The 7 Best Splurges at Walt Disney World

A Walt Disney World vacation is certainly a “splurge” for a lot of families.  But tucked within the gates of Walt Disney World, guests will find more ways than ever to splurge at Walt Disney World. Today, I am going to share the 7 Best Splurges at Walt Disney World, in hopes that you will find something extra special to add to your Disney experience!

Whether it is a makeover experience, the Ultimate VIP Tour, or staying at a new to you Walt Disney World Resort for the first time, there are plenty of ways to spend your money and time on amazing experiences while you are at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World Splurges Inside the Theme Parks

Dessert Parties.  Walt Disney World offers guests of Magic Kingdom the option to enjoy a dessert party as well as reserved viewing for Happily Ever After. A dessert party allows your family to enjoy sweet and savory dessert and appetizer options, while enjoying a reserved seating area for that evening’s show.

Why is a dessert party a worthy splurge?  The main reason is that you do not have to stake out a spot at least an hour or so before Happily Ever After.  For Happily Ever After, this is the main reason guests book the dessert party.  If you have seen Main Street USA and the hub area at fireworks time, it is absolutely packed with people.  No one wants to stake out a spot, and sit for an hour or more before the show, when you could be enjoying some nearby attractions and then slide in for the dessert party. 

Behind the Scenes Tours.  Walt Disney World offers a plethora of tours that take you backstage in the parks.  Some, such as the VIP tours, are hours long and can get you into areas or on attractions you may never get to see.  Others are specialty tours, and only concentrate on one area or aspect of the parks.  

Tours such as Behind the Seeds, Caring for Giants, or the Up Close with Rhinos tours are great for “first timers”.  They are only about an hour long, and give you a concentrated look at one aspect of the parks.  Also, they are reasonably priced, and a good value.  If you are already in the parks, you may as well take some time to see what goes on backstage, and learn a little bit about the Disney parks!

Walt Disney World Special Experiences

Character Dining.  We have enjoyed almost every character dining experience at Walt Disney World. We love them!  I do think that booking at least one or two character meals during your stay is definitely worth the splurge. Most character dining experiences are a buffet or family style, so everyone can pick and choose and eat their favorites to their heart’s content.  Also, the characters come to you. You can easily see several princesses or Mickey and his friends at character dining. Character meals are also a great way for shy or unsure kiddos to see their favorites and not be too overwhelmed.  

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Where else in the world can you go, and get a true princess makeover?  The Disney Parks, of course!  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is currently open at Magic Kingdom Park.  The theming is fantastic, and the Cast Members make your child feel like a true princess!  This is an especially great option before Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, or before dining with your favorite princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table!

Package Upgrade Options

MemoryMaker.  MemoryMaker is Disney’s photo package, that you can add right to your Walt Disney World room/ticket package. Or you can certainly purchase it stand alone through My Disney Experience.  Throughout the Disney parks, you will see MemoryMaker photographers all over the place!  They are in front of your favorite icons, at character meet and greets, and you can even get a beautiful photo with Rapunzel’s lanterns at Magic Kingdom!  

Coming home with all your photos is priceless, at least for me.  I love downloading them when I get home, and sharing them with my family and friends via social media, using them for Christmas cards, etc.  

Park Hopper Tickets.  Park Hopping gives your family the flexibility it needs to enjoy the Disney parks with perhaps a bit less planning and stress. When you have the park hopper option on your tickets, you can move freely between the four theme parks on the same day.  I especially love park hopping on a shorter trip.  This allows us to experience more Disney in a shorter amount of time.

Staying on Disney property.  With over 25 Disney resorts to choose from, one of them is bound to be perfect for your family.  Ranging in pricing, theming, and location, staying at a Walt Disney World Resort is probably the best splurge you could make for your trip.

Staying on site makes your trip seamless.  From the moment you arrive in the Disney “bubble”, you are fully immersed in the magic. The resorts are themed so well, you truly feel as if you are on vacation, on an escape from reality. 

What are your favorite ways to splurge on a Disney trip?  Have you experienced any of these?  Which did you enjoy the most?