5 Things That Are Worth the Splurge at Disney World
So many times I’ve heard the question on what experiences are truly worth the splurge at Disney World. Disney World is already expensive and when we think about spending more, we really want to consider what will add the most bang for our buck.
There are a few experiences that will add to your vacation. Some will add magic. Some will add value. And some will simply save you time. Here are our top 5 experiences that you will want to consider for your next trip.
1. Tours — Any Tour
There are a lot of different tours across all the parks and we recommend adding one to your itinerary. Some of these are very affordable and may not be considered a “splurge” at Disney World. There is a wide range of tours available. VIP Tours are available across all the parks. Here are some that are currently being offered:
Magic Kingdom
- Keys to the Kingdom
Epcot
- Behind the Seeds
- Seas Adventure: Dive Quest
- Seas Adventure: Dolphins in Depth
Animal Kingdom
- Caring for Giants
- Savor the Savanna
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Wild Africa Trek
2. Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party
These are such a fun way to end a busy day at Magic Kingdom. After you’ve picked up a hitch-hiking ghost, flown with Dumbo, and sailed with pirates; you can sit back and relax.
This party is located in Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. It offers a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. Then you take your seat to enjoy the fireworks. I love that I’m not packed in the crowd on Main Street personally.
There are three options for Firework Dessert Parties. There is a Pre-Fireworks Dessert Party, a Post-Fireworks Dessert Party, and Seats and Sweets. Basically, the same food/snacks and drinks are available for each.
Pre-party you get snacks before fireworks and access to viewing in the Plaza Garden area. Post-party you will have snacks after the fireworks and access to the same Plaza Garden viewing area. Seat and Sweets allows you to remain in the seating area in Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant to view the fireworks and you have your “sweets” while you watch.
I mostly love that I’m not packed in the crowd on Main Street personally.
3. After Hours Events
Now this is definitely one that I love to do, especially if I’m going at a really busy or extremely hot time of year. After Hours events gives you access to the parks with very low crowds, short wait times, cooler temps out of the sun, and unlimited Mickey Bars!
If you are considering an After Hours event, I can’t recommend it enough if you are looking to do lots of rides and want to avoid crowds. Most attractions are available during these events. You can see current After Hours availability here and it will provide a list of the attractions you will have access to.
Our favorite After Hours are for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. There are more rides and rides that can accrue very long wait times during the day. I really feel that these are worth the splurge at Disney World.
4. Minnie Vans!
This one definitely has a place in the list for worth the splurge, if you find yourself in specific situations.
So on a recent trip, we were staying at Beach Club Villas. We had a breakfast reservation at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. Now this was during the time of park reservations and no park hopping until after 2 pm (so we couldn’t cut through EPCOT to use the monorail). We were waiting for a bus to MK when another bus broke down and blocked the busses from coming through. It was a mess.
Needless to say after waiting and being told that it could be an unknown wait, I ordered a Minnie Van. Going to Magic Kingdom specifically, a Minnie van can drop you off at the front of the Disney bus area. Other ride shares will drop you off at the TTC and you will still have to get the boat or monorail over to Magic Kingdom.
Another plus with a Minnie van is car seats and space for strollers. My youngest was 2 years old and Minnie vans come equipped with 2 car seats. Drivers are trained for correct installation and we were off in no time. It was great. They also had cartoons playing in the back for the kids.
5. Room Upgrades
There are so many resort choices at Walt Disney World that once you finally choose a resort, you think you are finished. Think again. Disney resorts have a variety of room choices. These choices are usually based on view or proximity to the main building.
At value and moderate resorts, you basically choose standard or preferred rooms. Preferred just means it is closer to the main building and amenities. Preferred rooms usually cost a few dollars more per night but the perks may be worth it to you. Be aware that at Caribbean Beach Resort, the preferred rooms are near the main building and quick service and further away from the Skyliner station.
I know that we are usually just happy to be staying on property and in the bubble, but some views are much better than others. If you feel that what you see out your window will make a difference, go ahead and splurge on the upgrade–you won’t regret it. But you might regret spending your vacation looking out at the parking lot.
Let us know in the comments what you consider to be “worth the splurge” at Walt Disney World! And if you need help planning your Disney vacation for FREE, click here for a Free Vacation Quote! My services are completely free when you book your Disney vacation with me!
