If you’re a Disney lover like me, this episode is going to be your jam! Today I want to share some things with you that – if you had an unlimited budget to go to Disney and do whatever you wanted to do – what would those magical extras be . . .
So here are 8 things you should totally do in Disney if you had unlimited funds (or planned & saved for 😉):
Character Breakfast
This is less splurgey as far as cost goes, but most character dining is one price person and can be almost $50 for just a child. That can add up for a family of 6! We want our kids to enjoy the characters and the food, so that makes it a splurge. And it’s special because you don’t get to do it every morning.
Harmony Barber Shop
Not as expensive as you’d think! We actually took Hunter for his first haircut here in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. And it was only $25 back in 2017. We got the ear hat with ‘my first haircut,’ a certificate and his lock of hair. They also just do regular haircuts, too. Super special and definitely a less expensive ‘splurge.’
Bippity Boppity Boutique
They will do little girls’ makeup and hair to look like princesses. You can totally tell a little girl in the parks who has had this done. Definitely make sure your child is old enough to really enjoy and appreciate this because it’s pretty pricey. I’ve also seen them do things like little pirates for boys. I would say 5-7 is probably a good age for this one.
Capture the Moment
I want to have us do this when all of the kids are a little older because I want everyone happy & smiling for the money I’m spending. 🤣 It’s a way to have a photo session in one of the parks and personalized for you. These 20-40 minute sessions with a Disney photographer are available at all parks. You can book at the 60 day mark similar to dining & they book up quickly.
After Hours Parties
These have been changed recently due to covid-19. You have to have a ticket to go into the park and then you pay for an extra ticket to this ‘party.’ They’re typically later in the evening and I know our boys won’t make it that late right now. Since you have to buy a park ticket, I’d still want to enjoy the park that day, too, but it makes for a long day. I see us doing this once everyone is at least 8 years old or more.
Individual Park Tours
If you can only choose one, choose Keys to the Kingdom, which is the behind the scenes tour at Magic Kingdom. Each park has its own tour, and some parks, like Animal Kingdom, have animal encounters, etc. Make sure you check ALL of the requirements – age, height, etc – because Disney is strict! Make sure everyone in your family is eligible before you spend this kind of money.
Keys to the Kingdom was my birthday gift from my parents when I turned 16 – just my dad and I went. We had an AMAZING tour guide and I KNOW that made our experience even better. Tours are 5 hours now, lunch included, and we had BTS to get on rides. The tour guide wore a mini microphone, and we had these ear pieces as we walked around the park. He was talking to us the entire time we were walking through the parks and riding on the rides and we got to go down in the utilidor. IYKYK 😉 15 years later I still remember this and can’t wait to do it again! It could also be really special for you and a child of yours who loves Disney/facts/history as much as you.
Rent a Cabana
It’s a smaller splurge on this list. Moderate and Deluxe (might just be deluxe) resorts have them that you can rent at the pool but you can also get them at the water parks. We actually rented one on my senior high school trip on our Blizzard Beach day and it was super cool. This is also really great with little ones – gives you shade, automatic seating (no stressing) and such.
Disney VIP Tour
The ULTIMATE splurge at Disney! It’s on our list for the future! Who knows how long it’ll take us to afford it 🤣
Basically, it’s you being exclusively guided around by a Disney cast member. It’s 7 hours minimum, 10 hours maximum and you pay hourly. The rates depend on the season – they start at $425/hr during ‘low’ season and peak at $850/hr. Each tour can have up to 10 guests and INFANTS count in this number. AND you still have to have a park ticket to go on the tour. So this is HORRIBLE if you have little ones like we do because you don’t need to pay for park tickets until they’re 3! We definitely wouldn’t do this until all of our kids are 5 and up (or older) so that they can keep up with the pace to maximize our tour time. You basically get to go behind the scenes to ride, a cast member who can tell you all the deets… I’ve even seen a tour guide pushing the people’s stroller lol. Almost like a celebrity for the day! They come pick you up and will transfer you between parks (which is a great time saver). This is our ultimate Disney world vacation splurge if money is no object. I think it sounds so cool, so special, & a great way to beat the crowds and lines. We’re also fact-lovers and this gives you the opportunity to pick someone’s brain.
Okay – Now it’s YOUR turn to start dreaming and saving! And remember, you’re not going to do these all in one trip. For example, when they’ll love Bippity Boppity Boutique, they won’t be old enough for the Keys to the Kingdom tour. So start thinking about timelines, costs etc so you can make your dreams a reality!
DM us on Instagram @messy_wonderful & tell us which of these splurges YOU would pick!
