WDW Park guide rates?

[Nick6300]

Does anyone know the going rate for hiring both a CM vs the independent park guides at WDW? Is it per hr or day? Once had an ex CM claim that it was like hundreds of dollars per hr. I often see the CMs taking families on rides (mostly at MK), typically through FP. Last week we also had an independent tour guide/blogger in front of us at AK who had like 3-4 families she never met before cut in line and then another guide at the taps waiting for another 5 guests who arrived closer to park open.

 

[StageTek]

According to the Disney website "Pricing varies between $425 and $625 per hour, depending on the season"

There is a 7 hour VIP tour that is $349 per person and a 4 hour that is $249 per person. There is a 4 hour Nature at Night in AK that is also $249 per person.

 

[Nick6300]

Wow, it sounds like the 4,7 hr packages are the much better deal but still pretty pricey. I guess that’s why independents can charge a bundle and still undercut Disney. You get to still enjoy going to the parks and getting paid for it. The guy I ran into is 26 and able to reside in windemere. Sort of makes me rethink the retiree plan of being a park cm

 

[StageTek]

I suspect the independent guides don't get VIP access to rides and shows. I, too, am curious how independent guides work.

 

[Nick6300]

yes no continuous FPs for the non affiliated guides, that's a good point. But for every super planner, I run into guests who are looking for help getting around the parks, ride selection. This guy was saving their spots for RD so they didn't have to get up as early, and to help ensure a low wait for FoP. He was then going to take them to NRJ, Safari, Kali, Everest, Dino. The guests didn't seem to know how to scan at the taps, and their greatest anxiety was getting to FoP without taking a wrong turn. Maybe it's something like $100-150/person for 4 hrs at RD; I should have asked. This is something that Disney can't really stop, unless they got rid of APs, which I'm sure they make more off of then the tiny bit of business they lose in the VIPs.

 

[StageTek]

I love entrepreneurs! Find a need and fill it. Found several places that offer this service.

Found one place on line that listed prices: $165 for 3 hours, $330 for 6 and $495 for 9.

I have also read that Disney doesn't allow this - but as you point out it's nearly impossible to stop it.

An interesting little sideline that I had never known about. But with several websites out there I guess there are people who want this service.

 

[Nick6300]

That’s a lot of $ for what most of don’t need - just do a bit of research, which is fun for many anyhow. But I obviously some ppl have money to burn/too busy or don’t want to plan.

For the guide who had like 15 ppl with her last week, that could have been like $2500 for 3 hrs., more if longer tour. And writing reviews and articles when not touring for increased exposure and advertising dollars, and trip booking. No wonder so many bloggers in recent yrs! I now notice a lot more FB vlogging at the parks.

Thanks for finding that info.