What are Disney's VIP Tours and are they worth it?

What extras/rules are included on the VIP Tour?

Meals are not free on the tour, although the guide can often help by skipping some lines at some establishments. However, there is a special VIP section for front-row seating for parades, shows, and fireworks, which is always great for the kids. The guide is always ready to grab anything a party needs, from bottles of water on a hot day to ponchos when it rains or even a quick snack (such small extras are included in the tour cost). 

Also, there is some fine print to be aware of. For example, if a Tour guide leads guests to the “backstage” areas of the parks, cell phones are not allowed. Guests can make reservations 180 days in advance of their trip, but if they cancel with less than 48 hours' notice, they’ll be charged the equivalent of two hours of the tour. As there are a limited number of slots, some tours may be unable to be booked at certain periods. 

Is it truly worth it?

At the end of the day, a VIP Tour depends on how much the Disney guests plan to do and how much they’re willing to spend for it. The high cost may be too much for a guest or family on a budget, and some may not feel like being so committed to a tour plan. It’s more complex for Walt Disney World with multiple parks and the constant travel back and forth to use the Tour to the utmost. 

However, the big pull is the perks that come with it. The biggest is what amounts to unlimited Lightning Lane, allowing guests to skip lines to an amazing degree. A VIP Tour could allow guests to get in over twice the rides in half the time, allowing them to enjoy the parks to the utmost. It can also be fun to hear the guide give information about the attractions and the history as well as peeks at the backstage areas regular guests miss. Being front-row for any parade shows, and character meet-and-greets is also a great touch for families. 

So while the cost is high, if a family wants to enjoy everything they can out of a Disney park without long lines and get some peeks at the backstage history, a VIP Tour makes a Disney trip even more magical than usual.