VIP Tour

[wendydarling78]

Private VIP Tour info- a day with a "plaid!" I thought I would post this here because it was hard for me to find info on the VIP tour, and I thought others may have the same questions!
We live in Ohio and have done WDW more times than I can count, but we'd never done Disneyland! Knowing that we only had one day to split between two parks, I booked a VIP guide through Disney. We had a breakfast reservation at Mickey's Surf's Up character breakfast at 8:00, so we arranged to meet our guide in the lobby of the Paradise Pier Hotel at 9:30. (Our tour included free valet parking across the street at the Grand Californian.) When I had emailed the concierge staff, I explained that we wanted to ride as many rides as we possibly could and see all of the "iconic" Disneyland rides. They did not disappoint!
We had our guide 9:30-4:30. The minimum is 6 hours, and I paid extra for the 7th hour. In that time, we rode 15 rides:
Soarin'
California Screamin'
Toy Story Midway Mania
Cars Radiator Racers
Guardians of the Galaxy
Big Thunder Mt RR
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mt
Jungle Cruise
Matterhorn
Small World
Space Mt
Star Tours
Buzz Lightyear
During that time, our guide also arranged a private meet and greet with Mickey Mouse before dropping us off at the Blue Bayou for dinner. (There were no openings available online, the concierge team secured our dinner reservation as well.)
After dinner, we wandered through the Tarzan Treehouse and checked out some shops and attractions like the Sleeping Beauty castle walk through.
The concierge team secured us evening reservations as well. We had preferred seating (with chairs/benches) for both the World of Color at DCA AND for the Electric Light Parade at DL.
In addition, our guide was a wealth of knowledge on Disney trivia and hidden Mickeys. He coached us on how to get high scores on the Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story rides, and he took some really great group pictures for us!
There is NO WAY that we could have seen and done that much on our own! Especially because we were so unfamiliar with the parks. It was truly the easiest and best day ever at a Disney park!

 

[whoever]

Appreciate the review and some inside info on what you get.. Wish we could do that.

 

[MacMama0930]

Private VIP Tour info- a day with a "plaid!" I thought I would post this here because it was hard for me to find info on the VIP tour, and I thought others may have the same questions!
We live in Ohio and have done WDW more times than I can count, but we'd never done Disneyland! Knowing that we only had one day to split between two parks, I booked a VIP guide through Disney. We had a breakfast reservation at Mickey's Surf's Up character breakfast at 8:00, so we arranged to meet our guide in the lobby of the Paradise Pier Hotel at 9:30. (Our tour included free valet parking across the street at the Grand Californian.) When I had emailed the concierge staff, I explained that we wanted to ride as many rides as we possibly could and see all of the "iconic" Disneyland rides. They did not disappoint!
We had our guide 9:30-4:30. The minimum is 6 hours, and I paid extra for the 7th hour. In that time, we rode 15 rides:
Soarin'
California Screamin'
Toy Story Midway Mania
Cars Radiator Racers
Guardians of the Galaxy
Big Thunder Mt RR
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mt
Jungle Cruise
Matterhorn
Small World
Space Mt
Star Tours
Buzz Lightyear
During that time, our guide also arranged a private meet and greet with Mickey Mouse before dropping us off at the Blue Bayou for dinner. (There were no openings available online, the concierge team secured our dinner reservation as well.)
After dinner, we wandered through the Tarzan Treehouse and checked out some shops and attractions like the Sleeping Beauty castle walk through.
The concierge team secured us evening reservations as well. We had preferred seating (with chairs/benches) for both the World of Color at DCA AND for the Electric Light Parade at DL.
In addition, our guide was a wealth of knowledge on Disney trivia and hidden Mickeys. He coached us on how to get high scores on the Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story rides, and he took some really great group pictures for us!
There is NO WAY that we could have seen and done that much on our own! Especially because we were so unfamiliar with the parks. It was truly the easiest and best day ever at a Disney park!

This is great! I've been reading everything I can on these tours, as I've booked one for December 16th, and I keep mulling over the cost - whether or not it'll be worth it for us. We do know the park and have been on all the rides, but I'm looking for relatively easy access since we're going at such a busy time, plus I want the preferred seating for the Christmas parade and fireworks, etc. thanks for the review! Can I pick your brain on other things?

 

[2Bnºoºt2B]

How much was it if you don't mind me asking

 

[MacMama0930]

How much was it if you don't mind me asking

It depends on whether it's peak time or off season. I know it starts at $2400 (which it's a 6 hour minimum, so the least expensive is $400/hr). Since we're going on a Sat in December, it is $550/hr...

 

[wendydarling78]

This is great! I've been reading everything I can on these tours, as I've booked one for December 16th, and I keep mulling over the cost - whether or not it'll be worth it for us. We do know the park and have been on all the rides, but I'm looking for relatively easy access since we're going at such a busy time, plus I want the preferred seating for the Christmas parade and fireworks, etc. thanks for the review! Can I pick your brain on other things?

Sure! Pick away!

 

[wendydarling78]

It depends on whether it's peak time or off season. I know it starts at $2400 (which it's a 6 hour minimum, so the least expensive is $400/hr). Since we're going on a Sat in December, it is $550/hr...

Correct! Ours was a Tuesday in July and was $400/hour.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

So cost is constant no matter how many people (up to the maximum)?

 

[Malcon10t]

So cost is constant no matter how many people (up to the maximum)?

Yes. 1 person or 10 people.

 

[dtrain]

Holy moolah, Batman!

 

[MacMama0930]

Holy moolah, Batman!

I know, it's a tough pill to swallow. This trip, for us, is like a go-all-out-once-in-a-lifetime type of trip. Not that we won't go to DL again since we're APs but just that this time we're making it extra special. Hoping I don't spoil myself too much because this will be a luxury I can't afford to do all the time!!

 

[DisneylandDarling]

How fun! When we see the plaids with people, we always try to guess if they're famous or not! "Was that Jason Bateman?" "Noooo, that was just some dad with his kids!" lol I've always been curious to know if it's worth it or not. We're pretty quick and make good use of the FPs, so can usually do many rides per day (from opening to close). I've considered the vip for a graduation trip we are planning, but again, wasn't sure if there was a good return on the per hour spent. I'm actually surprised they only got you on 15 rides during that 7 hour time frame (which comes out at about 2.5 an hour, give or take an hour lunch). I know we've been able to knock out quite a few of those within the first hour or two at park opening. Did you go during a fairly busy time? If so, that might explain it. Thanks for the info, there's not a whole lot out there! It'll be something to take into consideration.

 

[wendydarling78]

Holy moolah, Batman!

It's not AS bad if you can split it with some friends and family!

 

[MacMama0930]

How fun! When we see the plaids with people, we always try to guess if they're famous or not! "Was that Jason Bateman?" "Noooo, that was just some dad with his kids!" lol I've always been curious to know if it's worth it or not. We're pretty quick and make good use of the FPs, so can usually do many rides per day (from opening to close). I've considered the vip for a graduation trip we are planning, but again, wasn't sure if there was a good return on the per hour spent. I'm actually surprised they only got you on 15 rides during that 7 hour time frame (which comes out at about 2.5 an hour, give or take an hour lunch). I know we've been able to knock out quite a few of those within the first hour or two at park opening. Did you go during a fairly busy time? If so, that might explain it. Thanks for the info, there's not a whole lot out there! It'll be something to take into consideration.

Ya, I'm only doing it because we'll be there at the beginning of "Christmas break" and I know it'll be packed. I told our VIP coordinator I wanted to focus on more Christmas things and shows/experiences with ease, like the Christmas parade, WOC, fireworks, etc, or in PtN is coming back. I want it to be hassle free. Again, it's a splurge for sure, something that I hope I don't regret doing!

 

[Malcon10t]

I'm actually surprised they only got you on 15 rides during that 7 hour time frame (which comes out at about 2.5 an hour, give or take an hour lunch).

It really depends on the rides. For example, Indy will eat up 30-40 mins. It is just that long of a hike in and out and wait. GOTG will be at least 20 mins. We've done a LOT of rides on tours. We did circle Screamin' 5 times because my granddaughter wanted to ride it 5 times in a row. This was followed by a ride on TSMM, then over for 10 rides on Goofy's Sky Skool. Why? Because that was what she wanted. So in about 2.5 hours that was 16 rides, but they were fast loads. Longest wait was for TSMM.

 

[wendydarling78]

How fun! When we see the plaids with people, we always try to guess if they're famous or not! "Was that Jason Bateman?" "Noooo, that was just some dad with his kids!" lol I've always been curious to know if it's worth it or not. We're pretty quick and make good use of the FPs, so can usually do many rides per day (from opening to close). I've considered the vip for a graduation trip we are planning, but again, wasn't sure if there was a good return on the per hour spent. I'm actually surprised they only got you on 15 rides during that 7 hour time frame (which comes out at about 2.5 an hour, give or take an hour lunch). I know we've been able to knock out quite a few of those within the first hour or two at park opening. Did you go during a fairly busy time? If so, that might explain it. Thanks for the info, there's not a whole lot out there! It'll be something to take into consideration.

We were definitely busy moving the whole time! Part of it was that we walked through both parks, so a little travel in between. We did stop several times to use bathrooms, grab a drink/snack, and to buy socks and BandAids for one member of our group who was getting blisters.

We got stuck on Pirates of the Caribbean for about 10 minutes. We were supposed to do Indy, but it was broken day every time we walked past. I'd say our longest line was Star Tours at 15-20 minutes. Other than that, we pretty much walked on the rides.

 

[MacMama0930]

OP, how was your WOC view with the benches? I had originally figured I'd stay in DL for nighttime entertainment, since there will be fireworks scheduled our night (which hopefully they don't get cancelled!!), but I'm wondering if we'd be able to pull off making it to WOC, too? Probably not. I had planned on doing the WOC DP the following night were there, but then I got to thinking maybe I could include it in our tour.

Also, did you sit for any other shows, like Frozen or Mickey and the Magical Map? I don't think we need to Frozen again, unless it was front row maybe that'd be cool - but I want to see Mickey and the Magical Map!

And lastly, for now anyways, did you get to do anything unique, like see the pet cemetery behind HM or see the Dream Suite or Walts Apartment?

 

[Malcon10t]

OP, how was your WOC view with the benches? I had originally figured I'd stay in DL for nighttime entertainment, since there will be fireworks scheduled our night (which hopefully they don't get cancelled!!), but I'm wondering if we'd be able to pull off making it to WOC, too? Probably not. I had planned on doing the WOC DP the following night were there, but then I got to thinking maybe I could include it in our tour.

The VIP viewing seating is directly behind the Dessert party (up a level.) We enjoy the viewing from there.

Also, did you sit for any other shows, like Frozen or Mickey and the Magical Map? I don't think we need to Frozen again, unless it was front row maybe that'd be cool - but I want to see Mickey and the Magical Map!

The seating for Mickey's Magical Map is on the left side, up one level. It isn't my favorite view. These days you can walk up 5 minutes before showtime and get a decent seat.

Frozen takes up a lot of tour time. Basically an hour and 10 mins or so. You are escorted in prior to opening the doors for the others, so if you want front row, you got it.

And lastly, for now anyways, did you get to do anything unique, like see the pet cemetery behind HM or see the Dream Suite or Walts Apartment?

The Dream Suite and Walt's Apartment are not accessible with the VIP tour.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks for the post! I am hoping to do this for my birthday some year. My next big one is 60, but I don't want to wait that long!

 

[Nonsuch]

OP, how was your WOC view with the benches? I had originally figured I'd stay in DL for nighttime entertainment, since there will be fireworks scheduled our night (which hopefully they don't get cancelled!!), but I'm wondering if we'd be able to pull off making it to WOC, too? Probably not. I had planned on doing the WOC DP the following night were there, but then I got to thinking maybe I could include it in our tour...

I would recommend you keep with your original plan: Stay in DL for Fireworks and perhaps late Fantasmic, and WOC DP another night.
You will quite tired after a day on tour, and "Death March' between parks is not much fun.

Frozen seating along with a VIP Tour might need to be during the actual tour hours (rules can vary), so booking the Frozen Lunch package might be a better value.