Which VIP tours are available? Is it worth it?

[DianaMB333]

Hi.. we are planning a 14 days trip in June, and would like to know more about what tours are available, which ones are wortth it, can you pick the attractions priority line?
Thanks

 

[holden]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/
The VIP tour is available. You can choose the attractions you want to do. We did the tour pre-Covid and hit 3 parks (we didn't do EP). I think it's worth it, but worth is relative. We are hoping to do another one this summer. They book 60 days in advance and are very limited, so be sure to call 60 days out.

 

[fancymouse]

Only the private VIP tours are running. They are great, but super expensive- $450-700+ depending on day/season and there is a 7 hour minimum. They also don’t include RotR (just FYI). Honestly, unless things drastically change between now and your trip, I wouldn’t pay for one right now. With a trip as long as yours I’d imagine you’ll visit each park multiple times, so you’ll have ample opportunity to ride all the attractions. We like them because they allow us to fit a bunch of things in at one time, but we only go for like 4 days. Also without shows and fireworks, the tours are simply a way to FP rides and if you use your days effectively it’s just not needed right now. Normally the tours get you VIP access to shows, fireworks, and parades. Those things I think are the unique aspects of the tours that you can’t get elsewhere. Sure FP access is nice, but there is no discount in the tours currently even though you are not getting a full experience.

 

[holden]

Only the private VIP tours are running. They are great, but super expensive- $450-700+ depending on day/season and there is a 7 hour minimum. They also don’t include RotR (just FYI). Honestly, unless things drastically change between now and your trip, I wouldn’t pay for one right now. With a trip as long as yours I’d imagine you’ll visit each park multiple times, so you’ll have ample opportunity to ride all the attractions. We like them because they allow us to fit a bunch of things in at one time, but we only go for like 4 days. Also without shows and fireworks, the tours are simply a way to FP rides and if you use your days effectively it’s just not needed right now. Normally the tours get you VIP access to shows, fireworks, and parades. Those things I think are the unique aspects of the tours that you can’t get elsewhere. Sure FP access is nice, but there is no discount in the tours currently even though you are not getting a full experience.

I get that many people feel this way. The shows, fireworks and parades aren't high on our priority list. We used our guide for attractions only and felt it was worth it. It was so nice to hit every attraction on our list and never wait in line.

 

[Disneyguy1]

My dream job is being a full time tour guide to VIP tour guests. How awesome would that be? Every time I see a CM walking up to a line with the party he is taking around, I think, "Now THAT is the life" lol.

 

[DianaMB333]

Thanks!

 

[kevgraub]

They are great, but super expensive- $450-700+ depending on day/season and there is a 7 hour minimum.

I completely know what you mean, but in case anyone is new to the concept of the VIP tours just a quick clarification on the cost - it is $450-$700 per hour, with a 7 hour minimum. So basically $3,000 and up depending on how long you want to tour, and what time of year you book it.

 

[DianaMB333]

How about backstage tours?

 

[scrappinginontario]

How about backstage tours?

Right now the only tours available are the VIP and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at the Campsites tour.

 

[DianaMB333]

Right now the only tours available are the VIP and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at the Campsites tour.

Thanks!

 

[Blondie58]

As others have stated, most tours are not available at this time. However, I will take a minute and share about some tours we have taken incase anyone wants information for the future.

1. Our first tour was Back Stage Magic. At the time it was $150.00 per person. We went to all four parks. At MK we went under the shops and into the utilidors = amazing. Hollywood we saw and learned about the construction etc. of ToT. (Even Otis Elevator could not figure this one out but Disney Imagineers did.) At AK we saw how CMs did all the aspects of the now obsolete AK parade. (I miss that parade. It was wonderful!!) At EP we went to the American Experience and went underneath to see how all of the animatronics workand stage changes happen. In addition, we went to the landscape gardens, costuming, and enjoyed a wonderful and soooooo much fun (MT fantastic waitress) luncheon at Whispering Canyon. We had an amazing day and would love to repeat this tour.

2. We registered for Africia Trek and were really bummed as the day was so cold. (Winter coat and gloves cold!) However, this turned out to be a great asset as all the animals were up and on the move. We were in a group of four with two guides that were exceptional. We enjoyed CMs feeding the animals up close and personal.

3. Swimming with the Dolphins at EP. Just amazing. The worst part of the day was getting out of the wetsuit!! lol. We had a fantastic expert that originally interned at WDW and at that time had worked with the dolphins 12 years. They are such amazing mammals. Their faces are so precious.

4. Keys to the Kingdom - five hour tour at MK. Exceptional - with a guide named, Tom. This tour went into the utiladors. We were provided much WDW history along the way. Another couple went with us. They debated about paying for a park pass and tour on top of admission. After this tour they said they will definitely do the full-day tour. They were impressed as were we.

5. Behind the Seeds at EP in The Land. We have done this very economical tour twice and both times very much enjoyed our hosts and what we learned. There was some overlap between the two tours but I can honestly say I would do this tour yet again. I love the approach to sustainability the Disney organization embraces.

6. Food Tour at MK. I do not remember the formal name of this tour but it was GREAT. We snacked our way through MK and learned all about food service and choosing menu items etc. at MK. At the end we actually taste-tested and rated some items being considered for menues at MK. This was a lot of fun. DO NOT eat before you go!!

7. Garden Tour. It is so much fun being at EP hours before guests for this tour. This was an amazing tour because of the guide. For sure one of my top three tours at WDW!! In fact, I hope this tour comes back before our trip in a couple months as the Garden and Flower Show goes to July 4 this year. This is one to repeat.

8. Marceline to Magic at MK is three hours and goes behind the scenes of some of the most nostalgic rides at MK. My son was grousing a bit about doing a tour that was THREE loooooong hours. After this tour he said he wished he had agreed to the five hour MK tour as it was awesome. Next time he'll have to do Keys.

9. We also took a tour where we went behind the scenes and saw where the elephants and rhinos were housed. Name of tour??? We went to the animal hospital and learned about feeding and caring for the animals. We had some great college interns on this trip. I am sorry I do not remember the official name.

10. We also did a short one-hour tour where we went in a special vehicle onto the back side of the elephant habitat to see these wonderful/graceful pachyderms up close and personal. Our only complaint was the shortness of the tour time.

11. We participated in the Savanna tour at AKL that is paired with a wonderful dinner at AKL. Again, we had great guides for a very small group and learned a great deal. Our meal was exceptional as were the wine pairings after our time on the savanna. We were within feet of many animals. The pictures we took are wonderful!

12. The final tour that comes to mind is a tour that took us behind the scenes to see where all the park decorations from huge wreaths to garlands etc. are made and freshened up for storage. We went to a huge building that used to be where most of the food on property was made that has been turned into decoration storage. This was a nice tour but probably not one to repeat. Many of the others I would repeat.

I very much enjoy saving $$$ for tours and special events when I travel to WDW. It is easy for me to forgo daily coffee and eating out at home to have a nice pool of dollars saved for all the special additions to our Disney trips whether is be tours, spa days, or eating experiences. In summary, we have enjoyed many tours and would sggest them for all. Have fun!!

 

[DL1WDW2]

That is an impressive list... so I expect you are saving for the next new Tour .On the Star Wars Galactic Hotel Experience! If true I hope they allow a few photos and I hope you are first in line to make the reservation.

 

[Blondie58]

That is an impressive list... so I expect you are saving for the next new Tour .On the Star Wars Galactic Hotel Experience! If true I hope they allow a few photos and I hope you are first in line to make the reservation.

I have never seen at Star Wars movie!! Just not my thing BUT I sure am saving for this experience. I have even decided before going I may have to watch a couple of the Star Wars movies as I will not understand the all inclusive experience. I have people in my family that "talk another language" when conversing about Star Wars movies. They just can't believe I have never seen one. I did do RotR and MF and enjoyed the people as much as the rides. When I rode RotR a Mom and son were just beside themselves with excitement about being in the queue and getting to do the ride. I loved it. They were so fun. The Mom was close to tears with joy!!! I have to admit the ride is very impressive. Thank you for the good wishes! I hope so too. Have a blessed Sunday.