Top 5 Disney Splurges
What are the Top 5 Disney Splurges?
Are you planning a Disney vacation on a budget? Are you hoping to not be a total cheapskate but stay in control with your spending? We recently took a trip to Disney where we really focused on spending our money wisely.
We wanted to focus on value, both from a money and experience standpoint. One of the things that we decided at the beginning was to be very reasonable when it came to our choice of hotels.
We chose one of the value-priced resorts, Disney's Art of Animation. Despite being labeled a "value-resort", we were blown away by the quality of the hotel, food, and pool.
Our main goal for our trip was to get the most experience we could for our buck. We went to Disney in February with the intent of spending most of our times at the park.
So, we decided to invest our Disney money in experiences! Wondering what to focus your Disney splurge on, even if you are planning your Disney vacation on a budget?
If you are planning a Disney vacation and looking for a few things to invest your Disney dollars in, read below for my 5 top Disney splurges that are totally worth it!
Splurge #1: Character Dining
There is no shortage of options for character dining at Disney. You definitely will want to do your research and depending on how many days you will be spending at the park and your budget, rank your favorites by character and cuisine.
You really can't go wrong at character dining from a food perspective. Some character meals are buffets while others are family-style. WDW Prep School has a great list of character dining pros and cons too!
We’ve been to a number of character dining meals and to determine which character meal is best for you and your budget, I would do the following:
Character Dining Tip #1: Decide on which characters you want to see.
With two girls, our house is princess-central. So Cinderella’s Royal table was definitely a splurge-worthy meal for us.
We decided to book our dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table the same days the girls did the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. As many of the fun tees out there stated, it was definitely the “Most Expensive Day Ever” 🙂
But again, if you are going to Disney on a budget but you don’t want to be cheap, you have to plan your splurges. For us, this was completely worth it.
If your kids are smaller and more into Disney Junior, Hollywood & Vine is a great character meal with all of the Disney Junior faves, Doc McStuffins, Jake, Sophia the First, and Handy Manny.
Most of the character dining includes different classic Disney characters.
Character Dining Tip #2: Consider what time of day works best for your kids.
Character dining can happen at all mealtimes of the day. We’ve done both breakfast and dinner character dining and have used our quick service meals for lunch (or just for a snack if we had a big breakfast!)
More to come on how to optimize your Disney meal plan. If you have little kids like I do, then breakfast is going to be your go-to. Kids are usually in good moods (hopefully!) and excited to see and take pictures with the characters.
No matter what time of day, the characters are always excited to see your kids and take the time to interact with each one. The characters were very patient with us to take lots of photos, sign our autograph books, and just have fun interacting.
Character Dining Tip #3: Are you willing to go to the park for a specific character dining?
Many character dining experiences happen in certain parks. Hollywood & Vine is at Hollywood Studios, Cinderella’s Royal Table is at Magic Kingdom, and Garden Grill Restaurant is at Epcot, just to name a few.
When you are making reservations, consider the parks you are wanting to go to. There are many options for character dining outside of the parks also.
One of our favorite character dining experiences is at Disney’s Beach Club Resort at the Cape May Cafe. Minnie, Goofy and Donald all appear in their beach gear!
There are also several non-character dining options that are completely amazing. Be sure to add Ohana and Be our Guest to your list of must-visits!
Click below to pin our favorite character dining restaurants at Disney World!
Splurge #2 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirate's League!
If you have a girl between three and twelve and you are headed to Disney, then I’m sure you’ve considered the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. In case you haven’t heard of it the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a beauty salon that transforms your princess into her favorite princess.
There are a variety of packages to choose from, but each really is a special moment for your little girl. If you are looking for the boutique experience but are also minding your budget, the Crown Package includes hair & makeup.
You can bring your own dress from home and have a pretty awesome princess experience. The Castle Package adds the princess costume and accessories.
Undercover Tourist did a great overview of each package. Whatever you choose, this is one Disney splurge that is completely worth it for your little girl. She gets the royal beauty treatment transforming her into a princess!
Boy moms don’t fret! There is something out there for boys too. Although I can’t say I’ve actually done the Pirates League, I saw some really awesome little dudes running around dressed as their own Jack Sparrow.
Or, if your daughter isn’t really into the princesses, she can opt for the justice league too and transform into a pirate, empress or mermaid!
All of the options are really fun and take the experience over the top. There was just nothing like watching our daughters interact with the princesses while they felt like a princess themselves. Definitely worth the splurge!
Bonus tip! The Maune Legacy gave me the sneak peek into the Perfectly Princess Tea! A fun princess-filled experience that would be a perfect complement to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! This was completely new to me and I will definitely be adding to our must-do list for our text Disney trip!
Splurge #3: Exploring Parks Beyond the Magic Kingdom
But seriously, have you ever seen a giraffe this close up? Exploring beyond the Magic Kingdom is a must-do for every Disney visitor!
The first time we took our oldest daughter to Disney we stuck to the Magic Kingdom for almost the whole trip. We figured that the other parks wouldn’t have things for our then almost two year old to do.
We couldn’t have been more wrong! Which again has me recommending to do your research!
There is more than enough resources out there to figure out how to tailor your Disney trip to your family and your budget. You might be tempted to not add on a day at Animal Kingdom, thinking “It’s just a zoo, right?” when you couldn’t be more wrong.
Animal Kingdom quickly became one of our favorite parks this trip. Between the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you can see animals up close and personal, the Avatar Flight of Passage ride, and incredible food at eateries like Satuli Canteen and Tusker House, Animal Kingdom is not one to be missed!
One of our favorite things (that is completely free!) that our kids did this trip was the Wilderness Explorer challenge. You can collect over 30 badges throughout Animal Kingdom (and learn a ton in the process!) It’s completely free and was a really fun activity that our kids really enjoyed.
Animal Kingdom isn't the only park to explore beyond the Magic Kingdom! Disney's Hollywood Studios is awesome, especially if you have a Star Wars lover in your family. My niece and nephew got to participate in the Jedi Training Academy and actually encounter and fight Darth Vader. It totally made their day.
There is also Epcot, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and the completely free to visit (and newly remodeled) Disney Springs.
But as you can see, we still love the Magic Kingdom. Traveling with toddlers or babies? Check out my top tips for the Best Rides at Disney World for Babies and Toddlers.
Splurge #4: Memory Maker
Being a photographer, one of the things I've always been so intrigued by is the Disney Memory Maker. I would wonder, is the Disney Memory Maker worth it? I will want to take my own photos, so why do I need it.
Well for one, being a photographer (and a mom) I'm usually the one taking the photos and rarely do I appear in them. So if you're anything like me and actually would love to have that magical photo in front of the castle with your ENTIRE family, then the Memory Maker is a must.
But, you might be thinking, are you really going to spend all of that money for ONE photo?
Of course not! That must-have castle photo was just one of hundreds of photos that we got from our Memory Maker.
One of my favorite things about the Memory Maker is that it gives you the opportunity to get photos taken all around the parks. Photographers are more than happy to snap your photo, or a few of your kids.
PhotoPass photographers are also in pretty much every character meet and greet. I absolutely loved this because rather than focusing on taking photos, I was able to really watch my girls interact with the characters and take in all of the magic.
I was also able to video their interaction with my phone which I just love! My girls love to watch videos of themselves and we all get a kick out of reminiscing about our time at Disney.
My other favorite thing was that the Memory Maker includes the photos that are taken while you are on rides! It was really fun to get a photo of my younger daughter's first roller coaster ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!
Splurge #5: Reserved Parade Viewing with Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Have you ever been to Disney before and walked right through the Town Square on your way down Main Street U.S.A? I know I have because we had our eyes on Cinderella's Castle!
It took a few times traveling to Disney before I realized that there is a Lady and the Tramp themed restaurant right in the Town Square. I was intrigued and did a bit of research about the restaurant and how we could add it to our dining plans for our trip.
Plus, Lady and the Tramp is one of the cutest movies ever! Who doesn't want to eat at the same restaurant as the infamous spaghetti scene?
What I didn't realize is that Tony's Town Square (the Lady and the Tramp themed restaurant) has a really awesome lunch and parade package. For those of you who have traveled to Disney before you know that parades are serious business.
People start lining up well before the parade start time and crowds can be pretty intense in prime viewing spots. We definitely wanted to take in the parades, but are not a huge fan of spending our park time waiting for the parade to start or getting that close to other park goers.
Tony's Town Square has a bundled meal and parade viewing package where you can enjoy a three course lunch (honestly it's huge and can count for your dinner too!) as well as reserved seating for the parade. We were able to get an awesome seat, right in front with no crowd!
These kids were pretty happy about their prime seating. And check out that view of the parade!!
The characters that are walking interact with the people and kids on the street and the kids were really excited about Mr. Smee coming over to them during the parade.
Thanks for checking out my 5 Top Disney Splurges! I hope you got some information to help you figure out what is worth spending your money on at Disney!
I would love for you to comment below and let me know what are some of your favorite things to include in your Disney Vacation!
Chelsey
Do you feel the memory maker is worth it even though the cast members will use your camera for free for you? We have not travelled to world yet but visited land for the 60th. I loved having my camera and just bought a few of the really good ones before our trip ended. I’m a huge photo person and I’m trying to start figuring out what’s a must and what’s not for our trip to world.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I absolutely feel like it's worth it. I have shot professional photography for the past 8 years and have been to Disney when I"ve had it and also not had it. The first time I went I lugged my big camera around. While I got some pretty artistic and beautiful shots, it was kind of a pain to lug it around and I was worried about it the whole time. When I had the Memory Maker I was able to enjoy the moments my kids were having while someone else was capturing it. If that makes sense. After having been there a few times I realized that I wanted to enjoy that part of it more than taking tons of photos myself.
Melissa Nicholson
I agree with everything but the memory maker we went in January there wasn’t a lot of photographers out and when you found one you had to wait in line to get a picture. The pics were nice but it wasn’t worth the time.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
That's a bummer!! I do know that Main Street USA is very busy so there are usually lines to get photos in front of the castle!
Tabbie
BBB was our absolute favorite part of Disney world. They also do boys there as princes. My 8 year old son got his hair styled like a prince and got a cape and sword. It was such an awesome experience and so worth the money!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
That is awesome!! I'm so glad that he had a great time too. What a fun time!
Ashley Leach
We spent this last week at Disney for spring break. I 100% agree with the character dining. My kids are 4 and 2 and we chose a restaurant for lunch with Mickey and friends and it did not disappoint. The kids were in awe of all the characters and loved that they came up to them vs waiting in line to see them. Character dining is a must!
Also, yes to going to other parks. Next to the Magic Kingdom, we had the most fun at Epcot, rides were slow for the kids and they loved them plus Princesses everywhere! I had no intention of staying there the whole day, we didn't leave until after their night show and fireworks.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I wish we would have had more time at Epcot! Our flight was delayed so we ended up not having much time there. There's always next time though right? Have you eaten at the Garden Grill there? So good!!
April L.
We are going to Disney next week!! Chef Mickey is my favorite character dining so far. We are having breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table the first day. I've not done that one and I'm so excited. Still trying to decide on memory maker. My Mom is taking me and my 2 best friends to celebrate my 40th birthday. Ha. Me and my best friends could not have children, so this is also a celebration of our friendships.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
oh my goodness I'm so jealous!!! this trip sounds just amazing!! You gals are going to have such a great time! Happy Birthday!
Amy Jogan
Love all of these and I had no idea about reserve lunch & parade. One additional I would add is Dessert Fireworks with reserved seating. Especially good if traveling with guests that can't stand or fight for a fireworks space. It was good desserts & great viewing location all with no fighting the people.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I saw that when we where there and thought how great it would be! I wish my girls liked the fireworks but they hate loud noises. I actually watched them by myself the last night we were there and my husband sat with them inside of Pinocchio's 🙂 Maybe when they're older I'd love to do this! thanks for the idea, I'm sure it was amazing!
Cara
Where is this? We are planning our first trip the week after Thanksgiving with our soon to be 5 year old little girl... we want it to be fun and not stressful and still allow her to experience all of the amazing things Disney has to offer!!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
If you are going the week after Thanksgiving you will definitely want to consider Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! I'm going to be blogging about this soon, its an awesome Disney add-on!
Ashley
Thanks for the tips. We are south Floridians and will spend lots of time at Disney with our kiddos. This is very helpful.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
hope you have a great time Ashley!
Denisha
Absolutely loved your list of splurges for Disney!! We've taken our girls twice, and haven't done the character dining or makeovers yet. I had no clue about the reserved "seating" and lunch for the parade! So worth not having to fight the crowds for little ones to see the characters. Thanks for sharing!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I agree!! it made such a difference. Hope you add on character dining next visit, you'll love it!
This Messy Season
I completely agree with all of these suggestions!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
thanks for checking it out!
Erica @ Coming Up Roses
OMG I hadn't heard of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before but it looks + sounds ADORABLE...what a treat for little girls!!!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
they just love it!!!
adriana
The character themed meals are MUSTS for kids! Disney is such an experience, the splurges are worth it! 😉
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I completely agree!!
Summer
Oh my gosh... the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique looks SO FUN! When I have kids (hopefully a girl), totally doing this!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
it's the cutest place ever!
Tierney
Love this! As a former Disney cast member, I think you e hit a lot of the great spots! I definitely suggest staying on property so you have easy access to all of he parks, plus extra magic hours.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
So jealous that you were a cast member!!! Where did you work?
Chelsie
This is great information! It's so overwhelming to go to Disney and see all of the things you can spend your money on, so it's awesome to have a guide and details on how to pick the best!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I agree!! there is so much information sometimes it's hard to know!
Cassie |White Sands and Cool Breezes
Thanks for these great suggestions. We just started to think about going to Disney and there's so much. This definitely helps with planning!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
How exciting!!! Have you gone before?
Alice
Great list! I'm all about the character dining! So many great options at Disney.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
Character dining is our favorite!!!
Shelley
Our favorite character dining was at EPCOT. Norway's Akershaus had amazing food and I got all of the princesses coming to our table while we ate.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
I've heard such good things about Akershaus!!! glad you enjoyed!
Ashley Stephenson
My friend is planning on taking her little girl to Disney for the first time this Fall - I will definitely be sharing this with her!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing! I hope they have a great time!
Lacy
I was so excited to read this post and it did not disappoint! Yes to all of it!!!! We do everything on the list except getting the parade spot, but we will definitely try this next time! Great list!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
Oh good!!! I'm so glad it could help! Yes, definitely check out the parade reserved seating, it was perfect!
Courtney
These are great tips. I don’t have kids but I consider myself a kid at heart. My friend and I are hoping to go to Disney next year and will have to take these tips with me!
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
If you are looking for restaurants without characters, Ohana is by far my fave non-character dining. But honestly, take your friend and your appetite to the Garden Grill, it was SO good!!!
Shelley
We did Ohana for Breakfast and it had characters... Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch! The food is so amazing, we're going again this time in dec.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
oh so fun!!!! what did they have for the food for breakfast? We were there for dinner!
Amanda
If we ever go to Disney I will keep these things in mind
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
Absolutely! Hope you make it there someday! It's such a fun place!