MacMama0930
I've Found My Laughing Place
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2016
- Messages
- 1,016
I wanted to give my review of our recent experience with the VIP Tour for the holidays.
First of all, when I had been in contact with my coordinator I specified that I really wanted someone who would get on my kids level, take them by the hand and show them unique things about the park. We know the park, we’ve done all the rides multiple times, we were more looking for a unique holiday experience with a guide who would just guide the way and show us a good time.
We met our tour guide at 10am. She was a young lady who seemed nice enough. Although there wasn’t that immediate interaction with my kids like I had hoped. I was also a little disappointed when she just kind of asked “so what do you want to do?” So we still had to kind of lead the way and she never really threw out any suggestions. We started in Fantasyland and I must say, it was really nice getting to go through the exit immediately. I knew Peter Pan wasn’t accessible but we did ride a lot of the other ones and got on immediately. Except Dumbo. Dumbo took like 2 or 3 rounds before we got on. No biggie.
I can’t remember all the rides we did. I know we used the FP line for IJ and Big Thunder (multiple times), IASW, we got sneak through a secret entrance at POTC, and at Space Mountain, my husband and son and I got to ride and our guide stayed with my daughter which I thought was really nice. We went to DCA to do GotG but the FP line was too long, it would’ve taken up too much time. I went in knowing that we simply used the FP but I do wish there was some discretion there. For the amount of money a tour costs, there should be a way to experience a ride if the FP line is too long. By the way - our guide said the FP was too long and not worth it, not us.
We did Cars and Screamin and sat and had lunch. My daughter was losing her stamina quickly and our guide was able to call and request a stroller be brought out to us. Super quick, convenient service! Our guide spent more time talking to my husband about football than she talked to our kids. Even when I asked about hidden Mickeys, she never indulged or pointed any out. Don’t get me wrong, she was nice, and had it just been my husband and I, I wouldn’t really have any complaints. But I wanted it to be all about my kids and it wasn’t.
Our tour ended with seats for the Christmas parade, which was great!! Actual seats, showing up last minute, perfect front row view. It was awesome. My kids LOVED the parade. Their sweet faces lit up! We did tip our guide and said a sweet goodbye and thanked her. She gave us info about where to come back and sit for the fireworks, which was probably what I had most looked forward to.
We went back to our room and rested and napped and ventured back out for the fireworks. Again, awesome seats, perfect view, right in front of the castle. Sadly though, my fear was realized and wind caused the fireworks to get cancelled. Obviously I knew this was a possibility but was, nonetheless, a huge let down. It would’ve have been an amazing experience with those seats. Oh well
All in all, I wouldn’t do it again. I think it’s a great option is you aren’t familiar with the parks. But I know how to navigate the park so well, and now with Max Pass, I can do everything we want anyways. I didn’t feel like I got any more done than I would’ve if I had started the day during magic morning and used Max Pass. And with the cancellation of the fireworks, there just wasn’t enough offered to make the cost worth it.
I think that maybe with a different guide and if the fireworks hadn’t got cancelled, I would have a different opinion, but alas...I didn’t and they were.
We had a great trip. Loved CL at the GCH and would do that again in a heart beat. My daughter finally got up the courage on our last day to ride GotG and LOVED IT. I was so stoked cause it’s mine and my sons favorite ride and now she can do it with us! The crowds were totally manageable and the park atmosphere was extra special for the holidays. I will very likely do a holiday trip next year again, but without the tour
First of all, when I had been in contact with my coordinator I specified that I really wanted someone who would get on my kids level, take them by the hand and show them unique things about the park. We know the park, we’ve done all the rides multiple times, we were more looking for a unique holiday experience with a guide who would just guide the way and show us a good time.
We met our tour guide at 10am. She was a young lady who seemed nice enough. Although there wasn’t that immediate interaction with my kids like I had hoped. I was also a little disappointed when she just kind of asked “so what do you want to do?” So we still had to kind of lead the way and she never really threw out any suggestions. We started in Fantasyland and I must say, it was really nice getting to go through the exit immediately. I knew Peter Pan wasn’t accessible but we did ride a lot of the other ones and got on immediately. Except Dumbo. Dumbo took like 2 or 3 rounds before we got on. No biggie.
I can’t remember all the rides we did. I know we used the FP line for IJ and Big Thunder (multiple times), IASW, we got sneak through a secret entrance at POTC, and at Space Mountain, my husband and son and I got to ride and our guide stayed with my daughter which I thought was really nice. We went to DCA to do GotG but the FP line was too long, it would’ve taken up too much time. I went in knowing that we simply used the FP but I do wish there was some discretion there. For the amount of money a tour costs, there should be a way to experience a ride if the FP line is too long. By the way - our guide said the FP was too long and not worth it, not us.
We did Cars and Screamin and sat and had lunch. My daughter was losing her stamina quickly and our guide was able to call and request a stroller be brought out to us. Super quick, convenient service! Our guide spent more time talking to my husband about football than she talked to our kids. Even when I asked about hidden Mickeys, she never indulged or pointed any out. Don’t get me wrong, she was nice, and had it just been my husband and I, I wouldn’t really have any complaints. But I wanted it to be all about my kids and it wasn’t.
Our tour ended with seats for the Christmas parade, which was great!! Actual seats, showing up last minute, perfect front row view. It was awesome. My kids LOVED the parade. Their sweet faces lit up! We did tip our guide and said a sweet goodbye and thanked her. She gave us info about where to come back and sit for the fireworks, which was probably what I had most looked forward to.
We went back to our room and rested and napped and ventured back out for the fireworks. Again, awesome seats, perfect view, right in front of the castle. Sadly though, my fear was realized and wind caused the fireworks to get cancelled. Obviously I knew this was a possibility but was, nonetheless, a huge let down. It would’ve have been an amazing experience with those seats. Oh well
All in all, I wouldn’t do it again. I think it’s a great option is you aren’t familiar with the parks. But I know how to navigate the park so well, and now with Max Pass, I can do everything we want anyways. I didn’t feel like I got any more done than I would’ve if I had started the day during magic morning and used Max Pass. And with the cancellation of the fireworks, there just wasn’t enough offered to make the cost worth it.
I think that maybe with a different guide and if the fireworks hadn’t got cancelled, I would have a different opinion, but alas...I didn’t and they were.
We had a great trip. Loved CL at the GCH and would do that again in a heart beat. My daughter finally got up the courage on our last day to ride GotG and LOVED IT. I was so stoked cause it’s mine and my sons favorite ride and now she can do it with us! The crowds were totally manageable and the park atmosphere was extra special for the holidays. I will very likely do a holiday trip next year again, but without the tour
