ChimneysweepGeorge
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2011
Since my question about the VIP Tour got a mess of views and zero replies, I think it might be worth passing along my impressions.
First, for those who missed the first post: This wasn't on my dime. I happened to be in a position professionally to do a solid for a Disney/ESPN exec and when he heard I was visiting soon, he set this up for me as a thank you.
Here is how the day went.
At first blush, the whole process seems a bit grabbasstic. I was almost bodily stopped by the sharp eyed cast member at the entrance who noticed I was carrying my tour reservation letter (quite a feat since it was folded). She tried very earnestly to send me off in the wrong direction but since the instructions where to meet the tour guide were very hard to mess up (guest services window, Magic Kingdom), I ignored her. At guest services, the first agent seemed confused and had to get another agent to explain the process. The process was "Wait over there (handwave) someone will be out." Ummm, okay. Where exactly and when? Since we were to meet at 9am, this means missing the morning greeting show. Not the end of the world but for those who care...
At 9, our tour guide John came out, called our name and off we were. He quickly sized up what our priorities were and outlined what he was going to do for us and what his limitations were. They don't allow access to any restricted areas anymore, no Cinderella suite tour. He thought this a shame since for something so nice, it's very under utilized since the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion ended. He did however have a pair of pins that are only available through the tour. Snacks, drinks and a table service lunch were also part of the tour, with the caveats that BOG and the Royal Table aren't a certainty.
All of the info on the VIP tours mentions that the guides can put you into a fastpass line at will BUT what they fail to mention is that they are also very connected with the rest of the cast members running the attractions. As a result it's like a personalized touring plan with up to the second data on wait times and when the next show starts. This made for the most ridiculously efficient tour of the Magic Kingdom I've ever been a part of. We rode everything except Pirates (closed for refurb) and Space Mountain by 3pm ...and don't forget that we had a sit down lunch. The pace was leisurely and we never felt rushed. He just had all the info at hand to make sure we arrived just in time to step through a turnstile.
I have to pause to point out what a sheer delight it is for a Disney geek to be in the company of a professional Disney geek. You think you know stuff about the history and the park? This man used to teach the "Traditions" orientation course. As a result, if anyone looked bothered or in need of assistance, he took a moment to help. He also managed to pick up every bit of trash in his path without missing a beat. This is the kind of cast member Van French set out to build.
At 3pm (the end of our six hour tour) he parked us in an amazing viewing section for the Festival of Fantasy parade and wished us a very good day.
Now for the big question; would it be worth it?
It's a definite maybe!
The six hour minimum makes for a pretty hefty price tag but when you consider that a Disney vacation is so very dependent on your level of pixie dust, it does ensure a day full.
First, for those who missed the first post: This wasn't on my dime. I happened to be in a position professionally to do a solid for a Disney/ESPN exec and when he heard I was visiting soon, he set this up for me as a thank you.
Here is how the day went.
At first blush, the whole process seems a bit grabbasstic. I was almost bodily stopped by the sharp eyed cast member at the entrance who noticed I was carrying my tour reservation letter (quite a feat since it was folded). She tried very earnestly to send me off in the wrong direction but since the instructions where to meet the tour guide were very hard to mess up (guest services window, Magic Kingdom), I ignored her. At guest services, the first agent seemed confused and had to get another agent to explain the process. The process was "Wait over there (handwave) someone will be out." Ummm, okay. Where exactly and when? Since we were to meet at 9am, this means missing the morning greeting show. Not the end of the world but for those who care...
At 9, our tour guide John came out, called our name and off we were. He quickly sized up what our priorities were and outlined what he was going to do for us and what his limitations were. They don't allow access to any restricted areas anymore, no Cinderella suite tour. He thought this a shame since for something so nice, it's very under utilized since the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion ended. He did however have a pair of pins that are only available through the tour. Snacks, drinks and a table service lunch were also part of the tour, with the caveats that BOG and the Royal Table aren't a certainty.
All of the info on the VIP tours mentions that the guides can put you into a fastpass line at will BUT what they fail to mention is that they are also very connected with the rest of the cast members running the attractions. As a result it's like a personalized touring plan with up to the second data on wait times and when the next show starts. This made for the most ridiculously efficient tour of the Magic Kingdom I've ever been a part of. We rode everything except Pirates (closed for refurb) and Space Mountain by 3pm ...and don't forget that we had a sit down lunch. The pace was leisurely and we never felt rushed. He just had all the info at hand to make sure we arrived just in time to step through a turnstile.
I have to pause to point out what a sheer delight it is for a Disney geek to be in the company of a professional Disney geek. You think you know stuff about the history and the park? This man used to teach the "Traditions" orientation course. As a result, if anyone looked bothered or in need of assistance, he took a moment to help. He also managed to pick up every bit of trash in his path without missing a beat. This is the kind of cast member Van French set out to build.
At 3pm (the end of our six hour tour) he parked us in an amazing viewing section for the Festival of Fantasy parade and wished us a very good day.
Now for the big question; would it be worth it?
It's a definite maybe!
The six hour minimum makes for a pretty hefty price tag but when you consider that a Disney vacation is so very dependent on your level of pixie dust, it does ensure a day full.
One of my favorite words! Were snacks, drinks, and a table service included in the price of the tour or just time allotted to enjoy them? TIA.
This will be a surprise for my family. I cannot wait!
