Disney World’s Non-public VIP Excursions Begin at $450 an Hour—Here is What They’re Actually Like

On this whirlwind vacation go to, there could be no last-minute Ubers, crowded bus rides, or harried automotive leases to the Magic Kingdom. A modern SUV was prepared and ready for our household of three simply outdoors our lodge, the 4 Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort—as was our cheerful Disney Non-public VIP Tour information, Jonathan Herd.  “Are we able to roll?” requested Herd, who had been patiently ready for us within the foyer of the lodge (the Giffords can admittedly be sluggish within the morning).

Herd, who has been working as a information since 2015, didn’t appear to thoughts that we have been a couple of minutes late. He made it clear that his time was our time, and, that over the course of our day-long expertise, we’d do a deep dive into the Magic Kingdom, at our request; might transfer on to any of the opposite theme parks, ought to we so want; and ask him any query in regards to the parks, characters, and firm historical past that popped into our minds.

When you’re strapped for time, touring with a big group that has particular wants, or just wish to lower the road and never cope with reserving Lighting Lane passes at prime rides like Tiana’s Bayou Journey or Area Mountain, it might be price splurging on a information from Disney Non-public VIP Excursions, a service affiliated with Walt Disney World Resort. A whole lot of forged members, as Disney calls its park workers, have turn into guides all through the years, creating long-lasting bonds and relationships with their shoppers. As we strolled via the Magic Kingdom and its 107-acre chaos and glory, I couldn’t assist however discover a number of different teams being shepherded by their personal VIP tour information (extra on the right way to spot them, to return). Each group gave the impression to be having a good time and in awe of the entry.

As a frequent traveler, I can vouch that the extent of care at this group, which originated in Disneyland and opened in Walt Disney World Resort in 1971, was unmatched. “These guides are extremely educated and might navigate the parks with their eyes closed,” says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, the president of Fischer Journey and a member of T+L’s advisory board. Provides Mary Helen Regulation, a Disney knowledgeable on Journey + Leisure’s A-list of journey advisors who books this service for practically 20% of her shoppers: “Rigorously vetted, these knowledgeable guides have a deep data of Disney’s historical past, tales, and hidden gems. They take the time to grasp households’ distinctive pursuits, curating tailor-made experiences that transcend simply rides.”

Listed here are 4 advantages when selecting this premium service, which begins at $450 an hour, not together with park tickets.

You possibly can choose your park.

This was the primary Walt Disney World Resort expertise for my nine-year-old son, Bobby. And I, like most obsessive dad and mom, needed to maximise all that we might see, understanding that he would in all probability get drained late within the afternoon. With that in thoughts, we selected to focus solely on the Magic Kingdom, the most well-liked theme park and arguably the one with probably the most enchantment to youthful youngsters.

We arrived by SUV to the Magic Kingdom, accessing a particular aspect entrance (so particular, no images are allowed for safety causes). From the minute we stepped out of the automotive and have been provided snacks and water from extra forged members, we have been coddled, and felt as if we had the place to ourselves—though we’d quickly be sharing area with 1000’s of different guests, simply across the nook.

Herd, who has been a information since 2015, walked us from Frontierland to Fantasyland and onto Tomorrowland, stunning us with treats akin to Tiana’s beignets for a mid-morning snack and taking images in entrance of the long-lasting Sleeping Magnificence Citadel, hitting simply the proper angle. I requested him what was the very best store for vacation ornaments; he rapidly directed me to a particular retailer in Liberty Sq., however not earlier than accompanying Bobby and my husband, Rob, into the Corridor of Presidents, stating historic treasures akin to President Reagan’s bolo tie.

If we had needed to divide and conquer and transfer on to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, we might have; that snack-filled SUV was at our disposal, and we had as much as 10 hours (the utmost allowed) of his time. “Non-public automobiles guarantee seamless transport between parks, and your information stays linked in real-time with different excursions and the again workplace, continually receiving updates to maintain every thing working easily,” provides Regulation.

You possibly can skip the waits.

Your information will take you thru the Lightning Lane, a usually paid-for various to the common experience line (and the topic of a lot debate by way of reserving technique). With a VIP information, you don’t have to fret about any of that—however it’s nonetheless life like to count on there might be some friends in entrance of you. That mentioned, probably the most we waited for a experience by accessing the Lighting Lane was seven minutes in comparison with what might have been generally an hour or extra within the common lane. For a few rides, together with Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, we acquired to make use of a behind-the-scenes entrance that’s usually solely out there to forged members.

Herd rode just a few of the rides with us, however principally opted out in order that he could possibly be prepared and ready on the exit, plotting our subsequent transfer. With among the extra adventurous coasters, Bobby additionally opted to remain behind with Herd, and my husband and I felt snug leaving the 2 of them collectively, straightforward in dialog, to get pleasure from some thrills.

Sure rides we might repeat as a lot as we needed (I requested to do Area Mountain twice, not nice for the abdomen in hindsight). However Tron Lightcycle/Run—a two-year-old experience that simulated the sensation of being on a futuristic, high-speed bike—was the only real exception as a result of its newness and recognition. Your information ought to clarify what is feasible to entry upon pickup, as issues are at all times topic to vary.

I have to admit to feeling a little bit of schaudenfreude each time we handed a marquee experience, like Tiana’s Bayou Journey, Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, and even It’s a Small World, and strolled proper on in as others patiently awaited their flip. We conquered 12 main points of interest over the course of our six-hour go to, and clocked practically 15,000 steps–an exceptional feat with out the assistance of Herd.

You possibly can geek out on trivia.

Our household needed to grasp extra about Disney lore, particularly via the lens of historical past, artwork, and design. Herd, a Missouri native with a B.A. in Faith and Humanities, shared attention-grabbing factoids all through the day, noting that the Haunted Mansion has chess items (however no knights) on its construction; Area Mountain blasts specifically themed lights and music in the course of the week between Christmas and New Years; and home windows alongside Predominant Avenue, USA. bear the names of influential Disney workers. (For instance, Frank Wells, a former COO, is acknowledged with the window Seven Summits Expeditions; his private purpose was to climb the very best mountain on all seven continents.) Having this sort of private entry to a real Disney knowledgeable felt like we have been being given a theme park crash course for the ages.

You should buy insider merch.

It’s straightforward to identify a VIP tour information by their plaid-accented uniform. Vacationers who ebook the service should purchase their very own plaid gear, too, whether or not it’s a hat, pins, and extra, at a particular part of a store on Predominant Avenue, USA. Herd directed us right here towards the tip of our go to, simply earlier than he took us to a particular elevated platform in Metropolis Corridor to look at the afternoon parade, popcorn and all.

I snagged a colourful Mickey-ear headband, which I then wore all through the remainder of our go to. Though we have been solely with Herd for the sooner or later, the “plaid impact” continued lengthy after, with many different vacationers giving a delicate nod or understanding wink to my merch as we wandered Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. And behind my thoughts, I stored questioning if we’d have had extra enjoyable with our new BFF.

“For me it’s in regards to the tales and reminiscences made collectively, whether or not it’s with a household I see a number of instances a 12 months or a bunch doing this as a as soon as in a lifetime expertise,” Herd informed me. I plan on packing my plaid ears for our subsequent Orlando trip–and ensuring he’s the primary individual our household greets after we are prepared to beat the dominion.