Michael L. Moore is a travel planner, cruise expert, and founder of Countdown to Magic, a site dedicated to helping people plan the perfect Disney vacation.
Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, the wealthy have flocked to increasingly exotic, unique and expensive travel experiences, and Moore has seen the ripple effects of that trend at the House of Mouse.
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“Believe it or not, this growing desire for scarcity and authenticity even extends to Disney vacations,” Moore says. “While Disney Parks ultimately offer magic to guests of all income levels, there certainly is a stratosphere of elite, expensive experiences reserved exclusively for those with unlimited money to spend.”
You could also spend five or even six figures on an ultra-luxurious Disney trip that adds even more magic to the Magic Kingdom. Here's how to do it.
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Behind the scenes experience
Starting with the least extravagant options, Disney offers dozens of shows, performances, and events, and if you have the money, you can even purchase insider access that's off-limits to the middle-income bracket.
“Wealthy guests shell out big bucks for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and backstage experiences that go far beyond what the average guest sees,” Moore says. “They get access to restricted areas, direct access to the elite Disney Imagineers who design the parks, and special inside information about their fascinating history and operations.”
Examples of behind-the-scenes experiences include:
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A perfect day out for young families – VIP Tour Experience: $299 per person
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Ultimate Thrill Day – VIP Tour Experience: $299 per person
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Sense of Africa: $249.99 per person
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Behind the scenes magic: $275 per person
Keep in mind that you will need to pay for park admission before you can upgrade to a Backstage Pass.
Disney Vacation Club
The cost of behind-the-scenes access is pocket change compared to one of Disney's truly special paid perks.
“The ultra-wealthy can join the Disney Vacation Club, an exclusive, luxury membership program that grants perks like customized character experiences, VIP fan itineraries and special access to hard-to-get restaurant reservations,” Moore said.
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According to the Disney Vacation Club site, “To become a member, you purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, which you receive as an annual allotment of vacation points.”
For a 215-point package (about the middle of the price range), the cost will be roughly $47,000-$50,000, depending on the resort you choose, plus an additional $150-$200 per month.
Private VIP Park Tour
Sure, you could buy a ticket, take a shuttle from your hotel to the park, queue at the gate with the general public to get in, then queue again to go on the rides and attractions.
But there is another way.
“The wealthy hire Disney's VIP tour guides to receive the best treatment and completely avoid all the lines, crowds and hassle,” Moore says. “These private guides cater to your family's every request, customizing your perfect Disney day based on your preferences and making all the arrangements.”
At Disney World, private VIP tours cost between $450 and $950 per hour depending on the season, don't include park admission, which is purchased separately, and must be booked for at least seven consecutive hours.
Ultra-luxurious accommodation
If you time it right, you can often book a room at a budget hotel at a Disney park for under $200 a night, but the elite don't have to settle for such shoddy accommodations.
“High net worth individuals will book ultra-luxury accommodations such as the park's deluxe villas and club level rooms and amenities. These accommodations offer coveted perks such as personal concierge service, access to private lounges with complimentary food and beverages and reserved viewing spots for fireworks and evening shows,” Moore said.
For example, the rate for a Beach Club Villa suite room (with water views and club access) at a Disney resort can easily approach $3,000 a night.
21 Dining at Royal
The ultimate in Disney-themed dining is happening at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Called 21 Royal, the restaurant will host the ultimate dinner party in a private New Orleans-inspired mansion that was conceived and designed by Walt and Lillian Disney themselves as a secret family retreat.
Disney storytelling and fine cuisine come together as a team of culinary experts create an exquisite selection of courses served on gold-plated tableware, complete with sommelier-selected wines for you and up to 12 guests.
You'll need to make a reservation to find out the exact price, but the experience is expected to cost $18,000, according to The Washington Post.
Private Jet Adventures
Why settle for a single park experience when you can jet around to see the best of the world all in one trip?
Disney offers a 24-day Around the World tour with stops in Anaheim, San Francisco, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Agra, Cairo, Paris and Orlando. The package includes 68 meals, including 23 breakfasts, 22 lunches and 23 dinners.
Tour the Lucasfilm Campus, Walt Disney Imagineering's Tokyo DisneySea, the Taj Mahal, Walt Disney Studios, and more.
Package rates start at $114,995 per person.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: VIP Disney Experiences Exclusive to the Rich
