how much is a vip tour of disney

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Is the Disney VIP Tour Worth It?

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. She covers travel rewards, including industry news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. She is based in Los Angeles.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

At some point, in hour five of your day at a Disney park, you’re probably tired of standing in lines. The magic of Disney theme parks is undeniable, but when the sweat sets in and your feet begin to ache, you may be wondering if there’s another way.

The Disney VIP tour allows you to skip the lines with a dedicated tour guide and a custom itinerary. But, of course, it’s pricy, so let’s take a closer look at the Walt Disney World VIP tour, how much it costs and whether it’s worth it.

What is the Walt Disney World VIP tour?

Disney offers a variety of enhanced experiences for those willing to shell out extra money. This includes group tours and behind-the-scenes expeditions; however, its most premium product is the personalized VIP tour. The VIP tour isn’t just limited to Walt Disney World — you can also book these private tours at Disneyland and other Disney parks.

The VIP tour at Disney grants you your own Disney tour guide who’ll whisk you from ride to ride without waiting in long lines. In addition to this, you’ll also get special access to restaurant reservations and entertainment seating, including fireworks.

Disney VIP tours do not include park admission. You’ll have to pay for this separately.

You’ll tell your tour guide what you’d like to see and do, and they’ll plan the day. You can even park hop with the VIP tour, which means you’ll be escorted to another park in a private vehicle.

» Learn more: How to plan a trip to Walt Disney World

Disney VIP tour cost

The Disney VIP tour is costly and doesn’t include park admission. The rate for a tour depends on the season and the crowd levels. So just how much is the Disney VIP tour? Prices range from $450 to $900 per hour, and you must book for a minimum of seven hours. The price includes up to 10 people, including infants.

Be aware that cancellation policies differ across parks.

At Walt Disney World, canceling with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a cancellation fee of two hours at your booking rate.

At Disneyland, VIP tours are nonrefundable if canceled less than four days in advance.

» Learn more: How to go to Disney World for cheap

Are Disney VIP tours worth it?

The Disney VIP tour is expensive. Although unlimited front-of-the-line access and guaranteed seating are nice, you’ll really need to budget for an expense like this. Let’s break this down using Walt Disney World as an example.

The cheapest rate you’ll pay for a Disney VIP tour will cost you $3,150. In exchange, you and up to nine of your friends will receive seven hours of unlimited front-of-the-line access, a personal tour guide, premier access to dining reservations and dedicated entertainment seating.

At this rate, the total cost of the tour will be $315 per person. So it’s unlikely that you’ll want to book a VIP tour for multiple days unless you’re trying to squeeze in as much activity as possible.

Use a credit card that’ll maximize your bonus points on your Disney vacation.

If you’re a large group with a relatively limited amount of time, a tour can help maximize your vacation. It’s probably best for family reunions, bachelorette parties or other family group trips for special occasions. These are the kinds of people who will be able to maximize the Disney VIP Tour.

You should probably skip the Disney VIP tour if you're on a budget, traveling in smaller groups or can afford to spend multiple days at Disney.

Disney VIP tour vs. Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane

When comparing costs in the following examples, let’s say you’re booking the VIP tour for just one day.

In October 2021, Disney introduced the paid Genie+ system, which replaced the now-defunct (and free) Fastpass Plus program. Genie+ operates similarly, with the ability to book individual return times on most Disney rides.

At Walt Disney World, this experience costs $15 per person per day.

Sadly, Genie+ doesn’t include some of the most popular rides at each Walt Disney World park, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Space Mountain. Instead, the fast lane for these rides is priced separately and available a la carte via Individual Lightning Lane.

You’ll need to pay per person, per ride, for attractions included in the ILL. Costs vary according to demand but can be as high as $15/person. In addition, you can only purchase ILL access once per ride, per day. So there’s no way to use the fast lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance continually, for example.

» Learn more: How to book the new Star Wars hotel on points

Under the old Fastpass system, a return time didn’t guarantee you a front-of-the-line spot. Instead, you’d experience a shorter, separate line from the main queue.

Now let’s say that your party of 10 has chosen to head to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for the day. Naturally, you want to skip as many lines as possible, so you’ll pay for Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane attractions.

Genie+ comes out to $150 for the day for all 10 of you. It’s a little more challenging to predict ILL pricing, but let’s say it’s an average of $11 per ride. Everyone rode all four ILL available, two at Magic Kingdom and two at Hollywood Studios, which means you’ve paid $440 for ILL rides.

Altogether, you paid $590 to take advantage of Genie+ and ILL, which will have granted you shorter lines at most rides.

There’s a massive difference between paying $3,150 for a VIP tour or $590 — one option is five times the price of the other. But, of course, you can also choose not to spend any additional money at all, in which case you’ll pay for park admission and elbow it out with everybody else.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

The best benefit of the Disney VIP tour? Time saved

Consider the range of benefits you’ll receive when comparing a Disney VIP tour vs. Genie+ and ILL. Disney VIP tours give you a whole host of special perks, including one that’s almost impossible to find — time.

You’ll save time moving between parks in a private car. You’ll save time waiting for a good seat for the fireworks and save time in the Lightning Lane lines because a VIP tour jumps you past those who have paid for that luxury.

In this case, the Disney VIP tour makes a compelling example for those with limited time, especially if you can max out the tour group with 10 people. If you only have a day or two to experience the parks, why would you spend it waiting in the vast lines?

This is especially true when you consider the already high costs of a Disney World vacation, which can climb into the thousands of dollars for a big family and multiple days at the parks.

» Learn more: Best Disney World hotels to book with points

How to book a Disney VIP tour

You can start booking a VIP tour up to 60 days in advance.

For Walt Disney World, bookings can only be made by phone. So you’ll need to call the VIP tour office at 407-560-4033. The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

If you’re looking to book a Disney VIP tour at Disneyland instead, you can book by email at [email protected] or call the office at 714-300-7710.

» Learn more: How to budget for a family trip to Disney

If you want to book Disney’s VIP tour

There’s no doubt that a Disney vacation can be magical, but you’ll need to pay up to experience all that pixie dust. A Disney VIP tour is undoubtedly a splurge but can make sense for those looking for as much convenience as possible.

Before you book, make sure to do the math on costs and whether it is affordable. Otherwise, stick to options such as Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes to help re-create the experience at a fraction of the cost.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.

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Disney World VIP Tour Guides (cost, tips, + a review)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Posted on June 24, 2024

If you ever thought that Disney VIP Tours were only for celebrities and lottery winners, you’re not alone.

At one time, we kind of thought that, too.

But an interview a while back on the WDW Prep to Go podcast opened up our eyes to how this amazing (although pricey) private tour service might just fit into the travel budgets for lots of Walt Disney World guests.

So, in the name of research, we spent a day with 2 fantastic Disney VIP Guides checking out how it works.

(And before you ask, the experience was purchased with cold hard cash; nothing was comped. We went into the experience the same way any family visiting Disney World might.)

Here’s what we learned.

In this article

All the details

First of all, the price (at first glance) is not cheap, so don’t freak out when you see it:

The cost for reserving a Disney VIP Tour Guide runs between $450 and $900 per hour (busier times of the year will cost more), with a minimum duration of 7 hours.

You’ll need 1 guide for every 10 guests in your group, and infants DO count towards the 10.

So, on the “low” end, you are looking at a total of around $3200 plus tip for up to 10 people.

And that does not include your park ticket.

Everybody in your group will need a valid theme park ticket, and if you are planning on multiple parks during the day, you’ll need to have the Park Hopper option, too.

So, yes, that is expensive and may seem out of reach, but don’t say “no way” just yet.

We have some scenarios that make the cost seem a lot more affordable. More on that below.

How to book a VIP tour at Disney World

Using a travel agent.

Whether you already have a travel agent OR you just want help with booking a VIP Tour, using a travel agent is a fantastic option.

They are experts in the park and if you’ve booked your trip through them, they’ll be able to help you weave the VIP experience into the rest of your trip.

Remember, these tours aren’t cheap. It would be silly to accidentally double up on something or waste time on a non-VIP day doing something you could have easily done with the guide.

Let your travel agent help you coordinate all of that!

Interested in connecting with a travel agent for help booking a VIP Tour? Get a quote now.  

On your own

You can also book guides up to 60 days in advance by calling (407) 560-4033.

In some instances, you can even book them same day, although we don’t recommend that since that would leave you very little time to plan out how you’ll spend your day.

Disney mentions on their website that space is limited; however, in reality, they have a vast network of guides and backup guides and are able to accommodate nearly all requests. They aren’t in the business of turning away guests requesting this experience.

What happens after you book?

If you booked through a travel agent, they’ll work with Disney and you to put together a plan for your time with the guide.

If you’ve booked on your own, you’ll receive an email confirmation shortly after booking that will list out all the details of your booking, including the cancellation policy, which is a liberal 48 hours in advance with no penalty. If you cancel within 48 hours, you pay the equivalent of 2 hours/guide.

From that point, you’ll be asked to email Signature Services (which is the name of the department in charge of things like these tours) the list of the people who will be attending and a list of attractions you’d like to see.

That plan isn’t set in stone, however. You’ll be able to tweak it as you go, but it helps them get a feel for how their day will look.

What does a day with a guide from Disney’s VIP Services look like?

Try to imagine the most magical day ever at Disney World, and that is pretty much what your time with a VIP Guide looks like.

You are in total control of the day, and as long as your request doesn’t break any rules or go beyond the scope of their job, your VIP Guide will try to make it happen. Like magic.

If an attraction has a Lightning Lane, you’ll have access to all of those with your VIP guide.

Want to ride Slinky Dog Dash multiple times? You can do that.

And Guardians of the Galaxy or TRON is no problem either because your VIP Tour Guide can get you on without having to worry about snagging a Boarding Group in the virtual queue .

Feel like stopping for a snack or a break in some AC? You’re with an expert who knows all the best places.

Want to watch fireworks without having to fight the crowds? Yep. That’s an option, too.

Officially, this is how Disney describes the services offered:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks in one or more days, if desired
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently, even repeatedly
• VIP viewing areas for parades, select stage shows and nighttime spectaculars
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

See what we mean? An entire list of magic.

Two ways to make Disney VIP Tours “affordable”

Stay fewer days and use the money saved to book a vip guide.

For many years, suggesting guests consider adding a VIP Tour to a trip frankly wasn’t something that was on our radar.

But then we heard something that changed our entire perspective.

In a trip report interview on the WDW Prep to Go podcast , a guest was traveling to Disney World with her parents. For that trip, her parents set the budget and told her to plan the trip however she saw fit, as long as she stayed within the allotted dollar amount.

Knowing that they wouldn’t be able to do a long trip, she instead opted to shorten the trip and use the money saved on hotel rooms, food, and park tickets to pay for a private Disney VIP Tour Guide for 2 days.

Not only did she stay within the budget , they still saw and did everything they wanted to because of their VIP Guide.

Mind blown.

The lesson learned here is that a VIP Tour becomes way more affordable when you realize that having a guide for a day (or more) means you’ll be able to get the same amount of stuff done in less amount of time.

Split the cost across 2 (or more) families

When you book a VIP Guide with Disney, you get to choose the people that will be in your group, and as long as you stay within the 10 person/guide ratio, you’re free to put together your group however you’d like.

So, if you’re traveling with multiple families or couples, you can easily split the cost.

Even just splitting with one other family can be a huge savings and make a day with one of Disney’s VIP Tour Guides much more affordable than you might have thought.

Who should consider booking a Disney VIP Tour?

While we think that anybody that can should give it a try (because it is just an overall amazing experience), we definitely think that there are a few times when it really might make sense:

Families short on time

If your time at Disney World is limited, but you still want to see and do as much as you can, this is a fantastic option for that.

With a VIP Tour, you could easily hit most of the headliners in all 4 parks in 1 day, or split out your fun over 2 or 3 days instead of 7 or 8 days.

People staying offsite

Remember how we said up above that splitting the cost makes it more affordable?

Since many families share villas or houses they’ve rented offsite, that is the perfect opportunity to share the cost of a VIP Tour Guide at Disney World, too.

Plus, staying offsite is a great way to save some money on your trip, which would then free up some of your budget for extras, like a VIP Tour Guide!

Groups traveling together

Between conferences and sporting events and trade shows, there are lots of times groups of people travel to the Orlando area when (gasp!) Disney isn’t always the main focus.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a lot of Disney fun, and since you can split the cost with others in your group, it can make it quite affordable to add on a day of magic.

Families considering lots of “extras”

If you are considering adding a bunch of extras to your trip to give you a better view or go on more rides, you may find that it makes more sense to instead work with VIP Services and a VIP Guide.

Not only can your VIP Guide assist you with gaining access to the attractions, they also have access to VIP viewing locations for all the nighttime shows.

Tips from the experts

After spending 7+ hours with Disney VIP Guides, we were able to put together a list of their top tips and suggestions for people booking Disney VIP Tours.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Wear matching shirts

If you were ever going to wear matching shirts, Disney World is the place to do it. On our last experience with a VIP tour, our group of 11 had matching shirts, and we were told multiple times by both our guides and the Cast Members working the attraction entrances how much easier it made it for them to do their jobs.

2. Make sure kids know height requirements

Even though you’ll be with a VIP Guide, you’ll still have to follow all the height requirement rules. So if you know you have little ones that aren’t going to be tall enough to ride certain attractions, don’t wait until you get there to let them know, and definitely don’t leave it to the VIP Guides to do the dirty work. It can be hard for them to build any sort of relationship with the kids if they are seen as the bad guy.

3. Follow the rules

Despite what you might think, unless your name is Beyoncé, you’ll still be standing in the Lightning Lanes. Only when safety is a concern are celebrity guests ushered in and out through back ways. Don’t ask your guide to break the rules or to let you skip the Lightning Lane because that’s not something they can do.

4. Don’t try to sneak extra people into your group

The rule is 10 people per guide, so if you have 11, you’ll need to get an additional guide. Don’t try to sneak an extra person into your group or think that 1 more person won’t matter. The VIP Guides have rules that they must follow, and if you try to have more than allowed, you’ll be asked to narrow it down to 10 or pay for an additional guide.

5. Start your time with your guide at the first attraction of the day

It may seem like a good idea to have your VIP Tour Guide pick you up from your resort (after all, driving you around is part of their job), BUT the clock starts ticking as soon as you meet up with them. Instead of wasting time driving to your first attraction, opt to meet them there.

6. Eat quicker meals

Lunch at any Quick Service location that has Mobile Order is a fantastic way to minimize the time you spend eating, so you can maximize the time you spend riding.

7. Think about tipping

Though the rules on this are a bit fuzzy and tour guides will tell you they don’t need to be tipped , you should spend some time thinking about what you want to do, especially since any tips will need to be in cash, and it could be a lot of money. Note: We have heard some instances of guests being able to tip via Venmo; however, we haven’t personally tipped that way yet.

In the end, we ended up tipping about 10%, but have heard reports of people tipping much more and less than that. Be sure to plan ahead so you’re not scrambling to figure it out when you’re there.

Our day going VIP at Disney World

This is a review from a few years ago when we had a VIP guide. Even though some of the info is old, we’re keeping it in because it gives a good representation of how much you can do in 7 hours.

Hands down, our day spent with 2 fantastic VIP Guides was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had at Disney World.

But it didn’t start out that way.

Note: Our adventure with a VIP Tour Guide was in the before-times (aka pre-pandemic).

Off to a rocky start at Epcot

Originally, our plan was to have a lovely breakfast at Garden Grill and then meet up with the guides at the podium just outside the restaurant.

But, because we were a group that knew how to party be on time, we were early to breakfast and then done way ahead of schedule.

With an hour to kill, we decided to head downstairs from Garden Grill to take a whirl on the not-so-much-a-thriller known as Living with the Land.

Only today, “Living with the Land” was a lot more like “Shipwrecked with the Squash” or “Marooned with the Melons.”

Don’t get me wrong, the first few minutes of our voyage were amazing. In fact, all was going great until just past the farmhouse.

That’s where our boat came to a screeching halt, right by the part where they loudly say “Here at Epcot, we’re learning to reduce the need for pesticides by using natural predators like ladybugs and wasps to control pests.”

Over and over and over we listened to that spiel as we slowly crept forward.

As we waited (and regretted those 2nd and 3rd refills of water we had at breakfast), we stressed out as our hour buffer before meeting our guides slowly dwindled away.

Once we knew there was no way we were going to get off that boat and back upstairs by noon, Shannon picked up her phone and called Signature Services and told them the problem.

And as expected, they were amazing!

Not only did they contact our guides for us, they also changed the meeting place to the exit of Living with the Land which was a huge relief. The guides also reset our tour starting time since the delays weren’t our fault.

Not long after (and right when we had just started a rousing game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who was going to swim to safety to secure emergency supplies like Diet Coke and chocolate), help appeared and the Cast Members working at Living with the Land pushed our boat to the safety of the Aquaculture room.

There we were able to climb out and wind our way out through the greenhouses to our new meeting place where our 2 guides, Carson and Lyssa, were waiting.

After a few short introductions (and a much-needed restroom break), we were off!

Let the attractions begin!

Our goal for the day was to knock out most of the main headliners in all 4 parks.

Ambitious? Maybe. But if ever there was a time to try it, today with our VIP Guides was the day.

To start our journey, we started our day at everybody’s favorite glider-based Disney attraction: Soarin’.

As was the procedure at all of the attractions, one of our guides would always lead the way to let the person working the FastPass+ line (now called Lightning Lane) know how many people were coming through with them. This is where the matching shirts came in so handy!

It was so easy for them to say “11 people coming through – they all have on shirts that look like this!” and then they’d point at our cute shirts.

At Soarin’, we were quickly through the line and we were even able to request the top row middle, which are the best seats in the house.

The entire time we were in line our guides were chatting us up and we were peppering them tons of questions.

Have I mentioned yet just how lovely our guides were? They were not just regular Disney-friendly, they were top-tier Disney-friendly.

Our guides waited for us at the exit and then, since our next stop was Test Track, instead of walking out the “regular” exit, they took us out the back door of Soarin’ where they had 2 vans waiting for us – and they drove us over to Test Track!

Of course, since we were backstage, we couldn’t take any photos, but just know if you’re into Disney stuff like that, it was very, very cool. And, not having to walk over there saved so many steps on what was going to be an extra-long day.

Lesson learned: Having the vans gave us a safe spot to stash stuff – like our bags – if we didn’t need them. That was a nice perk when you’re just hopping out for a couple of rides!

After a trip around the backside of the World Showcase, our guides parked near Test Track. We made our way from backstage out to the front of the attraction, and before we knew it, we were in the preview room making our cars and then out racing around the track.

After we were done there, we headed over to Frozen Ever After where we had the perfect number for our own boat which made for an adorable photo. There may also be video of the whole boat singing, but we’ll keep that for ourselves.

With the Epcot headliners done, we headed back to our carriages white vans so we could continue on to our next stop, which was Hollywood Studios.

Meeting some *REAL LIFE* winners at Hollywood Studios

We were all really looking forward to Hollywood Studios because we were meeting up with a lovely family that had won a WDW Prep contest that gave them the chance to tour with us (and our VIP Tour Guides) in the new Toy Story Land.

Considering that at this point it was the middle of the afternoon, having the guides there to get us into the FastPass+ lines instead of having to use the long standby lines was a huge blessing because I’m 99% sure that Andy must live on the sun as hot as his “backyard” is.

Seriously. Toy Story Land is brutally hot in the middle of the day.

Before we could make our way to the sun Toy Story Land, we had to get parked.

Our VIP Guides expertly navigated to a lot that was kind of back by Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Upon our arrival, we were met by other VIP Guides with iced down water and snacks – something we all desperately needed.

Then, since we were entering a new park, we were required to have our MagicBands scanned, but instead of having to go all the way to the front of the park, they used an iPad and scanned them right there in the parking lot.

Lesson learned: Being able to bypass the front gates is one of the perks (and time savers) of entering the parks with a VIP Guide. We only had to go through security and the turnstiles once (on our first park) and then every park after that, somebody either met us to scan our MagicBands or our guides took our MagicBands and scanned them for us while we were busy having fun on an attraction.

One of our guides needed to step away for a few minutes. While she was gone, another lovely guide stepped in to help our crew. All of that was totally seamless and very well choreographed.

After meeting up with the winners, we headed into Toy Story Land where we Rode Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania, and then Slinky Dog Dash one more time.

After we were “Toy Story Land”ed out we took a group photo with the lovely winners and then said our goodbyes. fyi – after telling 1 of our guides we wanted a group pic, this photo was choreographed between our guides and a PhotoPass photographer.

At that point we were a little bit ahead of schedule so we decided to give Tower of Terror a ride on our way back to the vans.

After finishing up at Tower of Terror we were ready for our next destination:  Pandora!

By now we were getting hungry and we were all ready to sit down for a bit which fit perfectly into our original plan of an early dinner at Satu’li Canteen.

So, to maximize our time, we all took out our phones and did Mobile Order on the ride over so that we wouldn’t have long to wait for our food once we arrived.

Dinner & Animal Kingdom

The parking here put us right behind Pandora. Like, RIGHT behind one of the walls there so it took just a minute to walk from the vans into the park.

There were no lines at Satu’li Canteen, but the seating there is always kind of a hassle, but have no fear –

Our lovely guides snagged us 2 tables in the air conditioning, which meant by the time our mobile orders were done we had a place to sit.

Our guides grabbed their dinner, too, and then we all relaxed and enjoyed the air conditioning for a bit.

After eating, we decided we should do Na’vi River Journey first (to give our stomachs a bit longer to rest) and with our stomachs full, we all headed that way.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Pandora without a stop by Flight of Passage, so that was next.

Lesson learned: one thing we didn’t really account for was how much harder it is on your stomach to do thrill rides back-to-back. Even things that didn’t usually bother us were a little iffy after riding so many attractions. If you’re prone to motion sickness when riding attractions, you might want to take that into consideration when mapping out your day!

After Flight of Passage we said “Eywa ngahu” (which Google tells me is Na’Vi for goodbye) to Pandora and we were off to our next stop: Magic Kingdom.

Ending the night with a BANG!

As we pulled up to Magic Kingdom, our guide reminded us to grab our stuff, which was a harsh reminder that we wouldn’t be coming back to our royal carriages  the handy vans again.

Our first stop here was Big Thunder Mountain which was followed up by Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and then Space Mountain and, because we had some time left before Happily Ever After, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

By the time we were done with Buzz, it was 15 minutes until the fireworks were set to star which made me very nervous that there wouldn’t be any space left, but our guides assured us there would be.

And, of course, they were right.

They led us to a roped off area in the middle of the Hub, at the perfect distance from the castle.

The spot was partially full of other families and groups and their VIP Guides, and even though the crowds outside the ropes were shoulder to shoulder, we had plenty of room.

Knowing that our time with our guides was up, we all hugged and thanked them before the fireworks started.

At that point in the day, we were all close to (or over) 20,000 steps and exhausted, so a few tears of gratitude for our VIP Guides might have been shed and of course, Happily Ever After always brings us to tears so we were a puddle of sappiness by the time it was all over.

And just like that, the fireworks ended and our time with our VIP guides was done.

I’m not going to lie, it only took a few hours to get very used to having somebody lead the way, so to suddenly be left without that was a little disorienting.

But, we sucked it up and slowly made our way with the rest of the crowds towards the front of the park – exhausted, but still grinning ear to ear.

Do you have any questions about booking a VIP Tour? Let us know in the comments .

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

How much was your tip

Scott Bonar

Sunday 5th of December 2021

What is a good guideline for tipping the tour guides?

Shannon Albert

Friday 24th of December 2021

About 10% is a good guide. Have had to make a quick ATM stop to make that happen since it's a lot of cash to have on hand.

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Hi!! We are doing a vip tour on Friday - thanks for this article, it was helpful to know more of what to expect.

So, how exactly does the “waiting in line” part work? Do you actually wait in the fast pass/lighting/whatever we want to call it lines or do you just go on up to the front and hop on? My husband was under the impression you walked right onto the rides….just wondering how that really works!!

Thursday 5th of September 2019

Love all your advice, Shannon! Quick update on VIP Tour Pricing: between Christmas and New Years is $750 per hour (still 7 hour minimum).

Thursday 30th of May 2019

Awesome tips! How many attractions should I prioritize for 2 adults, a 5 and a 7 year old girl with 7 hours across Animal Kingdom, Hollywood and Magic Kingdom? I have 17 listed... Thank you!

Disney Private VIP Tours

Walt Disney World® Resort

Set off on an adventure that includes door-to-door service and an array of personalized perks.

Making Our Kingdom Yours

The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you'd like to see, and they'll customize your day to your desire!

After being picked up in a private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort accommodations or branded partner resort accommodations, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and experience some of your favorite attractions alongside a VIP Tour Guide.

Some of the personalized services include:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks* in one or more days
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently through most Lightning Lane entrances
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

*All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour

Pricing and Reservations

• Pricing:  Ranging from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season (valid park admission is required for each park visited on tour and is not included in the price of the tour).
• Reservations: Call (407) 560-4033 to book. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. Learn when advance reservations can be made.

Know Before You Go

• All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour
• Disney VIP Tours participate in full security screenings (including bag checks) during your Disney VIP Tour. Guests should be prepared for screenings with their appropriate government issued identification.
• Disney Private VIP Tours at the Walt Disney World Resort are very popular and may be limited in availability. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made.
• All Private VIP Tours must be booked for a minimum duration of 7 continuous hours, and your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• Entertainment offerings are subject to availability and may be restricted by capacity constraints at the time of booking.
• You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
• No cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used while in backstage areas.
• Guests 17 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
• Pricing and information are subject to change without notice.

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Disney VIP Tours: What You Need To Know: Cost, Perks, and Types

Robin Hutson

February 20, 2023

It’s not just about skipping long lines in California or Florida. Here’s what to expect booking Disney VIP tours.

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?
• What is the cost of a Disney VIP tour?
• How much gratuity to pay your Disney VIP guide

Here’s my best effort at answering questions regarding Disney VIP tour guides you may be considering for your Disney World vacation , which is definitely the indulgent and desirable “Enchanted Extra” in Disney speak, or “Expensive Extra” in my speak.

Read on for Disney’s private tours, non-Disney private tours and when to use each. There’s a time and place for each kind. Looking for a Disneyland VIP guide ? Read about our experience in California.

Different Types of Disney VIP Tours

I have used both private companies and the official tours from Disney. Disney World offers more options because there are more parks, more group VIP tours, and more unofficial tour companies in the market.

The most exclusive option is the Disney Private Premium VIP Tours where the “plaid vests” escort you around the park like a celebrity. You’ll use backstage areas to maximize your time park-hopping in less time and have access to all Lightning Lanes (the expedited priority line at rides) with your guide. It’s not truly front of the line access, but it’s close, and your wait times will be minimal.

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. We only book the best private companies for our clients that we use for our own families.

Be wary of any tour company that seems too good of a deal or whose promises include things like “Any ride you want” which indicates bending Disney’s rules or worse, exploiting Disney’s disability passes, the lowest of the low.

Disney VIP Tours Cost?

Disney World Private Premium VIP Tours cost significantly more than the non-Disney VIP tour companies.

The official Disney World Private Premium VIP Tours vary from $425 to $900 per hour with a seven-hour minimum. The dynamic pricing surges during three-day weekends and holidays. Best hourly rate is midweek outside of the high cost of Spring Break and Christmas season.

Disney allows guests to tour up to 10 continuous hours, and those hours beyond the first seven can be added while on your tour. You do not have to book your total hours in advance beyond the minimum seven. That brings the total Disney VIP tour cost between $2,800 to $4,200 for the experience, before gratuities.

Disney VIP Tour Tips and Gratuities

It is critical to incorporate your guide’s tip into your tour budget. A minimum of one hour’s rate should be given, and more if you can offer it. It is easy to bring cash, but most guides will share their Venmo account to make it easy to pay at the end of your tour since you cannot use a credit card.

VIP Tour Maximum Party Size?

All Disney VIP tours are designed for parties of no more than 10 people. Disney will require a second cast member guide for parties larger than 10. Infants, unfortunately, are included in that headcount of family members.

That second guide will stay close to the first group, but it offers a change for families to divide up by thrill level, too. Also, the 10 guests registered for the tour must be the same 10 guests throughout the tour. No changing family or friends within the parks allowed.

What is the Disneyland VIP tour cost?

Just like a Disney World VIP tour, here’s what to expect for a Disneyland VIP tour (Read our review of a tour from start to finish). They cost between $425 and $850 per hour with a 7 hour minimum. You can bring up to 10 people, including infants.

Non-Disney companies run from $200 to $350 per hour, typically with a six-hour minimum, bringing the total from $1200 to $2,500. The cost per hour for all companies varies due to the demand of the season.

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. The second busiest time is in March when Florida public schools are on Spring Break. Big states like Texas often share the same week, making it one of the toughest weeks to get hotel and dining reservations.

VIP Disney World Planning Services

Don’t stress, it’s a vacation. Luxe Recess is the leader in planning luxury Disney vacations, especially for those families who aren’t Disney die-hards. Read more about our services and fees. We’ll plan a five-star Orlando adventure for your family.

Disney World VIP Tour FAQs

What exactly does a disney vip tour guide do compared to a non-disney guide.

This is where the experience differs between the official Disney VIP Tours and the non-Disney companies. 

Join the  Luxury Disney World  Facebook group if we can answer questions about your next Disney vacation.

Pre-arrival and dining reservation assistance.

Disney’s Private Premium VIP Disney Tours only offers assistance for the day of your tour. They can assist with park tickets and reservations and dining, but they can only procure a dining reservation that was available on the public site. They also do not begin booking these until 9AM, and you could be booking your hard to get table as of 6AM that day.

Private companies will offer more hand holding in vacation planning, sometimes for an additional fee. This will include ticket booking, as well as park and dining reservations.

The day of your VIP Disney Tour

Your Disney guide can pick you up at your hotel or meet you inside the parks. I usually discuss the advantages of each option with my clients.

The Disney guides have access to all Lightning Lanes and can put you in the expedited lines to reduce wait time. The guides stay with you in line until you board the ride, so we would also get the first seats of each ride. Some rides have secret entrances that the Disney guides use at Magic Kingdom, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise!

When you are ready to move to the other parks, you can use backstage entrances where a VIP vehicle is yours for the duration of the tour. We were met with a snack basket by another guide outside our van to grab some chips.

After certain rides, our guide would meet us with bottles of water, Mickey bars, and Mickey pretzels. Not all guides do this, but the ones I request do. We did a 10-hour stint this summer in the crazy heat, and those snacks and waters made it physically possible.

People rarely book sit down meals during their tours. It’s a day for ordering quick service meals using the mobile app. There is a VIP fireworks viewing area for Magic Kingdom if you time your tour to conclude when the fireworks begin. I can help you map all of this out.

The Non-Disney VIP Experience

Our non-Disney guide introduced herself by phone and asked us about our ride priorities to create a loose plan for our tour. She offered to arrange private transportation or guide us on the best parking options.

Our non-Disney guide used her detailed knowledge of the rides, their duration, their wait time patterns, and 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.

While she didn’t have Disney’s line access, there are definitely patterns to learn when you do this every day that gives you far greater expertise than a typical Disney park goer, even an enthusiast passholder.

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 VIP 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.

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 were 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.

What if you already know the Disney parks really well?

There were many intangible perks to using a guide, too. I still found Disney VIP Tours different because I was able to enjoy the day without being the family navigator, planner, and boss. I could truly check out and not be in charge. This gave me the opportunity to let the experiences reach my own inner six-year-old much more easily. I smiled a lot more. Worth every penny.

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.

After we finished our day with our guide, we pulled into the Four Seasons Orlando , my daughter gave our guide a big hug, and I was so grateful to experience Magic Kingdom park in a way that felt like a real vacation for me.

When to splurge for Disney’s Premium Private VIP tours for ultimate backstage access

Ride access is more challenging now, and even the best Genie Plus users will adit it is harder now to get ride access. So if you are going to ride all of the new rides, ride all of the best rides, or try and combine more than one park in a day, you need a VIP tour.

With the Premium Private VIP tours, you are paying for their VIP Lightning Lane access for any ride (formerly the FastPass line) to avoid long waits. These Lightning Lanes are at most of the rides at all of the theme parks, especially guests’ favorite attractions.

Younger children’s energy will put a ceiling on the special access you have paid for, and some attractions offer no Lightning Lane, so you are still might wait in line for things, even with a VIP escort and the magic access they offer.

If you have small children and you are still traveling with strollers, I think the private guides can give parents a major perk of a much needed break leading the family around Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom with a pro. You’re tired. You deserve it. Make this the best day for all of you.

Which parks and attractions work best with Disney VIP guides?

Truthfully, all parks are on the table now given that Epcot, where guides didn’t use to visit, is now the hot park to take people on the latest Guardians of the Galaxy coaster. (It’s that good!)

Magic Kingdom’s number of rides and roller coasters puts it in its own league compared to the other Walt Disney World Resort parks. It has more Lightning Lane 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. And Hollywood Studios has many great rides and a very confusing layout, so I never suggest people visit their first time without a guide there, either.

In our four park whirlwind tour with our Disney guide, we got to ride the following rides. Rise of the Resistance, Smuggler’s Run, Star Tours, Flight of Passage, Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Expedition Everest, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, just to name a few.

If I were organizing a multi-generational family vacation 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.

People who go to Disney once and hate it simply don’t know what they were doing. It is a complicated trip. The goal is to have fun, and you’ll have a lot more fun and better memories when your kids aren’t seeing you stressed trying to figure out where to go or what to do when you don’t have a clue.

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.

Need an expert to take over the planning? We  plan your Disney World vacations . I’ll share what VIP experiences are worth every penny and tell you what to skip.

Headed to Universal Studios? Check out why the Universal VIP Tours are worth every penny, and we book those, too!

Disneyland Hotel Club Level: Celebrating Walt In Style

These luxury portugal resorts were designed for families in every detail, 17 thoughts on “disney vip tours: what you need to know: cost, perks, and types”.

A VIP tour sounds like a great way for Mom to be able to sit back and enjoy the time as well and not have to worry about planning or feeling like you are going to miss something. Also like the idea of having one with a group so there is no question of who is in charge!

We are going to Disneyworld Orlando in December and would like a VIP Guide. Do you have a person/company you can recommend please? Thanks

That is all outlined in the above article. ?

I really really enjoyed this article as I have long wondered what these tours did and now finally know. I’d love to try one – sounds so much less stressful than the degree we had to take in Disney Studies for our trip!

Honestly I had no idea these tours existed before reading your article. It sounds like an amazing way to save yourself (and your family) some stress if you can afford it. I know we would have loved this option a few times we went to the park when our kids were younger and when we traveled with my parents. It would have made things a lot easier.

You missed a few perks of using Disney’s Premium service.

We’d love to hear more! What else besides the pixie dust Fast Passes did you enjoy?

One of the best perks for us involved them transporting us around property. We park hopped all four parks going to just the rides on our list. We were loaded into their white vans and transported via backstage to the different locations saving us a ton of time. We maximized our time and never felt rushed.

Yes, that’s true in that it can make a big difference in parking hopping multiple times in one day. I can’t imagine my kids handling more than two parks in a day, but that might be just be my own preference projecting. If getting on rides was my priority, I would probably prefer to do the Ultimate day of thrills and spend the other thousand dollars saved elsewhere on food and spa and extend my stay at the Four Seasons or Waldorf!

So interesting! There is SO much strategy to navigating the parks; I can see why having a Cori could make a HUGE difference. Thanks for sharing!

Yes, Paula! I consider myself savvy but Cori helped us use our time on a whole new level.

I am reaching out to anyone who would like to share with our family a VIP private tour (up to 10 people) we are a family of 3 so 7 of you would like to share $450.00 an hour for 8 hours at Disneyworld – we want to schedule a private tour on 6/16/2017 from 2pm to 10pm somewhere during this timeframe Pandora and elsewhere – Anyone interested email me at [email protected]

Patricia, you should join the Luxury Disney Facebook group and ask there. The link is in the article.

We splurged for a private VIP tour a couple of years ago when we took our kids to Disneyworld for the first time. We started out at the Magic Kingdom and managed to fit in 10 rides in 90 minutes! Many of these rides had wait times of at least 30 minutes. The pace slowed down at the other parks since the rides are more spaced out geographically but it was very stress free having our guide drive us to the different parks and lead us to the fastest routes to get where we needed to go. We were able to get to every ride on the kids’ wishlist in 1 day and ended up the day in a prime reserved section for the night show at Hollywood studios.

That sounds like it was an incredible vacation! Would you do it again?

We decided to take a last minute trip to Disney, taking our niece for her first time. Since we are only 1 month out and have nothing planned, would you recommend Disney Private VIP tour or MyVIP?

How old is your niece? Is the goal to see the most in the shortest amount of time? Or just someone to maximize your time arranging so you can enjoy and not plan?

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Everything You NEED to Know About VIP Tours in Disney World

By Lydia Storks 2 Comments

Are you hoping to have the best day ever in Disney World during your visit? Well, of course, you are!

We can’t blame you for wanting the best vacation ever!

You’ve saved and planned for months to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth, and you’ll definitely want to experience as much as you possibly can. One of the ways to get a LOT accomplished in a little amount of time is a VIP tour , and if you’ve ever been interested in this offering, we’re breaking down what all the experience entails!

What is a VIP Tour?

A Disney World VIP tour is a paid, add-on experience where guests will be guided through the park(s) by a knowledgeable Cast Member. During your visit, you’ll get the ultimate VIP treatment — including a customizable itinerary, backstage transportation, and front-of-the-line privileges at attractions.  

Magic Kingdom

Throughout the day, you’ll also be able to learn fun facts about Disney World from the guides, seeing and hearing about details that only Disney insiders know. If you’re a Disney history buff or you’re looking for the most luxurious way to spend the day — this could be just right for you!

What Happens Before You Go

When planning a VIP tour, there are a few things to note. First, you’ll need valid theme park admission, and that’s not included in the cost of the tour. If you want to visit multiple theme parks during your tour, you’ll need to purchase Park Hopper tickets.

Also, Disney Park Pass reservations are still required for entry on a VIP tour day. You’ll have to make a reservation for every member of your party at the first park you plan to visit.

Animal Kingdom

As far as the tour itself goes, you must book for at least 7 hours, and your party can have up to 10 people. The cost ranges from $425 to $850 per hour , depending on the season. (Remember that you can split that cost with the people in your party, so gathering a bigger group may be a good thing!) You’ll also want to budget for the optional gratuity — it’s just nice to tip your guide.

What Happens On the Day of Your Tour

Even though you’re a “VIP” for the day, you’ll still have to follow certain rules when in the parks! You won’t be able to use cameras, phones, or recording equipment in any backstage areas of the park that you visit.

You’ll only be able to take pictures in regular guest areas.

Also, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult , so don’t plan for your kiddos to go on this tour alone!

Pickup and Travel

At the beginning of your day, you can schedule a pickup from your Walt Disney World accommodations . (Keep in mind that your hotel price is not included in the cost of the tour, either.) The clock starts on your day at your scheduled pickup time, so you’ll want to be on time for this meet-up.

Hotel stay not included!

If you’d prefer to save a little time and meet your guide at the parks, you can do that as well, starting your tour later in the day. Either way, you’ll be chauffeured around to your chosen locations throughout the day in your own private transportation vehicle. You’ll park in backstage areas instead of the regular parking lots and enter through private park entrances. How fancy!

You’ll get to skip the public parking lots!

One of the best parts about a VIP tour is being able to skip the long wait for your favorite attractions. When you arrive at your selected ride, you’ll be directed through the Lightning Lane queue to skip the standby line and get to the front much faster.

Ready to skip the line?!

If the attraction doesn’t have a specified Lightning Lane, then you’ll be able to skip the entire line — what a treat! 

Keep in mind that if you’re touring for 7 hours, you’re likely going to need to stop and eat. Meals are not included in the cost of your tour, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Don’t forget to stop and eat!

To save time, it’s probably best to dine quick service on your VIP tour day . Your guide may also give you complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, like water bottles, popcorn, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars. 

The Cast Members/Tour Guides

The Cast Member guides themselves are (in our opinion) the best part about the tour! They’ll be able to share insider knowledge and facts about the parks throughout the day, and you can ask them questions about how things work in Disney World.

Disney Cast Members are extra special!

Walking around the parks and into attraction queues with s omeone who can point out all the little details and backstory can really enhance your time at Disney World!

Is a VIP Tour Worth the Cost?

That’s entirely up to you! It’s a LOT of money, but you’re really paying for the ultimate Walt Disney World experience. You’ll get expert knowledge, fast transportation, and you’ll be able to avoid waiting in long lines.

No need to wait in long lines!

If you’re visiting Disney World for a short amount of time, you could easily knock out quite a few attractions in one day with a VIP tour and get more done than you would be able to otherwise. You may be able to work it into your budget if you split the cost between a party of 10, rather than take the tour with a small group. The service you receive throughout the day will be unparalleled, and it’s hard to put a price on that!

You could have a really “magical” day!

However, you definitely don’t NEED to do a VIP tour to have the “perfect” day at Disney! Here at DFB, we specialize in helping guests with all the tips and information they need to know before their trips, and if you walk into your vacation well-informed and prepared , you’ll be able to accomplish much more. If you’re heading to the parks soon, make sure to check out our planning guides and our YouTube channel in addition to following the blog — we’ve got tons of advice to share!

Click Here to Learn More About the 50th Anniversary VIP Tour!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

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Have you ever been on a VIP tour in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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April 28, 2023 at 10:35 am

Kind of makes me sad. Everyone in line gives these customers the side eye as they advance past everyone to the front of the line. Disney ought to be more egalitarian and not allow these kinds of services to celebrities or other customers regardless of their wealth.

July 13, 2023 at 5:18 pm

Quite honestly, if I had the money I would do this for my daughter. We took her to the magic Kingdom for her 6th birthday. It was so crowded she only went on 1 ride. She should have had a magical day. Sadly it was frustrating and boring for her.

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Disney Private VIP Tours

Making our kingdom yours.

Explore the parks* with your own VIP Tour Guide during a customizable experience filled with attractive benefits.

The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you'd like to see, and they'll customize your day to your desire!

After being picked up in a private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort accommodations or branded partner resort accommodations, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and experience some of your favorite attractions alongside a VIP Tour Guide.

Some of the personalized services include:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks* in one or more days
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently through most Lightning Lane entrances
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

*All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour

Pricing and Reservations

• Pricing:  Ranging from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season (valid park admission is required for each park visited on tour and is not included in the price of the tour).
• Reservations: Call (407) 939-5277 to book. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. Learn when advance reservations can be made.

Know Before You Go

• All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour
• Disney VIP Tours participate in full security screenings (including bag checks) during your Disney VIP Tour. Guests should be prepared for screenings with their appropriate government issued identification.
• Disney Private VIP Tours at the Walt Disney World Resort are very popular and may be limited in availability. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made.
• All Private VIP Tours must be booked for a minimum duration of 7 continuous hours, and your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• Entertainment offerings are subject to availability and may be restricted by capacity constraints at the time of booking.
• You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
• No cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used while in backstage areas.
• Guests 17 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
• Pricing and information are subject to change without notice.

Related Activities

Celebration at the top – sip, savor, sparkle, specialty cruises, custom-designed celebrations & gatherings.

TPG approved: Using a VIP tour guide at Disney World to escape the crowds

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

In general, waiting in line is not my cup of tea, which is why I highly value TSA PreCheck , CLEAR membership and Global Entry . When it was time to take my niece and nephews on a family trip to Disney World this summer, I decided to do whatever I could to minimize waiting in line and maximizing having fun.

Since we only had one full day together on the ground, we went all-in on a private Disney World VIP tour. To set the scene, my three nephews and one niece are all under 6 years old, and I wanted to squeeze in more than a few rides myself on a busy day when I hadn't had the luxury of lots of advance theme-park planning and FastPass maximizing.

For us, this tour proved to be well worth the money. Here's why I thought a Disney VIP guide is worth the investment, if you can swing it -- and what to do if it's a bit out of your budget.

Related: TPG Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World

Pick-up and arrival

I knew the day was off to a great start when our personal driver greeted us at our hotel, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . This is included in the cost of the VIP tour. Our driver was super friendly and helpful right off the bat with water at the ready for everyone inside the cool, air-conditioned van.

Once the seven of us all piled in (the price for a VIP tour guide is the same whether you have one person in your group or 10), we made our way to the Magic Kingdom. There, we entered through a secret entrance and got dropped off right in front of Main Street. Disney cast members welcomed us to the park with snacks and more water, which was perfect given the summer heat.

FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

The park experience

Our first stop was Space Mountain, which had a two-hour wait, but we were able to get through the first time in six minutes and rode a second time within 20 minutes thanks to the unlimited FastPass+ access that comes with the tour guide. I almost felt guilty passing the same people twice, but that alone made the VIP tour well worth the splurge for us. In addition to jumping to the front of lines, our guide was also super attentive and helpful with the kids by pushing the stroller and even offering to watch them so the adults could have some fun on the rides.

Our guide, Clark, was excellent -- he wasn't just our personal FastPass for the day, but he was also a walking Disney encyclopedia and fascinating to talk to about the park.

In the seven hours we were there (the minimum length of time required to hire a Disney VIP tour guide), we were able to ride 11 rides, have dinner and finish up the day with a fireworks show at Cinderella's Castle.

The fireworks were the perfect end to both our day and the whole VIP experience, as we were able to enjoy them in a private, crowd-less spot in the VIP area with a great view.

When it finally came time to head home, we were able to get out of the park with ease, even as a mass of people were heading out after the fireworks. Instead of heading toward the bottleneck at the main exit, we were ushered through a private gate with no foot traffic. All-in-all, it took us about 20 minutes to get from Magic Kingdom back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge on the other side of the Disney World property (which is about the size of San Francisco). It felt very efficient.

Pricing and booking a private Disney VIP tour

If you want to book a Disney VIP tour, you'll have to do it over the phone by calling (407) 560-4033. All tours are booked for a minimum of seven hours and maximum of 14 hours. As for the price — it's a lot. The private tours start at $425 an hour, but exact pricing depends on the season. For example, I paid $525 an hour for my late-June weekend trip. Each tour can accommodate up to 10 guests (infants included) at no additional charge, but if you want to add more people, you'll need to book another guide at the hourly rate. The tour also doesn't include park admission, so you also have to purchase those tickets separately. If you plan to visit multiple parks with your tour guide (which is allowed), you will need Park Hopper tickets. ( Here are the best ways to use points for Disney tickets .)

For your $425 per hour (or more), you receive:

• A very knowledgable personal guide for a group of 10
• Door-to-door private Disney transportation from beginning to end in an air-conditioned van
• Unlimited FastPass+ access
• Complimentary snacks and water
• VIP tour of Disney with access to otherwise private areas
• Preferred viewing area for fireworks and parades

Since purchases from Disney can code as travel, entertainment or something else entirely, I used my Chase Freedom Unlimited that gives 1.5% cash back (or 1.5x points) on purchases to be on the safe side. In the end, I earned 5,374 points on the charge, which when moved to my Chase Sapphire Reserve, are worth about $107 in travel by TPG valuations .

Overall, this splurge cost me $3,565, which is by no means cheap — but the number of things we were able to do, the lack of stress and the reality that this was done last-minute and without a bunch of advance planning with such a large group made it well worth it for us.

Related: Best Credit Cards for Theme Parks

Express service without a VIP tour

Even if a private VIP tour isn't on the radar for your next trip, there are ways to replicate some elements of the tour at a much lower price. First, if you can handle the early morning wake-up call, consider Extra Magic Mornings, which can speed you on select rides in the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for about $79 per person.

Disney also offers group VIP tours with behind-the-scenes access, knowledgable guides and walk-on rides from a couple hundred dollars per person.

Finally, Disney World lets all guests pre-reserve three FastPass+ attractions per day (30 or 60 days out, depending on if you are staying at a Disney resort) for no additional fee. With advance planning, you can have a very short wait for a few key attractions, and then continue getting additional FastPass+ attractions throughout the day using the Disney app after you use your original three. If you have the budget for Club Level access at at Disney Resort, you can purchase three extra FastPass+ reservations at a cost of $50 per person, per day on stays of three nights or longer. You can book these FastPass+ rides 90 days in advance, so they are extremely useful in getting quick access to popular rides.

Bottom line

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the door-to-door service from beginning to end. Our Disney guide was extremely attentive and super helpful, which added to the experience. Given that theme parks have a reputation for long lines that can wear you down a bit (especially with young kids along), I found the VIP tour to be well worth the money. Even though our family time was brief that weekend, we were able to maximize the time and fun we had together.

Read on for more tips for planning an Orlando theme park vacation:

• Inside a Universal Orlando Private VIP Tour
• The Best Times to Visit Disney World
• Save on Disney Hotels By Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
• Why Disney World is Better Than Disneyland
• How to Save Money on a Disney World Vacation
• Everything We Know About Disney's Star Wars Hotel
• How to Maximize One Day at Universal Orlando

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Disney VIP Tours: Everything You Need to Know  

• By Bailee Abell
• March 14, 2022

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When it comes to  experiencing Disney luxury , there aren’t very many experiences better than a Disney VIP tour. We love to picture ourselves strutting down Main Street, U.S.A., coffee in hand, sporting trendy sunglasses and a handbag, and accompanied by one of the “plaids” — a Disney VIP tour guide and theme park extraordinaire. 

A VIP tour is one of  the most luxurious Disney theme park experiences  money can buy (outside of the super-exclusive Club 33, of course). Available at  Disneyland  and  Walt Disney World , Disney’s VIP Tour Services provide guests with  a private tour of the theme parks , including skipping the line for every ride, backstage access, and as much park hopping as you want. 

But how much does a Disney VIP tour really cost, what are the perks, and what should you keep in mind when booking? We’re covering it all right here.  

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Disney VIP Tour Cost  

Per Disney, a VIP theme park tour offers you priority access to attractions, hassle-free planning of your day at the parks, and VIP service from your own personal guide, which helps with all your needs and entertainment. Tours start at $2,975 for a minimum of seven hours.   

Typically, up to 10 guests can take a VIP tour with one tour guide. You can add more people to your tour, but the price will increase, as a second tour guide will need to accompany your group.  

The price will vary depending on the season, too. At both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, a Disney VIP tour starts at $425/hour for a minimum of 7 hours.  

However, if you’re looking to book a  Disney VIP tour  during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year’s or Spring Break, then you can expect the price to be much higher than the minimum. A 10-hour tour during the busy season, for example, could cost $8,500. Due to popularity, you should book your tour ASAP.  

Even with the steep price tag, valid theme park admission (i.e., a Disney theme park ticket or Annual Pass) is required to take a VIP tour. This is something to factor into your budget if you’re considering booking.  

Disney VIP Tour Benefits  

Without a doubt, one of the best perks of a VIP tour is feeling like a VIP. Have you ever seen a Disney Cast Member dressed in plaid taking a group of guests to the front of the line at an attraction, or even placing a VIP order at Starbucks? The same Cast Members who accompany celebrity guests also accompany guests who book VIP tours. So, if you want to feel like a celeb at Disney and you have some serious cash, book a Disney VIP tour.  

The tour guides are more than Disney park experts — they are some of the kindest, most accommodating Disney Cast Members you will ever meet. Disney hires them for a reason, and when they are not booking tours, many of them are working in Guest Relations to make magic for everyday guests. 

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A VIP tour is also a fantastic option if your time at the theme parks is limited. If you are only planning to be at Disney for one day — or you are taking a quick trip — and you want to get on as many rides as possible, a VIP tour could be a great way to go.  

But even if you’re willing to spend the money and are seriously looking into booking a VIP tour, we wouldn’t recommend it for a first visit to the Disney theme parks. The Disney parks offer an exceptional kind of magic for guests. And because many VIP tours offer backstage access and bring guests through the parks in a rushed, exciting way, they aren’t always great for a first visit.  

A VIP tour is an incredible way to get as much done as possible in a single day, but if you’ve never been to Disneyland or Disney World before, we’d suggest taking everything in on your own before splurging on the VIP treatment.  

Tips for Booking a VIP Tour at Disneyland or Walt Disney World  

Book during the slower season  .

Is there a “slow season” at Disney anymore? We’re not so sure about that, but we are sure about VIP tour pricing.  Disney VIP tour services  start at $425 an hour and can be as expensive as $850 an hour, depending on the time of year you book. If you have flexible travel dates and you want to save as much money possible on a VIP tour, give Disney a call and ask for more details on booking during the “off-season” — or, at least, booking during a time when you can get a tour for the lowest price available.  

Get a big group together  

A VIP tour will cost you the same amount whether you’re a group of 10 or flying solo, so get a big group together if you want to make the experience more cost-effective. This is a convenient tip if going on a VIP tour is on your Disney bucket list, but you don’t have thousands of dollars to burn.  

For example, a seven-hour tour for eight people could cost under $500 per person if divided equally, whereas the same tour for three guests could cost under $1,000 per person. No matter what, Disney VIP tours are expensive, but they can be more attainable the more people you invite to the experience.  

Know your must-dos  

Your  Disney VIP tour guide  will be an expert on the theme parks — that’s a given. They’ll share secrets and history, fun facts, and an all-around great time with you throughout the entire day.  

Extra experiences are bound to come up during your VIP tour, but it doesn’t hurt to have some of your must-dos in mind as you head into your day. Want to ride Space Mountain as many times as possible? Looking to get the full Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience? Needing a Disney fairytale-themed day? Your Disney VIP tour guide can make it happen.  

Other Tours to Consider  

If you want a tour of the theme parks with a much more laid-back feel, then we’d recommend trying one of Disney’s other tours. At Disneyland, the  “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour  allows guests to explore Walt Disney’s life through Disneyland, the original theme park and the only Disney park that Walt himself opened.  

Similarly, Magic Kingdom offers the  Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour , offering an in-depth look at Magic Kingdom’s history and a glimpse at “secret locations you’ve always wondered about. Neither of these guided tours is considered a private VIP tour, so you will likely be with other guests. Still, they are great for anyone who wants a closer, more historical perspective on the flagship theme parks at Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  

Follow for More Disney Tips  

We’re all about splurging on a Disney vacation for luxury experiences that feel truly magical. For more tips on how to elevate your next trip to the happiest place on Earth,  follow us on TikTok  and subscribe to our newsletter.  

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Disney World VIP Tour: Worth The Extravagance or Not? Updated March 2024

Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Leslie Stroud %AUTHOR_NAME% -->

Imagine walking onto any ride at Disney World, riding however many times you want, all while having your own personal Disney Guide.  Magical is just the beginning!

We’ve now done two Disney VIP Tours, and the resounding review is that they are tons of fun, incredibly cool, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for hard-core Disney fans . However, they are also extremely, ridiculously expensive! They would have to be to make them truly VIP, right?

Let me start with something else: this is 100%, hands-down, one of the most frivolous and expensive things we’ve ever done. We did our first tour with our kids and my parents (who had NEVER been to Disney before—keep reading to learn why that wasn’t the best idea). We used our second VIP Tour to treat our company’s management team, which was such a fun surprise.

* Disclaimer:  This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support. *

Table of Contents

• 1 Why We Chose To Do A Disney VIP Tour
• 2.1 The main benefits of the Disney Private VIP Tour Guide are:
• 2.2 What is NOT Included in Disney Private Tours?
• 3 How Many Rides Can You Do During Your Disney VIP Experience?
• 4 Wait, You Still Wait In Line?
• 5 What Are The Downsides To These Magic Disney VIP Tours?
• 6 How Much Does The Disney VIP Tour Cost?
• 7 Speaking Of Which, How Do I Book My Disney VIP Tour?
• 8 How Many People Can Do The Disney World VIP Tour?
• 9 What Else Do I Need To Know About The WDW VIP Tour?
• 10 Do You Tip Your Disney VIP Tour Guide?
• 11 Overall, Was The Disney VIP Tour Worth It?
• 12 How Many Days Should I Go To Disney If I’m Doing a Disney VIP Tour?
• 13 Will You Do The Disney Private Tour Again?
• 14 Additional Reading

Why We Chose To Do A Disney VIP Tour

Why did we do it?  Well, a few reasons:

• We’ve known about it for a while and always wanted to do it!   We found a reference to it long ago when booking a Disney trip… a guide to walk you around Disney?  What in the world?  However, we called and got the price and had a hearty laugh to ourselves.
• We’ve been really blessed. Since then, our businesses have seen a lot more success.  That initial figure that made us laugh isn’t as out of range as it once was.  Not to say it wasn’t still a total splurge, but it wasn’t out of the question anymore.
• The grandparents! My parents really surprised me by agreeing to come to Disney for a day!  This is a real shocker as they’ve never been.  Ever.  And we’ve been to all of the parks in the world . I think my parents were finally curious enough to see what it was really about.
• Park Hopping. Park hopping isn’t allowed until after 2 pm.  It was going to be hard to pick just one park to show my parents in one day.  We also would only get in 2-4 rides, realistically, all day.  Knowing with a VIP guide we could visit ALL the parks and do ALL the rides, we went for it!
• Future Company Trip . We wanted to check out the VIP Tour to see if we would want to take our management team or not later on. We did take our management team in May 2023, and it was even more fun than I expected it to be! Surprising a bunch of adults was much more difficult but also a lot more fun.

What Can You Do With Your Disney VIP Tour Guide?

Not anything you want, sadly, but about as close as you’ll ever get at Disney!  Our guide, Roy, was a rockstar.  He helped us to change our reservations to another park, got us a free stroller, worked to get us dining reservations, etc.  This was on top of all the rides!

He would not take us into the castle (yes, I did ask!) or any crazy areas like that.  However, you do see parts of the parks that you wouldn’t be allowed to see otherwise!

The main benefits of the Disney Private VIP Tour Guide are:

• Walking onto nearly any ride as much as you want.   Any new, super popular ride might be excluded from the VIP Tour, as Rise of the Resistance was when we did our first VIP Tour. However, on our second tour both Guardians and Tron were brand new and we were allowed to both twice!  The limit was two times. This may also vary depending on the time of year (as does the price of the VIP Tour) and the amount of time the ride has been open.
• You are transported in a private vehicle between parks. You enter backstage employee areas, sometimes right into a ride! We literally walked into the Tower of Terror. The Disney SUVs include any car seats you need.
• Being able to park hop , as much as you want to and when you want to. You can go back to parks you’ve already been to, but it does take time form your tour to travel between the parks.
• Learning about the parks and their history from your guide’s extensive knowledge.
• Maximizing your time in the parks .

What is NOT Included in Disney Private Tours?

• Your park admission
• Food (you buy your own or bring your own- they don’t care!)
• Your accommodation

How Many Rides Can You Do During Your Disney VIP Experience?

Honestly, as many as you want!  You have to pay for the Disney VIP Guide for 7 hours at a minimum.  You can also extend up to 10 hours. You pay by hour and can even d 15 min increments if there is a ride at the end of the day you just really need to do!

Our friends on Instagram that I saw do it logged 33 rides in a day!  Wow.  We only got to 20, but we did a lot of back and forth trying to get onto the Rise of the Resistance ride.  

My best advice would be to let your guide lead you.  They have the best routes mapped out, and with years of experience, they know how to do all the rides in a park in the quickest manner!

You can also do rides more than once.  We did several rides twice.  However, our guide warned us this could be a bad time loss, especially during Covid. They cleaned the rides every two hours, and on the VIP tour of not, you had to wait in line. This can also make you surprisingly sick! When we took our team, a couple of our managers were sensitive to motion sickness and nearly threw up after doing two big rides back to back.

Wait, You Still Wait In Line?

Yes, sometimes.  On some rides, Roy would walk us to the ride itself, like put us in our seats.  

On other rides, he would just put us in the fast pass line.  He walked into the ride with us and sometimes even rode with us unless there was a single ride line or even number.

Have a disability?  Talk to Guest Experiences at the front of the park about it and see if you can get this.  It basically allows you to come back to a ride after checking in at the ride to ride it and not have to wait in line.  However, if the wait time is 60 minutes, you have to come back in 60 minutes.

What Are The Downsides To These Magic Disney VIP Tours?

Really, are there any downsides to a private tour of Disney?  No.  Haha.  But there are a few things I noticed:

• You miss out on the anticipation of the ride when you are doing them constantly.  It sounds dumb, but as you wait in line, you build up your excitement and anticipation.  Like opening a present!  If you are just handed a chocolate bar, it’s still way cool, but a little less exciting than opening a gift.
• You don’t get to see the inside line queue part of the ride .  Again, not a big loss, but Disney Imagineers do a lot to make those line areas really cool!  For example, when you wait in line for Avatar, you get to walk through the lab and see a life-size avatar floating in a tank!  It’s way cool!  You don’t see any of that when you just walk into the fast pass line.
• It’s a LOT of stimuli .  Disney rides are designed to encompass as many parts of your brain as possible.. sight, sound, smell, etc.  Doing 4-7 of these in an hour is INTENSE.  I was feeling a little nauseous and certainly exhausted as the day wore on. 
• You don’t really want to stop and eat.   Eating at Disney right now is kind of hard.  You MUST be sitting.  Mobile ordering or a restaurant are the only options to buy.  You are NOT allowed to eat in your tour guide’s private car.  You also don’t want to waste (or at least I didn’t!) an hour of your tour guide to stop and eat.  This meant we had quick snacks in the parking lots, sitting on the ground, before going into the parks.  It wasn’t very glamorous.

Bringing my parents to Disney for the first time and throwing them into a VIP tour was probably a bit too much for them. Not only did they not have time to build up any excitement or anticipation for Disney, but the tour experience can also be intense. It is a lot of rides quickly. It’s also not worth much if you’ve never experienced Disney anyway and don’t know what you like. Oh well. We enjoyed having them along!

How Much Does The Disney VIP Tour Cost?

I know, this is your first question and I’m JUST getting there.  I’m not going to put exact prices in this blog post as Disney will likely change it.  It is also a range based on when you are going.  

However, I will tell you it starts at just over $700 per hour with a seven-hour minimum.  When I got a quote for New Year’s Eve, it clocked in at over $1000 per hour! You must pay that amount when booking, but I do think you have a period you can cancel without a fee.  For our first tour, we booked it only two days before, so our window had already passed to cancel.

That price is up for 10 people.  The amount of people doesn’t change the price.

If you extend past 7 hours (up to 10 hours), you will be billed to the same card after the tour for the extended hours.

You are also expected to tip. We couldn’t swallow 10% but did something closer to 5%, which is still a ton of money. Future career goals: Disney VIP Tour Guide.

Speaking Of Which, How Do I Book My Disney VIP Tour?

You have to call Disney.  Before COVID, there were several tour options, such as a big group tour that let you see inside the castle (yes, please!!).  

Right now, only the VIP Tours are running, but you still have to call to book any of them.  

If your requested date is full, you can be put on a waitlist.  I was told we could find out we got a tour any time, including the morning of , depending on staffing for that day.  

If you are better at planning, you can book up to 60-days in advance.

When you move from the waiting list, you are given a call.  I believe you have a couple of hours to call back before you lose your spot.

Our guide told us they do 30-40 tours like this PER DAY.  Sure enough, the day after and all the rest of our time at Disney, I saw the tour guides all over!  I never had noticed them before.

How Many People Can Do The Disney World VIP Tour?

Up to 10 people can be in your group.  The amount of people doesn’t change the price.

In theory, this means you could gather up to 9 friends and only be charged a little over $70-120/hr for a tour guide!  We just have too many kids 🙂

I also saw two groups going together when they had a group over 10.  It was a large group of about 12 with two guides. Other groups were small families with only one child or even guides with an adult couple. I’ve since learned that the 33 Club, a Dinsey exclusive, invite-only members club, includes several VIP Tour each year. However, it’s like joining a country club with a massive price tag.

What Else Do I Need To Know About The WDW VIP Tour?

Other things I learned:

• The Disney Tour Guide may or may not stay with small children while others ride .  There is no hard and fast rule.  We still did ride-switch for most of the day, which ate up a lot of time.  Our guide told us it just depends on the situation and their comfort level.  Will the child stay calm with a stranger?  Can they watch an iPad while you ride?  It’s just case by case.  We did have Roy stay with Grace near the end of the day.
• You can book your tour guide again in the future.   Once you’ve found the one you like, you can request them again.  Roy told us he has families that come to see him every year and he already knows what they want, so it’s great for everyone!
• Every tour is totally different.  Some groups might want to sit for a 2-hour lunch while others want to get in 30 rides.
• It’s best to tell your guide your top desires and let them guide you.   However, they will do anything you want when it comes to rides and which park to visit.
• With Covid restrictions, your guide could not eat with you.   However, on our second tour, Roy did join us and ate some of our fries and such. I am not sure if it’s expected to buy your guide food or not, but we enjoyed a quick snack with Roy on our second visit.
• No photography or video is allowed in special backstage areas.
• Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and can drop you off also, or you can stay in the park longer.
• You MUST have a ticket to Disney and a park reservation.   This is NOT included in the tour price.

Do You Tip Your Disney VIP Tour Guide?

This was a question we were scrambling to answer ourselves!  From what I’ve seen online, yes.  However, you can’t tip through Disney, so you need to do it another way. 

You can bring cash, of course, or our guide gave us his PayPal address.

How much?  I’ve seen all kinds of answers from 10-20% of the total to $100 per person.  We ended up tipping about $300 for our day for our first tour and then around $500 for our second.  Since we never carry cash, I was so glad Roy took PayPal!

Overall, Was The Disney VIP Tour Worth It?

Yes.  It was so cool.  It totally spoiled us for the next few days at Disney.  

However, it also took a lot of pressure off our remaining days at Disney.  We didn’t feel like we had to rush to the park to get on our favorite rides.  We were able to go and enjoy other parts of the park we usually don’t take the time to see.  I really like that part.

Our staff members also echoed this sentiment. With several Disney fans in our group, it was good to hear their perspective. They also felt completely satisfied after the VIP tour and didn’t need to go back to Disney for a while.

I would never recommend going into debt for this, but if you can invest this much into your Disney Vacation, I’d absolutely recommend it!

How Many Days Should I Go To Disney If I’m Doing a Disney VIP Tour?

We did our tour on the first of our five scheduled days.  I liked that a lot for a few reasons:

• We had the most energy on the first day! Disney can wear you down after days in the park.
• We were able to take the rest of our days slow and didn’t feel a ton of pressure to wait in the lines.
• What an awesome way to start your vacation!

I think doing it on your last day would also be pretty cool!  What a way to end your vacation (although you might be sleeping on your plane ride home).

If you wanted to just do one day of Disney, a tour would be amazing!  However, you will not see a lot of other areas of the parks.

How many days also depends a lot on if you are taking kids with you .  Kids make everything a bit slower, so you might want extra days, if possible when you go.

Ultimately, let your schedule and budget decide.  There are no wrong answers.

Will You Do The Disney Private Tour Again?

I think we will definitely do so with our management staff. We took them to Disneyland Paris in 2019 and only had one day.  This kind of tour would have been amazing in that situation! It was super fun to take them in 2023, but one of our group couldn’t make it last minute, and I’d love to do a repeat. As for splurging this on our kids, I doubt we will. It’s just too much money for something we can manage well with Lightning Lanes.

Or I’d do it with friends (does anyone want to?) to help offset some of the cost.  As fun as it was, I did feel a bit guilty at the end of the day!

If you have been on a tour or plan to go on one, drop a comment below!  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Planning for your Disney trip? Catch great fare deals from Booking.com , Skyscanner , Kiwi.com , or Expedia

Not planning to stay on-site? Find a family-friendly hotel near Disneyland from Expedia , or Vrbo , (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com )

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Need to rent a car to navigate the city? Visit Rentalcars.com .

Get insured while traveling with World Nomads .

Want to have a family photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer !

Capture your best travel memories in Disneyland as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera , or our favorite drones: DJI FPV , Air , and Mini

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Additional Reading

Eating Gluten-Free At Disney World

Spending Halloween at Disneyland with Kids

Visiting Disney World During COVID: Finding Your Magic in a Pandemic

14 Comments

How do I get on your staff-ha! J/k. So interesting. I always thought these were famous people when I saw them doing this at Disney-although ya’ll are kind of famous. I really enjoyed this article and appreciate that you pointed out both the pros and cons. Thanks for sharing!

Hi! this was really informative as we were recently gifted with this for our upcoming trip, and had no idea how Covid played into everything. I have a few questions, if you don’t mind answering. First, do you need to have a park-hopper ticket, or just a one-park ticket for that day? Second, do they still give out the special VIP tour pin, or is there one available as an add-on? And, finally, how did you manage the RotR ticket? We’re worried if we don’t get one in the morning, we might have to arrange to be back at HS in the afternoon to try again. Is that what you did? Thank you!!

Hi Lynn! How exciting, you’re going to love it! To answer your questions: 1. You just need a one-park ticket. 2. Yes, all 9 of us got the VIP pin! 3. Yes, that one is tricky. We had to be in HS at the afternoon release time and got it then. We then went to another park and had to get back to HS. However, I’d recommend not paying for tour time with this ride.. we spent over an hour in line and it was a huge waste of our VIP tour guide!

Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip 🙂

Great tips! Thanks! We’re hoping we get RotR before our tour time starts, but knowing this we probably won’t try for a later time. I *think* that since one of our party has a DAS card, we have an extended time for return, so maybe if we got a late time, we could just go after the guide dropped us off at the end of our tour. But…that’s a lot of ifs. We have park hoppers for all but 1 day of our trip, and I’m definitely going to change that to be on the tour day, and then we can park hop every day! Thanks!

Can I borrow your tour guide? I am booking tomorrow and heard not all guides are created equal! Do I just request Roy or does he have a last name? Haha

Yes, ask for Roy! He didn’t give us a last name, but there are only about 20 VIP guides right now, so you won’t have trouble!

Thank you SO much! Will do!!

Hello, we were gifted a VIP Tour and were told we needed to buy one day ticket with park hopper. Did I understand your previous response as that is not necessary? Thank you!

Yes, only a one-park pass is required!

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Leslie Stroud

Welcome, Fellow Traveler! I'm Leslie, a mom of five crazy kiddos. Along with my husband, Chris, we've been full-time or part-time traveling the world as a family for over 4 years! We continue to invest in memories as we travel the world and love to empower other families to explore full-time travel or add more travel into their family life. Besides travel, we are foodies and love to explore through our tummies and can't keep away from Disney parks around the world. We currently reside in Portugal and are exploring expat life and learning a new language. Please explore our blog and reach out to us!

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Disneyland Resort VIP Tours

Roll out the red carpet for your family with our customizable vip experience—and get ready for your most magical day ever, reservations are required. email us or call (714) 300-7710 to book today, private tour guide.

Welcome to the ultimate Disney experience—Disneyland Resort VIP Tours—that combines the hospitality Disney is known for, plus a wealth of premium benefits!

Hassle-Free Planning

Personalized scheduling.

“Let your concierge be your guide” and design a customized yet flexible schedule for your family.

Concierge Booking

Get your specific needs and priorities served—including booking your dining reservations in advance!

Reserved Viewing

A night to remember.

Enjoy reserved viewing for fireworks at Disneyland Park and World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park, subject to availability.

Look Who’s Passing By!

Wave hello to some of your Disney pals during a Disneyland Park parade from a reserved viewing section, subject to availability.

Expedited Access

Vip service, from the very first greeting….

Delight in Disney’s acclaimed hospitality and attention to detail—and get help for your needs.

Insider Storytelling 

Your own personal guide will entertain your family with insider tips and stories throughout the day.

Immerse Yourself in Disney Magic and Stories

Valuable tips, how to book.

Planning Your VIP Tour

Get help planning your trip with important information along with the assistance of VIP Tour Coordinators. 

• VIP Tour Coordinators can help you preplan major items such as start times, special celebrations, specific family priorities for the day and special dining needs.

• VIP Tour Coordinators can also help you book Disneyland Resort dining reservations.

• Your VIP Tour schedule will not be a minute-by-minute itinerary but will allow you the flexibility to make impromptu changes along the way.

• Tour length is customizable to your needs, with a minimum of 7 hours and a maximum of 10 hours.

• Tour services are available during normal park operating hours only.

Know Before You Go

Theme Park Admission

Separate theme park admission and park reservation are both required to enter a park and for all Disneyland Resort Tours.

• Park admission is not included in the VIP Tour price. 

• Park reservations will be obtained for Guests with confirmed VIP Tours.

• Same-day visits to one or both theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—requires separate admission to both parks.

Tips and Information about Your Special Day

Questions? Here is some information that might help answer them.

• Minors (Guests under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) during the entire tour.

• Complimentary strollers and wheelchairs offered to VIP Tour Guests (based on availability).

• VIP Tours are outdoor walking tours, so please wear comfortable walking shoes—and remember to check the weather forecast in advance and to dress appropriately. Inclement weather may also affect available entertainment, attractions and experiences.

• All offerings, services and experiences are subject to availability, change or cancellation without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Related Activities

The 21 royal experience.

Host an extraordinary dinner party—with the help of an expert sommelier—at a private residence in the heart of Disneyland Park.

Crown Collection by Disneyland Resort

Explore a thoughtfully curated suite of personalized services and offerings at the Disneyland Resort.

Walt’s Main Street Story Tour

Learn little-known facts about Main Street, U.S.A. during this enchanting tour—which includes a visit to Walt’s apartment in Town Square!

Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour

Land of dreams vip tour.

Are Disney Private VIP Tours Worth It?

11 Reasons Why This Luxury Experience May Be Worth The Money

Disney Private VIP Tours are the ultimate way to experience Walt Disney World. You get unrestricted access to all the rides and attractions and a personal guide who can help make your day extra special. However, luxury and service come at a price – they aren’t cheap. So are Private Disney VIP Tours worth it? Here are 11 reasons why this premium service is worth the money.

1. Disney World VIP Tours Are Customizable

One of the best things about Disney VIP Tours is that they are entirely customizable. With the assistance of your Disney travel planner or VIP tour guide, you can customize your itinerary to include only the things you are most interested in. You’ll be able to choose your start and end times, as well as the rides, shows, and theme parks you wish to visit. Whether you want to focus on the best roller coasters or learn how Disney magic happens behind the scenes, you can create an itinerary tailored to your interests – the choice is yours! In short, a Disney VIP Tour offers the most personalized and customized experience at Walt Disney World.

To learn more about Disney Private VIP Tours or to start customizing your itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact The Vacationeer , our recommended Disney travel agency.

Their free Disney planning services and personalized assistance will help you plan the perfect Private VIP Tour and Disney vacation. Click HERE to get started!

2. You Select The Tour Participants

Disney Private VIP Tours are unique because they allow you to select who joins your group. You will get more one-on-one time with your guide and smaller groups than any other Disney tour. Additionally, Disney will never pair you up with tourists you don’t know. You can choose to bring family, friends, or whoever you want – as long as there are no more than ten people in your group. The tour is perfect for those who desire a more personalized and VIP Disney World experience. In addition, it’s ideal for families with young children and grandparents because everyone is welcome.

3. You’ll Be Guided by a Disney Expert VIP Tour Guide

Disney Private VIP Tours are a great way to see the parks without worrying about logistics. Each tour is led by a Disney tour guide wearing a plaid vest. This Cast Member is highly-trained and hand-selected by Disney specifically for this role. They’re friendly, personable, professional, and knowledgeable about everything Disney. They’ll handle all the logistics so you can relax and enjoy yourself. And because they’re great with kids and attuned to families’ needs, they’ll ensure everything goes smoothly. So if you’re looking for a stress-free way to experience the magic of Disney, your VIP tour guide has you covered.

4. Save Time by Skipping Lines

A Private Disney VIP Tour is the best way to experience the most rides in the shortest amount of time. You’ll have access to special entrances that bypass the standby lines, so you can easily whisk onto rides. How does it work? Essentially, your tour guide serves as your express pass to breeze through the Lightning Lane or a side entrance. By cutting in front of everyone in line and moving up to the front, there is no waiting. It’s definitely one of the most satisfying perks of a VIP tour! Moreover, you can go on any ride as many times as you like, even the most popular ones. Skipping the lines will enable you to make the most of your time at the park and create wonderful memories.

5. Learn the Secrets of Disney

Disney Private VIP Tours are great for various reasons, but one of the best things about them is that you can learn the history of Disney World from your tour guide. They will be with you every step, providing insider tips and tricks on making the most of your visit. In addition, they can answer any questions you might have, so you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of Disney and its fascinating inner workings. So, a Disney Private VIP Tour is an excellent option if you want an educational experience in addition to the thrills.

6. Access to Backstage Areas

When you take a Disney Private VIP Tour, you’ll have backstage access to areas of the park that are typically off-limits to regular guests. You’ll be able to enter the theme parks through backstage entrances and use the backstage doors to different areas of the park. While VIP tour guides take you through Lightning Lane entrances on most rides, you’ll also access some through backdoors or side doors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes! Just request backstage access from your VIP Tour guide, and they’ll be happy to take you to areas only Cast Members can access.

7. A Disney VIP Tour Has Fixed Hourly Pricing

Disney VIP tours are some of the most popular tours offered by Disney. They are also some of the most expensive. Disney Private VIP Tours range from $450 to $900 per hour , depending on the season and date you take it. However, one of the benefits of a Disney VIP tour is that it is a fixed price per hour, regardless of how many people are in your group. So, if you have a large group of up to 10, the cost per person may not be as expensive as you think.

Note : As our Guide to Disney Private VIP Tours article explains, VIP Tours must last at least seven consecutive hours. You are welcome to add extra hours (or additional days) to your tour, but 7 hours should give you enough time to do most of what you want. Eat breakfast or lunch right before or after your tour, so you don’t have to sit at a restaurant while the clock is ticking. You can maximize your money’s value by meeting your guide at the park rather than at your hotel — the clock starts when you connect with your guide, and if you meet at the park you can start riding attractions immediately.

8. Complimentary Treats Throughout the Day

As part of Disney Private VIP Tours, you will receive complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the tour. For example, your guide might give you bottles of water, Mickey pretzels, or Mickey bars when you exit a ride. In addition, some people receive snack baskets containing fruit, trail mix, and other snacks. Not all guides do this; however, those who do find that it helps to keep guests hydrated and energized, especially on long tours or hot days. So if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat and refuel during the tour, be sure to ask your travel agent or guide about getting some complimentary snacks and beverages on your next tour.

Note : Besides food and drink, VIP tour guides always carry umbrellas and ponchos in case of rain . They have you covered!

9. VIP Viewing for Shows, Parades, and Fireworks

One of the benefits of Disney Private VIP Tours is its premium viewing areas for shows, parades, and fireworks. Guests have exclusive access to reserved viewing areas for the nightly fireworks and Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom. In addition, VIP guests have premium seating for Disney live shows , including the popular Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows. The reserved viewing areas allow you to get close to the action and take some great photos.

10. Door-To-Door Transportation From Start to Finish

Disney World is a large and sprawling resort, and getting around can be challenging for visitors. Fortunately, Disney Private VIP Tours offer door-to-door transportation all day long. Hence, you can rest assured that you will always have a ride to your next destination, whether it’s another park, ride, hotel room, or restaurant.

Disney World transportation is abundant all around the parks, but only VIP Tours shuttle you privately from resort to park, ride to ride, park to park, all day long. Imagine not having to walk all the way across the park to get from Space Mountain to Big Thunder Mountain! This is how celebrities do Disney World , and it’s the best way to ensure that you make the most of your time at the resort. With Disney Private VIP Tours, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while someone else handles the driving.

11. Enjoy Hassle-Free VIP Planning with Disney Travel Agents

Planning for Disney World trips can be stressful and confusing. But with the help of a Disney travel agent, you can simplify the process and ensure your trip will be magical.

Prior to your Private VIP Tour, your Disney vacation planner will work directly with your tour guide to customize the itinerary. They will consider factors such as the size of your party, the ages of your children, and any special interests you may have. An itinerary tailored to your needs will maximize your time at Disney World.

Your Disney travel agent won’t just help with your Disney VIP Tour. Since they’re familiar with all the ins and outs of the park, they can help you choose suitable ticket options, make restaurant reservations, and book hotels and transportation. They can advise you on what to see and do and provide you with custom-made touring plans that fit your family’s interests. The best Disney travel agents will take care of all the details for you, so all you have to do is focus on having a great time. Plus, they can often help you secure special perks and amenities often overlooked by the general public.

Working with a Disney travel agent is a great way to ensure you have a hassle-free and truly memorable Disney VIP experience. Contact The Vacationeer and speak with a Disney expert today!

Disney Private VIP Tours: The Pros and Cons

A Disney Private VIP Tour provides many advantages over a regular theme park experience (and non-VIP group tours). Here is a summary of the main benefits, as detailed in the previous section.

Pros of Disney Private VIP Tours:

• A Disney VIP Tour is customizable and completely private, so you can do what you want with the people you choose.
• Disney Private VIP Tours provides you with a dedicated tour guide, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.
• You’ll avoid long lines and maximize your fun with priority access to all rides and attractions.
• Guests can access premium viewing areas for shows, parades, and fireworks.
• You will learn all about Disney World’s history and inner workings during the tour
• Your guide will provide complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the tour.
• You will have door-to-door transportation all day, so you don’t have to worry about getting around from place to place.
• The fixed hourly rate covers up to 10 people, including infants.
• Disney treats you like a celebrity from start to finish!

While this type of tour can offer many benefits, there are also a few drawbacks. Here are some of the main cons of taking a Disney Private VIP Tour.

Cons of Disney Private VIP Tours:

• Disney VIP Tours are not cheap! The price range for this luxury service is $450 to $900 per hour.
• The hourly rate varies depending on the time of year you go to Disney World , so you can expect to pay more during the vacation and holiday seasons when the park is most crowded and less during off-peak times.
• There is a minimum booking window of 7 consecutive hours. You’ll be able to book more than 7 hours if you want, but never less.
• Tickets to theme parks are not included in the tour price, so participants must purchase them separately. If a tour visits a single park, you only have to purchase a ticket for that park. A Park Hopper ticket will be necessary for tours that cover multiple parks. Contact The Vacationeer to arrange your ticket purchases.
• If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will be charged two hours at your booking rate.
• Meals are not included in the cost of the tour. However, you are welcome to dine during the tour if you wish.
• Disney Private VIP Tours usually sell out well in advance. You must book one well in advance, particularly if you plan to go during peak season.

Many people ask, “Are Disney VIP tours worth it?” The simple answer is YES… if you don’t mind paying for premium services and luxury experiences. Considering how quickly Disney VIP Tours sell out, most people think they are worth it. But several factors play into whether or not a VIP Tour is suitable for you and your group. Here are some things to consider.

• One crucial factor to consider is your budget. VIP tours can be expensive, so they might not be the right choice if you have a strict spending limit.
• Another factor to consider is how much time you have planned for your trip to Disney World. If you have a long vacation planned, you may not need the help of a VIP tour guide to maximize your time in the parks. However, a Private VIP Tour can help you make the most of your visit if you are short on time. Your tour will maximize your time so you can see and do everything you want in a single day or two.
• Another consideration is why you are taking a trip to Disney World. If you celebrate a special occasion, plan a multi-generational trip, take the grandkids to Disney World , or whatever, a VIP tour can add extra magic to your experience. Your trip may be more memorable if you add this service.
• Finally, a VIP Tour is a must if you demand nothing but the best. You get unlimited front-of-the-line access to all rides and attractions, priority seating at shows, and unmatched access to backstage areas. You also get a personal tour guide who will take care of all the details, so you can simply enjoy your day. Plus, the door-to-door transportation will make you feel like a celebrity.

There are many reasons why luxury travelers and families may choose to take a Disney Private VIP Tour, but the chance to avoid crowds and be pampered throughout the day are tops. Those who want to experience the best of Disney should choose a VIP Tour, which is undoubtedly the ultimate luxury Disney experience . So while it is not a cheap option, it is worth it for those who have the resources, demand the best, are celebrating a special occasion, or want to maximize their limited time at Walt Disney World . Overall, it’s worth it if you fall into any of these categories.

We hope this information helps you decide whether Disney Private VIP Tours are worth it. Ultimately, only you can decide if a Disney VIP tour suits you.

Note: If you’re planning on visiting Orlando’s other theme parks, you’ll be happy to know that Universal Orlando offers VIP tours , too!

Are you Ready to Book your Private VIP Tour at Disney World?

When you book a Disney VIP tour with The Vacationeer , you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible service. You’ll work with only one expert Disney vacation planner to create a custom tour that fits your family’s needs and interests. Your dedicated planner will also take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy your vacation.

The Vacationeer can reserve and customize your Disney VIP Tour, so you get everything you want and need. Also, they can take care of purchasing your theme park tickets, making your hotel reservations, dining reservations, etc. Whether you want all the luxury – including five-star hotels at Disney World , Michelin-rated Disney restaurants , tee times at Disney’s best golf courses – or something more modest, The Vacationeer is there to assist you. They can even take care of your car rentals, transportation, stroller rentals , childcare , and more.

The Vacationeer will work as your personal assistants for Disney World to ensure your trip is as magical as possible, and there’s never a charge for their services. Click HERE to contact The Vacationeer to start planning your VIP Disney vacation!

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8 Reasons $8,000 Disney VIP Tours Are Worth It

There’s no doubt about it, Walt Disney World is a mission.

It takes time, it takes money, and sometimes this theme park even steals your sanity.

When I imagine the perfect fairytale Disney vacation, I see myself skipping over the steps of the theme park castle, singing Disney songs after a restful sleep at a Disney resort . What I get is a crazy 25,000 steps on my FitBit , heatstroke, dehydration, and a whole lot of patient practice.

And that’s just one park, forget about doing any more than that would be the definition of insanity.

So when Visit Florida asked me to do a Disney private VIP tour visiting 3 Disney parks in one day, I thought they were insane. But always up for a little insanity, I pulled on my runners, got custom lanyards made, ensured my FitBit was charged, and pulled up my big girl panties. Let’s do this!

Does Disney World have VIP Passes?

I was greeted in front of a sparkling clean white unmarked can by bright, bubbly, vivacious Emily. She wore a red plaid skirt with matching suspenders and a crisp, white blouse with ginormous gold buttons.

What stood out was her long, luscious red hair, like The Little Mermaid stepped outside of the movie and into real life. Our very own Disney park princess turned out to be our very own Disney World tour guide.

How Much Is A VIP Tour At Disney World?

Can you pay to skip lines at Disney World ? Well, our guide shared in a conspiracy-like tone that ‘YES’ you can with Disney VIP tours .  

We were about to take the almost-secret Disney World Premium VIP Tour . And how much does a VIP Disney tour cost? The Disney VIP tours cost anywhere from $450 – $700 per hour, with a minimum of 7 hours.

If I had been drinking coffee it would have been sprayed on the back of her head. What?! Who pays that for a Disney World private tour?

Turns out plenty. It’s the type of people who don’t want to spend months planning, parents who don’t want to stand with crying kids for hours in long queues under the hot sun, CEOs who have executive jobs to get back to, and folks who have more important things to do, people who have done Disney before and just want to re-live their favorite rides… Or people who just want to see 3 Disney Parks in one day… like our group.

This Disney World VIP pass can take a group of up to 10 people. So if you throw a couple of families into the mix, it might even be considered an excellent value.

Once booked, your Disney World tour guide takes care of everything. Just let them know your favorite rides, restaurants, and parks and they will orchestrate the entire day to make sure everything fits in, in the most sensible amount of time.

What does that mean? Ultimate ease. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking up Disney’s spectacular magic. The way Walt intended.

So what did I think of my Disney VIP tour guide? Well, keep reading as I spill the secret in my Disney World VIP tour review.

Perks To The Disney VIP Pass

Want a ride to the door .

Our Disney tour guide picked us up and escorted us right to our chosen Disney park, and then using employee-only backroads, to the front door of the actual ride. Often we would leave our van parked behind the scenes and walk through a non-descript door that opened up where we wanted to be.

Outside the Tower of Terror, beside California Soarin’, or next to the Animal Safari. No long walks, no dehydration, and no heatstroke. Perfect air-conditioned comfort! How many times did I go on Space Mountain ?

Want a FastPass+ expedited entry to rides?

No more waiting. On our Disney VIP tour , we simply walked straight to the FastPass+ queue.

And bonus you can ride as many times as you like. Regular Walt Disney World visitors can obtain a maximum of 3 FastPass+ tickets per day, but not with your Disney tour guide . Ride as often as you like.

But don’t confuse your FastPass+ as a front-of-line pass, but it is just as good. Especially when it comes to meeting Walt Disney World characters . Those lines can be intense, but we managed to hug Chewbacca pretty quickly.

And because the Disney VIP tours are allowed to go as many times as they like, we enjoyed rides like Mount Everest at Animal Kingdom four times. Screaming every single time.

Speaking as a tourist who has been on a Disney vacation and has not taken a single ride because of the ridiculous wait times and hordes of kids, this Disney VIP tour cost is worth every penny.

Want the best seats?

We didn’t need to race to any shows at the Magic Kingdom with our VIP tour guide Disney World , there was always a seat ready for us. We watched “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” nighttime show at Animal Kingdom in fabulous saved VIP seats. And by the way that show was awesome, highly recommend it.

Stop by the Tree of Life afterward – it’s simply stunning.

Want to know Disney secrets?

The guides have extensive training about all of the theme parks, as well as Disney ‘s history. You’ll be amazed at the backstage magic they are privy to.

Our Disney VIP guide was full of knowledge. Knowledge of working at Disney , knowledge of celebrities who visit, knowledge of the Magic Kingdom rides, and Disneyland Resort restaurants.

She never seemed to run out of answers to our endless list of questions. If you ever wanted to know about the inner workings of Disney , this is a real plus.

Want to do three parks in one day?

Doing one park is hard enough, but on Disney VIP tickets we had plenty of time to do three parks, plus enjoy a delicious, laid-back meal at one of Disney’s fine dining restaurants. More about that further down.

Getting between the Magic Kingdom and the Disneys Animal Kingdom can normally take up to 45 minutes by shuttle, let alone walking through the parks. This door-to-door Animal Kingdom VIP tour means you can maximize your time in the park. And take your time eating.

Want to ride the newest and longest rides?

One of my favorite perks was that Emily knew exactly what was happening at the Disney park that was worth showing off. The brand new Frozen ride had been added to Epcot the day before we arrived. Not to mention the Avatar flight .

The California Soarin’ had just changed to “Soarin Around the World”. No research is necessary. She had us heading to brand new attractions and, of course, old favorites as well. How many times did I go on Space Mountain ?

Want booked meal times?

Of course, your Disney guide can book you a great meal. We had lunch at the aptly named Nomad Lounge in the Disneys Animal Kingdom. The food was impeccable and I loved the travel theme. The bar had hundreds of travel stories pinned to its walls.

But the best part? We had so much time to sit and enjoy it, because we knew afterward we could jump in our air-conditioned van to any ride and hop in the FastPass+ lane.

Want to feel like a VIP rockstar?

Oh, and did I mention there is the ultimate rock-star feeling that goes with these Disney World VIP tickets? It’s pretty special.

You might want to keep a big pair of dark sunglasses handy to hide from all the wistful stares or curious bystanders trying to work out who you are as your tour Hollywood Studio . Total glam life! It is the ultimate day .

The Non-Perks Of Disney Private Tours

It’s expensive.

Ok, so it was expensive. No doubt about it. The Disney World VIP tour price can cost you up to USD 8,000.  But I know what goes into planning a trip to a Disney park and I know how much time is spent in queues.

So yes, your wallet is going to feel a very fine pinch. But the Disney VIP tour guide cost is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Loss of Pizzazz

You might feel like you lose some of the pizzazz of Disney since you won’t walk through the front doors with the music and all the fanfare.

But the good news is, you can book that in with your VIP tour Disney World guide and then skip the rest of the walking.

Is The Disney VIP Tour Worth It?

Probably the most important non-perk is knowing that after you’ve done a VIP tour… you are not sure how you will ever be able to do a Disney park again without it. After the manic of Hong Kong Disney, I can’t go back.

How you will ever stand in a queue, walk thousands of FitBit steps and spend an hour waiting for a show or parade to begin? After all, don’t they know who I am?

The real secret to this secret tour

What makes the private VIP tour pass cost within reach of regular holidaymakers like you and me is this simple economic principle – when you add up the cost of premium accommodation and food for a 5-day stay in Orlando for Disney World , it’s not cheap.

The Disney VIP tour service will save you money because you can squeeze a 5-day vacation into just 1 (or 2) days. If you’re paying upwards of $400 per hotel room per night in a Walt Disney World Resort , and require 2 hotel room s for a large family (or extended family), shaving 3+ days off will reduce your vacation expenses by $2400. Adding meals at your Walt Disney World Resort and your total saving will probably exceed $3000.

So what seems like an extremely expensive and indulgent private VIP tour service will put you in front financially… plus (and this is a big plus) you’ll be much more relaxed and enjoy the whole experience as a family all the more. Bam!

How is Covid affecting Disney Parks?

All Disney parks around the world except one are now open to visitors.

From February 16, Disney announced that all of its resorts in the US would lift mask requirements for vaccinated guests. Those who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations.

Disneyland has eliminated on-site temperature checks and is allowing guests to “self-determine” social distancing since California has removed distancing requirements. S ome parks have reduced capacity and require temperature checks still.

Some Disney parks have resumed their nightly fireworks shows and parades.

Capacity has been cut in Disney’s theme parks, with numbers further limited in restaurants and in queues to prevent overcrowding.

You can read the latest updates on Disney’s covid operations below:

Update on Walt Disney World Resort Operations

Disney Cruise Line Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Alert

Update on Disneyland Resort Operations

So what do you think of my Disney VIP tour review? Would you like to do a Disney park like the rich and famous? I would love to hear your opinion in the comments below.

Check how many Disney World tickets are here! And this is a cheap special offer .

Or get the best deal on Disney resorts right here. 

Use our Universal Orlando Studios guide while you’re in town. Or check out this Orlando CityPASS attraction as an alternative for several tickets throughout Orlando.

This was back in Travel With Bender days. 

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SO HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU GO ON SPACE MOUNTAIN???? Sheesh 😛

HAHAHHA It’s a secret! 😛

Hi Erin, love your article!

I’m travelling by myself this year, and would love to go on the VIP tour. Do you happen to know any travel agency that create groups for the VIP, so I could join other singles or smaller families? Or the VIP is something specifically for a party. My party has me only. Ha ha ha

Hi Karina, So glad it could help. I believe the price is set no matter how many people there are. For instance, you can have up to 10 people in a group so at $500 an hour that works out to $50 per hour per person. Whereas if it was just you, you could still go, but you’ll be paying the full $500 per hour by yourself. I would consider giving the reservation line a call and asking if there are any other groups that might be looking for members – Call (407) 560-4033. But it’s a great idea – maybe a Facebook Disney page could also be a place to grab another 9 people to join you! 🙂

Thanks, lovely! xoxo

whoops… I forgot to write a message! We have taken 3 extended WDW family trips. My youngest son (23) is graduating from college in May. We love Disney, but not the lines and crowds. A Disney trip was not on the radar until I read about the VIP tour. So worth it!! So, WDW is back on the agenda perhaps. My family of four is a huge Star Wars fan and have not been to Disney since 2013, so all of that is new to us. I am not sure if May 20th timeframe is not enough notice but that is what I was thinking. Otherwise, a fall Halloween timeframe is good too. Ideally, I plan a WDW trip a year ahead, so I am way behind so the VIP tour seems fitting.

Oh please do let me know if you do it! I think for a family short on time and planning it’s perfect. They can help you plan so I hope it works out for you.

Erin – good day – when did you go to Disney World and do the VIP Tour, was it during Covid? I have heard mixed reviews during Covid on these tours (mostly negative)… Please expand on your travel dates…

We went preCovid. I cannot say how it would be different now, but I would think it would be better with all the social distancing requirements currently.

OMG I NEVER KNEW THIS EXISTED IM IM Just A KID! And once I Read All Of THIS!!! This Is WOrth The Price Hoping In The Future Ill Buy This AT Least For ONCE IN A LIFETIME PLEASE!!! OMG! BOI!!! SO Worth The Price Ill Be Famous For A Day Living The RICH!!! Heh Heh Style In DIsney World And Etc So Many Other Stuff Oh And Your RIght ABout The Sunglass Part DOn’t Want People To Know Who You Are So Many Good DEALS!!! About This Tour Thing Only Cost 8,000 HAHAHAHAHAHA WOrth It Man Ha Ha Im Excited For This In Future Heh Oh And Also How’d You Create This Website explore with Erin Maybe When Im An Adult I Might Like To Create A Website ABout Disney Or Maybe EVEN! SOmething ELse EHeh Heh ANd Add Comments To Comment Me If They Have Questions Problems Or Liking my Thing And More ETc Ha Ha SO mUch MORE!!! HAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Thank You Alot Erin Ha Ha Ha Ha >=)!!!!!

I hope you get to go Isaac! Thanks for writing.

Hi Erin! Loved your review of the VIP Tour! Hoping to book one in 2022.

Warm regards,

Hi Tara, I really enjoyed it and for a group could see the value. You will have the best time!

Wow….never knew that was a thing! Can see the benefits though! We only had 2 days in Orlando….did 2 parks….Epcot and Animal Kingdom….I felt very stressed with the heat and the crowds and trying to see as much as we can . Had a ball and thoroughly enjoyed it but will try to allow longer next time. Hardly did any rides as couldn’t get any fast passes and waiting in the long lines meant we would hardly see any of the parks. Fun place though!

Disney is so stressful! I’m not sure I’d ever do it again unless it was this way.

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Disney VIP Tours – How To Book and What To Expect

If you’ve come to this page you’ve undoubtedly heard about Disney VIP tours for their theme parks and are interested in learning more. You’ve come to the right place. In this guide I’m going to break down everything about a Disneyland and Walt World VIP Tour including who can book them, how much they cost, are they worth it and what to expect from one. I’ve mae this very personal as I’ve had the opportunity to experience VIP tours over 15 times in my travel career. I also book VIP tours for clients (including you) and have a lot to offer to help you make the most of your experience should you choose to do one.

Let’s start off with some of the most basic questions:

How Do You Book a Disney VIP Tour?

With me of course! Guests who are interested in booking an VIP Tour for Disneyland or Walt Disney World should use the form below to contact me. Once the form is submitted I’ll go to work getting your quote. Once I have this I’ll get back to you and let you know the price and everything included. When you’re ready to book just let me know and I’ll confirm it. 

Why book with me? As I mentioned before, I’ve been on over 15 VIP Tours and know how they work. I have guides to recommend, reserved seating suggestions and in general, how to get the most out of your tour. My services are very fast, friendly and professional. I’ve booked tours for families, businesses, and even celebrities. Whatever your needs are, I will accommodate. Plus every guest who books with me receives a $100 Disney Gift Card to use at the parks while on their tour. A special thank you from me to you!

I can also book your admission for the theme parks at a discounted rate.

What is a VIP Tour at Disneyland and Walt Disney World?

If you’ve even been to the parks and seen a Cast Member in Plaid walking around the parks with a group of guests and taking them on rides, you’ve probably seen a VIP tour. They are private tours for park guests that include a guide for a predetermined amount of hours, typically 6 or more. The guide (a specially trained Cast Member) accompanies your group and is able to provide several services including quick access to attractions and shows, reserved seating for entertainment, dining reservations and more. 

Over the years however, VIP Tour guides have become known as human FastPasses. The idea being that most guests book a tour so that they can skip the lines at all the attractions and experience more without waiting. And to be completely honest, this is 80% of it. It’s the biggest perk you’ll get out of a VIP Tour and really the dream everyone wishes they could experience. 

Tour guides however do also provide a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the parks and are an amazing asset to you when you have questions or concerns. Nobody knows more about the parks and how they run than tour guides. This is very useful, especially for guests who have never visited the parks before.

Who Can Book a VIP Tour at the Parks?

I have great news! Anyone can book a VIP Tour at the Disney Parks. It’s just a matter of setting one up for the time you plan to visit. Most people think that these tours can only be done by celebrities or connected people at Disney. This is not true. In fact, most tours that you see are being done with regular people who want to take advantage of the tour perks. 

There are currently three categories of tours that Disney offers and one is for any guests who want to do one:

• Premium VIP Tour – For Celebrities who are visiting the parks.
• Club 33 VIP Tours – For Club 33 members and their guests.
• VIP Tour – Available to anyone who wants to book.

Despite there being 3 “different” ones, they are all pretty much the same. You’ll have a guide who will take you around the parks, get you on rides, and help in anyway they can. The only difference for a Premium VIP Tour is that they are only for celebrity guests (a decision made by Disney) and typically move guests from one are to another via backstage or corridors so that they don’t get bombarded with fans. Otherwise that tour is also the same as the other two.

I have personally booked my own VIP Tours for several years as well as experienced ones through Club 33 and I can tell you they are exactly the same.

How Much Does a VIP Tour Cost?

The biggest question of them all: Pricing. I hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that VIP Tours are expensive. Consider what you’re getting for your group plus the personal attention for a Cast Member dedicated to your wants and needs for the day. Having said that, tours start out at $2,975 and go up from there. Several factors will decide your total cost:

• The day your visiting
• Availability
• How many hours you need

There is a cost per hour but nothing that’s set in stone as it changes based on the day you want to do the tour. For instance, a tour on New Year’s Eve will cost you much more per hour than say a Wednesday in February. Same goes for weekends. They are typically pricier than a weekday. The lowest cost per hour is going to $425 and can go all the way up to $600+ per hour.

The average cost for a VIP Tour is about $4,000 with 7 hours of tour time.

Disneyland VIP Tours

Tours at the Disneyland Resort include quick access to all attractions, reserved seating for parades and fireworks (based on availability), parking, dining reservations and more. Your tour group can have up to 10 guests and can last for as many hours as you want with a minimum of 7 hours each day. Keep in mind that every BODY counts toward your party number, including babies and infants that don’t require tickets. This means you can’t have 4 adults, 6 kids and 2 babies as that puts your group count at 12 which is over the 10 that’s allowed. 

VIP Tours at Disneyland can include both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park if you have a park hopper ticket. Since the Tour does not include theme park admission, whatever ticket you buy is what you can do on the tour. So if you purchase a 1 park per day and choose Disneyland as your park, you can only do the tour in that park. 

Guests may request reserved seating for the fireworks and/or parades that may be happening the day of their tour. Dining reservations may also be made in advance for places including Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle Restaurant, Lamplight Lounge and more. 

Guests can expect to experience both Disneyland and California Adventure Park in a single day while on a tour. This includes most attractions and entertainment. Typically the tour length for this is 8 hours but with the right group could be done in 7. Guests on tour do receive Lightning Lane access to both Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and WEB-SLINGERS along with every other major attraction with Lightning Lane. 

You also receive quick access to all non-Lightning Lane attractions as well including Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise and more.

Walt Disney World VIP Tours

Walt Disney World is a very unique place to do a VIP Tour and, in my opinion, the best place to do one. With four parks to experience, there are several ways to attack your day and get a lot done. Like Disneyland, tours in Orlando also include quick access to major attractions via Lightning Lane as well as exit access to smaller attractions. Essentially there’s no waiting for much. 

VIP Tours include all four parks including Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. You can visit all or one or two or however many you want during your tour as long as you have the Park Hopper option with your ticket. Also remember that theme park admission is not included with your tour. If you do purchase a 1 park per day ticket, your tour will be in that one park for the entire day.

Tours can include up to 10 guests with a minimum of 7 hours booked. Every BODY counts towards that number including infants or babies so be aware of that when booking.

The other thing that I love about Walt Disney World VIP Tours is that they include a lot of backstage access which is always fun for the Disney lover. 

This Is How Much A VIP Tour At Walt Disney World Really Costs

Taking your family on a vacation to Walt Disney World is not as easy as the park's commercials make it out to be. Although the ads may focus on smiling families enjoying the attractions, food, and character interactions, the reality is actually quite different. What the cameras don't show you is the almost interminable amount of time you'll spend waiting in line for those experiences. Further, the commercials don't show you the herculean amount of planning required to properly organize a full day of fun at Disney theme parks . Indeed, even with proper planning, you might be able to make some aspects of your visit more efficient — like spending less time in lines or waiting to be called to your restaurant table — but other lengthy waits are still unavoidable.

As it turns out, however, there's a way to experience all that a Disney theme park has to offer without the hassle of waiting in line, or even being in the presence of other tourists at all: Book a VIP tour. VIP tours offer white-glove treatment to you and your traveling party, though that hospitality does comes at a cost.

A VIP Walt Disney World Tour starts at about $3,000 per day

If you're keen to enjoy a day at a Disney theme park but want to skip the lines and the crowds, and you can afford to pay for it, then Disney has just what you need. Specifically, according to the resort's website , you can book a private VIP tour. Among other things, these tours provide you with private transportation directly from your resort to your theme park destination and offer your own tour guide and concierge who will handle your every request. Perhaps most valuably, you'll also get "the ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently," according to the website, which is actually code for "without having to wait in line," according to Disney Food Blog .

It is, however, going to cost you. The minimum starting point for a VIP tour at Walt Disney World is $425 per hour, with a minimum of seven hours, meaning that the entry point for such an experience is $2,975. The price can go up to $850 per hour, and of course, there's no rule stating that your day has to be limited to just seven hours. You'll also be expected to tip your guide, which can add a few hundred dollars to the final bill.

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Private VIP tours at Disney can cost thousands of dollars, but are they worth it? Here's why die-hard Disney fans say yes.

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

If you've ever been to Walt Disney World (WDW) or Disneyland, you've likely seen employees in plaid vests walking around the parks with groups of mouse ear-wearing park goers. Those red-vested people are VIP tour guides, cast members (Disney's term for its employees) whose job is to help people get the most out of their Disney day.

While you might assume the groups include a celebrity like Captain America actor Chris Evans, who's known to roam WDW, more often than not the groups are just normal guests looking for an elevated experience. Yes, that's right, anyone can be a VIP at WDW or Disneyland ... for the right price.

How much do Disney VIP tours cost?

At WDW , tours start at a cool $425 an hour and can run up to $850 per hour, depending on the season. But no abbreviated tours are allowed: All VIP tours must be booked for a minimum of seven hours, quickly running the cost into the range of $3,150 to $5,950 for the day.

Over at Disneyland , tours start at a base price of $3,500 for the day for a seven-hour tour. And no, these prices do not include park tickets in either location — you'll have to purchase tickets for each member of your group on top of the tour price.

What is included in the cost of a Disney VIP tour?

No matter which park the tour is taken in, each group has room for up to 10 guests. Often, the groups are made up of large multi-generational families looking for an easy way to do everything at the parks, or a big group of friends who split the cost and want to ride all of the attractions they can in one day.

With the hefty price tag comes premium services and amenities that each group has exclusive access to. On the day of your tour, a VIP guide will pick your group up from a designated starting location, usually your Disney hotel, and take you to the theme parks to get front-of-the-line access to attractions and shows. If your tour goes into the late evening, you'll get VIP-viewing of nighttime spectaculars like World of Color at Disney California Adventure or Harmonious at Epcot . The tours also include the ability to visit more than one park in a day, pending you have a ticket with park-hopping access. Each person on the tour will also get a commemorative pin, just for VIP tour guests.

But those who have taken one of these pricey tours often say the best part isn't access to rides or restricted areas — it's the guide themselves. Jordan Poblete, a Disney fan from Irvine, Calif., did a VIP tour at Disneyland, where their guide became more of a friend than a service provider. "It felt like this person was less of an accessory if you will, and more of just a part of our group," Poblete tells Yahoo Life.

On the day of their tour, Poblete and his crew were able to ride about 15 attractions, including Space Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Indiana Jones Adventure. They also made their way across the esplanade to Disney California Adventure to do some of the top-tier attractions at that park.

Who is a VIP tour at Disney best for?

Eduardo Lara, a former VIP guide at the Disneyland Resort, explains that VIP service starts even before a guest walks into the park. "Usually what happens is when they book these tours, they talk to someone and give them a brief [list of] the things they want to do," he explains. "They'll say, 'I want to start off in Disney California Adventure or Disneyland."

To Lara, the best type of VIP tour group was always big groups of friends who had each saved up money for their share of the tour. "It felt like the tour itself was more personal to them because they all chipped in," he says. "So it just seemed like they had a lot more fun."

And it's all personalizable to the specific group: If he was working with a family with kids, for example, Lara loved pointing out hidden Mickeys — nods to Mickey Mouse within attractions and around Disney theme parks that look like Mickey's iconic three-circle silhouette.

Kait Killebrew , a Disney fan from Ponchatoula, La. and co-host of Carousel Project , a podcast about Disney history, has done two VIP tours with groups of friends at WDW. Her favorite part of both was being able to go "backstage," what Disney calls its employee-only areas, to enter each park faster. "The first VIP tour I took was [during the coronavirus pandemic] before park-hopping had come back," she recalls. "So we were able to park hop to all four parks in December 2020, which was amazing. It was really cool to see where they ended up letting us in to make the most of the time we had allotted for the tour."

A must-do of VIP tours is being efficient with the time allotted with your VIP guide. Killebrew explains her guide had a private car waiting for them to get from one park to the next. They also had the group mobile order meals well in advance of when they wanted to eat, so they could dash to the next attraction without having to wait long for meals to be ready.

Zeinab O'Briant lives in Los Angeles, Calif., and says her Disney VIP tour is among her favorite Disney memories. "I loved being able to walk backstage and experience Disney in such a different light that guests typically wouldn't see," says O'Briant, who shares Disney content at @adventuresandthingamabobs . "I'm such a curious person about the inner workings of things, so being able to pop into a park from the cast member entrance was really cool to see."

How to know if a Disney VIP tour is right for you

Wondering whether a VIP tour of Disney Parks is right for you? Lara suggests trying a smaller guided tour at one of the Disney parks first. Unlike VIP tours, which are private and allow guests to do what they want, guided tours give guests access to certain attractions and allow them to hear different stories about the parks based on which tour they book.

Each guided tour is specific to a story, like the Keys to the Kingdom tour at WDW, a five-hour group tour that gives an overview of Magic Kingdom Park, or the Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour at Disneyland. "The similarities come in the easier access to the attractions, so [guests] can have a much quicker time boarding some of the attractions on those tours," says Lara. "That gives them a glimpse of the VIP experience."

After taking more than one seven-hour tour around WDW, Killebrew says she's constantly recommending VIP tours to others. "I do suggest them because especially with how Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane work now," she says. "It's nice to just have that secured — even for one day — to just know we can knock out all the big rides during the seven-hour period and the rest of the trip, anything else is gravy."

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

March 24, 2023

A Totally Honest Disney VIP Tour Review – Is It Worth It?

If you have been to Disneyland before, then I am sure you know a little bit about the Disney VIP Tour. .. OH you know those Cast Members that are dressed in plaid escorting guests (Sometimes even celebrities) around the park for an ultimate VIP experience!

Our Family has always wanted to take part of this experience and decided to splurge and surprise everyone with the ultimate Disney day! That said, we decided to put together a totally honest Disney VIP tour review for you, so that you can know it ALL before deciding on a Disney splurge!

Our Disney VIP Tour Review

What is the Disneyland VIP Tour?

The Disneyland VIP Tour is a special experience offered at Disneyland Park, where guests can enjoy a personalized tour of the park with a super friendly tour guides… or as us Disney nerds call them “The Plaids!”

This exclusive tour includes skip-the-line access to popular rides and attractions, reserved seating for shows and parades, insider tips and information about the park’s history and hidden gems, and even some behind-the-scenes glimpses of how the magic happens.

How the Disney VIP Tour Begins

There are three spots that you can begin your VIP tour at, one is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, another is the entrance to Disneyland Park and the third is the entrance of Disney California Adventure Park.

We decided to meet at the entrance of Disneyland Park, we chose this because we did not want to waste any of our time walking through Downtown Disney with the VIP Tour Guide and we wanted to immediately get down to business!

THE PROS: Disney VIP Tour Review

#1 skip the lines.

The first PRO that most people already know is that with purchasing a Disney VIP Tour, you get to skip the line on every single attraction. For example, anything with Lightning Lane, you end up going through the Lightning Lane line, which really makes what should be a super long wait a 10-15 minute wait! (Note – you are not skipping the Lightning Lane, you are able to enter Lightning Lane, which is super awesome!)

This is the case unless you are a celebrity, in which, they have separate entrances for celebrities. My Husband Mike, did however, try to convince our guide that we were celebrities, but they did not fall for that… nice try…Mike Mamian!

For rides that do not have Lightning Lane, they have you go through the exit to get you on the rides. We experienced this with mainly the smaller rides.

#2 Ordering Food Made Easy

If you want to order food at a quick service dining location within the parks and the time on your mobile app says it is two hours out, your VIP Tour Guide will update it so it is automatically there right away!

Reservations

Another thing to note is that your guide is able to set up reservations for you throughout the day. It is a good way to get those “hard-to-get” reservations!

#3 Private Viewing for Shows

You are able to get private viewing for entertainment within the park. For example, we were able to get VIP viewing for the Christmas Parade, which is located right by It’s a Small World! They have a seating area for VIP Guests, which gives you a nice break from walking.

We also were able to get VIP viewing for the fireworks.

One thing we did not know, is that as long as you did the tour earlier in the day, you can set up VIP viewing later on when you are NOT with your guide. They just add you to the list.

Note – you can also get VIP viewing for World of Color in Disney California Adventure Park and Fantasmic at Disneyland Park.

#4 Private Meet and Greets with Disney Characters

As part of your VIP Disney Tour, you are able to request private meet and greets with Disney Characters. Note though, that this is something that you need to book day-of with your Tour Guide.

You will need to let your Tour Guide know first thing at the start of your tour that you would like to do a private meet and greet and they will look to see what characters are available. From there, you are able to plan a 10-15 minute private meet and greet with that character.

#5 Parking is Included!

Parking is included with the Disney VIP Tour. You are able to get free valet parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which was SO AWESOME!

Disney VIP Tour Review – The Cost

The cost of a Disney VIP Tour is currently $450 per hour for a minimum of 7 hours and up-to 10 people. Note that this does not include the price of tickets and that you will need to purchase those ahead of time.

Split Your Group Up!

We absolutely loved that the Disney Tour Guide was able to split the group up if needed.

For example, if you had people in your group that were Teens and wanted to ride Space Mountain, but you also had little ones, like Jack, they are able to split up the group and ride different attractions suited for the age ranges.

How Many Disneyland Rides were we able to get on?

On our tour, we were able to ride: Space Mountain, Autopia, Matterhorn, Teacups, It’s a Small World, Rise of the Resistance, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy, The IncrediCoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania and the swings!

That’s RIGHT! We were able to do 13 rides during the tour on top of having dinner, which was awesome!

Disney VIP Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Personally, in our opinion – we think the Disney VIP Tour was worth it and might do it again for a special occasion/trip. However, there might be some things to consider prior to booking the tour to see if it is right for you and your group.

The cost is one of the CONS for this tour, but the PRO to consider is that you are saving a LOT Of time enjoying what you want to enjoy, versus standing in line.

The other thing to consider is the spontaneity of the day that you miss out on. When you book the tour, you want to try and maximize as much time as possible with the Tour Guide. That said, you are going to want to plan out the rides with them.

At the end of the day though, we think all the perks you get with the VIP Tour makes this experience special and WORTH the SPLURGE if you are able to do so!

If you enjoyed our article about the Disney VIP Tour Review, you might also enjoy:

DISNEYLAND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW + AWESOME PRO TIPS

WHAT YOU CAN & CAN’T BRING INTO DISNEYLAND – 3 ITEMS WILL SURPRISE YOU!

DISNEYLAND PRINCESS BREAKFAST: THE MOST INCREDIBLE & AMAZING CHARACTER BREAKFAST

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND CHARACTER DINING!

DISNEYLAND GENIE PLUS RIDES: A COMPLETE LIST + HACKS TO HAVE THE BEST DAY!

Pin-it for later: A Totally Honest Disney VIP Tour Review – Is It Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions: Disney VIP Tour Review

What does vip tour at disney get you.

A VIP tour at Disney typically gets you a personalized and guided tour of the park with a knowledgeable guide who can help you navigate the park and provide insider tips and information.

How many rides can you do with Disney VIP tour?

The number of rides you can do with a Disney VIP tour varies depending on several factors, such as the length of the tour, the size of your group, and the crowds and wait times in the park.

Typically, a VIP tour at Disney lasts about 7-8 hours, and during that time, you can expect to experience between 8-10 attractions, depending on the type of tour you choose and the size of your group.

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Reader Interactions

May 24, 2023 at 8:13 pm

Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your review however I’d love if you could clarify when you stated that the VIP tour guide takes you to the front of the lightening lanes. Disney told me when I booked our tour this was not the case & we join the end of the lightening lane? Just wondering how your guide took you straight to the front of the line?

May 25, 2023 at 10:26 am

Hi Kirsty – Thank you for taking the time to comment! You are 100% correct, you enter the Lightning Lane. I re-read our article, and can see how that was confusing! Updated a little disclaimer! Let us know if you do book it and tell us what you thought and if there is anything we missed! Have fun!

August 2, 2023 at 9:25 am

Hi there, I am just curious when you took your VIP tour? Your article is dated 3/23, and it looks like your trip was during the holidays. My family of 5 did a VIP tour 12/22 and the cost for us was $700/hour. I actually just got a quote from Disney for 10/23 and the price is still $700/hr, 7 hour minimum. Your article states the current price is $450/hr. Which if that’s the case, is well worth the money. But I don’t think it has been that low for quite some time. Did you get a discounted rate somehow?

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Hi, My aunt is taking me on the Disney VIP tour for the 4th of July. And I love Disney rides and want to remember them, I would like to know if I am able to record the rides with my phone. Please tell me if any safety equipment is required! ”

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Disneyland Offering Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour Experience

Oogie Boogie Bash is coming up this fall during the Halloween celebration at Disneyland , with party dates from late August through the end of October. Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash went on sale today to the general public, and Disneyland has now shared that a special way to experience the party will be returning this year.

The Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour will give guests the ability to enjoy VIP benefits before and during their Oogie Boogie Bash event at Disney California Adventure. Just like for the regular VIP Tour, this will include an expert tour guide who will come up with an itinerary based on the interests and preferences of your party.

Keep reading for more details, pricing of the VIP Tour, and more below! You can also see our larger guide to general VIP Tours at Disneyland and current tours at Disneyland for more details about these offerings.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour

👉🏾 CLICK HERE  to See Details on Another NEW Halloween Brunch Coming to Disneyland

The Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour offers the benefits of a VIP tour along with a unique way to experience the Oogie Boogie Bash party. The VIP tour will allow guests to access both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure before the party. This option would work well for a larger group who wants to experience the party or those who are looking to celebrate a special occasion.

The tour is 8 hours long and can accommodate a party of up to 8 guests in size. Here is what is included with the Oogie Boogie Bash VIP Tour:

• Event Admission with Access to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park Starting as Early as 2:30 PM
• $30 Food and Beverage Credit per Guest
• Exclusive VIP Tour Oogie Boogie Bash Pin
• Exclusive VIP Tour Jack-o’-Lantern Candy Holder
• Priority Access to Villains Grove Trail
• Reserved VIP Parade Viewing

To book the tour, call (714) 300-7710.

You can also call our travel partner Get Away Today at 855-GET-AWAY to book your VIP Tour and secure some discounts and additional levels of service during that process. When you call, be sure to mention that Mickey Visit sent you! See pricing estimates below.

👉🏾 CLICK HERE  to See Disneyland Haunted Mansion Reopening Period Announced – All Details On What’s Changing!

The pricing estimate for the Oogie Boogie Bash VIP tour ranges from $7,500-8,500 depending on the date and includes admission to the Oogie Boogie Bash event. On the lower end of that price range, that would be about $937.50 per guest for the maximum party size of 8, and on the higher end, $1,062.50 per guest. Keep in mind that this price would include admission to both parks before the event, admission to Oogie Boogie Bash, VIP Parade viewing (which you would normally have to purchase a dining package/Dessert Party for to get reserved viewing), and a food and beverage credit per guest.

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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This Is How Much It Costs to Go to Disney World in 2024

Disney World might be the "happiest place on earth,” but it's certainly not the most affordable.

Disney World Costs in 2024

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As you plan your trip to Disney World, look out for discounted pricing on tickets or hotels for specific periods.

Key Takeaways

• Standard Disney World tickets currently cost $109 per person, per day.
• 3- and 4-day Magic Tickets to multiple parks are on sale through mid-September.
• The estimated cost of a baseline Disney World vacation for a family of four is $6,865 in 2024.
• Budget trips cost about $4,735 in 2024, while higher-end versions will run about $10,696.

Even if you consider Walt Disney World Resort the “happiest place on earth,” it’s probably not on your list of the most affordable places to visit.

One-day tickets to Disney World in 2024 currently start at $109 per person. Of course, most people vacationing at Disney World stay for more than one day and many visit more than one park – and multiday, multipark tickets typically include discounted pricing. In addition to park admission, keep in mind you might need to pay for airfare, a hotel and food.

While the total cost of a trip can vary significantly, a Mouse Hacking blog analysis pegged a baseline Disney World vacation for a family of four at $6,865 in 2024. The blog estimated a budget trip would cost about $4,735, while a higher-end version would run about $10,696.

No matter your budget, here are a few ways to stretch your vacation dollars and make the most of your trip:

Be Flexible on Timing

Disney World started using “dynamic pricing” in 2018, meaning it charges higher prices during holidays and popular weeks and lower prices for off-peak visits. In general, you’ll find the lowest pricing in late August and early September, and for weekday visits to the parks.

“In Florida, the kids are back in school by August, so the parks are less crowded and the prices are lower,” says Dayle Bland, a personal vacation planner who specializes in Disney trips.

"Weather-wise, it’s a hotter time of year, but if you can get past that and plan your days accordingly, you can have a great visit at a better price point," she adds.  

Choose Your Hotel Carefully

Disney offers three levels of hotels – value, moderate and deluxe – with three levels of pricing.

“The great thing about Disney is that there are resorts for every budget,” says Allison DePesa, a travel advisor with Marvelous Mouse Travels.

Those looking to keep costs as low as possible will likely want to stay at the “value” hotels. You can also stay in a non-Disney hotel, but it’s important to factor in the cost of transportation. Those staying at Disney resorts have access to free parking at the parks as well as free shuttles that run about every 20 minutes.

Plan For Food Expenses

After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney's dining plans are back.

"If you are staying at a Disney resort on a package, you can opt for Disney Dining Plan but these might not always be the best value. Save money by bringing your own sandwiches and snacks. Small cooler bags are allowed but remember no loose ice," Carrie Bradley, a frequent Disney World visitor and founder of VisitingOrlandoWithKids.com, said in an email.

She added that you can expect to spend around $6 for a Mickey ice cream bar and should budget around $50 per person, per day for food if you eat at the parks and don’t dine at character table service restaurants.

Some guests also opt to get groceries delivered to their hotels (Disney hotels will accept and store your deliveries while you’re out) so they can make their own breakfast and bring snacks to the parks.

Set a Limit on Souvenirs

Impulse purchases at souvenir shops are an easy way to quickly bust your budget. Try to avoid spending too much time in the gift shops, where the temptation can be hard to resist – or, set a limit for how much each person can spend on souvenirs per day or throughout the vacation.

If your family really wants to get into the spirit and don Disney apparel for the trip, stock up ahead of time at stores like Target or Kohl’s, which carry licensed apparel. “They have awesome selections,” DePesa says. “Kohl’s does a whole line of family-matching Disney apparel.”

Keep an Eye Out for New Discounts

Disney does occasionally host promotions that offer discounted pricing on tickets or hotels for specific periods. For example, 4-day, 4-park Magic Tickets are currently $396 per ticket through September 22, 2024.

If you’ve already booked your visit, you or your travel agent can call Disney to have the promotion retroactively applied to your purchase, if it qualifies.

12 Best Discount Shopping Apps

Maryalene LaPonsie May 15, 2024

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