a VIP tour guide at Disney World. How do private tour companies differ from the official Disney tours? When are the services worth it? What is actually included?
Here’s my best effort at answering questions regarding Disney VIP tour guides you may be considering for your Disneyland or Disney World vacation, which is definitely the indulgent and desirable “Enchanted Extra” in Disney speak, or “Expensive Extra” in my speak.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISNEY VIP TOURS
There are both private companies like the one I recently used, My VIP Tour, and the official tours from Disneyland and Disney World. Disney World offers more options because there are more parks, more group VIP tours, and more unofficial tour companies.
The most exclusive is the Disney Private Premium VIP Tours at Disney World or Disneyland.
Comparing apples to apples, Disneyland and Disney World Private Premium VIP Tours cost significantly more than the non-Disney VIP tour companies.
If you plan to use a non-Disney tour company, stick with a company that has been around a few years and check their Trip Advisor reviews. Be wary of any tour company that seems
too good of a deal or whose promises indicate bending Disney’s rules. Make sure that their customer service is responsive.
Private tours obviously cost more than group tours and can range from $1,000 to $12,000 per day.
The Different Disney World's VIP Tour options
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WHAT ARE THE PRICES OF DISNEY VIP TOURS? MINIMUM TIMES? MAXIMUM PARTY SIZE?
All Disney VIP tours are designed for parties of no more than 10 people. Both Disney and the non-Disney companies will require a second guide for parties larger than 10. Infants, unfortunately, are included in that headcount.
The official Disney World Private Premium VIP Tours vary from $425-$650 per hour with a seven-hour minimum. That brings the total cost between $2,800 to $4,200 for the experience, before gratuities.
WHAT IS THE DISNEYLAND VIP TOUR COST?
Just like a Disney World VIP tour, here’s what to expect at Disneyland. VIP tours cost between $425 and $600 per hour with a 7 hour minimum. You can bring up to 10 people, including infants.
Check out our review of Club Level at the
Disneyland Hotel, too!
THE NEW VIP WORLD OF DREAMS TOUR
Disney World’s newest enchanted experience is called the World of Dreams VIP Tour. This tour intends to take guests where none have gone before, including exclusive backstage access in the parks. This 12-hour park tour includes two tour guides as well as expedited transfers between parks.
The world of dreams tour costs $12,000. Unlike the traditional VIP tours, only six guests can go. All three meals are included at any restaurant you desire with no need for reservations. Clearly this special day is meant to conclude for a grand finale dinner at Victoria & Albert’s. And alcohol is included, too.
The real benefit to booking this experience compared to the traditional Disney VIP tour would be the chance to see the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite at Magic Kingdom.
Prior to the World of Dreams Tour, Disney World guests only had access to Cinderella’s Castle during a meal at the Royal Table.
Cinderella‘s Dream Suite is typically only viewed by winners of special contests for charities that run infrequently. And those winners typically win a night’s stay inside the castle. But the $12,000 price tag does not include staying there—just a tour.
This tour doesn’t seem to be designed for families with kids to me. Twelve hours in the parks is a lot on children. Even the best-trained tour guides might find it difficult to keep a family with young children happy that long. The front-of-the-line access and best parade viewing spaceswould help.
This tour is, in my opinion, for adults for a fabulous, all-out day at Disney World with skip-the-line privileges.
The World of Dreams VIP tour is really made for adults and includes meals and alcohol. Your inner six-year-old can peak at the exclusive Cinderella Castle Dream Suite since you are too old for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Personally, I’d arrange special access to the new Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, the Pandora rides at Animal Kingdom, a couple of rides on Soarin’ at Epcot (because it’s so darn good), and of course, Magic Kingdom and the Cinderella Castle. I’d arrange a finale meal at Victoria and Albert’s.
When three couples book, the cost is $4,000 each, which is really the same price those parents would pay for a private Disney VIP tour with their kids. So leave the kids at home on this one. Or if you want to organize a girls’ trip, where the price tag drops to $2,000 per person, please
contactme.
Guests must still purchase Park Hopper theme park tickets to participate and book tours at least one week in advance. An additional day costs $10,000 instead of $12,000 for those who really like—
ahem— deals.
Disney VIP Tours will cost you. Start mining.
Non-Disney companies run from $150 to $250 per hour, typically with a six-hour minimum, bringing the total from $900 to $1,200. The cost per hour for all companies varies due to the demand of the season.
We help you plan the most luxurious Disney Vacations
Tips for all guides should start at least $150 per day. The holiday week of Christmas and New Year’s Day is the busiest time of year. VIP services are most useful and in demand, so book early.
If those prices aren’t doable, but you still want an expert to take over the planning, we
plan your Disney World vacations. I’ll share what VIP experiences are worth every penny and show you what to skip.
DISNEY ULTIMATE VIP TOURS
Less expensive group tours lead people on set rides around a given theme.
There are a few variations on the Ultimate VIP Tour that follow a set itinerary around a theme. One is designed for families with young children (Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour). Another focuses on thrill rides (Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour).
These tours have a per person cost between $249 and $299 and are
group tours capped at 40 people, led by four tour guides on a set schedule. They currently run on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only.
The Ultimate Disney classic VIP tour is to maximize rides curated around a specific age group. Lunch is included, though transportation to the parks is not, nor are Park Hopper tickets.
Everyone follows the same itinerary for the tour that covers multiple parks. Families have the option of not riding a ride and waiting, but it is not a tour with flexibility. Families cannot substitute rides for others during the tour. But they can book regular Fast Passes before the tour.
Ultimate Day Tours are not available during the peak season of the Christmas holidays. The peak season runs approximately from December 23rd through January 2nd.
ULTIMATE NIGHTS OF ADVENTURE VIP TOUR
The newest tour, the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour, focuses on Animal Kingdom’s newest rides. They experience both Pandora rides, a Kilimanjaro safari, and priority seating at Rivers of Light.
These tours run every day but Tuesday and Friday and last about 4 hours. Guests must be 44 inches tall, as that is the height restriction on many of the rides.
The Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour includes Pandora rides and the Kilimanjaro Safari, a personal favorite.
WHEN ARE GROUP DISNEY TOURS BEST?
Who should book these tours? I think this is the best for parties of two or three people who have one day at the parks.
If I were planning an all-out weekend for a family of three, I would stay on site, likely at the Epcot resort area so that I could easily access Epcot for dinner with booked Fast Passes for Soarin’ at the end of the day since it is the one park not included in either tour.
Although Ultimate Day tours are a less expensive per person, families of four or more should hire a private company. A private guide can customize the experience to make the experience feel more luxurious.
WHAT EXACTLY DO DISNEY VIP GUIDES DO?
This is where the experience differs between the official Disney VIP Tours and the non-Disney companies. Disney’s Private Premium VIP Disney Tours only offers park advice during your tour.
On the other hand, the non-Disney companies might offer more services upfront in terms of helping manage the whole vacation.
Disney’s premium private tours offer planning only for the duration of the tour, while the private companies might offer more extensive vacation planning
BEFORE OUR DISNEY VIP TOUR
I received a call from our assigned guide a few days before our park visit to go over what we wanted to see. We arranged a plan where she picked us up from the
Four Seasons Orlando, and we were off. She chauffeured us to the park after introducing herself to our children with small little souvenirs. My son started out shy, but by the second ride, he kept standing up in his stroller to turn around and talk to her.
Our guide used her detailed knowledge of the rides, their duration, their wait time patterns, and their locations to maximize our time so that we saw as much as possible. She asked what we had never done and weighed in one rides we should try at least once.
DURING THE DISNEY VIP TOUR
In addition to a park plan, there are several concierge-type experiences that our guide offered. At each ride, she parked our strollers and waited for us with our stroller at the exit. She would go get waters, popcorn, or iced tea while we were on a ride and had them waiting for us.
Our guide took pictures of us with her phone, and she extracted my camera from around my neck a few times so that we now have proof that I was actually at Disney World with my family, a wonderful perk for me that lasts long after the tour.
Towards the lunch hour, she took our orders, set us on rides, and then we met her at the Columbia Harbor House where she waited for us with our plates of salmon and broccoli at the table. My husband thought this service was worth its weight in gold.
She had a way with kids, and my son, who is four, felt comfortable with her quickly. After we rode the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, my daughter asked to ride again. Our guide took her by the hand, and off they went.
I was waiting for them to come down the hill where I could photograph them. A few minutes later, I saw her in the front row with her arms up in the air.
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It was such a bonus to have someone who loves doing this. I can’t confirm this, but I assume that private guides are paid better than the Disney guides.
THE PERKS OF A TRUE DISNEY WORLD EXPERT
They were, of course, many moments where our guide’s park knowledge surpassed my own, and I loved it. On the Buzz Lightyear ride, we’re playfully competitive shooting lasers at Zurg’s various targets.
She sat with me and showed me where to shoot my laser gun. By the time we had gone through the first room, she had maxed out the score at 999,999. Sit on the left side. Now I know. Lots of little insider tricks of hers made the rides more fun.
After we finished our day with My VIP Tour, we pulled into the
Four Seasons Orlando, my daughter gave our a big hug, and I was so grateful to experience Magic Kingdom in a way that felt like a real vacation for me.
I asked Katie of My VIP Tours what her clients look for when hiring them, and she said, “Most parents hire us to help them reduce wait time and keep the parks easy on their kids. But they always finish the day saying they didn’t realize how much better the day pleased them, too. To experience the parks in a fun, relaxing way is what every family deserves on vacation.” That sounds about right.
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With tips from our guide at My VIP Tour, Zurg stood no chance.
WHAT IF YOU ALREADY KNOW THE DISNEY PARKS REALLY WELL?
I can only share my own experience here. From my past Disney visits, I know enough about the crowds and Fast Pass system to avoid lines when we visit Magic Kingdom. But I know far less than many who know the parks inside and out, so I rely on my logistical planning skills.
I still found Disney VIP Tours different because I was able to enjoy the day without being the family boss. I smiled a lot more. Because I could truly check out and not be in charge as the family cruise director was a wonderful break.
Our delightful guide, from My VIP Tour was in charge, so I was just along for the ride. And it was awesome.
Another benefit is how the dynamics shift when a neutral party is involved and in charge. If you are traveling in a group where more than one person wants to take charge, a tour guide smooths the tension. Especially for multi-generational trips where there may be too many cooks in the kitchen.
If riding the Mine Train again and again at Magic Kingdom is your idea of paradise, you’ll need to spring for the official Disney Premium Private Tour.
PIN ME FOR LATER!
WHEN TO SPLURGE FOR DISNEY’S PREMIUM PRIVATE VIP TOURS FOR ULTIMATE BACKSTAGE ACCESS
With the Premium Private VIP tours, you are paying for their VIP Fast Pass for any ride that offers Fast Pass reservations.
I have had access to every Fast Pass, and I won’t lie, it was cool. But I think its value is best when people want to ride rides repeatedly. Another time it is worth it is for new rides that are difficult to secure like the Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora.
Younger children’s energy will put a ceiling on the special access you have paid for, and some attractions offer no Fast Passes, so you are still going to wait in line for things, even with a VIP escort and the magic Fast Pass they offer.
I would splurge for the official Disney tour guides during the holiday week where the VIP Fast Pass is worth every penny.
WHICH PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS WORK BEST WITH DISNEY VIP GUIDES?
Magic Kingdom’s number of rides puts it in its own league compared to the other Disney World parks. It has more Fast Pass experiences than any other park, and the layout is vast and can be overwhelming for newbies. The timing of all the attractions and crowd formations is not easy to learn if you’ve only been a few times.
Good guides of Disney VIP Tours will make you feel like you have Magic Kingdom to yourself.
If a family were planning on spending a day at each park, I would hire a VIP guide for a day at Magic Kingdom and visit the remaining parks on our own. I would also hire a guide to maximize park-hopping. There’s an art to it.
I think a lot of has to do with the age of the children. If you have young children who will have limits to how much they can do, stick with the first plan. If you have teenagers up for a more fast and furious experience, consider a park-hopping day with a VIP guide.
Cori had toured a family the day before our own tour where she broke her Fit Bit record of steps. There’s a reason she wears workout clothes. If you park hop, you should, too!
SO SHOULD YOU BOOK DISNEY VIP TOURS? AND WHICH ONES SHOULD YOU BOOK?
If I were traveling during Christmas, I would ABSOLUTELY book a tour. Crowds run highest at this time of year; I wouldn’t want to invest so much in a vacation without it.
Visiting Disney World between Christmas and New Years your first time would be a no-no unless you hired a tour guide.
If I were organizing a multi-generational trip to Disney World, I would also use the services of a VIP tour. To assign the leadership to a knowledgeable nonmember of the family keeps everyone happy.
I would also book a tour if I dreaded the idea of going to Disney and wanted the “one and done” approach.
Warning: I thought I was going to be one of those people, but several thousand dollars later, Disney has the last laugh.
CLUB LEVEL FAST PASSES
Here’s a newer option to VIP yourself at Disney World. Disney World started club level fast passes for those who stay two nights or longer with 3-day tickets. Club level guests of the
Polynesian,
Grand Floridian,
Beach & Yacht Club,
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk,
Wilderness Lodge, and
Contemporary are eligible. Also guests of the luxury DVC units like the Polynesian Bungalows, the
Copper Creek Canyon Cabins, too.
Surprisingly, guests at the
Swan and Dolphin can book these, too. You must book one of the Presidential Suites, Governor Suites, Parlor Suites, or
Premium Alcove Rooms (which we really enjoy).
These guests can book 3 extra Fast Passes that work for any park at a 90-day window before check-in. They can be at different parks. This means that in addition to the traditional 3 Fast Passes available to all, these extra VIP Fast Passes can confirm you can book the new hot rides like Pandora or Toy Story Land or the forthcoming Star Wars Land in the summer of 2019.
The cost is $50 per person per day, and parties are required to book these a minimum of three days. So a family of four will pay $600 for a minimum of 9 magical Fast Passes. You have to include the additional cost associated with booking club level rooms to compare with a tour.
HOW DO I MAKE THE TOURS MORE AFFORDABLE?
Most people who book Disney VIP Tours have an understanding that Disney vacations cost a great deal. It is not a good option for penny pinchers. Hotels may be the best place for wiggle room to spread out your Disney vacation budget.
There are families who will only stay at the Four Seasons or a deluxe monorail resort. But switching to offsite accommodations, for even a few days, can save hundreds of dollars and help find the money to cover the cost of a tour. I can assist you with this in our
Disney World planningservices.
Read our guide to the
best Disney World hotels for those who seek value
and luxury. Better yet, book a free hotel room by saving the right credit card and hotel points. Here’s a
complete guide to using points for a luxe Disney World vacation.
It’s hard to leave the five-star area resorts like the Four Seasons and head to the parks.
Besides, when we stay at the
Four Seasons, (check
rates), we don’t even want to leave property. We always stay on Disney property at the start of our vacation for the park days and finish the vacation at one of the area’s
five-star resorts.
Headed to Universal? Check out why the
Universal VIP Tours are worth every penny from Solo Mom Takes Flight.
https://luxerecess.com/disney-vip-tours-review-cost-guide-disney-world-private-tour/
