When Money Is No Object: 10 Splurge-Worthy Experiences At Walt Disney World

1. Deluxe Suites and Villas

For the ultimate splurge in accommodations, book a stay with one of Disney’s deluxe resorts in a suite. Multi-bedroom suites and specialty accommodations like the bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort go for upwards of $1,000/night. In these instances rooms often come with club level services, theme park and/or fireworks views, and more. While you can occasionally find some “deals” for more upscale rooms and suites at the Walt Disney World Resort by renting Disney Vacation Club points, we think these accommodations are more on the “splurge” side regardless.

 

2. Spa Services

Splurge on relaxation with specialty spa services offered at resorts across Walt Disney World. You’ll find spas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, and more, and they can be the perfect splurge-worthy way to rejuvenate your body after a couple of long days in the parks. Many spa services (outside of manicures and pedicures) start at about $140 and go up from there, with some exceeding $300.

3. Yacht

Have you ever caught a glimpse of the yacht docked by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? She’s known as the Grand 1, a 52-ft. Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht that can hold up to 18 guests. While rentals do come with snacks, soft drinks, and of course breathtaking amenities and views, full dining services and butler service are an additional cost. The rental cost of the Grand 1 is $399 per hour.

4. Dessert Parties

Dessert parties are offered around the Walt Disney World Resort throughout the year, sometimes themed to different events and celebrations. The most popular is likely the Happily Ever After Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom that comes with a dessert bar and prime views of the fireworks.

5. Victoria and Albert’s

The most splurge-worthy of any dining experience at Walt Disney World can also be found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Victoria and Albert’s is a AAA Five Diamond dining experience that features a pre-fixe menu beginning at $235 per guest. This 7-10 course meal features fresh gourmet specialties and the classic elegance you’ve come to expect from the resort along with an extensive award-winning wine list.

6. VIP Tour Services

Disney offers an extensive variety of VIP tour services that focus on everything from classic attractions to thrills to simply having a walking concierge to plan your trip on the go. While these services do not come cheap ($425-600/hour) some guests swear by their VIP tour guides and would not visit the parks any other way. (Park admission is not included in the cost of VIP tour services).

7. Backstage Tours

Backstage tours allow guests to experience how the parks and resorts operate behind the scenes firsthand while also learning about the history and design of the Walt Disney World Resort. Select tours cost as little as $30 (like the Behind the Seeds Tour at the Land pavilion in Epcot) while others can exceed $200 per person like many of the backstage animal encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

8. Select Shopping Experiences

While it’s no secret that shopping in the Walt Disney World Resort can make a dent in your wallet, there are select shopping experiences that will certainly cost more than others. Designer brands found across property are often saved for splurge-worthy purchases, and these may include brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Tommy Bahama, and Coach. Other items like the personalized pieces or crystal-adorned decorative arts found in shops around the parks can cost up for $500 or even thousands of dollars.

9. Weddings

Realistically, small weddings may be hosted at the Walt Disney World Resort for a couple of thousand dollars. As a guest list expands however so does the budget, and the minimum expenditure for weddings over 20 guests is in the neighborhood of $25,000. Select venue rental fees at Walt Disney World (like the area in front of Cinderella Castle) can also be priced in this neighborhood.

10. Special Events

Whether you splurge on attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or spend a bit more for a Disney After Hours event, many guests who attend special events agree that they are worth the splurge. Even so, additional special event tickets on top of theme park admission costs can easily add up when you’re paying for the whole family. Thankfully you can stretch your dollar here a bit more by skipping the park ticket on the days of these events–many times you’ll be able to enter the parks early with your party ticket!