The iconic image of Walt Disney World isn't a mouse, a ride, a character or even a Dole Whip. It is Cinderella Castle beaming at the end of Main Street USA for the young and young at heart. It's the backdrop (or star) of Disney World parades, shows, festivals, fireworks and countless family vacation photos. And now, there's an over-the-top Disney VIP tour that will take you inside the six-person suite nestled high in Cinderella Castle. Cue all the inner Disney-geek fandom!
And yes, this new tour is expensive. Very expensive.
Before I drop the price hammer and crush magical castle dreams into piles of pixie dust, here's what we have learned about this new tour by calling Disney's VIP tour line.
The new offering is up to 12 hours of a highly-personalized, guided Disney World experience that includes front-of-the-line access to rides across all four Disney World parks, meals (no reservations required), being whisked from park to park, prime viewing of shows and parades, special access to most things Disney you could dream up and, the pièce de résistance, a visit to the suite in Cinderella Castle. Details were light, but the main highlight was crystal clear.
There are already Disney VIP tours that include many of the elements above, but access to the suite in the castle previously couldn't be bought. You pretty much had to win a grand prize in a Disney contest or otherwise be invited. (My invitation is clearly lost in the mail, but I haven't given up.)
Now, the dream crushing reality: this 'World of Dreams' VIP Tour is valid for up to six guests and costs $12,000 for 12 hours of all-access magic. That breaks down to $166.67 per hour per person if you fully maxed it out. And sadly, those numbers do not include park admission or taxes. Additional days of this level of special access can be booked for a 'discounted' rate of $10,000. Hey, at least it isn't $32,000 for one person, like flying in the Etihad Residence will cost you.
For comparison, a 'regular' Disney VIP private tour without special castle access costs around $425 - $625 per hour (depending on the time of year) and is valid for up to 10 guests with a seven-hour minimum. Of course, there are also much more economical Disney special access add-ons available, such as the $1.07 per minute early morning access to Fantasyland that runs from 7:45 - 9am on select dates (and includes breakfast).
But if you want to explore Cinderella Castle beyond the entrance and dining room that are included when you dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, find five other equally Disney-crazy friends and start saving.
There's no guarantee that Cinderella herself will be hanging out in the castle's suite, ready to pour you a cup of hot tea when you visit, but for $12,000, maybe dreams really can come true.
Bottom Line
For most of us, this new tour's price won't get us any closer to inside Cinderella Castle than before. But for others, at least now there's a chance. I've certainly gotten a few dollars worth of Disney daydreaming out of this new offering. I mean, what would you do if you could do almost anything at Disney World for 12 full hours?
If you do spend five figures on a tour at Disney World, be sure you are paying with a credit card that awards a bonus on entertainment spending. And, if you are looking for a sixth to join your magical day, give me a call.
To continue your once-in-a-lifetime (after the lottery winning process) theme park planning:
- What Really Happens on a $3,000 Universal Studios VIP Private Tour
- This Disneyland Meal Costs $15,000
- Is Disney Club Level Worth It?
- Best Money You Can Spend at Disney is Getting Better
- Is the Disney VIP Classics Tour Worth It?
- $240 Orlando Stroller Rental Comes With Payment Plan
