Wondering which extra expenses at Disney are worth it? We’ll show you our favorites!
These Disney World splurges are well-worth the investment, as a way to fit even more magic into your trip!
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If you have ever taken a trip to any of the Disney parks, you know that it can become pretty pricey. By the time you purchase tickets, souvenirs, food and drink, etc., you may be surprised by how much it costs to go to Disney World.
When you’re planning a trip to Disney, it’s important to look for ways to save money in places that you don’t care so much about, so that you can splurge on the areas that are important to you and your family!
Disney World Splurges Worth Springing For
Today I’m sharing my recommendations for the top 10 things at Disney World that (in my opinion) are totally worth the splurge!
Spending the extra money on these will add to your already amazing Disney experience.
And remember, you can always take advantage of the Disney payment plan and visit during the cheapest time to go to Disney World to help these splurges fit your budget!
Staying at a Disney Resort
When it comes to selecting a place to stay for your trip to Disney, there is always the debate of whether or not to stay on site or off site.
Which is the better savings? Which is the better experience?
In my experience, I have found that Disney Resorts may be a bit more expensive than something such as a Holiday Inn or other chain hotels. But in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge if you can swing it!
Staying at a Disney Resort really amplifies your experience, thanks to the impeccably designed themes and amenities.
If you can swing a deluxe resort (such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort), you’ll quickly realize it’s a destination in and of itself! Even better if you can spring for Club Level!
But even if you stay in one of the value resorts, you’ll love the magic infused into each area.
At each of the resorts you will have a room and hotel that fully encompasses the Disney life, from décor, shows and entertainment, and even the characters themselves.
Plus, you get access to Disney World transportation, which makes it easy to travel to the parks.
Learn More About Disney Resorts:
- Disney Hotels on the Monorail – The Ultimate Guide to Disney Monorail Resorts
- Kidani Village vs. Jambo House – Which Animal Kingdom Resort is Best?
- Art of Animation vs. Pop Century – Which Value Resort is Best?
- Best Disney Resorts for Adults
- Are the Disney Resort Refillable Mugs Worth It?
Dessert Parties
If you have a sweet tooth, attending a Disney Dessert Party has to be on your list of splurges!
While attending these parties can be pricey (ranging from around $69-$114 per person, depending on the night you choose), it can be well worth it.
The nice thing about dessert parties is that not only do you get to enjoy some of the most delicious and decadent desserts at the most Magical Place on Earth, but you get prime viewing spots for enjoying the end of the night firework shows.
I wouldn’t say this is something that I personally would splurge on for EVERY Disney World vacation, but it is well worth the splurge at least once in your life!
Magic Kingdom Holiday Parties
Each year, during Halloween season, Magic Kingdom hosts the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, followed by Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the holiday season.
Both of these special events were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the restrictions Disney had in place, but both have been confirmed for return in 2022!
If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend one of these festive parties, I HIGHLY recommend it!
It is a truly magical experience and not like one that you will ever have on a traditional park day visit.
These events are limited capacity and on a first come, first served basis so if you get the opportunity to attend, you will have the chance to enjoy the parks without the huge crowds that a normal park day brings.
They often include special parades and themed food offerings, as well as opportunities to see your favorite Disney characters.
Tickets for the party are an additional cost, ranging from $99-$189 per person (depending on age and date that you select), but you’re sure to have a wonderful time!
Learn More About Holidays at Disney:
- Halloween at Disney World – How to Have a Spooktacular Time
- Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Disney World
- Must-Know Tips for Visiting Disney World in Winter
- Top 5 Things to Do at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays
Signature Dining Experiences
There are so many incredible food options within Walt Disney World Resort that it can be difficult to choose!
Everything from the iconic Disney snacks to quick service and all the way up to fine dining is fantastic!
If you have the chance, enjoying a Signature Dining experience is worth the splurge.
Disney has 20+ Signature Dining restaurants, which tend to be considered more “fine dining” and therefore are a bit pricier, but well worth it!
A few top picks include California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios, or Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.
You could always bring food to Disney World for lunch, then splurge on a nicer dinner as a way to keep expenses in check.
Tips for Securing Advanced Dining Reservations:
Souvenir Popcorn Buckets
If you are having a multi-day stay at Disney World, I always recommend purchasing a Souvenir Popcorn bucket–and make sure you purchase it on the first day of your visit!
These can be a bit pricey ranging from $12.99 all the way up to around $30.00 depending on the size/design of the bucket you select.
While this is quite expensive for popcorn, you should know that the cost includes your first fill, and then you get $2.25 refills for the remainder of your trip.
This is why I recommend purchasing on day one so that you can have an affordable snack option throughout the remainder of your trip.
Another fun souvenir to consider is the Disney ballooons!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
If you’re looking to give your little one a prince/princess makeover, you will absolutely want to book an experience at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
This experience is for children ages 3-12 years old and it gives them the royal treatment!
They have packages ranging from a price tag of $20 all the way up to $450, including treatments such as hair, nails, and makeup!
The most expensive treatments can even include a full wardrobe change (costumes available in youth sizes only).
The Pirates League for Kids
If princes/princesses are not the thing for your kiddos, perhaps they would prefer a visit to the Pirates League.
Here kids aged 3+ can receive a makeover turning them into a pirate, empress, or even a mermaid!
They have a variety of packages that offer options of makeup, hair, temporary tattoos, accessories and more!
Similarly to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the highest packages include a full wardrobe change (costumes available in youth sizes only). Packages range from $49-$125 depending on selection.
Water Park Tickets
If you are having a multi-day vacation and you want to skip the theme parks for a day, a great way to spend your day off is at one of Disney’s Water parks–Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Being in Orlando, Florida, the temperatures can get to be pretty brutal (especially in the summer months!).
A trip to a water park is the ultimate way to stay cool at Disney!
Water Park admission prices range from $58-$69 depending on age and date selected.
Disney After Hours Events
At certain times, Disney hosts after hours events that allow guests to experience the parks for 3 additional hours after park closing.
This is a great way to enjoy the parks without the crowds of everyday visitors and embark on your favorite attractions that may have long lines during normal park hours.
Of course, these events are limited capacity and do require the purchase of an additional ticket typically ranging in cost from $129-$139.
VIP Tour
Taking a private VIP tour with Disney is the ULTIMATE Splurge.
I’m not going to sugar coat it, these VIP tours are quite expensive. But if you can fit a tour into your budget, it could be an amazing experience!
The VIP Tour offers you a private, guided experience, taking you through the park to see things that you typically wouldn’t see and enjoy experiences and attractions that you may not get the chance to with regular admission.
Prices range from $425-$850 per hour for a minimum duration of 7 hours. Your party may include up to 10 guests, so your entire family can enjoy the tour with your very own personal tour guide!
Please note: This cost is in addition to your park ticket, valid park admission for the day of your tour is required in order to attend.
Things to Pay Extra For at Disney World
Although Disney trips can be pricey, it’s important to pick and choose the things that matter most to you!
Even if you just choose one Disney World splurge to enjoy, you’ll have even more magical memories.
Make plans to save money where you can, so that you can fully enjoy the experiences that you want to.
If you’re looking for a Disney splurge to add to your trip, I hope this list has given you some ideas and perhaps a goal to start saving for!
Related:
- Find out why I don’t recommend Disney’s Memory Maker service as a splurge!
- Learn about the Disney Park Hopper pass and whether it’s worth the cost
Be sure to save this article to your Disney travel board on Pinterest!
