This is a pretty good breakdown of the different options of Disney vs non-disney tours. I am still nervous figuring out if the private companies are legit, but the one mentioned here seems good and has responded quickly to all of my questions and the trip advisor reviews are perfect.
https://luxerecess.com/disney-vip-tours-review-cost-guide-disney-world-private-tour/
Anyone used a non-Disney service AND a Disney service to compare?
I would never use a non-Disney service. While they may be "in the know," it's going to be a different experience than going through Disney, and IMO just not worth the cost. I believe they use the many people getting FP technique, and unless you actually work for Disney and are plaid-vested, I'd rather do the park myself. Again, just my opinion and I can't really comment on the legitimacy because I've never done it, I just won't.
As far as the Disney VIP tours, I would definitely advise to think about WHY you want to do it. For the cool experience? Because you don't want to wait on lines? Because you want to get a lot done? Because you're going with a large group? IMO Disney's private VIP tour is worth it ONLY IF you are going during an incredibly busy time (which alternatively also makes the cost increase), if you have a lot of people in your party, if you have kids that want to ride different things, and if you don't want to spend more than X amount of hours in the park (keep in mind your min. hours and taking food breaks - it still counts towards your hours, as well as parade times (you do get a special viewing area, or if your kids want to take part in something... most of the people picked for Indiana Jones? Most likely part of a VIP tour, etc). We've had such a great experience with them (we're only 2, and the cost is great if you go with others), but I'm so glad for our last trip we decided against it. The thing to remember is the guides only use FP lines, so if the park isn't crowded it's sort of a waste (for us at least). They are an unlimited FP. So you can ultimately already get at least 4 FP (there's really no reason why you can't). Our last trip was during such a down time that we had no problem with getting many FP's, OR waiting on the regular line (I don't think we ever waited for more than 20 minutes on ANYTHING, and we did EVERYTHING with a ton of time to spare and did a lot 2-3x). We had a moment where we were like THANK GOD we didn't waste money on the guide for this!!!
So I can totally see where some love it and think it's worth it and other's don't. You really have to think what's best for you. If you're going for a longer trip I suggest you try and day without it and see how you do (crowd-wise, line-wise, temp-wise), and then decide based on that. If you just want to spend for the experience and you don't care about anything else then by all means do it!
For the larger not private group tours (like Ultimate Thrill), I don't think it's worth the price. I think it's a neat experience, but again, during a down time you're paying for transportation to/from the parks, and basically a glorified FP. Totally a cool experience and a less stressful way to do it all in a day if that's what you're going for, but if your trip is longer there's no reason you can't do a park a day and hit all of the rides mentioned multiple times. Keep an eye on wait times, be mindful of WHEN you are going, utilize FP+ well, and you'll be good to go.
Now if you're talking about Christmas week or a crazy time, GO FOR IT. The VIP guide will be invaluable.
