Five Upcharge Events That Can Be Worth the Cost in Disney World

Let’s face it, a trip to Disney World can be expensive, although we do our best to help you budget and save money!

And when it comes to paying for additional experiences, add-ons, and upgrades, we’ll let you know which ones are worth it — and which ones aren’t.

Worth It

Fireworks Dessert Parties

When we asked our team about Fireworks Dessert Parties, many said that they’re, more or less, worth it or have been in the past. Previously, booking a fireworks dessert party has resulted in some pretty delicious snacks (and if you’re a sugar fiend, dessert parties are a must) and the best views of the nighttime shows — both at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.

However, we can’t mention the dessert parties without talking about the newer version of the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Although you can end up with a great view of the fireworks and the castle projections from Tomorrowland Terrace, you miss out on the new projections on Main Street, U.S.A., from that vantage point. (The view from the Plaza Gardens standing dessert party reserved space may be better if you’re looking for Main Street projections, too!) In the end, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth $99 per adult and $59 per child.

Learn more about Happily Ever After Dessert Parties!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Many members of our team also felt that the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was worth it, although it can be pricey. Packages start at $99.95 per child, but it might just be worth it to give your child a salon day so they can get a bonafide Disney royalty makeover by experts.

There’s even a program for a Knight Makeover, too, for those kids who would rather do that — those packages start at $19.95 per child — and that lowest cost package even comes with a sword and shield.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Dress Options and Pricing For 2023

Candlelight Processional Dining Package

The Candlelight Processional Dining Package is available during the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT, and it is worth the extra cost to get the best choice of seats to enjoy the event. The dining packages let you pick from a variety of EPCOT restaurants with prices starting $64 per adult.

Neil Patrick Harris Narrates the Candlelight Processional

The dining package comes with guaranteed seating, so you won’t have to miss a minute of the processional.

Listen to the EPCOT Candlelight Processional Soundtrack from Home!

Preferred Rooms

Paying an additional charge for a Preferred Room at a resort is a personal decision, and it often depends on the resort. Some resorts are very spread out, and if you end up unlucky enough, you could find yourself with a long walk from the hotel’s entrance and transportation drop-off points at the end of the day.

A preferred room at All-Star Movies could save you a lot of additional walking.

If you happen to be staying at a resort like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, or one of the All-Star Resorts, a preferred room might save you a lot of walking at the beginning and end of your day at Disney World. And if you have mobility issues, a preferred room would also be your best bet. It’s only about $20 to $30 extra per night at Value Resorts, although preferred rooms run more at Deluxe Resorts.

The Most Expensive Room at Each Disney World Hotel!

Memory Maker

Sure, you can take your smartphone or camera to Disney World and snap all your own photos, but with Memory Maker, that’s one less thing you have to worry about. Why not let Disney’s PhotoPass photographers capture every perfect moment professionally instead?

Not only does Memory Maker give you access to every photo the photographers take, but you’ll also get all those awesome Magic Shots and ride photos, too. And for under $200, it’s that easy and worth it. Granted, you can save money by handing your phone to Disney PhotoPass photographers, but you’ll still miss out on the Magic Shots and ride photos.