Considering a VIP guide just before Christmas

[famy27]

If crowds are your biggest concern, another option would be to do a fireworks or Illuminations cruise. No matter how great your VIP guide would be, he/she won't be able to make the parks less crowded. Getting out of the park will accomplish that. Otherwise, I agree with the dinner or dessert party suggestions. We did the SW dessert party in March, and it was a great way to have space and not feel penned in by the crowds.

Even with the VIP tour, I think trying to squeeze all the shows into one night would be too stressful. I personally would much rather book dessert parties or dinner packages each night and to take the time to enjoy all the little details of what each park has to offer at night.

One other option for Epcot is to reserve a private party. I think the minimum cost is $400 or so. There are threads with more details. You customize your menu. I've seen very good reviews and have considered it for one of our upcoming trips.

 

[Magpie]

With regards to the fireworks display...

There was a family with a Disney guide standing right behind us at the Star Wars fireworks, when we were there in April. They didn't get special viewing or anything - they had to stand in the massive crowd with the rest of us. I only noticed them because I heard the son ask, "What's wrong with her?" and his father answered, "Ignore her, she's just being a spoiled brat." When I turned around, I realized they were talking about a teenaged girl in their party, who... I suppose was tired after a long day of trekking around a theme park with her family. When her dad said that, though, she went from pouting to wailing at her mum. I heard bits and pieces of, "He always...! No one understands...!" and so forth. She spent the entirety of the fireworks crying on her mum's shoulder. And dad said something about, "If this goes on much longer, they're going to have to bail me out of jail."

I felt pretty sorry for the castmember, actually. She didn't seem to know what to do, other than to focus on the boy (who was the only one of the lot of them who seemed to be enjoying the experience).

I think, sometimes, less is more, even when you have a guide. Pick one fireworks show, make sure everyone's happy and enjoying themselves, and don't try to do everything in one day.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We did not have to walk out of EP on our tour. We were picked up backstage and dropped off right near whatever ride or area we wanted. I imagine you could be picked up from backstage in whatever country you were closest to and brought right to backstage main Street quickly.

I don't think you can do all four parks but it didn't take us more than 20 minutes to move between any of them on our VIP tour. Of course, I wanted to walk as little as possible. You can do more if you want to see more of the parks.

I wasn't suggesting they had to exit EP at one of the designated entrances/exits. Yes, no matter where you are, you still have to exit EP (even if it's exiting a door and going backstage, get into the car, drive to MK (which could take quite a while in traffic), park and enter MK. They cannot park a car, open a door and you are simply where you want to be. There will still be some walking no matter where that car is parked. For example, when we took the tour, we parked right outside Buzz Lightyear in MK, walked around MK and still had to walk back to Buzz Lightyear to get back into the car.

If you find out more info please update!

I've read general information online, we are also going in December, and I would be interested in a guide for Epcot and HS. I can't find if this exists or if you have to do all of the parks.

I don't care about using a vip tour for fireworks, mainly for rides and meet and greets (Star Wars specifically).

It looks like there is also a less expensive version that focuses on the ride attractions.

Anyone know if there is an Epcot package that would benefit for Holidays around the World?

A VIP tour guide will take you wherever you want to go. 1 park, 2 parks, 4 parks. It's totally up to you.

 

[21stamps]

My 12 yr old son and I went to WDW for the first time last Aug. Fun but hot and tiring. I could never get him to the parks at night because he just wanted to be in the pool. This year, we have a Dec trip planned (17-22) and my DH will be joining us. But, we are very crowd avoidant (which is why we went in late Aug last year).

So, we are considering a VIP guide. I know Disney guides are $600/hr and non CM are less. Please weight in on your experiences with each.

For this trip, we would really like to concentrate on WDW at night -- especially parades and fireworks. We will be booking the guide for late afternoon or early evening (and then for 6 hrs).

We are newbies, so anyone who has done this -- how did you orchestrate moving from one fireworks display in Epcot to one at the MK? WAs there enough time to see both? And what else should we include -- parade at MK? Anything at HS? Water pageant?

Thanks for your help!

Op what are your dates? The price is $450 ph from November until 12/17 and are available to book now. $600 ph starting 12/18 thru the end of the year.

I just got off the phone with a very nice woman who is emailing more information to me.

Here is what I've found out so far-
(I am interested in Epcot and HS only)

There is no advantage with the Storytellers unfortunately. But there is and advantage with Star Wars characters at HS.
You do not stop to eat at a table service restaurant on the tour (I'm actually happy about this).
You get priority seating at all shows and FP+ access to all attractions. As well as Jedi Training participation (they only have 6 spots for the tour though so you need to specify if want this).

I realize that you are looking at the fireworks shows, so I can't help there. In my case we are interested in a 9am-4pm tour, and then candlelight Processional dinner package - she said they will take us to our restaurant when finished.

Also, if you have photo pass the guide will make sure that you still get several photos. It sounds like the other tours are not as accommodating on that front.

I suggest calling and asking specific questions, I haven't been able to find much online.

 

[Enna]

Did you do all 4 parks or could you only do 2 if requested?

We did three parks, only because we opted to pass on AK.

 

[EllinK]

Did you do all 4 parks or could you only do 2 if requested?

I've done lots of searching on this topic. You can do whatever you want -- even just 1 park if that's how you want to spend the time you've purchased with a plaid.

 

[monique5]

If you find out more info please update!

I've read general information online, we are also going in December, and I would be interested in a guide for Epcot and HS. I can't find if this exists or if you have to do all of the parks.

I don't care about using a vip tour for fireworks, mainly for rides and meet and greets (Star Wars specifically).

It looks like there is also a less expensive version that focuses on the ride attractions.

Anyone know if there is an Epcot package that would benefit for Holidays around the World?

There is a Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour &
Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour.

 

[gap2368]

I

My 12 yr old son and I went to WDW for the first time last Aug. Fun but hot and tiring. I could never get him to the parks at night because he just wanted to be in the pool. This year, we have a Dec trip planned (17-22) and my DH will be joining us. But, we are very crowd avoidant (which is why we went in late Aug last year).

So, we are considering a VIP guide. I know Disney guides are $600/hr and non CM are less. Please weight in on your experiences with each.

For this trip, we would really like to concentrate on WDW at night -- especially parades and fireworks. We will be booking the guide for late afternoon or early evening (and then for 6 hrs).

We are newbies, so anyone who has done this -- how did you orchestrate moving from one fireworks display in Epcot to one at the MK? WAs there enough time to see both? And what else should we include -- parade at MK? Anything at HS? Water pageant?

Thanks for your help!

would do the altamet day of thrill VIP tour then do the dessert part for the fireworks at MK EPCOT you really do not need anything but to find a spot in WS about 20 before

 

[EllinK]

I would do the altamet day of thrill VIP tour then do the dessert part for the fireworks at MK EPCOT you really do not need anything but to find a spot in WS about 20 before

This is an interesting idea. I feel like I read a review of the Day of Thrills a while back and Disney had made some substitutions in the rides and the restaurant that were less than satisfactory -- but I will check it out. Thanks!

 

[ellie05]

Good to know that you didn't find the crowds too overwhelming. I think for the rides a touring plan is great but not sure that will help much with parades and fireworks KWIM?

The unofficial guide has plenty of information about parades/shows. I never had a problem seeing the parades or shows. Since Christmas falls on a weekend this year I am not sure how that would affect crowds or schools schedules.!

 

[Accident]

Just so I understand.. this is because your son doesn't want to leave the resort pool? That wouldn't fly in my family if your looking for tips on this

On topic:

I love the vip ultimate thrills tour but that is not at night.

There is a VIP group run tour you can take during the holidays that is specific to seeing all the night shows. It's much less than hiring vip services if it hits the things you want to do. It usually comes out near the end of summer. In the past it was specific to seeing the lights around property so you'd start with dinner and the show at epcot, then head to osbourne lights then over to MK for their holiday castle and fireworks. Not sure if or what this tour would be this year but as it gets closer it might be perfect for you, a new way to see disney at night and cost less than what your thinking..

I personally wouldn't pay vip prices to have them drive me between parks so I can stand around waiting for fireworks.. Also right now, there is no possible way they could get you to all the fireworks in 1 night. epcot usually happens at the same time as MK (and you can see them both if you stand near japan).. HS usually starts a couple minutes after epcot finishes.. There is just no way to get between the parks in time to see them.

 

[gap2368]

There is a Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour &
Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour.

I did the thrills one it is great

 

[EllinK]

Just so I understand.. this is because your son doesn't want to leave the resort pool? That wouldn't fly in my family if your looking for tips on this

On topic:

I love the vip ultimate thrills tour but that is not at night.

There is a VIP group run tour you can take during the holidays that is specific to seeing all the night shows. It's much less than hiring vip services if it hits the things you want to do. It usually comes out near the end of summer.

None of us are big on crowds which is why we usually avoid theme parks during the busy seasons : )
I have not heard about the VIP night show tour!!! That sounds perfect! Do you know what it's called?

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience. This topic is of great interest so please keep the ideas coming!

 

[gap2368]

This is an interesting idea. I feel like I read a review of the Day of Thrills a while back and Disney had made some substitutions in the rides and the restaurant that were less than satisfactory -- but I will check it out. Thanks!

I just realized they do not offer it during christmas not sure of the dates

 

[Accident]

None of us are big on crowds which is why we usually avoid theme parks during the busy seasons : )
I have not heard about the VIP night show tour!!! That sounds perfect! Do you know what it's called?

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience. This topic is of great interest so please keep the ideas coming!

It was called the holiday d-lights tour. (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/holiday-d-lights/) they have updated it to remove osbourne lights from the list but I suspect end of summer they will revamp the whole thing when they publish dates it will be available. Assuming they don't revamp the whole tour and rename it. it's just something to keep watching to see what the tour becomes as it gets closer to your trip..

Also did you consider maybe doing a family fireworks cruise on a party night? get your own boat with some food and float around bay lake watching the fireworks from the boat. It's not a pool but it's different.

 

[VillainFavs]

It was called the holiday d-lights tour. (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/holiday-d-lights/) they have updated it to remove osbourne lights from the list but I suspect end of summer they will revamp the whole thing when they publish dates it will be available. Assuming they don't revamp the whole tour and rename it. it's just something to keep watching to see what the tour becomes as it gets closer to your trip..

Also did you consider maybe doing a family fireworks cruise on a party night? get your own boat with some food and float around bay lake watching the fireworks from the boat. It's not a pool but it's different.

You have to be 16.

 

[Best_Vacation_EVER!]

As others have mentioned you may enjoy a fireworks cruise. We did the Illuminations one earlier this month and ordered private dining for on the cruise. The view of Illuminations was wonderful and the captain took us over to watch the DHS Star Wars fireworks after Illuminations was finished. It was a great experience.

 

[MermaidMommy]

One other option for Epcot is to reserve a private party. I think the minimum cost is $400 or so. There are threads with more details. You customize your menu. I've seen very good reviews and have considered it for one of our upcoming trips.

As PP said, Holiday D-Lights is 16 and up, and Disney is VERY strict about age limits. Your son wouldn't be able to do it.

In Epcot, you can get a private Illuminations viewing area at the Italy Overlook for $150. It's just a small balcony area, but it should be able to fit three, I think. There's no food service, but you can bring your own food and drinks with you. A CM will meet you there half an hour before Illuminations starts, and you'll have the whole space to yourself until it's over. The viewing is fantastic because you're above the crowds, and it was great getting to sit and spread out with our drinks and snacks while we waited.

 

[21stamps]

There is a Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour &
Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour.

The Ultimate Day of Thrills is a set itinerary with MK, HS, and AK. I looked at it- the price is much better! But unfortunately it doesn't accomplish what I'm looking for- access to Star Wars Characters, shows, rides in HS and Epcot only. We could knock out Jedi Training, all HS and Epcot rides and shows, and then enjoy dinner, CP, and Illuminations. Could head back to HS on a different evening and have a more leisurely pace focusing on rides and Minnie's Holiday Dine F! package.

I really would like to read more reviews on those two parks specifically for the tour. Can't find much...and I've been searching!!!

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

We've done the VIP tour and it was fantastic, but we used it to park hop and hit major rides. With your dates of Dec. 17 - Dec. 22, why not consider booking the Wishes dessert party, Fantasmic dining package and any other nighttime dessert parties/dining packages that are available during that travel period? You can even get FP+ for Fantasmic and Illuminations (and most likely the new AK show.) With the dessert parties, you get a designated viewing area that has a capped number, so you aren't fighting crowds for spots. You could do one per night and not have to rush around to see everything in one night.

This was my line of thinking. You would save a lot of money and still get what you're looking for (capped crowds) and it would be much more relaxing.

Also I feel the need to point out the Law of Diminishing Returns and that by the time you've seen 2 fireworks shows that night, how special will Wishes be?