I Promise This Was Worth the Splurge in Disney World

Let’s face it. Disney World can be pricey!

You don’t have to look much further than the ticket and hotel prices for the cost to balloon! That thought made us curious though, and we wanted to know what you ended up spending the most on and still felt the cost was worth it. We asked and you delivered!

We took to Facebook to ask our readers about their most extravagant expenses at Disney World. We compiled the responses, and here are the top five experiences that people splurged on and still rave about. Make sure you follow us on Facebook to take part in the next discussion!

Staying in Deluxe Resorts

The top response in which many of you agreed that indulging in the luxury of deluxe resorts was worth every penny. And we totally understand why.

Immersive Atmosphere: Deluxe resorts provide a truly immersive experience that transports guests into a world of magic and enchantment. For example, Wilderness Lodge embodies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest with its rustic-yet-elegant rooms and a lobby that captures the spirit of a grand lodge nestled in the wilderness.

Proximity to Parks: Staying at a deluxe resort means being close to the parks, saving guests time and effort in transportation. The Contemporary Resort, for instance, offers the unique advantage of being just a short walk away from Magic Kingdom. Guests can enjoy the convenience of returning to their resort quickly for breaks or to watch the nightly fireworks from their room.

Unique Themes and Decor: Each deluxe resort has its own distinct theme and decor, creating a memorable and visually appealing environment. The Polynesian Village Resort immerses guests in a tropical oasis with its Polynesian-inspired decor, complete with tiki torches, lush greenery, and a relaxing island vibe.

Amenities and Activities: Deluxe resorts offer a wide range of amenities and activities to enhance guests’ vacation experiences. Beach Club Resort, for example, features the impressive Stormalong Bay, a three-acre mini-water park with a sandy bottom pool, lazy river, and water slides. Guests can also enjoy the Boardwalk and take advantage of the resort’s proximity to EPCOT.

VIP Tours

Many of you agreed that taking a VIP tour was worth every penny and that it allowed them to explore the parks with ease and make the most of their time. There are so many reasons why that makes sense:

Customizable Itineraries: Disney VIP Tours offer complete customization. With the help of your Disney travel planner or VIP tour guide, you can tailor your itinerary to include only the things that interest you the most.

Choose your start and end times, and select the rides, shows, and theme parks you wish to visit.

Skip the Lines: The most significant advantage of a Private Disney VIP Tour is the ability to bypass standby lines. Your tour guide will provide access to special entrances, allowing you to effortlessly whisk onto rides.

No waiting, no hassle. Enjoy the freedom to experience the most attractions in the shortest amount of time, even riding your favorite ones repeatedly.

Backstage Access: Experience the magic like never before with backstage access to areas typically off-limits to regular guests. Enter the theme parks through backstage entrances and explore hidden doors.

The VIP tour guide can even take you to areas exclusive to Cast Members, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of Disney’s enchantment.

VIP Viewing: VIP Tours provide exclusive access to premium viewing areas for shows, parades, and fireworks. Get up close to the action and capture stunning photos from reserved spots.

Enjoy the best seats in the house for the nightly fireworks and popular live shows like the Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo.

Door-To-Door Transportation: Navigating the vast expanse of Disney World can be overwhelming. Luckily, VIP Tours offer door-to-door transportation throughout the day.

Relax and enjoy the ride as your guide shuttles you between parks, rides, hotels, and restaurants. It’s a hassle-free way to make the most of your time without worrying about getting from place to place.

Galactic Starcruiser Adventure

Many of you loved every minute aboard The Galactic Starcruiser experience, where you could step into the Star Wars universe for two extraordinary nights (but not for much longer — the Starcruiser is closing!)

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

And here’s a couple of reasons why:

For those who have a deep love for the Star Wars franchise, the hotel offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world they adore. The hotel’s theming, design, and experiences are all centered around the Star Wars universe, creating a dream come true for fans.

It’s an immersive, role-playing experience, unlike any other hotel experience. Guests are encouraged to participate in a narrative-driven adventure, assuming roles and engaging in storylines that unfold throughout their stay.

For example, you might encounter Star Wars characters and engage in quests or missions that require problem-solving and teamwork. The Cast Members are fully committed to creating an authentic and engaging experience, adding to the overall immersion.

The all-inclusive nature of the hotel is a significant perk. Once you’ve paid for your stay, you can enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about additional expenses for meals, snacks, drinks, or many activities within the hotel.

This includes access to the nearby Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests of the hotel have special entry privileges and can enjoy the attractions and experiences without the need for separate park tickets or long wait times.

The hotel offers a wide array of activities to keep guests entertained throughout their stay.

These can range from lightsaber training sessions and droid-building workshops to interactive shows and character meet-and-greets.

Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

For those seeking long-term Disney magic, joining the Disney Vacation Club was a popular choice. Let’s have a peek into some of the reasons why:

Potential long-term savings: DVC offers the potential for long-term savings on Disney vacations. While the exact savings will vary, Disney states that members can save up to 50% compared to paying rack rates for rooms at Disney resorts.

This can result in significant savings over the years, especially for families who plan to visit Disney properties frequently. For example, if a family of four takes a Disney vacation every other year and stays for a week each time, the accumulated savings on accommodations can be substantial.

Deluxe accommodations: One of the key benefits of DVC membership is access to deluxe accommodations. DVC properties offer a range of options, from studio villas to larger villas with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities.

A full kitchen.

These accommodations provide additional space, privacy, and convenience, particularly for larger families or groups traveling together. For instance, a three-bedroom grand villa can comfortably accommodate extended families or multiple generations, offering separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and shared living and dining areas.

Access to exclusive perks: DVC members often receive exclusive perks and benefits that enhance their Disney vacation experience. These perks can include merchandise and dining discounts at participating Disney locations, special access to lounges like the Top of the World Lounge at the Contemporary Resort or the DVC Lounge in EPCOT, and exclusive member events such as behind-the-scenes tours or meet-and-greets with Disney characters.

Flexibility in usage: DVC points provide members with flexibility in planning their vacations. Members can use their points not only at their home resort but also at other Disney properties worldwide. This includes options such as Disney Cruises and non-Disney resorts affiliated with the DVC program.

For example, a member who owns points at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in Walt Disney World Resort can use those points to book a stay at Aulani, a Disney Vacation Club Villas resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii. This flexibility allows members to explore different destinations and experiences within the Disney Vacation Club network.

Dinner at Victoria and Albert’s

Culinary enthusiasts couldn’t resist the allure of Victoria and Albert’s, a renowned fine dining restaurant located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

And here are some of the reasons why:

Culinary Excellence: Victoria & Albert’s has gained recognition for its culinary excellence, with contemporary American cuisine that stands out. The menu features carefully crafted dishes made from high-quality ingredients.

Superb Service: The staff at Victoria & Albert’s, known as maids and butlers, go above and beyond to provide exceptional service. They are friendly, attentive, and personable, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and taken care of throughout the meal. The attentive service adds to the overall dining experience, creating a sense of luxury and comfort.

Exquisite Ambiance: The restaurant’s ambiance is designed to be elegant and lavish, creating a special atmosphere for guests. The polished mahogany doors and grand setting contribute to a sense of exclusivity and sophistication. The ambiance enhances the overall dining experience, making it feel like a memorable occasion.

Attention to Detail: Victoria & Albert’s pays attention to the smallest details to ensure a memorable experience. Additionally, the complimentary palette stimulators provided by the chef showcase the restaurant’s dedication to providing unique and flavorful experiences.

Unique Menu: The restaurant’s changing menu showcases a range of innovative and delectable dishes. The use of seasonal and fresh ingredients ensures that each visit offers a unique culinary experience.

So, if you find yourself considering an extraordinary escapade at Disney World, take inspiration from these responses when planning your next trip! If you missed out on the fun of answering our polls yourself, be sure to follow us on Facebook to check out our latest questions, and stay tuned to all the latest news!