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Make Disney World Extra Magical with a VIP Tour

Don't get stuck in the crowd when you book a Disney World VIP Tour!
Don’t get stuck in the crowds! Book a Disney World VIP Tour!

Disney World is a very magical place to vacation! There is excitement around every corner. But, there is a way to make your day at Disney World even more magical! When you are on one of the Disney World VIP tours you will definitely feel like all your dreams are coming true! A Disney World VIP tour is also fantastic for your family group. Read on and learn how you can make your Disney World day extra magical on a VIP Tour!

What is a VIP Tour

Disney VIP Tours are actually available at both Disney World and Disneyland. There a a lot of similarities between the two parks but you will want to double-check the Disneyland info on their tours. This article focuses on Disney World VIP Tours.

A Disney VIP tour is an upgrade to your park experience that will make your visit unforgettable. VIP tours are private guided tours customized for maximum guest enjoyment and efficiency. Tour guides are hand-picked and expertly trained to plan out the perfect Disney World itinerary. So, you don’t have to think about getting to your next activity, know the best route from one place to another, stand in long lines, or just generally waste precious time in your day.

A tour can have up to 10 guests. This is perfect for a couple of families to tour together and divide up the cost of the tour.

Types of VIP Tours

Private VIP Tour

This is the most amazing, most magical, most customized tour option (and the only one currently available to book) for your group. When you book a tour, you set the Disney VIP Tour Services team in motion to plan for your group the best and most efficient tour based on the list of activities you want to do. Yes! They customize your day based on your desires and favorites. Transportation from park to park, if you so choose, is all by private vehicle. No waiting for buses! Your tour guide is at your service for the day!

Some personalizations they include:

  • Itinerary all planned for you before you get there
  • A flexible start time that fits your family’s schedule
  • A highly knowledgable VIP Tour Guide ready to divulge all kinds of Disney tips, tricks, and fascinating information.
  • Often less wait time for attractions

Cost: $425-$750/hour depending on season (minimum of 7 continuous hours)

The following tours are not currently available to book but hopefully will return soon

Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour

This 7-hour tour visits all Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios taking guests on the most hair-raising rides at Disney World. Your VIP Tour Guide plans out the itinerary to get you on the most amount of rides for maximum enjoyment for the day. Here’s what awesome rides you might get to enjoy (this list is just a sample your VIP Tour guide might have a better plan):

  • Magic Kingdom: All 4 Mountains, Haunted Mansion and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Epcot: Soarin
  • Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Star Wars–The Adventure Continues.

A stop at a quick service restaurant will fuel you at lunchtime for the rest of your day.

Cost: $349/person + tax (required park ticket must be purchased separately)

Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour

The Disney Classics VIP Tour focuses on the classic park of the Magic Kingdom. Your Disney VIP Tour Guide plans the perfect 4-hour itinerary to visit many of the classic rides at the Magic Kingdom. With your Guide leading the way you can just relax, and enjoy the rides. Since these rides do not have a height requirement this is a terrific tour if you have young children along.

Some rides you might get to enjoy are Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world”, Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid.

Cost: $249/person + tax (Magic Kingdom park ticket must be purchased separately)

Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour

You are going to love this tour centered around the wonders of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On this 4-hour tour your Disney VIP Tour Guide has planned a journey through the Animal Kingdom so that you will get on all the best rides. This tour starts 4 hours before the evening Rivers of Light performance which will end your tour (if there is a performance that night).

What might you get to experience? Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Avatar Flights of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, and DINOSAUR.

This tour also includes signature snacks and a specialty beverage. Yum!

Cost: $249/person + tax (Animal Kingdom park ticket must be purchased separately)

Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour

This tour is the most delicious Disney World VIP Tour!! During this 3-hour tour, you will get to taste the best of the Magic Kingdom. Your Disney VIP Tour Guide will bring you behind the scenes to some of the kitchens of your favorite restaurants to meet the talented chefs. You’ll hear stories of how the delicious menus are created and the process of how they serve so many guests each day.

Then, of course, there will be tastings, tastings, tastings curated especially for you!

Cost: $99/person + tax (park admission must be purchased separately) Guests must be at least 16 years old for this tour.

Here are some things to keep in mind with the Ultimate VIP Tours

  • Tours start a specific time (late arrivals cannot join the tour later).
  • Rider Switch is not available on the tours.
  • Itinerary may change but you can ask for an expected itinerary when you book your tour.
  • Price is subject to change.
  • Guests with wheelchairs or ECV can be accomodated.
  • Guests under 17 must be accompanied by paying parent or guardian.

Disney World VIP Tours can truly make your day at Disney World so much more magnificent and magical. If you have any questions about adding a VIP tour to your Disney World experience please contact me.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Disney World

Things to Love about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

In 2019, Star Wars and Disney theme park enthusiasts around the world rejoiced when the
much anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened first at Disneyland Resort and then in
Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Whether you know everything about Star Wars or
have never watched the movies before, there’s something for everyone to love at this
fantastic new addition to the theme parks. Today I’m going to share with you my favorite
things about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which you simply must experience as part of your
next visit to Disneyland or Hollywood Studios at Disney World.

The themeing is one of the things to love at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disney World .

Theming

If you enjoyed the immersive environment that Disney created with Pandora at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom, you’re going to love Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. On every step you take
through this area, you’ll notice small details that show you just how much effort was put
into this land by Disney’s Imagineers. Even if you aren’t planning to do any shopping, take
some time to walk around the Black Spire Outpost Shops, which have so many hidden
details and unique merchandise offerings. Even the cast members in this area don’t have
the same name tags and costumes as anywhere else in the park, so you’ll be fully immersed
in the land during your visit. Even the visit to the restroom is an experience not to be missed.

Character Interactions

Have your camera ready at all times in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as you never know when a
Stormtrooper or one of the Star Wars characters might come strolling through. Both on the
ground and above you on stages and buildings, expect to see characters throughout your
time in the land. Galaxy’s Edge is a dream come true for any Star Wars fan in your family, so
you’ll probably have to drag them out of this area if you want to see anything else in the
park!

Life-Size Ships

The most jaw-dropping moment for me during my first visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was
seeing the Millennium Falcon up close for the first time. The sheer scale of this ship is
unbelievable, and it’s the perfect photo opportunity. Acting as the entrance to the
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction, you’ll appreciate the structure even more
when you enter the queue. This is an interactive attraction that allows you and your family
to drive the Millennium Falcon, which is a dream come true for many Star Wars fans. Also,
make sure you get a fun family photo in front of the X-Wing that’s parked within the land.
Wherever you turn, you’ll see incredible vehicles and artifacts that take you straight into the
Star Wars universe.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

While getting a boarding pass for this ride certainly has its challenges, it’s well worth it once
you board the ride. While I won’t spoil this experience for you, the ride itself features many
different elements and vehicles that make it like nothing you’ve ever experienced at Walt
Disney World before. Even if your family aren’t big Star Wars fans, they’ll think this is one of
the best rides they’ve ever experienced. I promise you, it’s worth the early morning wake-up
call to secure your boarding pass!

Unique Food and Drink Offerings

One of my favorite things about visiting Walt Disney World, in general, are their unique food
and drink offerings. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers menu items that have never been seen
before at Walt Disney World, most of which were designed specifically for this land. One of
my favorite experiences for adults is a visit to Oga’s Cantina, an interactive bar with a wacky
menu of cocktails. More details to come about this fun experience at a later date.

For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, eat at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, and if you need a quick
afternoon pick me up, enjoy a bag of popcorn at Kat Saka’s Kettle. Ronto Roasters has
become very popular for their sausage and pork wraps which can be purchased at any time
of the day, and don’t miss your chance to try blue or green milk at The Milk Stand. You’ll
want to return to this land a few times during your trip to give you a chance to try all the
unique snacks and drinks on offer here

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of my favorite recent additions to Walt Disney World, and
I’m super excited for the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which will be a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience for Star Wars fans.

Do you have a favorite part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Let me know in the comments below!

Are you planning your next trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World? If you need any assistance with your trip planning or resort reservations, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Disney Vacation

Hair-Raising Thrill Rides at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood studios is home to some of the best thrill rides on Disney World property. Yes, there are some other great rides in other parks such as Soarin’ and Test Track at Hollywood Studios and Expedition Everest and Flights of Passage at Animal Kingdom. BUT, Hollywood Studios has some awesome thrill rides all packed into one park!

My definition of thrill ride is ones that make your hair stand on end. They are fast, or have a lot of movement, are super, super cool, and are not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Let me clarify though, these are DISNEY THRILL RIDES, not to be confused with actual thrill rides in every other amusement park in the country.

Let’s get started with the somewhat tame but super awesome thrill rides at Hollywood Studios!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Hollywood Tower of Terror is a thrill ride at Hollywood Studios.

I love thrill rides but the Tower of Terror is one I rode once and don’t go on anymore. I HATE dropping straight down. And, even though the drop on this ride is not terribly far (only 13 stories) that is more than enough for me.

But, I digress. What I do love about this ride is the theming. You enter into a old, decrepit hotel from the 1930’s. The lobby truly looks frozen in time. The dust and cobwebs are everywhere. As you proceed through the queue the details brings this old, seemingly haunted hotel to life.

Finally, you get to board the ride which is rows of chairs in an large elevator. After going up, you have immediately entered the Twilight Zone and learn the story of a family who disappeared on a fateful, stormy night. Will you make it back? You will think twice as you plummet down the elevator shaft a couple times.

Rock ‘n Roller Coaster

Probably my favorite ride in all of Disney World, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is sure to please the most avid thrill seeker!

Rock 'n Roller Coaster is another great thrill ride at Hollywood Studios.

The queue until you get on the ride is pretty uninteresting. Once you get past the short “video” with the band you enter the backstage area that has some great details that get you in the mood. Your “ride” is roller coaster cars designed as a really long limo. After boarding you start moving only to stop before a tunnel. You sit and wait in eager anticipation for the light to turn green. Then, you shoot off like a rocket twisting and turning (YES! There are loops and corkscrews) through the dark streets of LA trying to make it to the concert in time.

One of the best parts of this ride (aside from the speed, twists and turns in the dark) is the Aerosmith tunes blasting (and I do mean blasting) in your ears. Each vehicle play different hit songs–“Walk this Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Back in the Saddle.” You also might catch “Love in a Roller Coaster” which was rewritten from “Love in an Elevator” just for this ride. Now, you have a reason to ride Rock ‘n Roller coaster over and over again, just to hear all the songs!

Star Tours–The Adventures Continue

Star Tours is the classic Star Wars ride at Disney World. This is definitely an oldie but goodie!

This is a flight simulator ride with digital 3D video, Audio-Animatronic character and special effects in the cockpit to make your adventure almost real. Once aboard your Starspeeder 1000 you unfortunately launch too soon and and C-3PO has to take over. As expected, your ship is intercepted by Imperial forces and you have to escape. Let the fun begin!

There are a multitude of different scenarios you might encounter as well as many different Star Wars characters from past and present. Another ride that gives you permission to ride over and over again! Whoop Whoop!

Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the home to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This newer flight simulator ride will test your limits as you and your companions fly the Millenium Falcon on a thrilling smuggling mission. Each person in the cockpit has a job to do (pilot, engineer or gunner) for the mission to be successful. Good thing there is on the job training!

This ride has a super long queue but often not a long wait. Going in the single rider line can be a way to get on even faster. But, generally the people in the single rider line are given the job as engineer which isn’t quite as interactive as the other positions.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Rise of the Resistance is a thrill ride at Hollywood Studios

Okay, Rise of the Resistance is probably one of the most amazing rides I have ever been on (except Hagrid’s at Universal Studios). Before you even get on the ride you are throughly captivated and drawn completely into the story. You see, the Resistance needs help! They want to recruit you for a secret mission. As you can imagine the mission goes awry and you are captured by the enemy. You have to get away! But how?!

All parts of this experience are amazing! The queue, the ride, the guards (cast members are Ahhhmazing!) and the special effects. Oh my goodness, this is an awesome ride!

It’s so fantastic that it has been very hard to get on. Reservations in the virtual queue have to be made a specific times during the day. Make sure that you are on the app a little before the reservation window to attempt to get a flight time. If you need help with the app ask a Cast Member BEFORE the window opens. If you wait until after it will be too late.

Which one of these rides is your favorite? Haven’t been on them all? Which one do you want to go on next? Let me know in the comments below!

If you are interested in planning a Disney World vacation so you can enjoy this spine-tingleing rides please contact me! I would love to help!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Disney Vacation

Disney World Skyliner Tips and Tricks

Disney World Skyliner Tips and Tricks

In March I was able to ride the Disney Skyliner. It was so so so AWESOME!! I loved the Disney Skyliner so much and now I want to share with you some of the things that I learned to make the experience even better for you. On to some Disney World Skyliner tips and tricks!

Disney Skyliner tips
Disney’s Skyliner over Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Click here for a map of the Skyliner

A Quick Overview

Disney’s Skyliner is a gondola “ride” that connects quite a few resorts with Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Let me give you a quick list of the connections:

  • Epcot to Disney’s Riveria Resort (12 minutes–you do not have to get off) to Disney’s Caribbean Beach (4 minutes)
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach to a station between Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (5 minutes)
  • Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Caribbean Beach (5 minutes)

If you look at the map you can see the theme parks are the end of the line and Disney’s Caribbean Beach is a hub. The travel times are approximate.

Disney’s Skyliner Caribbean Beach Station
Disney’s Skyliner International Gateway Station
Disney Skyliner tips for Hollywood Studios station
Disney’s Skyliner Hollywood Studios Station
Disney’s Skyliner Pop Century/Art of Animation Station

Now for my Disney World Skyliner tips and tricks to help you navigate this awesome new form of transportation throughout the Disney World Resort!

Stay at a Resort on the Skyliner Route!

If you are going to spend much time at Epcot or Hollywood Studios I highly recommend staying at a resort that has a Skyliner station nearby.

  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Jamaica is the closest village to Caribbean Beach Station and Aruba is very close to Riviera Station)
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation

The Skyliner makes transportation to these parks so slick and easy! Lines move very quickly and so most of the time you are able to board without much waiting. Travel time to the parks is so much quicker than taking the bus. A couple of my later tips also support why I think it’s a good idea to stay at a resort serviced by the Skyliner.

Things to remember: 1) Buses to Epcot and Hollywood Studios run much less frequently to/from Skyliner resorts. 2) The Skyliner begins running at 7:30 AM. The ride is quick and if you are in line earlier than opening you should be able to make it into Hollywood Studios by 8 AM. But, if you have an early time commitment an alternate transportation method might be better. I did take the Skyliner from Caribbean Beach and was just able to make it for the Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue booking.

Try Different Restaurants!

The Skyliner makes it so easy to try different restaurants. Now, you probably don’t want to hop from quick service to quick service but for table service restaurants the Skyliner is amazing. No longer do you have to worry about bus transportation to get you to your reservation on time. Plus, the Ample Hills Creamery (Disney’s BoardWalk Inn) and the take-out counter at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club) are a great place for some yummy ice cream.

Restaurants on the Skyliner route at which you do not need a park ticket:

  • Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Rivera Resort–Character dining for breakfast and Signature dining for dinner
  • Sebastians’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach
  • Yachtsman Steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, Ale and Compass Restaurant and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
  • Flying Fish, ESPN Club, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, and Trattoria al Forno (character breakfast) at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
  • The Swan and Dolphin (only a few minutes walk from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn) have quite a few fantastic dining options but they are not included in the Disney Dining Plan

Ride the Skyliner Just to Ride the Skyliner!

It is such a peaceful ride and the scenery is fantastic! I loved seeing the Epcot ball in the distance and overlooking the construction for the France expansion. Check out these views!

Skyliner view of Hollywood Studios buses small
Skyliner view Epcot ball small
Skyliner view of Caribbean Beach small

Ask for a Gondola Without a Wrap

This is probably my #1 Disney World Skyliner tip! The graphics on the outside of the gondolas are super cute, on the outside. But, from the inside, the wrap obscures the view. Just ask the cast member directing guests if you can wait for a clear gondola. You might have to wait for a moment (at busy times they may not be able to honor your request) but they will usually try and accommodate. And, trust me, the view will be worth the wait!

Gondola with wrap–cute on the outside but not as good from the inside.
My number one Disney World Skyliner tip is to ask for a gondola without the wrap.
Gondola without wrap–boring outside but great viewing from inside

Take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios to Catch Buses

If you want to go from one resort to another you must first take a bus to a theme park or Disney Spring. A quicker way to get to a resort is to take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios and then head over to the bus stop that will take you to the desired resort. Since a lot of my time in March was spent looking at different resorts I used this trick a few times and it worked out pretty slick. I think this feature makes traveling around the Walt Disney World Resort just a bit easier.

This tip does not always work from the Epcot station! Epcot’s Skyliner Station is located outside the International Gateway (near the World Showcase). The buses are all the way on the other side of Epcot so, you must have been to Epcot that day or have a Park Hopper to walk through the park.

Enjoy Your Traveling Companions

Each gondola will hold up to 10 passengers. Strollers and wheelchairs can roll directly on. If your party is small you will most likely have company with you. I know it is easy to just remain quiet and just watch the scenery go by. But you might be pleasantly surprised if you try and begin a conversation. I learned some good tips from fellow travelers and was able to give some of my own to others.

Don’t Panic When the Gondola Stops

I know that everyone has heard the nightmare story of how the Skyliner broke down for hours just after it first opened. But, you need not worry or avoid taking the Skyliner. Most of the time the gondola stops is because cast members have to help someone on that needs an extra moment. Stops happen quite a bit en route but 95% of the time you start back up in just a moment or two.

Too Hot? Open the Windows!

Inside each gondola is a handle above your heads and below your feet that open up the windows. Open windows greatly increase airflow as you move along. As you turn the corner to/from Epcot it is really interesting to feel how the breeze changes inside the gondola. Conversely, if you happen to be cold feel free to close the vents.

Do you have a Disney World Skyliner tip or trick you would like to share? I would love to hear them and learn something new. Just comment below!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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