disney vip tour jobs

How To Become a VIP Tour Guide at Disney World

Becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a dream for many Disney enthusiasts. It offers the opportunity to work in the happiest place on Earth, create magical experiences for guests, and immerse oneself in the enchanting world of Disney. However, the journey to becoming a VIP Tour Guide is a competitive and demanding process. This comprehensive article will guide you through the process, qualifications, training, and rewards of becoming a VIP Tour Guide at Disney World.

To become a VIP Tour Guide at Disney World, you need to meet certain qualifications such as excellent communication skills, strong knowledge of Disney parks and attractions, and a willingness to work flexible hours. After meeting these, you can apply for the position via the Disney Careers website. The process includes a rigorous training and certification process. Being a VIP Tour Guide involves creating magical experiences for guests and requires a high commitment to customer service.

Meeting the Qualifications

Before applying to become a VIP Tour Guide, you need to meet certain qualifications. These include:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of Disney parks and attractions
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
• Clean background check and drug test
• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Previous theme park tour guiding experience is beneficial

The Application Process

Once you meet the qualifications, you can proceed to the application process. This involves:

• Visiting the Disney Careers website and searching for available positions.
• Applying for the job through the Disney Careers website or other job posting sites.
• Going through a rigorous training process which includes both classroom and on-the-job training, as well as a certification process.

A Day in the Life of a VIP Tour Guide

A typical day for a VIP Tour Guide involves meeting guests, guiding them through the parks, providing information about various attractions, coordinating with other cast members, and resolving any issues that may arise during the guests’ visit. It is a demanding job that requires a high level of customer service, adaptability, and knowledge about the parks.

Challenges and Rewards

Like any job, being a VIP Tour Guide comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The high expectations, demanding schedule, and need for adaptability can be challenging. However, the opportunity to create personalized experiences for guests, share insider knowledge, and enhance the Disney experience can be highly rewarding.

Success Stories

There are many success stories of VIP Tour Guides who have created memorable experiences for visitors. These stories highlight the exceptional service provided by Disney World VIP Tour Guides and the magical experiences they create for guests.

Becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a highly competitive and rewarding career choice. It requires a deep knowledge of Disney parks and attractions, excellent customer service skills, and a commitment to providing a memorable experience for guests. If you have a passion for Disney and a desire to create magical experiences for others, this could be the perfect career path for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main responsibilities of a disney vip tour guide.

A Disney VIP Tour Guide’s primary responsibilities include guiding guests through the parks, providing detailed information about various attractions, coordinating with other cast members, and resolving any issues that may arise during the guests’ visit.

How long does the application and training process to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide take?

The duration of the application and training process can vary, but it typically takes several weeks. This includes time for interviews, background checks, orientation, and both classroom and on-the-job training.

What are the working hours for a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

The working hours for a Disney VIP Tour Guide can be quite flexible and often include weekends, holidays, and potentially late hours during peak seasons or special events.

Is there any age requirement to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

To become a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you must be at least 18 years old.

Is a college degree required to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

A college degree is not explicitly required to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide. However, having a degree in hospitality, tourism, or a related field may be beneficial.

How much does a Disney VIP Tour Guide earn?

The salary of a Disney VIP Tour Guide can vary depending on experience and other factors. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a VIP Tour Guide at Disney ranges from $14 to $18 per hour.

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• Travel Guide

How To Become A Vip Tour Guide At Disney World

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Shaylyn Shapiro

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting world of Disney! Becoming a VIP tour guide at Disney World is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for those who have a passion for magic, entertainment, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests. As a VIP tour guide, you will have the special privilege of providing personalized and exclusive tours to guests, allowing them to make the most of their visit and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Disney World is the ultimate dream destination for millions of people around the world. With its iconic character encounters, thrilling attractions, magnificent shows, and immersive themed lands, Disney World offers a truly unique and enchanting experience. As a VIP tour guide, you will play a vital role in ensuring that guests have a magical and memorable time during their visit.

Working as a VIP tour guide at Disney World is not only about accompanying guests on their journey throughout the parks; it is about delivering exceptional customer service, providing insider knowledge, and being an ambassador of the Disney brand. To excel in this role, you need a combination of qualifications, skills, and a deep understanding of Disney World.

In this guide, we will explore the qualifications and requirements needed to become a VIP tour guide at Disney World. We will also delve into the various aspects of the role, including familiarization with the park, guest interaction and customer service, Disney trivia and knowledge, promoting Disney experiences and attractions, safety and emergency procedures, guided VIP tours and special events, time management and organization, as well as communication and teamwork skills. So let’s embark on this magical journey together!

Qualifications and Requirements

Becoming a VIP tour guide at Disney World requires a specific set of qualifications and requirements to ensure that you can effectively fulfill the role and provide exceptional service to guests. While specific qualifications may vary, here are some general qualifications and requirements to consider:

• Excellent Communication Skills: As a VIP tour guide, clear and effective communication is essential. You must be able to convey information, answer questions, and engage with guests in a friendly and professional manner. Strong communication skills will help you build rapport and create a positive experience for your guests.
• Customer Service Experience: Prior experience in customer service is highly beneficial for this role. Whether it’s in a hospitality setting, retail environment, or any other customer-facing position, having experience in delivering exceptional customer service will give you a solid foundation to excel as a VIP tour guide.
• Deep Knowledge of Disney World: Comprehensive knowledge of Disney World, including its history, attractions, shows, characters, and special events, is essential. Investing time in familiarizing yourself with the park’s layout, attractions, and current offerings will help you provide accurate and engaging information to your guests.
• Physical Stamina: Being a VIP tour guide requires spending long hours on your feet, walking and navigating the park. You should have good physical stamina and the ability to withstand the demands of the job.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Disney World can be a bustling and fast-paced environment. As a VIP tour guide, you may encounter unexpected challenges or guest requests. Strong problem-solving skills will enable you to think on your feet and find creative solutions to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Multi-Lingual Skills: Disney World attracts guests from around the world. Fluency in multiple languages is a valuable asset that can enhance the guest experience and make you more versatile in accommodating a diverse range of visitors.
• Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm: Disney is known for its focus on creating magical moments and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Having a positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for Disney’s values and mission will help you embody the Disney spirit and create memorable experiences for your guests.

These qualifications and requirements act as a foundation for becoming a VIP tour guide at Disney World. However, keep in mind that each position may have additional specific requirements and may require further training and certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Familiarization with Disney World

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, it is crucial to have a deep familiarity with the park. You are responsible for guiding guests through the various attractions, lands, and experiences, so having a comprehensive understanding of the park’s layout and offerings is essential to provide an exceptional tour experience.

First and foremost, you should spend ample time exploring each of the four main theme parks within Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Familiarize yourself with the different lands, rides, shows, and dining options available in each park. This will allow you to effectively plan and customize tours based on guests’ preferences and interests.

Additionally, it is essential to stay up-to-date with any new attractions, shows, or experiences that Disney World introduces. This can include attending training sessions, workshops, or utilizing resources provided by the park to enhance your knowledge. Being well-informed about the latest additions and changes will enable you to provide accurate and exciting information to your guests, keeping their experience fresh and engaging.

Another important aspect of familiarization is understanding the FastPass+ system. Familiarize yourself with how it works, including how to help guests make FastPass+ selections, maximize their FastPass+ experience, and navigate the system effectively. The FastPass+ system allows guests to reserve access to select attractions, entertainment, and character meet and greets, ensuring that they can make the most of their time at Disney World without lengthy wait times.

Furthermore, spend time exploring the various dining options available throughout the park. Become knowledgeable about the different restaurants, their themes, and their menus. Knowing which dining experiences offer character meet and greets or unique entertainment can help you provide valuable recommendations to your guests.

Lastly, take advantage of any opportunities provided by Disney to gain an intimate understanding of the park. Participate in behind-the-scenes tours, attend cast member training programs, and experience any special events or seasonal shows. These experiences will help you develop a deeper connection with the park and its offerings, allowing you to provide a more immersive tour experience for your guests.

By familiarizing yourself with Disney World, you will be able to navigate the park efficiently, provide accurate information to guests, and create customized tours that cater to their interests and preferences. Your deep knowledge and understanding of the park will make you a valuable asset as a VIP tour guide, enhancing the overall guest experience and making their visit to Disney World truly magical.

Guest Interaction and Customer Service

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, one of your primary responsibilities is to provide exceptional guest interaction and customer service. Creating magical moments, memorable experiences, and ensuring guest satisfaction is at the core of this role. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Warm and Welcoming: From the moment you meet your guests, it is important to greet them with a warm and friendly demeanor. Make them feel welcome and comfortable, establishing a positive rapport. Smile, maintain eye contact, and be approachable throughout the tour.

Attentive Listening: Actively listen to your guests’ needs, interests, and preferences. Pay attention to their questions, comments, and concerns. This will allow you to personalize the tour and cater to their specific desires, creating a truly customized and memorable experience.

Personalized Service: Every guest is unique, so tailoring the tour to their preferences is vital. Whether it’s recommending specific attractions, adjusting the pace of the tour based on their level of interest, or accommodating special requests, strive to provide a personalized experience that exceeds their expectations.

Anticipating Needs: As a VIP tour guide, go above and beyond by anticipating your guests’ needs. Offer helpful suggestions, provide insider tips, and proactively address any issues that may arise during the tour. This level of attentiveness showcases your commitment to exceptional customer service.

Problem Solving: Inevitably, there may be situations where challenges arise or unexpected issues occur. As a VIP tour guide, your ability to handle these situations calmly and effectively is crucial. Utilize your problem-solving skills to find creative solutions and ensure that your guests’ experience remains magical.

Flexibility: Disney World is a dynamic environment, with varying guest preferences and unpredictable circumstances. Flexibility is key in providing outstanding customer service. Be adaptable to changes in itinerary, accommodate special requests when possible, and find solutions to unexpected challenges that may arise.

Magic Moments: Look for opportunities to create special “magic moments” for your guests. This can include surprise interactions with characters, access to exclusive experiences, or personalized touches that make their visit truly unforgettable. These magical touches will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. Follow Disney’s guidelines and code of conduct, dress appropriately, and speak in a polished and courteous manner. Your professionalism will contribute to the overall guest experience and reflect positively on the Disney brand.

Post-Tour Follow-Up: After the tour, take the time to follow up with your guests. Send a personalized message, thanking them for choosing your services and ensuring that their visit exceeded their expectations. This post-tour communication helps build long-lasting relationships and reinforces the exceptional customer service you provided.

By prioritizing guest interaction and delivering outstanding customer service, you will leave a lasting impact on your guests. Going above and beyond to create magical experiences will not only enrich their visit to Disney World but also contribute to your success as a VIP tour guide.

Disney Trivia and Knowledge

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, having a wealth of Disney trivia and knowledge is essential. Guests look to you as an expert who can provide interesting facts, historical insights, and behind-the-scenes details that enhance their experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Park History: Familiarize yourself with the rich history of Disney World. Learn about the vision of Walt Disney, the construction of the park, and the evolution of each theme park and its iconic attractions. Being able to share stories and anecdotes about the park’s past will captivate your guests and give them a deeper appreciation for the magic they are experiencing.

Attraction Details: Take the time to understand the intricate details of each attraction. Familiarize yourself with the storyline, unique features, and hidden secrets that make each ride or show special. Sharing these details with your guests will make their experience more immersive and showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm.

Character Encounters: Disney characters are an integral part of the park experience. Study the various characters, their personalities, and their storylines. Know which characters can be found in each park and where they typically appear. Being knowledgeable about character interactions will enable you to guide your guests to magical encounters and enhance their interaction with beloved Disney characters.

Entertainment Offerings: Disney World offers a wide range of entertainment options, including parades, fireworks shows, live performances, and seasonal events. Stay up to date with the current entertainment schedule, so you can inform your guests about the best times and locations to catch these spectacular experiences.

Epcot’s World Showcase: Epcot’s World Showcase is a unique part of Disney World, representing various countries and their cultures. Educate yourself on the history, traditions, and iconic landmarks of each country represented in the showcase. Being able to provide cultural insights will enrich your guests’ experience as they journey around the world.

Movie and Animation Knowledge: Disney’s animated films are beloved by many. Expand your knowledge of Disney movies and their iconic characters. Familiarize yourself with their backstories, memorable songs, and significant moments. This knowledge can be shared with your guests, sparking conversations and creating memorable connections.

Disney Events and Festivals: Disney World hosts a multitude of special events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Stay informed about these events, their dates, and the unique offerings they provide. Sharing this information will help your guests plan their visit to coincide with these exciting experiences.

Disney+ Originals: Disney+ offers a wide array of original content, including shows and movies related to Disney parks and attractions. Familiarize yourself with these offerings so you can discuss them with guests who may be interested in expanding their Disney experience beyond the park.

By immersing yourself in Disney trivia and knowledge, you will become an invaluable resource and create a truly captivating experience for your guests. Sharing interesting facts, insider information, and behind-the-scenes details will leave them in awe of the magic and add an extra layer of enjoyment to their visit to Disney World.

Promoting Disney Experiences and Attractions

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, one of your key responsibilities is to promote and highlight the incredible experiences and attractions that the park has to offer. By showcasing the magic and variety of Disney World, you’ll help guests make the most of their visit. Here are some effective ways to promote Disney experiences:

Customized Itineraries: Tailor your tours to match guests’ interests and preferences. By understanding their desires, you can recommend specific experiences and attractions that align with their interests. This personalized approach will ensure that guests have a truly magical experience.

Highlight Iconic Attractions: Disney World is known for its iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World. Emphasize these beloved classics, sharing interesting facts and insider insights to build anticipation and excitement amongst your guests.

Explore New Additions: Stay up-to-date with the latest additions and developments in the park. Whether it’s a new ride, show, or dining experience, be knowledgeable about these new offerings and direct guests toward them. Sharing the excitement of the latest Disney experiences will entice guests to explore and try something new.

Discuss Unique Experiences: Disney World offers a plethora of unique experiences. From character dining and behind-the-scenes tours to dessert parties and fireworks cruises, inform guests about these extraordinary opportunities. Describe the unique features of each experience and how they can enhance their visit.

Promote Seasonal Events: Disney World hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, such as the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Highlight these special events and their exclusive offerings, encouraging guests to plan their visit accordingly to catch these limited-time experiences.

Showcase Dining Experiences: Disney World offers a diverse range of dining options, from quick-service counters to world-class restaurants. Discuss the different dining experiences available, including character dining, themed dining, and signature dining. Share recommendations based on guest preferences and emphasize the unique elements of each dining establishment.

Share testimonials and reviews: Incorporate testimonials and reviews from previous guests who have had exceptional experiences at Disney World. Their positive feedback will provide social proof and further convince guests of the magic that awaits them.

Utilize Visuals and Multimedia: Take advantage of visual aids, such as photographs, videos, and brochures, to showcase the various experiences and attractions in Disney World. Visuals can capture guests’ attention and spark their interest, encouraging them to explore and participate in these remarkable offerings.

Create Anticipation: Throughout the tour, build anticipation and excitement for upcoming experiences. Share tidbits about what’s to come, provide hints about surprises and magical moments, and create an atmosphere of wonder and excitement.

Emphasize the Magic: Above all, emphasize the magic and enchantment that Disney World offers. Share stories of heartwarming moments, explain how the park creates lasting memories, and highlight the attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the experience. By emphasizing the magic, you’ll leave guests excited and eager to immerse themselves in the Disney world.

By effectively promoting Disney experiences and attractions, you’ll inspire guests to explore and embrace the magic of Disney World. Through personalized recommendations, storytelling, and showcasing the unique offerings of the park, you’ll enhance the overall guest experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Ensuring the safety and well-being of guests is of utmost importance at Disney World. As a VIP tour guide, you must have a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and emergency procedures to provide a secure environment for both yourself and your guests. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Training and Certifications: Familiarize yourself with the safety training programs and certifications provided by Disney. These may include CPR and first aid training, emergency response protocols, and evacuation procedures. Adhere to all guidelines and regulations, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle any potential emergencies.

Knowledge of Park Layout: Have a thorough understanding of the park’s layout, including the locations of emergency exits, first aid stations, and the closest defibrillator units. Knowing these crucial points will enable you to provide prompt assistance during emergency situations.

Health and Wellness: Stay informed about health and wellness practices recommended by Disney. This includes promoting frequent handwashing, encouraging guests to use hand sanitizer stations, and reminding them to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

Guest Safety Education: Educate your guests about important safety considerations. Inform them of any height restrictions on rides, the importance of following attraction safety guidelines, and the significance of staying with the group at all times. Reinforce the importance of personal responsibility and safety awareness during their visit.

Emergency Communication: Familiarize yourself with the emergency communication systems available at Disney World. This includes knowing how to contact security and emergency services, as well as effectively communicating with your guests during an emergency situation.

Evacuation Procedures: Understand the evacuation procedures for various attractions and areas within the park. This knowledge will enable you to guide your guests safely to designated assembly areas during an emergency. Stay updated on any changes or updates to evacuation protocols, ensuring that you are prepared for any scenario.

Guest Reassurance: During emergency situations, it’s essential to remain calm and reassure your guests. Provide clear instructions, offer support, and keep them informed of any developments or updates. Your calm and confident demeanor will help alleviate any anxiety and ensure a smooth and orderly evacuation or response process.

Maintaining a Safe Environment: Continuously monitor your surroundings for any potential hazards or safety concerns. Report any issues to appropriate personnel for timely resolution. Pay attention to weather conditions, crowd dynamics, and areas that may require additional caution to keep your guests safe.

Emergency Preparedness: Have a well-thought-out plan for emergencies, including a predetermined meeting point for your group and a method of communication in case of separation. Ensure that you have necessary supplies, such as a first aid kit and emergency contact information, readily available during your tours.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated on Disney’s safety guidelines, procedures, and best practices. Attend training sessions and workshops to enhance your knowledge and understanding of safety and emergency procedures. Stay proactive in expanding your skills and keeping up with any new developments or protocols implemented by Disney.

By prioritizing safety and being prepared for emergencies, you demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of your guests. Your knowledge of safety procedures and ability to effectively handle emergency situations will provide peace of mind to both yourself and your guests, allowing them to fully enjoy the Disney experience in a safe and secure environment.

Guided VIP Tours and Special Events

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, you have the unique privilege of providing guided VIP tours and facilitating special events for guests. These exclusive experiences offer a heightened level of access and personalized service, creating unforgettable memories for your guests. Here are some key aspects to consider:

VIP Tours: VIP tours provide guests with a customized and immersive experience, allowing them to maximize their time and enjoy the park to its fullest. As a VIP tour guide, you will lead guests through the park, providing insider information, recommending attractions, and ensuring their visit is seamless and memorable. Your in-depth knowledge of Disney World, ability to navigate crowds efficiently, and personalized attention will make the tour truly exceptional.

Park Access: VIP tours often grant guests priority access to attractions, shows, and character meet and greets. Familiarize yourself with the specific perks and privileges of the VIP tour you are leading. Whether it’s utilizing FastPass+ selections or accessing exclusive viewing areas for parades and fireworks, make sure your guests are aware of and fully utilize the benefits of their VIP experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: VIP tours may include exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, allowing guests to get a glimpse into the magic that happens backstage. This can include tours of attraction control rooms, visits to costume and prop storage areas, or learning about the technology that brings Disney magic to life. Ensure that you are knowledgeable about these behind-the-scenes experiences to provide insightful and engaging information to your guests.

Special Events: Disney World hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as dessert parties, holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals. As a VIP tour guide, you may have the opportunity to facilitate these special events for your guests. Be well-informed about the details, offerings, and timing of these events, so you can effectively guide and enhance your guests’ experience during these memorable occasions.

Exclusive Dining Experiences: VIP tours often include access to unique dining experiences, such as character dining or dining packages that provide prime viewing for shows and parades. Familiarize yourself with these offerings and their specific details, including menus, character interactions, and any special features or entertainment. Your knowledge will help create magical dining experiences for your guests.

Tailored Itineraries: Work closely with your guests to create a customized itinerary that aligns with their interests and preferences. Inquire about their must-see attractions, favorite characters, and any specific experiences they are hoping to have. By tailoring the itinerary to their desires, you will showcase the personalized service and attention to detail that VIP tours offer.

Engage with Disney Cast Members: As a VIP tour guide, you will interact with many Disney Cast Members throughout the park. Foster strong relationships with Cast Members, ensuring open lines of communication and cooperation. Building a network of contacts can enhance the VIP experience for your guests, as you can help facilitate interactions with characters, secure special experiences, or gain access to exclusive areas.

Create Magical Moments: VIP tours and special events provide ample opportunities to create truly magical moments for your guests. Whether it’s arranging surprise character encounters, organizing personalized surprises, or facilitating special experiences, finding ways to go above and beyond will leave a lasting impression on your guests and make their visit to Disney World truly unforgettable.

Attention to Detail: VIP tours require meticulous attention to detail and impeccable organization. Ensure that transportation logistics, reservations, and any special arrangements are flawlessly executed. This level of attention will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your guests throughout the duration of the VIP tour.

By providing guided VIP tours and facilitating special events, you have the unique opportunity to create extraordinary and personalized experiences for your guests. Your expertise, attention to detail, and ability to create magical moments will leave a lasting impression and make their visit to Disney World truly exceptional.

Time Management and Organization

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, effective time management and organizational skills are crucial to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for your guests. Balancing schedules, coordinating logistics, and maximizing time can greatly enhance the overall guest experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Create Detailed Itineraries: Develop well-planned and detailed itineraries for each tour. Map out the optimal route through the park, taking into account ride wait times, show schedules, and dining reservations. By having a clear plan in place, you can make the most of your time and reduce unnecessary wait times.

Prioritize Must-See Attractions: Work closely with your guests to determine their must-see attractions or experiences. Prioritize these activities to ensure they are accomplished early in the tour. By addressing their top priorities early on, you can provide a sense of accomplishment and allow for a more relaxed pace for the remaining portion of the tour.

Utilize FastPass+ Selections: Leverage Disney’s FastPass+ system to minimize wait times for attractions. Assist guests in selecting FastPass+ options that align with their preferences. The strategic use of FastPass+ selections can significantly reduce time spent in line, providing more opportunities to explore and enjoy the park.

Stay Informed of Park Events: Keep yourself updated on any special events, parades, or shows happening within the park. Incorporate these events into your itinerary, ensuring that your guests have a chance to experience them without feeling rushed. Plan your tour around these events to optimize time management.

Anticipate Wait Times: Have a good understanding of typical attraction wait times throughout the day. Use this knowledge to schedule attractions during times when lines are historically shorter. By strategically planning rides, you can minimize wait times and maximize time spent on other experiences.

Be Flexible: While it is important to have a well-structured itinerary, remain flexible and adaptable to unforeseen circumstances. Factors such as weather, attraction closures, or guest preferences may require adjustments to the schedule. Have backup plans and alternative experiences in mind to ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Manage Dining Reservations: If dining is part of the itinerary, make advanced dining reservations to secure seating and avoid unnecessary wait times. Coordinate dining reservations with the overall tour schedule, ensuring there is ample time allocated for each dining experience.

Efficient Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the transportation options within Disney World, including monorails, buses, and boats. Utilize these modes of transportation strategically to reduce travel time between attractions and optimize your guests’ time at the park.

Communication and Coordination: Maintain constant communication with your guests to keep them informed of the tour schedule, changes, and any pertinent details. Foster effective communication with Disney Cast Members, resort staff, and attraction attendants to coordinate any special arrangements or expedited access for your guests.

Time for Rest and Relaxation: It’s essential to allocate time for rest and relaxation throughout the tour. Encourage your guests to take breaks, refuel, and recharge to avoid fatigue. By incorporating downtime into the itinerary, you will help ensure that your guests have the stamina to fully enjoy their Disney World experience.

By effectively managing time and staying organized, you can optimize the tour experience for your guests. The ability to balance schedules, prioritize activities, and adapt to changing circumstances will allow for a seamless and enjoyable VIP tour at Disney World.

Communication and Teamwork Skills

As a VIP tour guide at Disney World, effective communication and teamwork skills are essential to providing an exceptional guest experience. By effectively communicating with your guests and collaborating with fellow Cast Members, you can ensure a seamless and memorable visit. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Clear and Friendly Communication: Communicate with your guests in a clear, concise, and friendly manner. Use language that is easily understood, avoiding jargon or complicated terms. Be attentive to your guests’ needs, actively listening to their questions and concerns, and responding in a timely and helpful manner.

Active Listening: Actively listen to your guests to understand their preferences, interests, and concerns. Pay close attention to their verbal and non-verbal cues. This will allow you to provide personalized recommendations and ensure that their experience is tailored to their desires.

Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor throughout the tour. Your positive attitude will enhance the guest experience and create an enjoyable and upbeat atmosphere. Smile, engage with your guests, and demonstrate genuine excitement about the magic of Disney World.

Empathy and Adaptability: Show empathy towards your guests, especially if they encounter challenges or have specific needs. Be adaptable to different personalities and communication styles, adjusting your approach to best meet their preferences. Remaining flexible and accommodating will help create a comfortable and personalized experience.

Collaboration with Cast Members: Foster strong collaborative relationships with fellow Cast Members. Communicate effectively with Disney staff, including attraction attendants, dining staff, and other park employees. This collaboration allows for smooth coordination, enhances guest experiences, and ensures efficient access to attractions and dining reservations.

Dealing with Challenges: Inevitably, challenges may arise during a VIP tour. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and remain calm and composed while finding solutions. Communicate any issues or concerns promptly to the appropriate personnel, ensuring that they are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Confidentiality and Professionalism: As a VIP tour guide, you may have access to privileged information about guests. Maintain confidentiality, respecting their privacy and the trust they have placed in you. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and maintain the highest ethical standards while representing the Disney brand.

Effective Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in guest interactions. Use appropriate body language, such as maintaining eye contact and open posture, to convey attentiveness and approachability. Gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice also contribute to effective communication and building rapport.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaborate with fellow Cast Members to ensure a seamless experience for guests. Maintain open lines of communication, share insights and information, and support each other in delivering exceptional service. Your ability to work as part of a team will enhance the overall guest experience and contribute to a positive working environment.

Language Skills: If you are proficient in multiple languages, utilize your language skills to enhance guest interactions. Being able to communicate with guests in their native language creates a more personalized and comfortable experience, allowing for clearer understanding and better communication.

By fostering effective communication and teamwork skills, you can create a positive and memorable experience for your guests. Strong communication enhances guest interactions, while effective collaboration with fellow Cast Members ensures a seamless and magical visit to Disney World.

Being a VIP tour guide at Disney World is a dream role that allows you to immerse yourself in the magic, create unforgettable experiences, and bring joy to guests from around the world. Through this comprehensive guide, we have explored the qualifications, skills, and knowledge required to excel in this role.

From deep familiarity with Disney World and its attractions to exceptional guest interaction and customer service, the job of a VIP tour guide demands a unique set of skills. Through effective communication, personalized recommendations, and attention to detail, you can create magical moments that make each guest’s visit truly extraordinary.

As a VIP tour guide, you will have the opportunity to guide guests through the park, curating itineraries that cater to their interests and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. By staying organized, utilizing time management skills, and adapting to unexpected circumstances, you can make the most of their visit and create memories that last a lifetime.

Safety and emergency procedures are paramount to ensuring the well-being of your guests, and your knowledge and preparedness in this area will be invaluable. By prioritizing safety, staying informed, and maintaining clear communication, you can provide a secure environment that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of Disney World.

Additionally, as a VIP tour guide, you will have the opportunity to facilitate guided tours and special events, offering guests VIP access and an enhanced experience. By showcasing Disney trivia and knowledge, promoting Disney experiences and attractions, and creating personalized magical moments, you will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Effective communication and teamwork skills are key to success in this role. By embodying the Disney spirit, maintaining a positive attitude, and collaborating with fellow Cast Members, you can ensure a seamless and memorable experience for your guests.

In conclusion, becoming a VIP tour guide at Disney World is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic and create memorable experiences for guests. By combining your qualifications, knowledge, and passion for Disney, you can become a true ambassador of the Disney brand. So step into the world of Disney and embark on a journey filled with enchantment, excitement, and the ability to make dreams come true.

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Guide to Disney Private VIP Tours

Here’s What You Need to Know About Private VIP Tours at Disney World

Are you interested in a Walt Disney World vacation with no lines and the highest level of customization? Surprisingly, there is a way to make it happen. Disney Private VIP Tours will allow you to avoid crowds, learn about Disney World’s history and inner workings, and be shuttled between rides and theme parks like a celebrity. Plus, an experienced and knowledgeable guide will take care of the logistics, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Our guide to Disney Private VIP Tours will explain how this premium experience works.

What is a Private Disney VIP Tour?

A Disney Private VIP Tour is the ultimate way to experience the magic of Walt Disney World. Your personal guide will take you behind the scenes, show you hidden secrets, and help you make the most of your time in the park. There’s no need to worry about waiting in line, either; with a private guide, you’ll be able to skip the lines and enjoy exclusive access to rides and attractions. Best of all, your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring you have a truly personalized experience. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a theme park veteran, a Disney Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to make your Disney dreams come true.

The following are some of the personalized services you will receive on a Disney Private VIP Tour:

• Make your pre-arrival arrangements
• Pick your own start and end times
• Your choice of visiting one or more theme parks on a particular day
• Enjoying your favorite rides and attractions without waiting in line
• Door-to-door transportation all day long
• Your VIP Tour Guide provides expert insight throughout your tour and handles all logistics for you

If you’re looking for the ultimate Disney experience, a private tour is the way to go!

Who Can Book Private Disney VIP Tours?

It is a common misconception that you must be a celebrity to book a Private Disney VIP tour. However, that’s not true. The rich and famous certainly take private tours, but everyone can do the same. The only requirement is that you are willing to pay the cost of a Disney Private VIP Tour, which is not cheap. Another thing to consider is that these tours are extremely popular and do sell out in advance. So if you’re set on having a private tour guide all to yourself during your next trip to Disney, make sure you act fast!

How Do You Plan a Disney Private VIP Tour?

When it comes to planning a Disney VIP tour, the easiest and most efficient way is to work with an experienced Disney travel agency such as The Vacationeer . They can handle all the customization and coordination for you, ensuring that everything is perfect for your group. And, because they’re familiar with how Disney works, they can often get you access to things you won’t know about on your own.

Ready to Be a Disney VIP?

Beyond helping secure your Disney VIP tours, the services of The Vacationeer include making your hotel and dining reservations and booking your theme park tickets and transportation arrangements. But it doesn’t stop there.

The Vacationeer can also help you find the ultimate in luxury if that’s what you’re looking for. For example, they can guide you to the best Five Star Hotels at Disney World , make reservations at Disney’s Michelin Guide restaurants , and book tee times at Disney World golf courses . They can even make your stroller rentals , Disney Character Dining reservations , childcare and babysitter arrangements, and more. It’s like having your very own personal assistant for Disney World !

So why not contact The Vacationeer for the most magical (and hassle-free) vacation experience possible? Click HERE to get a free quote and book your private Disney tour today!

The other option is working directly with the Disney VIP Tour Services team . You’ll be able to pick out exactly which experiences you want and then work out the details with your private tour guide. Either way way you choose, you’re in for a truly magical experience!

How Do Rides Work on a Disney Private VIP Tour?

A Disney Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to see everything the parks offer without waiting in line. You and your group will be escorted through the back entrance of the park and given instant access to the rides and attractions through either a side door or a Lightning Lane entrance. Plus, your tour guide will work with you to customize your itinerary so that you can make the most of your time at the parks. Whether you want to focus on rides and shows or simply take in the sights and learn about Disney World’s history, a Disney Private VIP Tour allows for total flexibility.

How Many Tour Guides Are on Disney VIP Tours?

A typical Disney Private VIP Tour will have just one knowledgeable and efficient tour guide. However, additional personnel may be needed for tours involving celebrities or other special guests to deal with the complexities that can arise. Regardless of the group size or celebrity status (or lack thereof), all of Disney’s tour guides are friendly and accommodating. You can rest assured that these well-trained Cast Members are among the best since Disney handpicked them for this important role.

Disney VIP guides are easily recognizable in their dapper plaid vests, and they know all kinds of Disney history and trivia that they love to share with guests. They will take you and your group around the park, acting as a virtual express pass so you can skip all the standby lines. Plus, if you ask nicely, they might be able to get you access to special areas or join you on rides. So if you’re looking for a highly personalized and magical VIP experience at Walt Disney World, a Private VIP Tour is the way to go.

How Many People Can Join a Disney World VIP Tour?

A Disney VIP Tour allows you the freedom to choose who you want to bring along on your tour. You don’t have to worry about being matched up with other people you don’t know because you get to decide who’ll be in the group.

The maximum number of people allowed on each tour is 10 , including infants. This is the perfect tour for groups of friends or family who want to experience the magic of Disney together. It’s also an excellent luxury option for couples who want to be pampered at the happiest place on earth.

You will be escorted around the park by your own private tour guide, who will ensure you have a VIP experience throughout your trip. With the help of your guide, you’ll get the most out of your time at the park and see all the best attractions. The Disney Private VIP Tour is a perfect choice for those looking to share a truly magical and intimate experience with their loved ones and friends.

How Much Do Private Disney VIP Tours Cost?

Private VIP Tours at Disney offer freedom and flexibility that you can’t find with other tour options. You’ll be able to choose which parks you want to visit and plan your itinerary with the help of your private guide. Best of all, you’ll feel like a VIP as you’re escorted around the parks without waiting in line. There is, however, a high price tag associated with VIP service.

As of January 2023, Disney Private VIP Tours prices start at $450 per hour and can go as high as $900 per hour . There is a minimum 7-hour booking requirement for all private tours. To put it into perspective, a 7-hour Disney Private VIP Tour costs between $3,150 and $6,300 before gratuities. Tours are usually the most expensive during holidays, school vacations, and three-day weekends, while midweek and off-season are the least costly.

The Disney World VIP tour price is fixed hourly, regardless of how many people are in your group. In other words, the price remains the same whether you have two or ten people in your tour group. This allows groups to split the cost and make the trip more affordable. It’s an excellent option for families or friends who want to experience Disney World together or those who don’t mind paying more for luxury experiences . Using a rewards credit card is another good way to offset some of the cost, allowing you to earn points that can be used toward future travel.

Note : Theme park admission is not included in the tour price, so you must purchase park tickets separately. Park Hopper tickets are necessary if you plan to visit multiple theme parks during your tour. If you visit only one park, you’ll only need a single-park ticket. The Vacationeer can help you purchase everything you need – including Tour, park tickets, hotel and dining reservations, and more!

Are Meals Included on Disney Private VIP Tours?

The cost of a Disney private VIP tour does not include meals but may include a few snacks . You’ll want to keep this in mind when budgeting for your day. Quick-service restaurants are usually the best option when you’re trying to save time. You can also plan your meals around the tour schedule by eating before or after the tour. The tour guide usually provides complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day. These may include bottled water, popcorn, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars — a nice bonus to help keep you going until meal time.

Is Transportation Included on Disney Private VIP Tours?

One of the great things about booking a Disney Private VIP Tour is that efficient and friendly private transportation is included in the price. A Disney Cast Member will pick you up at your hotel and whisk you to the park in a comfortable shuttle.

When you take a Disney Private VIP Tour, you’ll get access to parts of the park that most people never get to see. Your tour guide will drive you around to all the different locations, using backstage entrances or Lightning Lane entrances to get into the parks and onto your chosen rides. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes!

If you want to go to another park or resort during the day, the shuttle will take you there too. Other park guests will wonder how and why you are emerging from a secret doorway, strutting into a ride pavilion with a plaid-vested guide, hopping into shuttles, and zooming off down the road. Some guests will wonder if you are a celebrity visiting Disney World …or just on a VIP Disney Tour!

This door-to-door service means you can relax and enjoy your Disney experience without worrying about how you will get around. You’ll get to see all the fantastic work that makes Disney the world’s most magical place without worrying about logistics. So if you’re looking for a truly unique and hassle-free Disney experience, book a Disney Private VIP Tour today!

Are Guests Expected to Tip Their Disney Tour Guides?

If you’re considering taking one of the VIP tours Disney World offers, you may wonder if tipping your tour guide is expected. While gratuities are never required, they are greatly appreciated by tour guides. Remember that Disney tour guides are Disney employees (Cast Members) and receive regular salaries. However, they also rely on tips to supplement their income. For this reason, it is customary to tip your tour guide at least 15-20% of the cost of the tour , depending on the level of service provided. If you intend to tip your guide, it’s best to bring cash for this purpose; you will likely not be able to add the tip as part of your primary payment (as you might be accustomed to doing at a restaurant, for instance).

What Time Do Disney Private VIP Tours Start and End?

Disney VIP Tours have no set schedule since you set the timetable . As long as your tour lasts seven consecutive hours, you can begin and end whenever you want. This means that you can choose to start your day at rope drop and hit all the major attractions before the crowds arrive. Or, if you prefer, you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your tour. But however you choose to spend your seven hours (or more), a Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer.

Do Private VIP Tours Include Disney’s Shows, Parades, and Fireworks?

A Disney Private VIP Tour offers guests incredible access to all the best Walt Disney World offers. A friendly guide in a plaid vest will treat you like a celebrity, take you around the park, and give you priority access, including at shows, parades, and fireworks. These perks alone can give you back hours of your day, helping to make the VIP tour worth the cost .

One of the most significant benefits of a VIP tour is the guaranteed reserved viewing areas for the Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy daytime parade and the nightly fireworks show. You’ll also enjoy premium seating for Disney’s best shows . Whether you’re seeing the Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on your Disney VIP tour.

What Is The Fine Print for Private Disney VIP Tours?

The following details may be overlooked in the fine print:

• The price of the VIP Tour at Walt Disney World Resort does not include admission to the theme parks. Therefore, the purchase of theme park tickets is required to participate in any tour.
• Disney Park Pass reservations are also required to enter the parks.
• Guests participating in VIP tours must show appropriate government-issued identification and undergo security screenings and bag checks.
• Reservations for Disney Private VIP Tours are highly recommended because they are limited and likely to sell out. Guests can make reservations 180 days in advance.
• The duration of Private VIP Tours must be at least seven continuous hours.
• Your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• If you cancel a Private VIP Tour without at least 48-hour notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate.
• Capacity constraints and availability may impact a booking.
• Cellphones, cameras, and video equipment are not permitted backstage.
• All guests under 17 must be accompanied by a paying and participating parent/guardian.
• Information and pricing are subject to change without notice.

It is important to reiterate that Disney Private VIP Tours do not include admission to the theme parks. Separate ticket purchases are required, which can be handled by The Vacationeer . Let The Vacationeer handle all the logistics for you, from tour customization, hotel reservations, dining reservations, theme park ticket reservations, and more. Click here to get started.

How Is a Private Disney VIP Tour Different From Other Disney Tours?

Disney Private VIP Tours are the way to go for those who want luxury and VIP treatment on their Disney tour. You will be pampered and given personalized attention from the moment you book your tour until the moment it ends. It is more expensive than other tours, but you will definitely feel like a VIP.

On a Disney Private VIP Tour, your group will consist only of people you know – no strangers! You will also have a say in what you see and do on the tour. You will customize your itinerary according to your preferences, and your guide will be with you every step to ensure you skip the lines and have a magical experience.

In addition to Disney Private VIP Tours, several other Disney tours are available to guests. These tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at some of the most popular attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort. For example, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom takes guests on a guided park tour, with stops at some of the most iconic locations, including Cinderella Castle and Main Street, USA. Guests also have the opportunity to explore backstage areas and learn about the history of the park.

Similarly, the Behind the Seeds tour at EPCOT gives guests a closer look at the park’s inner workings, including the greenhouses where many plants and flowers are grown. Guests also have the chance to meet some farmers and scientists working in the greenhouses.

Other Disney tours include the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which focuses on the care and training of the elephants at the park, and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, which takes guests on a hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida.

No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a Disney tour that is perfect for you. But if you’re looking for a genuinely unforgettable Disney tour, book a Disney Private VIP Tour today! You won’t regret it. Contact The Vacationeer to book your Disney tour today!

How to Book a Disney Private VIP Tour?

There are two ways you can book Disney Private VIP Tours:

• Contact the team at Disney VIP Tour Services
• Let an experienced Disney vacation planner like The Vacationeer do the legwork

The latter option is often more convenient, as The Vacationeer can work with you to do your pre-arrival planning, pick a flexible start time that works best for you, and plan your visits to multiple theme parks in one or more days. In addition, they will help you choose the best attractions so you can skip the line and enjoy them more efficiently. No matter which option you choose, a Disney Private VIP Tour is sure to make your trip even more magical.

Contact The Vacationeer to Reserve Your Disney VIP Tour!

It can be challenging to plan a Disney vacation. Thankfully, the Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer are here to help. You’ll be in touch with only one travel professional throughout the process — no more waiting on hold or being bounced from person to person to get answers.

Your dedicated vacation planner will handle all the booking windows, payments, transportation, tickets, and reservations, so you can focus on packing your bags! And because The Vacationeer employs some of the best Disney travel agents in the business, they know Walt Disney World inside and out and will give you the most up-to-date information, including recommendations and insider tips and tricks .

Click HERE to contact your personal planning assistant and start the Disney Private VIP Tour process today!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our guide to Disney Private VIP Tours. You might also be interested in our article about VIP Experiences at Universal Orlando . Have a great time!

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

By: Author Heather Thomas

Published: August 5, 2021 Updated: October 17, 2023

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 awhile back on the WDW Prep to Go podcast opened up our eyes to how this amazing 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 $425 and $850 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 $3000 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

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 180 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 that 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 Rise of the Resistance (which is notoriously difficult) is no problem either because your VIP Tour Guide can get you on without having to worry about snagging a Boarding Group .

Feel like stopping for a snack or a break in some AC? You’re with an expert that 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 a 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.

(Click chart to view it larger.)

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 lots of 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 (things like After Hours Boo Bash or Disney Very Merriest ) 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.

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

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 know 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 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 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 VIP Tours

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Maximize your fun at the parks by taking one of our fun-filled and efficient guided tours.

Our World is Your Kingdom

• Book a private VIP Tour and customize the perfect itinerary for your group with enough time to explore the attractions and sights.
• Enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently.
• Learn from our Disney VIP Tour Guides who have been hand-picked and expertly trained to plan the perfect itinerary for you and your family.

Know Before You Go

• All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour.
• Disney Park Pass reservation is also required for park entry.
• 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.
• For additional information about the reopening of Walt Disney World, including important information regarding face coverings and temperature screenings, please view important details .

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Private transportation, backstage parking and skipped lines: What it's really like on a Disney VIP tour

As once smirked by "The Lion King's" villainous lion, Scar, "Life's not fair, is it?"

You see, even though all are welcome in the happy place that Walt built, not everyone waits in the same lines to ride Dumbo or Space Mountain. In fact, some barely wait in lines at all.

There's a way to experience Disney World without a hot trek through the parking lots or long waits for rides, but with perfect fireworks-viewing areas reserved just for you and with almost zero advance planning required. And on top of that, there's a way to get all-day access to a Disney expert with pockets full of pixie dust and keys to backstage shortcuts, who can guide you and troubleshoot any problems that arise.

This magic isn't a fictional fairytale or reserved for A-list stars. All of this (and more) is available to anyone willing to pay for the very real Disney VIP tour guides.

This small army of top-tier magic-makers is employed by Disney and can be spotted around the parks in their signature plaid vests whisking small groups of very fortunate guests into back entrances and to the front of the lines.

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After waiting several hours to straddle a banshee and ride Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom, you may be desperate to know how you can have one of these Disney "magicians" whisk your group out of the sun and into the fun.

While I've done the three-hour wait to ride a banshee myself, I've also now experienced the magic of not waiting. Here's how the Disney VIP tours work and exactly how much magic you can actually squeeze out of the day when you say goodbye to the long waits.

Related: These are the best hotels at Disney World

What's a Disney VIP tour?

A private Disney VIP tour is kind of like having your own assigned Mouseketeer and personal set of keys to the kingdom.

While I'm sure they could give you a more traditional tour of Disney World if that's what you wanted, it's really not exactly a tour.

When you are on a Disney VIP tour, you've got your own official Disney guide who can plan your day, serve as your own unlimited human FastPass, drive you to and from your Disney resort and from park to park with cool and efficient backstage parking. Most people who buy a Disney VIP tour do it to skip the bulk of the lines and experience as much of the parks as possible in a short amount of time. This is why TPG's founder Brian Kelly purchased the VIP tour with his nieces and nephews for a one-day visit to Disney World.

But it's not just the quicker ride access that is special. Even before you know you need it, the guides can also make bottles of water, rain ponchos and Mickey bars seemingly appear out of thin air.

These tours must be booked for a minimum of seven hours and you can have up to 10 people on the tour for the same hourly rate. Just don't have an 11th person because then you need a second guide and your cost doubles.

Related: What it costs to visit Disney World

What we did on our Disney VIP tour

We gathered up exactly 10 Disney-loving friends and family members and booked a seven-hour VIP tour.

In the end, we went a bit over those initially planned seven hours as we had a few more things we wanted to do when the original time limit expired. In total, our tour was about eight and a half hours from start to finish.

We lost about 15 minutes on the front end when we couldn't find our youngest daughter's MagicBand as we were walking out the door and then had some forms to sign when we met up with the tour guide. In hindsight, we should have skipped looking for the band and done the forms in advance. We also lost some time for lunch -- more on that below.

Counting transportation to and from our resort and the transfer between the two parks, we spent probably a little over an hour in transit. That means we had a bit under seven hours of true park experience to work with that translated into 16 attractions.

Here's how the time on our Disney VIP tour played out.

• 10 a.m. Official start time.
• 10:19 a.m. Depart Disney's Wilderness Lodge for the Magic Kingdom.
• 10:26 a.m. Clear security through side-gate entrance with no line and park in a backlot to the side of Main Street, U.S.A.

• 10:29 a.m. Officially walk into the Magic Kingdom.
• 10:33 a.m. Watch a cavalcade (aka a mini-parade) as it passed by the castle.
• 10:40 a.m. Try to ride Pirates of the Caribbean, but it was down and would stay down much of the day.
• 10:49 a.m. Ride No. 1 -- Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
• 10:56 a.m. VIP guide got waters for everyone and "pixie dusted" my youngest with Dole Whip since her favorite ride, Pirates, didn't work out.

• 11:09 a.m. Ride No. 2 -- Splash Mountain.
• 11:35 a.m. Ride No. 3 -- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• 11:55 a.m. Ride No. 4 -- Haunted Mansion.
• 12:19 p.m. Ride No. 5 -- Peter Pan's Flight.
• 12:26 p.m. Bathroom break and hunt for hidden Pascals near the "Tangled"-themed bathrooms at the request of my daughters.
• 12:49 p.m. Ride No. 6 -- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
• 1:03 p.m. Ride No. 7 -- Mad Tea Party.
• 1:21 p.m. Ride No. 8 -- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
• 1:42 p.m. Ride No. 9 -- Space Mountain.

I ordered lunch in the Disney app by 1:10 p.m. but it wasn't actually ready until about 1:50 p.m. We weren't all done eating until about 2:10 pm., so while some in the group kept riding rides during that time, it also was a pretty inefficient part of the day for those who were scouting for tables and waiting for food. Waiting 40 minutes for chicken fingers and fries and fighting for a table isn't a great use of time when you are paying for a guide by the hour.

• 2:17 p.m. Depart for Hollywood Studios.
• 2:39 p.m. Arrive at Hollywood Studios and park in backstage parking near Tower of Terror.
• 2:56 p.m. Ride No. 10 -- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• 3:11 p.m. Ride No. 11 -- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.
• 3:57 p.m. Ride No. 12 -- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway.

• 4:21 p.m. Ride No. 13 -- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
• 5:02 p.m. Ride No. 14 -- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
• 5:28 p.m. Ride No. 15 -- Slinky Dog Dash.
• 5:44 p.m. Ride No. 16 -- Toy Story Mania!
• 6:24 p.m. Arrive back at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

As you can tell by some of the time gaps between rides, you don't always have a zero-minute wait to ride. Some rides, such as Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance, still had a bit of waiting involved.

At other times, such as with Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Aladdin and more, you essentially got to walk right up to the start of the ride.

It's worth a mention that we didn't need to compete with thousands of other guests at 7 a.m. for a Rise of the Resistance boarding pass, as one ride without a pass is included with the tour.

The VIP tour is really at a huge advantage right now as waits for most rides on this day were over an hour. And since FastPass has not yet returned to Disney World, there weren't many others in the FastPass line.

The guide, Annie, and I chatted about what we would do next and adjusted plans on the fly.

As the afternoon Florida rain came and some attractions were temporarily unavailable, we'd adjust plans again. When she'd pose a ride that we didn't want to do (like "It's a small world"), it was no big deal and we kept on going to the next thing. She was available to go on rides with us (which was really fun as she knew some awesome "secrets") and she was also available to skip the ride and do other things while we rode, such as order water or hold a bag.

While we did our tour during the day, the tour guide can let you access special, reserved VIP viewing of fireworks if you do it in the evening. And while we only went to two parks in one day, you can go to all four if you want. It's essentially your time to use however you please.

Related: Why you might want to think twice before a theme park trip right now

What does a Disney VIP tour cost?

Here's the bad news. A Disney VIP tour costs $425 to $750 per hour, depending on the season. And that's on top of your park admission tickets, which aren't included withe the tour.

There's no way to know exactly what your tour will cost without calling 407-560-4033 or working with a Disney vacation planner as we did. You can only book the tours 60 days in advance and they do sell out, so plan ahead. Remember, you need to book at least seven hours, so the minimum price for a Disney VIP tour will be $2,975 for up to 10 people. You can do a tour for up to 10 hours, so while the minimum price is $2,975, a 10-hour tour in super peak season could set you back a staggering $7,500.

On our July date, the tour was $550 per hour and we spent a total of $3,850 on the initially planned seven hours. (And sadly, this did not code as a travel charge, so use the credit card that awards you the most on everyday spending -- I went with my Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to earn 2 miles per dollar on the charge.)

With our added time, the grand total came to $4,675 before the tip. That's $467.50 per person on our tour, if you want to think of it that way. ( In terms of the tip, while it is at your discretion, this is a Disney position that can accept cash tip. It's common to go with 15 - 20% of the amount of your tour or tip the equivalent of one hour. )

While not all 10 people did every single ride, I'm going to assume they did here for simpler math since they all had the opportunity.

At $467.50 per person, given that we did 16 rides, that's kind of like spending $29.21 per "FastPass" access. That's not exactly a fair way to look at it as there were plenty of other perks to the tour including the door-to-door transportation, awesome insider knowledge from the guide herself, etc., but it's a decent starting point.

Additionally, throughout the tour, our group was given about 25 bottles of water ($3.50 each), 10 Mickey bars ($5.50 each), 10 rain ponchos ($12 each), one stroller rental ($15) and a cup of Dole Whip ($5). We were also each given a special Disney VIP tour pin which you technically can't buy, but we'll put the price at about $12, which is in line with the cost of other Disney pins.

The retail price for buying those goodies on your own at Disney is around $402.50, or $40.25 per person. If you factor that out of the total cost, the cost for quick access drops a little from $29.21 to $26.70 per person per ride.

Obviously, if you didn't stop for lunch, started right on time and moved at a quicker pace than our group, then you probably could have a higher ride total. You could even start right in the park if you don't want transportation and squeeze in more rides that way, too.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

But our goal wasn't to rack up ride totals for the sake of impressive math, it was to enjoy the heck out of the rides we love the most with the friends and family we've missed too much over the last year and a half. And while you could argue using time getting picked up and dropped off at our resort was a waste, with 10 people ranging from 6 to 70 years of age, it sure didn't feel that way.

Bottom line

There's absolutely no way we would have done those 16 rides in eight and a half hours on our own. Given what crowds and wait times were like at Disney during our trip , it's unlikely we would have done half that number on our own. Even if we had, it wouldn't have been predominately the headlining rides.

It's not necessary to spend a small fortune on a VIP tour to have a great time at Walt Disney World.

I've successfully been to the park dozens of times and never before had a Disney VIP tour guide at the ready. Timing your visit during the less busy days, being at the park when it opens (which is before it says it opens), doing rides during fireworks and close to closing time are also great ways to pack more attractions into your day without spending more money.

However, right now with the high crowd levels and no other FastPass options, if there was ever a time to rally a group of friends and go for it on a planned upcoming trip, there's no doubt the VIP treatment dramatically increased the enjoyment factor for our group.

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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!

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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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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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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.

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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!

Land of Dreams VIP Tour

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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.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

20% Discount on Walt Disney World VIP Tours Available to Guests Staying Club Level

Guests staying in Club Level rooms and suites during select dates this summer can save 20% on Disney Private VIP Tours.

Club Level Discount on VIP Tours

Walt Disney World Resort guests staying in Club Level rooms and suites can take advantage of a 20% discount on most dates from July 17-September 28, 2024. August 31 and September 1 are the only two dates currently blocked out. Club Level rooms are available at all Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort .

VIP Tour groups can include up to 10 guests and are charged hourly rather than per person. The price for these tours ranges from $450 to $900 per hour depending on the date booked, and tours must be booked for a minimum of seven continuous hours. Admission to the parks is not included in the price of the VIP Tour.

To take advantage of this discount, qualifying guests should call (407) 560-4033 to make their reservation.

Last month, Disney announced a 20% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members.

Will you be taking advantage of the latest VIP Tour Discount from Walt Disney World Resort?

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on  Twitter ,  Facebook , and  Instagram .

The post 20% Discount on Walt Disney World VIP Tours Available to Guests Staying Club Level appeared first on WDW News Today .

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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.

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Business | Disney finds a new challenge in The Bahamas

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Business | Niles: Disney finds a new challenge in The Bahamas

Of course, these days, it’s more likely a blank document or project file on a computer screen rather than a physical sheet of paper, but the point remains the same. You start from nothing.

Except, you don’t. Disney’s Imagineers work in physical space as well as in media. They build theme parks, hotels and cruise destinations. No matter where in the world you are building something new, you are replacing or at least transforming whatever was there before. The page is never blank.

Disneyland replaced an orange grove, which probably replaced whatever grew naturally on that space in what is now Anaheim. Walt Disney World replaced a good deal of marshland in Central Florida. But Disney’s latest creative destination occupies a space renowned for its natural beauty. It cannot — and should not — be erased. So how did Disney design around that?

Earlier this month, I sailed on a press preview tour for the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in The Bahamas. A quarter century after Disney opened Castaway Cay on the former Gorda Cay in The Bahamas, Disney has opened a second private destination in the archipelago, this time themed to art, culture and nature of The Bahamas.

While Disney partnered with local artists and cultural organizations to create buildings, art installations and entertainment programming for Lookout Cay, the nature was already there. To best experience that, Disney has created a Nature Trail on which Lookout Cay visitors can walk or bike through the preserved areas of Lighthouse Point, including to its limestone cliffs and the historic lighthouse that gives the area its name.

I took an hour to explore the site. I understand why so many Bahamians have argued to preserve and protect the previously isolated area on the southern tip of Eleuthera. Disney is developing less than 16% of its Lookout Cay site, keeping that development well away from the iconic cliff and lighthouse, which should help ensure unspoiled views for a generation to come.

The question now is, “for whom?” Will Disney provide easier access to the historic section of Lighthouse Point for Bahamians as well as its cruise passengers? However that shakes out, this site should be seen.

It’s a variation on the old “if a tree falls in the forest, but no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?” question. If almost no one ever sees one of the planet’s most beautiful vistas, does that beauty matter to the rest of the world?

It should. But there’s no substitute for seeing and experiencing something in person. If you want to inspire people to appreciate and defend the environment, getting them into the best of what nature has to offer makes that case best.

The construction of Disney Lookout Cay will ensure that many more people will be able to see Lighthouse Point than have before. Now it’s up to Disney to continue protecting that space even as they promote it to more potential guests.

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