Do we get a member discount for Disney's Private Tour Guide?

[Starr W.]

I view it as a way for generally more wealthy folks to skip every line -- they go right to the front of each line as far as I know. Is that fair? Bet you can do a lot in 6 hours with no lines.

We stood in line with a VIP tour group for Philormagic. Dad, 3 kids and CM.
They then proceeded over to Winnie the Pooh and the CM got them FP.

 

[Inkmahm]

... and how do I apply for this position to become a personal private tour guide to the parks? How does one verify their qualifications and experience for this position? I'd love to see the resume's -

• 30 years experience riding space mountain
• 35 years experience as a frequnter to the Main St Penny Arcade
• 28 dinning experiences at the Liberty Tavern
• Working knowledge of back streets and unmapped roadways

We actually asked our Keys to the Kingdom tour guide that very question since some days she works as a private guide. She also works as concierge for the family who wins the night in Cinderella's castle!

The answer is you work your way up. She has been a CM for 10 years and started out selling popcorn and turkey legs. Many jobs later, she is a guide.

 

[vbarry]

Thanks for all the info. I worked the numbers and it is only going to cost our family $300 a day (since we are splitting it 3 ways!). We cannot take a tour for that amount. I will check-in after we get back. I did a search on the DIS and every person that has done this had a very positive experience.

It may not be for everyone and our family would not be doing it if we were going alone but with sooo many people during the week of Christmas I think it will be well worth every penny.

 

[Beth]

Just a reminder that TourGuide Mike - one of this site's sponsors - offers these services, as well.

Check out his website. One thing that he offers that (supposedly) Disney does "not," is that you can "meet" your guide long before your trip, and exchange ideas, special requests, preferences, etc BEFORE your trip... so that they can "get to know you."

He feels that this is a really valuable service... so that no time is wasted during precious "park time."

DISCLAIMER - I have no affiliation with TourGuide Mike... never used him... don't know anyone who HAS. (Although William Shatner left a nice referral on his website!)

...I just spent some time reading through his website yesterday, and it sounded pretty neat.

His rates were slightly less than Disney's, but not much.

FWIW....

 

[Donna]

Just a reminder that TourGuide Mike - one of this site's sponsors - offers these services, as well.

Check out his website. One thing that he offers that (supposedly) Disney does "not," is that you can "meet" your guide long before your trip, and exchange ideas, special requests, preferences, etc BEFORE your trip... so that they can "get to know you."

He feels that this is a really valuable service... so that no time is wasted during precious "park time."

DISCLAIMER - I have no affiliation with TourGuide Mike... never used him... don't know anyone who HAS. (Although William Shatner left a nice referral on his website!)

...I just spent some time reading through his website yesterday, and it sounded pretty neat.

His rates were slightly less than Disney's, but not much.

FWIW....

apparently, TGM's previous job WAS as a VIP guide for Disney.
Just wanted to mention, we saw kelly ripa's husband, mark consuelos (with son), with a VIP guide at MK one day. they were backdoored on to the attractions we saw them at.

 

[Simba's Mom]

They had a family that did this and the narrator said that it is $100/hour with a 6 hour minimum. It is a great idea but I'd rather take that money and add on.

Thanks-from Mom. She insisted that the Travel Channel show said that it cost only $100/hour. I knew that the price was currently $125 and told her that. But she kept insisting "Well, but that's what the TV show said!" Tonight I'm going to watch "Disney on a Dime"-I think that's more for me anyways.

 

[LvsTnk]

OHHH what a great idea!! I hope you have a great time and looking forward to a report.....also sending some pixie dust that you can skip a line or two.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well, I for one think going over the holidays with newbies makes this a MARVELOUS idea!

 

[CarolA]

We were at WDW in March and came across the same family with their guide at the front of the line on at least 4 rides -- they nor their guide ever showed a fast pass (that I can recall or actually saw) and when I asked the CM she told me that they did not have to wait in line. Maybe she was unclear or did not know -- but my guess is that what is publicly said for PR purposes versus how it actually happens in practice may not quite be the same -- I do not beleive that these guides wait in lines as a general matter and that at least in many cases they get favored treatment a la no limit on number of fastpasses etc. Love to hear from someone who did it.

There are folks who don't wait in line....

However, that's not the benefit of the tour.

VIPs get a tour too and they don't wait. I once toured a park with Kelly Ripa (well not exactly WITH ) Kelly & family do not wait in line. Disney also will "Fast pass" people you and I might not recognize but that are official guests. (For example the "advance" crew for one of Samatha Brown's shows would be taken to the front of the line, a "famous" TV or movie producer would be given this privildge, top executives of Disney companies and important "sponsors" like GM)