I've gone on 10 Disney World VIP tours that cost up to $900 an hour, and I swear they're worth it (2024)

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You get to spend a perfect park day with nine of your closest friends.

I moved to Orlando in 2017 to live closer to Disney World. Fresh out of college, there were many experiences on my Disney bucket list, and a VIP tour was always at the very top.

Five years later, I've been on 10 tours — each more fun than the last — and I swear they're worth it.

Each VIP tour lasts for a minimum of seven hours, and up to 10 guests can take part in the experience. Tours cost $450 to $900 an hour for the whole group, depending on the season, and don't include park admission.

Although they're pricey, it's an absolute blast to be able to share this experience with fellow Disney lovers, or even with friends and family visiting the parks for the first time.

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Ride more rides than ever before.

As a Disney local, even a quick trip to the parks can take some serious planning.

In some cases, I have to purchase Genie+ Lightening Lanes (expedited line passes) if I want to ride a specific attraction like the newest coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

But on a VIP tour, all guests in the group bypass lines, which means more time riding, and less time waiting. Plus, the stress of planning the day and making it onto all the best rides is removed.

No more scheduling down to the second. You simply let your guide know which attractions and experiences are most important to you and your group, and the day is taken care of.

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Visit all four parks with ease.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, park-hopping (visiting more than one theme park in a day) was easy at Disney World.

Today, because of the new reservation system, guests with park-hoppers tickets have to wait until 2 p.m. to go from one Disney park to the next.

But on a VIP tour, the guide takes you from park to park whenever you're ready, which I love.

Plus, transportation is included in the day. Guides drive large vans that fit the entire tour group and utilize backstage entrances to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible in the parks.

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Snacks are included in the cost of the tours.

I'm a bit of a Disney foodie, so snacks are always important to me. You'll never go hungry on a VIP tour as there's always some type of snack available.

Whether you crave a Mickey-shaped pretzel or an Olaf strawberry-lemonade bar, the guides take care of it. Once our guides even treated us all to our favorite Starbucks drinks.

Plus, guides can grab your snack while you're on an attraction, so it's ready and waiting when the ride ends.

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VIP tour guides have a wealth of Disney knowledge.

Disney VIP tour guides are typically huge Disney fans themselves, and they have the best little-known stories and information to share.

They have endless knowledge about the history and current happenings in the parks — like the latest attractions, Easter eggs, and hacks.

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You get exclusive swag for your Disney collection.

I have a huge collection of Disney merchandise, but commemorative buttons and pins are among my favorite pieces.

Disney VIP tour guides give out lanyards, buttons, and pins so a bit of the tour can be added to your collection.

Even better, these exclusive trinkets are not for sale and are only available to people who've been on a tour.

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The experience is tailored to each group.

The best part is that no two Disney VIP tours are the same.

Some people want to see all four parks, and others want to stay at their favorite — or even ride the same attraction on repeat all day. Some guests just want to stroll and chat with their guide.

It's a Disney experience that's completely tailored to your favorite things.

This story was originally published on January 14, 2023, and most recently updated on January 18. 2024.