VIP Tour Suggestions - What would you do?

[MommyJKM]

We were (fortunately) gifted a VIP tour which we're taking in 11 days - on Sunday May 25. I'm nervous about the crowds since it's the day after the 24-hour event, Grad Night, AND Memorial Day Weekend (what was I thinking?) and it's the only day we're going to the park so I want to maximize our day and
because we'll never be able to afford to do this again.

When we created our itinerary, I requested to ride in the Lilly Belle and the kids want to do RSR (hopefully are tall enough) and Reserved Seating for F! and Aladdin but I'm afraid to miss out on anything else cool we could do. We have to finalize the day by Monday so a friend suggested asking the DISboard experts!

It's My DD (3), My cousin and her DD (6) and DS (3) and my Mom and Aunt (60).

 

[Girimama33]

We were (fortunately) gifted a VIP tour which we're taking in 11 days - on Sunday May 25. I'm nervous about the crowds since it's the day after the 24-hour event, Grad Night, AND Memorial Day Weekend (what was I thinking?) and it's the only day we're going to the park so I want to maximize our day and
because we'll never be able to afford to do this again.

When we created our itinerary, I requested to ride in the Lilly Belle and the kids want to do RSR (hopefully are tall enough) and Reserved Seating for F! and Aladdin but I'm afraid to miss out on anything else cool we could do. We have to finalize the day by Monday so a friend suggested asking the DISboard experts!

It's My DD (3), My cousin and her DD (6) and DS (3) and my Mom and Aunt (60).

I think you should ask each person in your group their 3 must dos. That may help your list. I also think rides that are slow loaders like Peter Pan, Dumbo. Matterhorn and Toy Story Mid Way Mania would be good to get on during a tour since they do not offer FP.

 

[pinksand]

rides that are slow loaders like Peter Pan, Dumbo. Matterhorn and Toy Story Mid Way Mania would be good to get on during a tour since they do not offer FP.

Just a note: Peter Pan is one of the (few) rides that doesn't have VIP tour access.

The Mark Twain Wheelhouse is also a nice thing to do, although you may have too many in your party. I'm not sure of how many can fit - I think it's 4 or 5.

Have fun and don't worry about the crowds - the best time to take a VIP Tour is when it is super-crowded!

 

[lalasmama]

How tall are the kiddos in your group? They need to be 40" for RSR.

 

[MommyJKM]

How tall are the kiddos in your group? They need to be 40" for RSR.

The 3yr olds are about 38" and 39" - Here's hoping they'll pass for RSR if we give them veggies all week

 

[MommyJKM]

Just a note: Peter Pan is one of the (few) rides that doesn't have VIP tour access.

The Mark Twain Wheelhouse is also a nice thing to do, although you may have too many in your party. I'm not sure of how many can fit - I think it's 4 or 5.

Have fun and don't worry about the crowds - the best time to take a VIP Tour is when it is super-crowded!

Thanks PinkSand! I had no idea about the Wheelhouse! or PP with no VIP access for that matter...I think my nephew would have asked for PP.

 

[Malcon10t]

Here are my 2¢....

Know what you can and cannot do with the tour. Don't waste your time using the tour to ride something not accessible to the Tour.

This is most of the available rides to VIP...

In addition to all FP rides..

It’s a Small World
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Matterhorn Bobsleds
(1 ride in Fantasyland, used to be Alice, but changed out...)

Disney California Adventure attractions:

Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Muppet *Vision 3D
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Maters

Also, you can get seating to Aladdin and front access to Disney Jr. (I would say don't waste your time, but as you have ones who may not make the height, it may be worth it.) Also Mickey's Magical Map (if it is playing...)

Be aware, the reserved seating for Fantasmic! is not seats, but on the steps between towers. I really like the area, but don't want you to expect chairs.

A couple things to note, the tour guide cannot watch your children while you ride, one adult needs to stay with those under 18. So, what we commonly ride twice. One adult stays off with the little ones while everyone rides, then an adult swaps out and everyone rides again.

Most of the guides do very well with kids. They are very engaging. In all the years of doing tours, I've only had 1 guide we didn't enjoy. You will find it very addicting. We use VIP tours when we can. We took a tour last Christmas and included my sister, BIL, adn their 6 kids, and my BIL (hated Disneyland in the past) says form now on when he goes, they will have a tour guide.

 

[Nonsuch]

We were (fortunately) gifted a VIP tour...

When we created our itinerary, I requested to ride in the Lilly Belle and the kids want to do RSR (hopefully are tall enough) and Reserved Seating for F! and Aladdin but I'm afraid to miss out on anything else cool we could do...

That is an awesome gift

Is this an all day (open to close) tour, or a fixed number of hours?
If a partial day, it should be possible to book Fantasmic! seating even after the tour guide has left you for the day (tour noon-8, F! at 9).

In addition to all FP rides..
Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook was no longer available for VIP tours in February, although this could have changed.

TSMM and Matterhorn are two rides that have the maximum benefit from a VIP tour

...Be aware, the reserved seating for Fantasmic! is not seats, but on the steps between towers. I really like the area, but don't want you to expect chairs.

Fantasmic! seating is a great part of a VIP tour
Although seating is on the ground, the view is excellent.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We're planning on doing this in August; I'm so excited! How great that you were gifted tickets!!

In addition to what others have suggested, I've heard that they can get you to the characters quicker as well since they know when and where they will be in advance. We're going to try to get DD10 a Pooh signing and DD14 a Tink/Peter Pan signing.

Would love to hear about your experiences when you return!

 

[BriannaRuth]

Did they confirm that the Lilly Belle was available for VIP? Has anyone else been able to ride it? I know it hasn't been available for regular guests for a while, but I don't know about VIP.

 

[Malcon10t]

Did they confirm that the Lilly Belle was available for VIP? Has anyone else been able to ride it? I know it hasn't been available for regular guests for a while, but I don't know about VIP.

Yes, it is available for VIP tours.

Also, don't be afraid to reride rides! My nieces one year wanted to ride Screamin'. They rode it 5 times in a row.

Don't forget to water your guides!!!! So many people get busy in the go-go-go mode, they forget the guides need liquid and potty breaks. If we eat/snack, we get our guides food also. If we get water, we get them one too. And I make sure that we take bathroom breaks, simply so they have the option...

We usually tip about $100.

 

[Kristina4109]

Yes, it is available for VIP tours.

Also, don't be afraid to reride rides! My nieces one year wanted to ride Screamin'. They rode it 5 times in a row.

Don't forget to water your guides!!!! So many people get busy in the go-go-go mode, they forget the guides need liquid and potty breaks. If we eat/snack, we get our guides food also. If we get water, we get them one too. And I make sure that we take bathroom breaks, simply so they have the option...

We usually tip about $100.

You take very good care of your guides!

 

[CassieF]

Did they confirm that the Lilly Belle was available for VIP? Has anyone else been able to ride it? I know it hasn't been available for regular guests for a while, but I don't know about VIP.

It is back out again, and while I don't have any info on the VIP tours, they are doing one regular tour per day, somi'd imagine VIP would be able to do it as well

 

[MommyJKM]

Yes, it is available for VIP tours.

Also, don't be afraid to reride rides! My nieces one year wanted to ride Screamin'. They rode it 5 times in a row.

Don't forget to water your guides!!!! So many people get busy in the go-go-go mode, they forget the guides need liquid and potty breaks. If we eat/snack, we get our guides food also. If we get water, we get them one too. And I make sure that we take bathroom breaks, simply so they have the option...

We usually tip about $100.

We did confirm the Lily Belle, my nephew is obsessed with trains so that was his one request

Thanks for the reminder on hydrating/feeding the guides. With 3 little ones we'll be taking plenty of potty breaks, maybe we can skip that line?

I read to tip $20 per person so I budgeted $150 to tip but I'll remember to add another $50 for snacks/drinks/meals etc.

So excited!!

 

[MommyJKM]

We're planning on doing this in August; I'm so excited! How great that you were gifted tickets!!

In addition to what others have suggested, I've heard that they can get you to the characters quicker as well since they know when and where they will be in advance. We're going to try to get DD10 a Pooh signing and DD14 a Tink/Peter Pan signing.

Would love to hear about your experiences when you return!

Apparently some Club 33 members were given the VIP tours as a "Sorry for the Construction" while it's being renovated.

I'm going to ask about Anna & Elsa M&G since we have 2 little princesses with us. I made my DD (3) an autograph book since she's about the age where she knows all the characters now.
I'll attempt a trip report when we get back

 

[MommyJKM]

Here are my 2¢....

Know what you can and cannot do with the tour. Don't waste your time using the tour to ride something not accessible to the Tour.

Also, you can get seating to Aladdin and front access to Disney Jr. (I would say don't waste your time, but as you have ones who may not make the height, it may be worth it.) Also Mickey's Magical Map (if it is playing...)

Be aware, the reserved seating for Fantasmic! is not seats, but on the steps between towers. I really like the area, but don't want you to expect chairs.

A couple things to note, the tour guide cannot watch your children while you ride, one adult needs to stay with those under 18. So, what we commonly ride twice. One adult stays off with the little ones while everyone rides, then an adult swaps out and everyone rides again.

Thanks Malcon10t, great info! My Mom and Aunt prob won't ride most of the rides as they are in their 60's but I'm glad you told us about F! not having chairs. I think I will purchase the Dessert Package for those 2 so they can sit after walking all day.

 

[Nonsuch]

...My Mom and Aunt prob won't ride most of the rides as they are in their 60's but I'm glad you told us about F! not having chairs. I think I will purchase the Dessert Package for those 2 so they can sit after walking all day.

The reserved "seating" for F! is on concrete steps, which is slightly better than flat ground. The area is generally not very crowded (by design).

If you do opt for the Dessert Package, some of those chairs are adjacent to the reserved area -- so your group can be together

 

[Malcon10t]

Thanks Malcon10t, great info! My Mom and Aunt prob won't ride most of the rides as they are in their 60's but I'm glad you told us about F! not having chairs. I think I will purchase the Dessert Package for those 2 so they can sit after walking all day.

I have pictures. The seating area is on either side.

OK, my sons are sitting on the steps. The people behind them (by the rope, the front stairs jut over in front of part of the premium area) are in the premium seating area.

This is a look from the front area of the stairs to the back area of the stairs.

And the view...

 

[MommyJKM]

I have pictures. The seating area is on either side.

OK, my sons are sitting on the steps. The people behind them (by the rope, the front stairs jut over in front of part of the premium area) are in the premium seating area.

Would you suggest I get the dessert package for 2 60-yr old ladies? My cousin and I and the kids would be happy with the seating (Thanks for the pics! Love that your kids look like us on a family vacation...checking the phone and playing Candy Crush )

 

[Malcon10t]

Would you suggest I get the dessert package for 2 60-yr old ladies? My cousin and I and the kids would be happy with the seating (Thanks for the pics! Love that your kids look like us on a family vacation...checking the phone and playing Candy Crush )

My mom (72) sits on the steps, as do I (54). Considering you can walk up a few minutes (and I do mean a few minutes, I usually arrive 10 mins prior) before and the show is 23 mins long, it really isn't than long on the steps.

But, getting the chairs does mean having to line up to get the seats. Personally, unless they really have problems getting up and down, I'd just go with the steps.