The Best Upgrades You Can Make in Disney World

There’s a lot to consider when planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Between choosing a hotel, buying park tickets, making dining reservations, and more, the costs start to add up quickly. It can be hard to know which Disney World “extras” are actually worth the additional cost.

Magic Kingdom

 We’ve pulled together the upgrades and extras that are actually worth the price tag!

Park Hopper Ticket

Let’s start with one of the first upgrades you have to decide on when planning your Disney World vacation — park tickets! Disney currently sells three types of park tickets including the 1 Park Per Day Ticket, the Park Hopper Ticket, and the Park Hopper Plus Ticket.

EPCOT

The 1 Park Per Day Ticket is the least expensive and gives you entry into one of the four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom) per day. The Park Hopper Ticket lets you hop between parks (after 2PM currently) so you could visit 2, 3, or all 4 parks in one day. The Park Hopper Plus Ticket includes the ability to hop between all four theme parks but also gives you admission to the Disney World Water Parks and other select activities.

Melt Away Bay at Blizzard Beach

While the Park Hopper does cost an extra $55-75 more per day, it can be a worthwhile upgrade for those who are staying at Disney for a shorter amount of time. You’ll have more flexibility, and it gives you the freedom to do whatever you want during your vacation. Want to start your morning in one park and end in another? Totally doable with the Park Hopper option! 

Is It Worth Adding the Park Hopper Option to Your Disney Ticket?

Resort Room Views

Another upgrade decision that you’ll be faced with during the early vacation planning stages is which Disney World Resort room view you’d like. Most hotels offer a standard room view as the cheapest option and then have a variety of others including courtyard view, waterfront view, park view, and more. Skipping past this upgrade could mean that you’re looking at the parking lot when you glance out your resort room window.

Having a view of Cinderella Castle from your room means prime fireworks viewing!

Some of the upgrades that we’ve found are worth the increased price include the Theme Park View at Magic Kingdom Resorts (including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort), the Savanna View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Water View at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

Savanna View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Now, this upgrade could add hundreds of dollars to your stay depending on where you’re staying, so keep that in mind and consider how much time you actually plan to be in your room during your vacation to determine whether this is worth the cost for you and your family.

Magic Kingdom Hotel Room Views That Are Actually Worth The Extra Cost

Club Level Rooms

Speaking of Disney World Resort rooms, one major upgrade that can take your vacation to the next level is booking Club Level Rooms. These rooms are typically on the upper levels of the resort so you’re treated to premium views. Plus, you’ll receive a dedicated Cast Member for your stay who will be there to help you with almost anything you could need. AND you’ll have access to the Club Level Lounge where they serve a free continental breakfast and have complimentary snacks and beverages (including wine, beer, and dessert) throughout the day.

Yacht Club Resort Club Level Room

The Club Level Rooms do cost a pretty penny, but this can be a great upgrade for when you’re celebrating special occasions at Disney World.

Buy This in Disney World (But Don’t Tell Anyone)

PhotoPass+ Memory Maker

One of the best ways to remember your Disney World vacation for years after is through photos, and Disney offers a photo package that gives you access to all the images that they captured of you on your vacation called PhotoPass+ Memory MakerYou’ll be able to download all the photos that Disney PhotoPass photographers took of you in the many photo ops around the parks, some pretty cool (and weird) Magic Shots, and even on-ride photos!

PhotoPass Photographer at Cinderella Castle

The PhotoPass+ Memory Maker costs $69 for one day, and $169 for your entire vacation when purchased in advance or $199 when purchased during or after your vacation. It definitely comes at a higher price point, though this upgrade is worthwhile if you want access to all the photos from your trip.

Disney Parks Magic Shots That ALWAYS Make Us Laugh

Now all of these upgrades up to this point are currently available in Disney World, but there are a few more that Disney hasn’t brought back just yet but are still worth it when they do!

Annual Passes

Disney World Annual Passes, depending on how many days you plan to visit in the year, can actually SAVE you money. The Annual Pass membership gives you access to BIG merchandise and resort hotel savings throughout the year, discounts on special events and select Table Service restaurants, and some Pass levels even come with free PhotoPass+ downloads.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Magnet

Add in that you’ll also get exclusive merchandise, treats, and freebies and you’ve got a lot of perks for that extra cost.

Disney World Annual Passholder Ears

Now, it’s important to note that Disney isn’t currently selling new Annual Passes. Disney also does change the cost from time to time, but when they were last sold the Disney Platinum Pass (which gives you the most benefits and access to the parks) cost $1,119 plus tax, though Florida Residents could get the Platinum Pass a bit cheaper ($899 plus tax) and have other less expensive options.

When Will Disney World Sell Annual Passes Again?

Want to learn about even more Disney World upgrades that might be worth the cost for your next vacation? Find out more in our video below!

And, as always, stay tuned for more Disney tips and tricks!

24 Disney World Planning Tips You Haven’t Thought of Yet!

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What Disney World upgrades do YOU think are worth the cost? Let us know in the comments!

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One Reply to “The Best Upgrades You Can Make in Disney World”

  1. Memory maker is actually a great value. I love looking back at my family pictures from Walt Disney World and having everyone in the pictures is a treat! Especially at the water parks when I don’t want to take phone or camera.