Margaret’s Top 5 Ways To Splurge at Walt Disney World – Use A Car Service
When Walt Disney thought his artists and theme park designers could make a scene in a movie or something in a ride or attraction better he would tell them to ‘plus it’. That meant take something that was already great and make it better.
Well I love the idea of ‘plussing’ my Walt Disney World vacations with a few splurges. Here are five of my favorite ways to splurge at Walt Disney World.
* As Walt Disney World continues it’s safe, phased re-opening, some of these offerings may not be available. I’ve done my best to update this post accordingly, but always check with me for the latest information.
Use A Car Service
Disney’s Magical Express is a great free service that provides transportation for Walt Disney World guests from and to Orlando International Airport but I’m not a fan. The joke is that it’s not very magical and it’s not very express. Instead we use a car service for airport transportation.
With a car service a driver is waiting for you at baggage claim, they help you with your bags and walk you straight out the door to a waiting car. There’s no hoofing down to Magical Express, no waiting in line and no crowds to deal with. Unlike Magical Express that could make several stops your car takes you directly to your resort. If you like (and this is something we do) the car will stop at a grocery store on the way to Walt Disney World so you can buy snacks, breakfast items, bottled water, etc. to have in your room.
Using the car service to go back to the airport is even easier. If you take advantage of the airport check-in and bag check service at your resort all you do is hop in the car and head to the airport. Again much less waiting around, no crowded bus and direct service to your airline. Once you get to the airport just head to security and make your way to your gate.
* Resort airline and backage check-in is not current being offered
Stay At A Deluxe Resort
We always prefer to stay at a Walt Disney World deluxe resort. The deluxe resorts offer the best and biggest rooms and the best amenities.
The deluxe resorts (except for the Animal Kingdom Lodge) are all within a short walk, monorail ride or boat ride to at least one theme park.
The deluxe resorts all have great pools and most have a separate water play area for the kids. Many will also have a separate quiet pool in addition to the bigger main pool.
The deluxe resorts offer a large variety of dining options. They all have a least one ‘sit down’ restaurant and many will have a second full service restaurant that is signature dining. The deluxe resorts will also have a quick service dining location. For the grown ups the deluxe resorts will have a nice lounge that will also serve small plates and appetizers
In addition, all the deluxe resorts offer Club Level (think Concierge). In addition to great rooms Club Level includes access to a lounge just for Club Level guests that serves a continental breakfast, snacks during the day and appetizers and desserts at night. There are also beverages available all day long including a great self-service espresso machine. Adults may also enjoy beer and wine as well.
Along with the lounge Club Level is also staffed with at least one Disney concierge cast member who is there to answer any questions, help with dining reservations, FastPass+ and what ever else you might need.
* Club Level is not being offered at this time. I expect it to return soon
Eat At A Signature Dining Restaurant
Every trip to Walt Disney World for us includes at least one dinner at a signature dining restaurant. Signature dining locations are the best on property offering the best food and best service. Signature dining restaurants are located both at the resorts and in the theme parks. Signature dining restaurants are great for families and great for couples.
The top of the line for signature dining is Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – the ultimate in fine dining at Walt Disney World. The recipient of AAA’s highest achievement, the Five Diamond Award, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating and glowing reviews from Zagat and others. If you want to celebrate a special occasion at Walt Disney World this is the place.
VIP Tour Service
The Walt Disney World VIP Tour Service is the ultimate way to experience the Walt Disney World theme parks hassle free. Your VIP Tour includes your own Disney VIP Tour Guide who will pick you up at your resort, escort you to the theme parks via backstage access and guide you through the parks providing special expedited access to all the attractions, shows and parades. Your guide will also be your helper, your Disney historian, your concierge and lead will through the parks in the most efficient way so you can get the most out of your time.
With a VIP Tour you can visit just one theme park or several – your tour is completely customizable based on what you family wants to do. You can have up to 10 people in your group so it may be possible to share the cost amongst more than one family if you like.
In addition to the private VIP Tours there are group VIP Tours that visit specific theme parks and specific attractions.
You can learn more about VIP Tour Services in this blog post: http://bit.ly/WDWVIPTours
Private Fireworks Cruise
The absolute best way to experience the nighttime fireworks shows at Walt Disney World is on a private fireworks cruise. Your family will have their own pontoon boat complete with a captain and plenty of beverages and snacks.
You’ll sail out about and hour and fifteen minutes before the fireworks and enjoy a short cruise before dropping anchor in a perfect viewing spot for the fireworks. Afterwards it’s a leisurely ride back to the dock.
Private Fireworks Cruises are offered for the Happily Ever After Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and for Illuminations at Epcot. The boats can accommodate groups of up to eight or ten guests.
If you like we can arrange for a full dinner to be served on your fireworks cruise.
* Walt Disney World fireworks shows are currently on hold so not dessert parties or cruises. I expect these to resume in some form soon.
Read more about Walt Disney World fireworks cruises and dessert parties here: http://bit.ly/WDWFireworksParties
For more of my favorite ways to splurge at Walt Disney World go here: http://bit.ly/5MoreWDWSplurge
And yes, even more ways to splurge at Walt Disney World https://bit.ly/MFMEvenMoreSplurge
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