HiYa Pals!
Looking for something extra to do on vacation? Feel like splurging a little? Want to take a walk on the wild side?
Look no further! Disney has a plethora of extra goodies you can dive into and enjoy! Some of these offerings, if you choose to do them, must be done during your day in a park whereas others can be done without a park ticket. Furthermore, all of these offerings and events can be found on Disney’s website and if you use a travel agent like our friend Erica, they can book them for you!
Here I will give you a rundown on several of these extra ticketed events and offerings. Straightaway, let’s get into it!
Tours
Firstly, have you ever wondered how Disney functions behind the scenes? If you are ever in the mood to find out, Disney offers some really neat tours.
For instance, are you a person who would like to see the inside workings of Magic Kingdom? Obviouly, then The Keys of the Kingdom tour would be the fit for you! This behind-the-scenes tour is 5 hours long and $114 per person. You and a small group of people are escorted around Magic Kingdom learning the ins and outs of the park!
If you want the ultimate tour, the VIP treatment, the cream de la cream, then you want The Private VIP Tours. This is Disney’s most expensive tour. It ranges anywhere from $425-$850 an hour, allowing up to 8 guests. You and your party will be escorted around to your desired locations. Want to ride any of the rides, no problem. In fact, your tour guide will bring you right to the front of the line. Hungry? They will bring you whatever food you want. Moreover, if you want to hop over to a different park, why not? It can all be done with this tour package.
Meanwhile, if you love animals and want to see them up close, Animal Kingdom offers a few different tours with a variety of prices. If you want to experience Elephants or Rhinos, Caring for Giants would be just what you need. Here you can get closer to the animals and learn about them from some wonderful care takers. These are both $35 dollars per person. Therefore, if this is something you want to do be sure to check the schedule.
Additionally, if you want to get even closer to the animals and enjoy some fine dining: Disney has ya covered! Savor the Savanna and Wild Africa Treck are the tours you’re looking for! Savor the Savanna is a dining experience seated amongst breathtaking Safari animals. And Wild Africa Treck takes you on a wild adventure and being adventurous is the name of the game. Savor the Savanna is $149-$174 a person. Wild Africa Treck is $199 a person for 3 hours.
Have you ever enjoyed the slow-moving ride Living with the land in Epcot? Indeed, you may have noticed a group of people walking around in the back of a show room; well at Epcot they offer a tour called Behind the Seeds! Presently, this tour takes you through various rooms and you get to learn all about the agriculture and produce! This tour is $35 and is sure to spark some growth in you!
Photo Opportunities
Equally, did you know Disney offers a few different ways to capture you magic through the gift of core memories?
In my opinion, the most important photo opportunity is Disney’s Photo Pass/ Memory Maker. This is a service you can purchase for the entirety of your trip and allows you to download any photos taken of you and your group. Whether they are pictures on a ride or if you stop and have your pictures taken with a cast member. There are dozens of cast members with camaras all over the parks just waiting to help you create a special moment!
Another option if you’re looking for more of an intimate photo session is what they call Capture Your Moment. Accordinly, you’ll get your own personal photographer! For $99 you can reserve a 20-minute photo session. Your photographer will obviously know all the right spots to help you capture the magic just the way you want.
Parties
Most popularly there are extra ticketed events and parties! They offer several different kinds per year. The most sought out are Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party! Basically, prices range depending on the time you choose to go.
Disney likes to celebrate Halloween early. On select nights, running from August through October, you can find tickets. These tend to sell out, so if you plan on attending, be sure to book tickets as soon as you can.
Before, in years past I was able to attend a Mickeys Very Merry Christmas party and it was something I will cherish forever. I was a blast! These events are unique in that you don’t have to purchase a day ticket to the park. If you opt to, you can have a relaxing resort day and go do the Christmas or Halloween party that night and have just as much fun. Plus, you get snacks and treats and can meet all kinds of characters.
There are other parties offered as well. Comparatively, Disney sometimes offers parties at one the water parks. This past summer Disney held the H2O Glow Afterhours Party at Typhoon Lagoon.
Extras
If you are a DVC member or a Passholder make sure to keep an eye open for your special offerings and parties. Often times Disney will hold an after-hours event for those who hold those special titles.
Identically, if you are looking for something special and fun to do check out different resorts around Disney property. There are different dessert parties with firework views. You can rent a catered pontoon boat and watch fireworks from Magic Kingdom.
There are fishing excursions, horseback riding, and more.
Again, all of these events and offerings can be found on Disney’s website. I only listed a few of the more popular things. Ask your travel agent too! They are more than happy to help you book these events.
Above all, I hope these events and extras will have you wanting to do a little more on your vacation. There truly is nothing like a little Disney Magic.
