Cyndal BenulloTrying to figure out which Disney World splurges are genuinely worth the money? After years of exploring every corner of Walt Disney World’s parks, resorts, and premium experiences, I’ve learned exactly which upgrades deliver real value and which ones families can skip without missing a thing.
While every family’s priorities and budget look a little different, some Disney World splurges consistently offer a noticeably better experience. That’s why we’re breaking down the upgrades that are truly worth the extra cost based on firsthand experience, expert insight, and what delivers the biggest impact on your vacation.
Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Passes
Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Passes are the new(ish) way to skip the line at Disney’s most popular rides and attractions throughout all four theme parks. But I don’t always recommend purchasing it as someone who visits the parks dozens of times every year. They just don’t always provide as much benefit as they should. However, I always recommend purchasing both Multi Pass and Single Passes when you’re at Magic Kingdom, especially if you only have one day planned there.
There are over 40 attractions at Magic Kingdom (which is nearly double the amount at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios combined!), and purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass gives you the best chance at getting to do them all.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for Magic Kingdom runs anywhere from $25-$45 per person per day, depending on the season. So, be sure to budget this add-on in for your Magic Kingdom day — it can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy yourself, especially with small children who may not enjoy waiting in line.
Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
I’ll start by saying there is NOTHING wrong with Disney’s Value Resorts. I myself frequent these cheap(er) hotels every few months! If you want to visit Walt Disney World on a budget, I recommend staying at a value resort every time.
However, if you have the funds and are considering upgrading to a Moderate or Deluxe Resort, I tend to recommend making the splurge. Moderate and deluxe resorts offer many perks that value resorts don’t provide. This includes things such as:
- More dining options
- More transportation options
- Larger rooms
- Waterslides at the main pools
- Better locations
- Extended Evening Hours (Deluxe Resorts only)
Staying on Disney property is a non-negotiable for me on a Disney vacation, due to the immersive experience and convenience, regardless of which resort category you book!
Select Signature Dining Locations
While a lot of the food you can find around Disney World is “Instagramable”, that doesn’t mean it’s all great – or cheap! Don’t let the Mickey-shaped waffles or dry Magic Kingdom churros skew your opinion on Disney World food, though. Disney World features restaurants created by many world-renowned chefs, including Iron Chef Morimoto, Chef José Andrés, Chef Rick Bayless, and Chef Art Smith, among others. Household-name chefs play a major role in Disney dining, and the Disney World Culinary Team includes some of the best chefs in the country.
Signature dining locations are the highest-quality dining options, often featuring the most elevated menus. And, with sophisticated menu options come high prices. Signature dining locations are a great spot for a date night, an anniversary or birthday dinner, or even just an excuse to avoid eating theme park chicken tenders and burgers again!
Some signature dining locations that I’ve found are entirely worth the splurge are:
If you want to really splurge, consider Victoria and Albert’s, a Michelin-rated Chef’s Table restaurant starting at nearly $300 per person.
After Hours Events
Disney offers separately ticketed Disney After Hours events on select nights in select parks throughout the year, giving you an extra three hours (!!) in the parks without the crowds. Because Disney limits the number of tickets sold for each event, you can experience nearly everything the park offers with the park feeling virtually empty.
Not only can you ride the rides with minimal to no wait times, but you also have unlimited snacks! You have access to complimentary popcorn, novelty ice cream (such as the famous Mickey bars), and bottled beverages, including water, Coca-Cola, and Sprite.
After hours tickets cost between $150 and $200+ per person, depending on the park, and the event lasts 3 hours. At first glance, $200 for three hours in the park seems steep, especially when a full-day ticket is roughly the same price. However, with the small crowds, you can experience everything the park has to offer in that time without spending the majority of your time in line.
Seasonal Events
Similar to Disney After Hours events, Disney hosts seasonal parties after the park closes to limited ticketed guests in the fall and winter. At Magic Kingdom, you can experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party August through October and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party November through December. Plus, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Disney’s Jollywood Nights.
Party tickets start at $150 per person and increase in price depending on the date; the closer to Halloween or Christmas, the more expensive the tickets become. Each party includes a little extra magic, like party-exclusive parades, merchandise, photo opportunities, character meet-and-greets, and treats such as candy during the Halloween party and hot cocoa and cookies during the Christmas party.
Parties typically start at 7PM, though you can enter the park early at 4PM with your event ticket. This means guests can get nearly a full day’s worth of time in the parks for the same price as a day ticket, with all the seasonal extras!
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
This five-hour walking tour of Magic Kingdom gives you a backstage pass to the history of the park and all its hidden secrets! So many secrets are unveiled during this tour that the use of cameras and mobile phones isn’t even allowed!
You’ll learn about hidden Mickeys throughout the parks, overlooked details, and gain access to the Utilidoors (which is Disney’s underground tunnel system that Cast Members use to get between the lands without being seen!), while enjoying an included lunch and taking home a keepsake! You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the tour. The tour costs $149 per person, and a valid admission to Magic Kingdom is required in addition.
EPCOT Fireworks Dining Packages
If you’re looking to elevate your evening at EPCOT, the fireworks dining packages offer one of the most effortless ways to secure prime viewing of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us. Starting around $89–$129 per adult (pricing varies by restaurant and season), these packages combine a full meal with guaranteed access to a dedicated viewing area for the nighttime spectacular.
Available at select World Showcase restaurants like Rose & Crown Dining Room and Spice Road Table, EPCOT’s fireworks dining packages include a full meal featuring appetizers, entrées, desserts, and nonalcoholic beverages. Locations serving alcohol also offer beer, wine, or cocktails for guests 21 and up, making this an especially appealing splurge for an adults-only trip.
If watching EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks without staking out a spot an hour early is a priority for you, these dining packages are one of the most reliable ways to secure an unobstructed view. The reserved viewing areas eliminate the stress of crowding around World Showcase Lagoon and let you enjoy a relaxed dinner before stepping outside to a guaranteed view for the show. For many Disney-goers, that convenience alone makes this EPCOT splurge well worth the price.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
For children ages 3-12, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom can transform them into royalty! Kids can become their favorite princess or a mighty knight, with multiple package options available.
The Fairy Godmothers and their apprentices dazzle and pamper the children, turning fairytales into a reality with the princess or knight outfit of their choice!
Packages range anywhere from $19.99 to $450 plus tax. Reservations are required, and this is a very popular magical extra, so be sure to reserve early.
VIP Tours
This is going to be the biggest splurge on the list. But, if you are really looking for a no-limits splurge, I’d choose this one! VIP Tours are the most personalized (and expensive) offerings in Walt Disney World, giving you your very own VIP tour guide who plans your day, takes you to the front of the lines at attractions, and even peppers you with behind-the-scenes Disney knowledge that you can’t get anywhere else!
These tours allow guests (up to 10 guests per tour) to experience the parks through a private VIP Tour Guide, including:
- Pre-arrival planning
- Private transportation vehicle
- A flexible start time, picked by you
- Visits to multiple theme parks
- The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently during your visit
- Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable Disney Private VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour
VIP Tours range from $450 to $900 per hour, with a minimum duration of 7 hours and a maximum of 10 hours per tour. Theme park admission is not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately. But, trust me, this will be a Disney day you’ll absolutely never forget.
Memory Maker/PhotoPass
Worried about securing all of those precious memories on camera while still being in the moment during your trip? Let me introduce you to Disney PhotoPass!
Disney PhotoPass is Disney World’s professional photography service. PhotoPass photographers are stationed throughout the parks, at character meet-and-greets, and at attraction photo spots to capture high-quality photos of your family during your vacation. You’re free to take as many photos as you want, but you’ll need to purchase them if you want them on your phone permanently. And, that’s where Memory Maker comes in.
Memory Maker is the upgrade that unlocks unlimited downloads of every PhotoPass image and video taken during your trip. Instead of purchasing individual photos, Memory Maker gives you full access to the entire library for one flat price: $185 when purchased in advance or $210 during your visit. Only one person in your traveling party needs to buy Memory Maker for everyone’s photos to be included, as long as you stay together for most photo opportunities.
For families who value documenting their trip, or anyone visiting for a milestone or once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Memory Maker offers convenience, quality, and peace of mind that you’ll walk away with photos you’ll actually want to keep. Disney’s photographers know the best angles, lighting, and locations, and many photos include fun Magic Shots featuring characters or effects that appear only after your images are processed. Photos and videos remain available to download for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to save everything once you’re home.
Comments
What Disney World splurges do you think are worth the extra cost? Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever purchased anything on our list!
