disney vip tour guide job

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Let's Adventure Together

Want to be an Adventure Guide ?

Adventures by Disney™ provides immersive Disney-guided family vacation experiences to exciting destinations across seven continents. Families traveling with Adventures by Disney™ receive extraordinary service while touring unique locations around the globe by land, river cruise or expedition cruise. With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, local experts, engaging activities, ample amenities and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney™ excites, thrills, and pleases family members of all ages.

Let's Discover Together

All videos recorded prior to March 2020

Adventures By Disney

ABOUT OUR TRIPS

Each adventure has its own unique character that will appeal to different people. Some of our trips focus on the outdoors, with whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking being some of the optional activities. Other trips will explore highlights of cities, with historical tours, theater and gourmet meals.

• Take a Closer Look »

About Our Trips:

Trips range from 7 to 14 days in length, depending on the destination.

Accommodations are among the best an area has to offer.

The platform for all trips is the authenticity of experiencing the destination while incorporating magical Disney touches and surprises.

To learn more about our destinations visit adventuresbydisney.com .

Adventures by Disney Season

This year our peak season for running adventures is from May through August, with some destinations operating year-round.

Who Are Our Guests?

The Adventures by Disney™ business is founded on family vacations.

We anticipate most of our guests are fans of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts® and Disney Cruise Line®, and will be looking forward to a Disney quality experience with the spotlight on the region that we are visiting.

Departures vary, but each group size will have approximately 30 - 40 guests, with a third of these being children.

ADVENTURE GUIDE Overview

Adventure Guides are expected to juggle a myriad of tasks and daily logistics, and to exhibit initiative and resourcefulness while creating an atmosphere of fun for guests of all ages. They intuitively know when to add those special touches that allow for creation of magical moments.

Daily Routine

An Adventure Guide's day will usually begin early in the morning. Before meeting with the guests, Adventure Guides are busy setting the stage and making final preparations for a great day.

The majority of the day will be spent with the guests, participating in activities, taking photos, attending meals, and addressing their varying needs. Throughout the day, Adventure Guides are the key to creating a seamless and magical experience for our guests.

In the evening, it's time to sit and have dinner with the guests while enjoying engaging conversations. Then, it's back to tying up the loose ends and confirming all the details for the following days of the trip.

On all of our departures, there should be two Adventure Guides working together to create a successful adventure.

Adventure Guides should be respectful and professional with all of their co-workers. This is vital to ensure Adventure Guides can enhance the guest experience. Different styles and personalities are supported and candid feedback is encouraged.

Requirements

To apply, you must be able to provide legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Appreciate diversity among guests and other Adventure Guides
• Be guest-focused, including children, adults and families
• Be available during a period of up to 6 months
• Be able to work an average of 14 hours per day for the duration of a trip
• Enjoy working in a high-energy, fast-paced guest service environment
• Be able to speak, read and write English
• Have related experience in the hospitality or tourism industry
• Be flexible with work schedules, job duties and job locations
• Be receptive to being away from home for long periods of time
• Be comfortable speaking in front of groups with up to 40 people
• Previous industry guide experience preferred

Before You start

• Obtain a valid passport prior to training
• Obtain First Aid certification through an approved organization (required before guiding your first trip; will be reimbursed).

What You Will Need to Purchase

• Approved work shoes, pants/shorts, outerwear and backpack

What We Will Provide

• Air travel to and from destinations
• Accommodations and meals while in destinations
• Your work shirts
• Complimentary seasonal passes to Disney Theme Parks & merchandise discount
• Meet the Team »

becoming an adventure guide

Adventure Guides should be able to share their curiosity about the world and enthusiasm for travel with our guests. They should appreciate the intricacies of various destinations, cultures and people, act instinctively as an ambassador to the regions they guide, and serve as a storyteller for all who join them on the adventure.

Is Being a Disney Adventure Guide for You?

The life of an Adventure Guide is challenging and rewarding, but is not for everyone. Before discovering a new career with Adventures by Disney™, here are some questions to consider:

• Does this intense working environment suit my professional and personal interests?
• Will I like being in a guest-facing job where I'm constantly "on-stage"?
• Can I commit to being available for the entire season?
• How well will I adapt to working every day with limited time to myself?
• Am I able to comply with Disney's appearance guidelines?
• Does working in a high-energy, fast-paced, family-friendly, potentially international environment excite me?
• Will I enjoy being responsible for both adults and Junior Adventurers?
• Can I be flexible with my personal schedule?
• Will I mind living out of a suitcase?

Adventure Guide Compensation

Adventure Guides are paid an hourly rate that is very competitive within the tourism industry. This amount is supplemented by guest gratuities.

Adventure Guides are paid on a trip-to-trip basis, and all lodging and food are provided while working.

In general, recruitment for Adventure Guide positions follows this timeline:

• Recruitment begins in August.
• Interviews and auditions are conducted between August and November.
• Offers of employment are extended December-January
• Training takes place in the month of March prior to peak season.
• For newly hired Adventure Guides, trips start anytime from May through the summer.

The Adventure Guides on our team will come from various professional backgrounds with diverse skill sets. However, all Adventure Guides should be thought of as experts in relation to their knowledge of the destination and Disney overall. Skill levels will vary and it is each Adventure Guide's responsibility to enhance their own skills and hopefully support their teammates in the pursuit of furthering their knowledge.

Areas of expertise should include language ability, cultural and natural history, regional cuisine, travel industry logistics, basic knowledge of technology and the desire to work with people of all ages. Adventure Guides are expected to participate in all guest activities and therefore must be comfortable participating in Junior Adventurer's games and programs, swimming, hiking, bicycling, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Availability

To be considered for the position of an Adventure Guide, you must be available to Adventures by Disney™ for travel between June through August. You will also be required to attend a week-long training session prior to beginning your trips.

Adventure Guides will typically work a number of trips with slight rest periods between departures.

The amount of work will depend on our business need and an Adventure Guide's availability.

All successful candidates who are hired will be expected to attend our training program. This consists of Adventures by Disney training and/or field based destination training.

All Adventure Guides will be required to complete (or show valid accreditation of) CPR and First Aid certification prior to leading a trip in the field.

Disney Look

As representatives of The Walt Disney Company, Adventure Guides are expected to adhere to our appearance guidelines, which we call the "Disney Look."

The Disney Look stems from Walt Disney's idea that cast members should be part of the show, but should not become the show. As such, the guidelines in the Disney Look are designed to help our cast members appear friendly, approachable and professional.

The Disney Look will be discussed in detail during the interview process, but here are some examples of the guidelines to which our cast members must adhere:

• Visible tattoos are permitted, with the exception of placement on the face, head or neck. Tattoos must be no larger than the Cast Member’s hand.
• Jewelry is permitted provided it does not distract from the overall appearance and preserves the Guest experience. Two earrings in each ear are permitted.
• Hair color must appear in natural occurring hues.
• Facial hair should be neatly groomed and well maintained.
• If polish is used on nails, it should be the same on each nail and well maintained in one solid color or French manicure style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How am I employed by Disney? Adventure Guides hired from outside of Disney will be employed on a temporary basis, either as a Casual Limited employee or on a Temporary Assignment. Adventure Guides hired internally (current cast members within The Walt Disney Company) may be transferred into Adventures by Disney ™ for their assignments and may be transferred back to their other business unit upon completion of their Adventures by Disney ™ assignment. **Eligibility for this transfer process depends on your work area, and leadership approval is required.

How much will I work? Individual schedules may vary depending on the combination of itineraries assigned, language skills, personal interests, experience, performance history and seniority. As you grow with Adventures by Disney ™, additional work could come your way in the form of more trips, administrative tasks or facilitating presentations.

Is there opportunity for more work? As a growing company, we are always looking to harness our resources. As you grow with Adventures by Disney ™, additional work could come your way in the form of more trips, administrative tasks or facilitating presentations.

Do I have to live where I am going to be guiding trips? No. Generally, our Adventure Guides will reside throughout the United States and will be transported to the starting point of their trip departure prior to each adventure.

Do I get to go home in between trips? If you live in the area where you are guiding, you are free to return home in between trips when you are off duty. If this is not the case, a "schedule-by-schedule" approach will be taken to determine if and for how long an Adventure Guide should stay in an area in between trips.

Who will I be guiding with? All adventures are led by two Adventure Guides. You may be partnered with a local expert, travel industry professional or someone who comes from within Disney and splits their time being an Adventure Guide and whatever their role might be within the Company. Adventure Guides come from diverse professional backgrounds; however, they all share the desire to deliver exceptional guest experiences and the ability to relate to every guest on a personal level.

Quick Links

Disney college program.

As a Disney College Program participant, you’ll become part of the magic that is known worldwide while gaining valuable, on-the-job experience in our parks and resorts. Learn more.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Set sail on the job opportunity of a lifetime aboard our extraordinary ships with Disney Cruise Line®. Learn more.

Sign up below to receive updates from Adventures by Disney

By signing up below, you are agreeing to receive occasional updates from Adventures by Disney via email including notification of when the Adventure Guide application is open.

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• Travel Guide

How Much Does A Disney Vip Tour Guide Make

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Lissy Becerra

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Welcome to the magical world of Disney! If you’ve ever dreamed of being immersed in the enchanting atmosphere, playing a key role in creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for guests, and getting paid for it, then becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide might just be your dream job. Disney VIP Tour Guides are the crème de la crème of the Disney theme park experience, providing personalized and exclusive tours for individuals, families, and groups who want to maximize their enjoyment of the parks and have a truly unforgettable adventure.

As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have the opportunity to go above and beyond, ensuring that every moment is magical for your guests. From skipping the long lines at popular attractions to securing the best seats for shows and parades, you will have the power to turn a regular visit to the park into a VIP experience. But being a Disney VIP Tour Guide is so much more than just providing unparalleled access and convenience – it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Not only will you have the privilege of escorting guests throughout the parks, sharing fascinating stories and insider tips along the way, but you will also get to witness the joy and wonder on their faces as they experience the magic of Disney. It’s a job that requires a passion for Disney, exceptional customer service skills, and the ability to create seamless and unforgettable experiences. If you’re ready to embark on a truly magical career, then let’s dive into the details of what it takes to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide.

Overview of a Disney VIP Tour Guide

As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will be responsible for providing personalized and exclusive tours for guests visiting the Disney theme parks. From Magic Kingdom to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will have the opportunity to explore each park and create customized itineraries based on the guests’ preferences and interests.

Your primary goal as a Disney VIP Tour Guide is to ensure that your guests have the most magical and enjoyable experience possible. This involves providing exceptional customer service, anticipating their needs, and going above and beyond to exceed expectations. You will act as their personal ambassador, guiding them through the parks, sharing fun facts, engaging stories, and providing insider tips to enhance their visit.

One of the key aspects of being a Disney VIP Tour Guide is the ability to navigate the parks efficiently and strategically. You will have extensive knowledge of the layout, attractions, shows, and dining options, allowing you to create the most efficient itinerary to optimize your guests’ time and make the most of their visit. You will also have the power to utilize FastPasses and navigate through special entrances, enabling your guests to bypass long lines and maximize their enjoyment of the park.

In addition to providing a seamless and personalized experience, you will also be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of your guests. This includes keeping track of any special dietary restrictions or mobility concerns, coordinating with park staff for any special accommodations, and ensuring that your guests are comfortable and enjoying their time at Disney.

Being a Disney VIP Tour Guide is not just about providing a tour; it’s about creating magical memories and building lasting connections with your guests. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, creating experiences that they will cherish for years to come. It’s a role that requires a passion for Disney, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to create a personalized and unforgettable experience each time.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities to ensure the best possible experience for your guests. Let’s dive into some of the key responsibilities you’ll have in this exciting role:

• Personalized Tours: Your primary responsibility is to provide personalized and exclusive tours for your guests, tailoring the experience based on their preferences and interests. This involves creating customized itineraries, suggesting attractions, shows, and dining options, and ensuring that your guests have a memorable and magical visit.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Providing exceptional customer service is at the core of being a Disney VIP Tour Guide. You will be the point of contact for your guests throughout their visit, addressing their questions, concerns, and needs promptly and with a smile. Going above and beyond to exceed their expectations is a must.
• Knowledge and Expertise: As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have in-depth knowledge of the parks, attractions, shows, and dining options. You will be able to provide guests with engaging stories, fun facts, and insider tips to enhance their experience. Staying up-to-date with any changes or updates in the parks is essential to provide accurate information to your guests.
• Efficient Park Navigation: One of your key responsibilities is to navigate the parks efficiently and strategically. This involves utilizing your knowledge of the park layout, crowd management techniques, and utilizing FastPasses to minimize wait times and maximize enjoyment for your guests.
• Guest Safety and Well-being: Ensuring the safety and well-being of your guests is of utmost importance. You will keep track of any dietary restrictions or mobility concerns and coordinate with park staff for any necessary accommodations. Your guests’ comfort and enjoyment are your top priorities.
• Building Relationships: As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have the opportunity to create lasting connections with your guests. Building relationships and providing a warm and welcoming environment is key to ensuring a memorable visit for your guests. Your genuine enthusiasm for Disney and your ability to connect with people will make a significant impact.

These are just a few of the many job duties and responsibilities you’ll have as a Disney VIP Tour Guide. Each day will bring new opportunities and challenges, but at the end of it all, you will have played an integral part in creating magical memories for your guests at the happiest place on Earth.

Requirements and Qualifications

While being a Disney VIP Tour Guide is undoubtedly an exciting and rewarding career, it also requires certain requirements and qualifications. Here are some of the key requirements and qualifications to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide:

• Passion for Disney: A genuine love and passion for all things Disney is a must. You should have a deep understanding of Disney’s history, characters, and theme parks. Your enthusiasm for the Disney brand should shine through in everything you do.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will be interacting with guests from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Excellent communication skills, including strong verbal and written communication, are essential to effectively convey information, engage with your guests, and create memorable experiences.
• Customer Service Experience: Prior experience in customer service roles is highly beneficial. This experience will give you the skills to understand and anticipate guests’ needs, handle difficult situations with ease and grace, and provide exceptional service at all times.
• Knowledge of Disney Theme Parks: A thorough knowledge of the Disney theme parks, including attractions, shows, dining options, and special events, is crucial. You should be well-versed in the layout of each park, the FastPass system, and any updates or changes to ensure you can create the best experience for your guests.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The role of a Disney VIP Tour Guide requires flexibility and adaptability. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, dealing with changing schedules, and being able to handle unexpected situations with poise and professionalism.
• Physical Stamina: Being a Disney VIP Tour Guide involves spending long hours on your feet, walking and standing for extended periods. You should have the physical stamina to handle the demands of the job and ensure the comfort and safety of your guests throughout the day.
• Positive Attitude: A positive and upbeat attitude is essential in creating a magical experience for your guests. It sets the tone for their visit and helps create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.

These are just some of the requirements and qualifications to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide. Keep in mind that each Disney park may have its own specific requirements, so it’s important to research and understand the qualifications for the specific park you’re interested in working at. If you meet the requirements and possess the necessary qualifications, you’ll have a great chance of pursuing a career as a Disney VIP Tour Guide.

Training and Education

As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will undergo comprehensive training to ensure you have the knowledge and skills required to excel in your role. The training program is designed to provide you with the necessary information about the parks, customer service techniques, and Disney’s high standards of hospitality. Here’s an overview of the training and education process:

• Orientation: Upon being selected as a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will attend an orientation session where you will learn about the company’s mission, values, and expectations. You will also receive an overview of the specific role and responsibilities of a VIP Tour Guide.
• Disney Traditions: The Disney Traditions training program is a foundational course that all Disney Cast Members go through. It focuses on the history and heritage of Disney, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional customer service and creating magical experiences for guests.
• Park Immersion: During the training process, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Disney parks. You will go on guided tours, shadow experienced tour guides, and familiarize yourself with the layout and attractions of each park. This hands-on experience will help you become well-versed in the park’s offerings and better understand the guest experience.
• Customer Service Training: Excellent customer service is at the heart of being a Disney VIP Tour Guide. You will receive training on Disney’s customer service techniques and standards, learning how to handle guest inquiries, address concerns, and create memorable experiences through positive interactions.
• Communication and Guest Engagement: Effective communication skills are crucial in building relationships with guests. Training programs will focus on enhancing your communication techniques, both verbal and non-verbal, to engage and connect with guests of all ages and backgrounds.
• On-the-Job Training: Once you have completed the initial training, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. You will work alongside experienced VIP Tour Guides, receiving hands-on guidance and feedback to refine your abilities and ensure you are ready to provide exceptional service.

While a formal education is not a strict requirement for becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically needed. However, what matters most is your passion for Disney, your interpersonal skills, and your ability to create memorable experiences for guests.

Remember, the training and education you receive as a Disney VIP Tour Guide will continue throughout your career. Disney is dedicated to ongoing professional development, providing opportunities for further training and advancement to ensure that you stay current with the latest park offerings and continue to provide unforgettable experiences for guests.

Salary and Compensation

The salary and compensation for Disney VIP Tour Guides can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific Disney park they are employed at. While Disney does not publicly disclose their employees’ salaries, it is well-known that Disney offers competitive compensation packages to its cast members.

The salary for a Disney VIP Tour Guide typically starts at an hourly rate, with the potential for additional income through tips from satisfied guests. The amount of tips can vary greatly depending on the level of service provided and the guest’s satisfaction. It is important to note that tips are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.

In addition to base salary and tips, Disney VIP Tour Guides receive a range of benefits and perks as part of their compensation package. These can include healthcare benefits, retirement plans, vacation and sick leave, discounts on merchandise and dining, access to exclusive cast member events, and the opportunity to experience the Disney parks for personal enjoyment.

Furthermore, Disney is known for offering numerous opportunities for career advancement and growth. As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you may have the chance to take on leadership roles, participate in additional training programs, or explore other positions within the Disney company.

It’s important to note that the compensation package for a Disney VIP Tour Guide goes beyond just monetary benefits. The opportunity to work in a fun, dynamic, and magical environment, and the fulfillment that comes from creating unforgettable experiences for guests, add significant value to the overall compensation package.

While the salary and compensation package for a Disney VIP Tour Guide may not be disclosed publicly, rest assured that Disney values and rewards its cast members for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to creating magical moments for guests visiting the parks.

Benefits and Perks

Working as a Disney VIP Tour Guide comes with a range of exciting benefits and perks that add to the overall appeal of the job. From exclusive access to the parks to discounts on merchandise and dining, here are some of the benefits and perks you can expect:

• Free Park Access: As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have complimentary access to the Disney parks on your days off. This allows you to explore the parks, enjoy the attractions, and experience the magic firsthand.
• Merchandise and Dining Discounts: Disney VIP Tour Guides are eligible for discounts on merchandise and dining at the Disney parks and resorts. This allows you to save money on souvenirs, gifts, and meals, making it easier to fully enjoy the Disney experience.
• Healthcare Benefits: Disney offers comprehensive healthcare benefits to its cast members, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. This ensures that you have access to quality healthcare for yourself and your eligible dependents.
• Retirement Plans: Disney provides retirement plans, such as a 401(k) program, to help you save for the future. You can contribute a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis, and Disney may match a percentage of your contributions.
• Vacation and Sick Leave: Disney values work-life balance and offers vacation and sick leave to its cast members. This allows you to take time off for personal needs, family obligations, or simply to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Training and Advancement Opportunities: Disney is committed to the professional development of its cast members. As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you will have access to ongoing training and advancement opportunities, allowing you to expand your skills and potentially pursue leadership roles within the company.
• Cast Member Events: Disney organizes exclusive events for its cast members, providing opportunities to connect with colleagues, enjoy entertainment, and create memorable experiences outside of regular work hours.
• Employee Assistance Programs: Disney offers employee assistance programs to provide support for various aspects of life, including counseling services, financial assistance, and resources for personal and professional development.

These are just a few examples of the benefits and perks you can expect as a Disney VIP Tour Guide. It’s important to note that specific offerings may vary depending on factors such as your location and employment status. Disney is known for taking care of its cast members and creating a positive work environment that fosters happiness and job satisfaction.

Overall, the combination of exciting job responsibilities, the opportunity to work in a magical environment, and the range of benefits and perks make being a Disney VIP Tour Guide a highly sought-after position in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Career Development Opportunities

Working as a Disney VIP Tour Guide not only offers the chance to create magical memories for guests but also provides various career development opportunities within the Disney company. Disney is committed to promoting growth, learning, and advancement for its cast members. Here are some of the career development opportunities you can explore as a Disney VIP Tour Guide:

• Leadership Roles: As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the tour guide department or other areas of the company. Leadership positions allow you to have a greater impact, mentor fellow cast members, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
• Specialized Training: Disney offers specialized training programs to enhance your skills and knowledge. These programs may focus on topics such as guest services, communication techniques, or specific areas within the Disney parks or entertainment industry. Participating in specialized training can open doors to new career opportunities within Disney.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management: If you have a passion for the hospitality and tourism industry, working as a Disney VIP Tour Guide can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level positions within this field. With the experience and skills gained from being a VIP Tour Guide, you can pursue roles in hotel management, event planning, guest relations, and more.
• Professional Networking: Working at Disney provides you with the opportunity to build a strong network within the entertainment and hospitality industry. Collaborating with colleagues, connecting with professionals in different departments, and participating in company events can open doors to future career opportunities both within and outside of Disney.
• Transferable Skills: Being a Disney VIP Tour Guide equips you with a range of transferable skills that can be valuable in various industries. These skills include exceptional customer service, effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Industry Exposure: Working within the Disney organization provides valuable industry exposure, which can enhance your resume and make you a desirable candidate for future career opportunities. The Disney brand is recognized worldwide, and the experience gained as a cast member can open doors in the entertainment, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Remember, growth and development within your career at Disney may require dedication, continuous learning, and taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you. It’s important to actively seek out ways to develop your skills and explore potential career paths within the company.

As a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you have the chance to not only create magical experiences for guests but also build a rewarding and fulfilling career within the exciting world of Disney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about being a Disney VIP Tour Guide:

• What qualifications do I need to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

While formal education requirements may vary, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. You should also have a passion for Disney, exceptional communication skills, and customer service experience.

• How do I apply to become a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

You can visit the official Disney careers website to browse for available positions and submit an online application. Keep in mind that the recruitment process may involve multiple stages, including interviews and assessments.

• What is the work schedule like for a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

The work schedule for a Disney VIP Tour Guide can vary, as it typically involves working weekends, holidays, and evenings. Flexibility is important, as the schedule may change based on the park’s operational needs and guest demand.

• Do Disney VIP Tour Guides receive training?

Yes, Disney VIP Tour Guides undergo comprehensive training, which includes orientation, park immersion, customer service training, and on-the-job training. The training is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role.

• Can Disney VIP Tour Guides accept tips?

Yes, as a Disney VIP Tour Guide, you are allowed to accept tips from guests. Tips can be received for providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences, but they are not guaranteed and can vary based on the guest’s discretion.

• Are there opportunities for career growth as a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

Yes, Disney offers various opportunities for career growth and advancement. You may have the chance to take on leadership roles within the tour guide department or explore other positions and departments within the Disney company.

• What are the benefits and perks of being a Disney VIP Tour Guide?

Disney VIP Tour Guides enjoy benefits such as free park access, discounts on merchandise and dining, healthcare benefits, retirement plans, vacation and sick leave, and access to exclusive cast member events. These benefits contribute to a well-rounded compensation package.

• Can being a Disney VIP Tour Guide lead to other career opportunities?

Absolutely! Working as a Disney VIP Tour Guide provides you with transferable skills and industry exposure that can open doors to various career opportunities within the Disney organization and beyond, including roles in hospitality, tourism management, and guest relations.

If you have any other questions or concerns, it’s recommended to reach out to the official Disney careers website or contact Disney directly for more information.

Becoming a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a dream job for many. It offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney, create unforgettable experiences for guests, and be part of the magic that brings smiles to faces around the world. While the role of a Disney VIP Tour Guide comes with responsibilities and high standards, the rewards and fulfillment that come with it are truly magical.

From providing personalized tours and ensuring exceptional customer service to utilizing your knowledge of the parks and creating lasting connections with guests, being a Disney VIP Tour Guide is a unique and rewarding career path. The training and education provided by Disney will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in your role, while the benefits and perks offered by the company add to the overall appeal of this exciting position.

Not only does being a Disney VIP Tour Guide offer opportunities for personal and professional growth, but it also sets the stage for potential advancement within the company. The skills and experience gained as a Disney VIP Tour Guide can open doors to other roles within the entertainment and hospitality industry, making it a valuable stepping stone in your career journey.

If you have a passion for Disney, exceptional communication skills, and a dedication to creating magical experiences, consider pursuing a career as a Disney VIP Tour Guide. Your ability to make dreams come true, spread joy, and create lasting memories for guests will make you an integral part of the Disney magic.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey full of wonder, excitement, and enchantment? Join the ranks of Disney VIP Tour Guides and let the magic begin!

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Disney Private VIP Tours

Making our kingdom yours.

Explore the parks* with your own VIP Tour Guide during a customizable experience filled with attractive benefits.

The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you'd like to see, and they'll customize your day to your desire!

After being picked up in a private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort accommodations or branded partner resort accommodations, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and experience some of your favorite attractions alongside a VIP Tour Guide.

Some of the personalized services include:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks* in one or more days
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently through most Lightning Lane entrances
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

*All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour

Pricing and Reservations

• Pricing:  Ranging from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season (valid park admission is required for each park visited on tour and is not included in the price of the tour).
• Reservations: Call (407) 560-4033 to book. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. Learn when advance reservations can be made.

Know Before You Go

• All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour
• Disney VIP Tours participate in full security screenings (including bag checks) during your Disney VIP Tour. Guests should be prepared for screenings with their appropriate government issued identification.
• Disney Private VIP Tours at the Walt Disney World Resort are very popular and may be limited in availability. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made.
• All Private VIP Tours must be booked for a minimum duration of 7 continuous hours, and your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• Entertainment offerings are subject to availability and may be restricted by capacity constraints at the time of booking.
• You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
• No cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used while in backstage areas.
• Guests 17 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
• Pricing and information are subject to change without notice.

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Celebration at the top – sip, savor, sparkle, specialty cruises, custom-designed celebrations & gatherings.

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How to become a tour guide at disney world.

Tour guides at Disney theme and amusement parks are responsible for showing guests the sights, explaining the history of the park and providing tips on how best to enjoy it. An ideal candidate can adapt information from a 25-page script to inform and entertain guests. Additionally, she should have an outgoing personality and strong customer service and communication skills.

Locate Positions

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Prove Yourself

A typical tour guide will have worked six to 12 months in guest relations before given the opportunity to become a tour guide. This time period allows you to show your chops by answering customer questions accurately, being able to explain PhotoPass, FastPass and related services, and helping to solve guest problems. Demonstrating bilingual ability is also a plus.

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• Disney Dispatch: Disneyland Tour Guides
• Disney Careers: Guest Relations Cultural Ambassador Program

Samantha Kemp is a lawyer for a general practice firm. She has been writing professionally since 2009. Her articles focus on legal issues, personal finance, business and education. Kemp acquired her JD from the University of Arkansas School of Law. She also has degrees in economics and business and teaching.

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Private transportation, backstage parking and skipped lines: What it's really like on a Disney VIP tour

As once smirked by "The Lion King's" villainous lion, Scar, "Life's not fair, is it?"

You see, even though all are welcome in the happy place that Walt built, not everyone waits in the same lines to ride Dumbo or Space Mountain. In fact, some barely wait in lines at all.

There's a way to experience Disney World without a hot trek through the parking lots or long waits for rides, but with perfect fireworks-viewing areas reserved just for you and with almost zero advance planning required. And on top of that, there's a way to get all-day access to a Disney expert with pockets full of pixie dust and keys to backstage shortcuts, who can guide you and troubleshoot any problems that arise.

This magic isn't a fictional fairytale or reserved for A-list stars. All of this (and more) is available to anyone willing to pay for the very real Disney VIP tour guides.

This small army of top-tier magic-makers is employed by Disney and can be spotted around the parks in their signature plaid vests whisking small groups of very fortunate guests into back entrances and to the front of the lines.

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After waiting several hours to straddle a banshee and ride Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom, you may be desperate to know how you can have one of these Disney "magicians" whisk your group out of the sun and into the fun.

While I've done the three-hour wait to ride a banshee myself, I've also now experienced the magic of not waiting. Here's how the Disney VIP tours work and exactly how much magic you can actually squeeze out of the day when you say goodbye to the long waits.

Related: These are the best hotels at Disney World

What's a Disney VIP tour?

A private Disney VIP tour is kind of like having your own assigned Mouseketeer and personal set of keys to the kingdom.

While I'm sure they could give you a more traditional tour of Disney World if that's what you wanted, it's really not exactly a tour.

When you are on a Disney VIP tour, you've got your own official Disney guide who can plan your day, serve as your own unlimited human FastPass, drive you to and from your Disney resort and from park to park with cool and efficient backstage parking. Most people who buy a Disney VIP tour do it to skip the bulk of the lines and experience as much of the parks as possible in a short amount of time. This is why TPG's founder Brian Kelly purchased the VIP tour with his nieces and nephews for a one-day visit to Disney World.

But it's not just the quicker ride access that is special. Even before you know you need it, the guides can also make bottles of water, rain ponchos and Mickey bars seemingly appear out of thin air.

These tours must be booked for a minimum of seven hours and you can have up to 10 people on the tour for the same hourly rate. Just don't have an 11th person because then you need a second guide and your cost doubles.

Related: What it costs to visit Disney World

What we did on our Disney VIP tour

We gathered up exactly 10 Disney-loving friends and family members and booked a seven-hour VIP tour.

In the end, we went a bit over those initially planned seven hours as we had a few more things we wanted to do when the original time limit expired. In total, our tour was about eight and a half hours from start to finish.

We lost about 15 minutes on the front end when we couldn't find our youngest daughter's MagicBand as we were walking out the door and then had some forms to sign when we met up with the tour guide. In hindsight, we should have skipped looking for the band and done the forms in advance. We also lost some time for lunch -- more on that below.

Counting transportation to and from our resort and the transfer between the two parks, we spent probably a little over an hour in transit. That means we had a bit under seven hours of true park experience to work with that translated into 16 attractions.

Here's how the time on our Disney VIP tour played out.

• 10 a.m. Official start time.
• 10:19 a.m. Depart Disney's Wilderness Lodge for the Magic Kingdom.
• 10:26 a.m. Clear security through side-gate entrance with no line and park in a backlot to the side of Main Street, U.S.A.

• 10:29 a.m. Officially walk into the Magic Kingdom.
• 10:33 a.m. Watch a cavalcade (aka a mini-parade) as it passed by the castle.
• 10:40 a.m. Try to ride Pirates of the Caribbean, but it was down and would stay down much of the day.
• 10:49 a.m. Ride No. 1 -- Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
• 10:56 a.m. VIP guide got waters for everyone and "pixie dusted" my youngest with Dole Whip since her favorite ride, Pirates, didn't work out.

• 11:09 a.m. Ride No. 2 -- Splash Mountain.
• 11:35 a.m. Ride No. 3 -- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• 11:55 a.m. Ride No. 4 -- Haunted Mansion.
• 12:19 p.m. Ride No. 5 -- Peter Pan's Flight.
• 12:26 p.m. Bathroom break and hunt for hidden Pascals near the "Tangled"-themed bathrooms at the request of my daughters.
• 12:49 p.m. Ride No. 6 -- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
• 1:03 p.m. Ride No. 7 -- Mad Tea Party.
• 1:21 p.m. Ride No. 8 -- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
• 1:42 p.m. Ride No. 9 -- Space Mountain.

I ordered lunch in the Disney app by 1:10 p.m. but it wasn't actually ready until about 1:50 p.m. We weren't all done eating until about 2:10 pm., so while some in the group kept riding rides during that time, it also was a pretty inefficient part of the day for those who were scouting for tables and waiting for food. Waiting 40 minutes for chicken fingers and fries and fighting for a table isn't a great use of time when you are paying for a guide by the hour.

• 2:17 p.m. Depart for Hollywood Studios.
• 2:39 p.m. Arrive at Hollywood Studios and park in backstage parking near Tower of Terror.
• 2:56 p.m. Ride No. 10 -- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
• 3:11 p.m. Ride No. 11 -- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.
• 3:57 p.m. Ride No. 12 -- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway.

• 4:21 p.m. Ride No. 13 -- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
• 5:02 p.m. Ride No. 14 -- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
• 5:28 p.m. Ride No. 15 -- Slinky Dog Dash.
• 5:44 p.m. Ride No. 16 -- Toy Story Mania!
• 6:24 p.m. Arrive back at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

As you can tell by some of the time gaps between rides, you don't always have a zero-minute wait to ride. Some rides, such as Runaway Railway and Rise of the Resistance, still had a bit of waiting involved.

At other times, such as with Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Aladdin and more, you essentially got to walk right up to the start of the ride.

It's worth a mention that we didn't need to compete with thousands of other guests at 7 a.m. for a Rise of the Resistance boarding pass, as one ride without a pass is included with the tour.

The VIP tour is really at a huge advantage right now as waits for most rides on this day were over an hour. And since FastPass has not yet returned to Disney World, there weren't many others in the FastPass line.

The guide, Annie, and I chatted about what we would do next and adjusted plans on the fly.

As the afternoon Florida rain came and some attractions were temporarily unavailable, we'd adjust plans again. When she'd pose a ride that we didn't want to do (like "It's a small world"), it was no big deal and we kept on going to the next thing. She was available to go on rides with us (which was really fun as she knew some awesome "secrets") and she was also available to skip the ride and do other things while we rode, such as order water or hold a bag.

While we did our tour during the day, the tour guide can let you access special, reserved VIP viewing of fireworks if you do it in the evening. And while we only went to two parks in one day, you can go to all four if you want. It's essentially your time to use however you please.

Related: Why you might want to think twice before a theme park trip right now

What does a Disney VIP tour cost?

Here's the bad news. A Disney VIP tour costs $425 to $750 per hour, depending on the season. And that's on top of your park admission tickets, which aren't included withe the tour.

There's no way to know exactly what your tour will cost without calling 407-560-4033 or working with a Disney vacation planner as we did. You can only book the tours 60 days in advance and they do sell out, so plan ahead. Remember, you need to book at least seven hours, so the minimum price for a Disney VIP tour will be $2,975 for up to 10 people. You can do a tour for up to 10 hours, so while the minimum price is $2,975, a 10-hour tour in super peak season could set you back a staggering $7,500.

On our July date, the tour was $550 per hour and we spent a total of $3,850 on the initially planned seven hours. (And sadly, this did not code as a travel charge, so use the credit card that awards you the most on everyday spending -- I went with my Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to earn 2 miles per dollar on the charge.)

With our added time, the grand total came to $4,675 before the tip. That's $467.50 per person on our tour, if you want to think of it that way. ( In terms of the tip, while it is at your discretion, this is a Disney position that can accept cash tip. It's common to go with 15 - 20% of the amount of your tour or tip the equivalent of one hour. )

While not all 10 people did every single ride, I'm going to assume they did here for simpler math since they all had the opportunity.

At $467.50 per person, given that we did 16 rides, that's kind of like spending $29.21 per "FastPass" access. That's not exactly a fair way to look at it as there were plenty of other perks to the tour including the door-to-door transportation, awesome insider knowledge from the guide herself, etc., but it's a decent starting point.

Additionally, throughout the tour, our group was given about 25 bottles of water ($3.50 each), 10 Mickey bars ($5.50 each), 10 rain ponchos ($12 each), one stroller rental ($15) and a cup of Dole Whip ($5). We were also each given a special Disney VIP tour pin which you technically can't buy, but we'll put the price at about $12, which is in line with the cost of other Disney pins.

The retail price for buying those goodies on your own at Disney is around $402.50, or $40.25 per person. If you factor that out of the total cost, the cost for quick access drops a little from $29.21 to $26.70 per person per ride.

Obviously, if you didn't stop for lunch, started right on time and moved at a quicker pace than our group, then you probably could have a higher ride total. You could even start right in the park if you don't want transportation and squeeze in more rides that way, too.

Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World

But our goal wasn't to rack up ride totals for the sake of impressive math, it was to enjoy the heck out of the rides we love the most with the friends and family we've missed too much over the last year and a half. And while you could argue using time getting picked up and dropped off at our resort was a waste, with 10 people ranging from 6 to 70 years of age, it sure didn't feel that way.

Bottom line

There's absolutely no way we would have done those 16 rides in eight and a half hours on our own. Given what crowds and wait times were like at Disney during our trip , it's unlikely we would have done half that number on our own. Even if we had, it wouldn't have been predominately the headlining rides.

It's not necessary to spend a small fortune on a VIP tour to have a great time at Walt Disney World.

I've successfully been to the park dozens of times and never before had a Disney VIP tour guide at the ready. Timing your visit during the less busy days, being at the park when it opens (which is before it says it opens), doing rides during fireworks and close to closing time are also great ways to pack more attractions into your day without spending more money.

However, right now with the high crowd levels and no other FastPass options, if there was ever a time to rally a group of friends and go for it on a planned upcoming trip, there's no doubt the VIP treatment dramatically increased the enjoyment factor for our group.

Disneyland Resort VIP Tours

Roll out the red carpet for your family with our customizable vip experience—and get ready for your most magical day ever, reservations are required. email us or call (714) 300-7710 to book today, private tour guide.

Welcome to the ultimate Disney experience—Disneyland Resort VIP Tours—that combines the hospitality Disney is known for, plus a wealth of premium benefits!

Hassle-Free Planning

Personalized scheduling.

“Let your concierge be your guide” and design a customized yet flexible schedule for your family.

Concierge Booking

Get your specific needs and priorities served—including booking your dining reservations in advance!

Reserved Viewing

A night to remember.

Enjoy reserved viewing for fireworks at Disneyland Park and World of Color at Disney California Adventure Park, subject to availability.

Look Who’s Passing By!

Wave hello to some of your Disney pals during a Disneyland Park parade from a reserved viewing section, subject to availability.

Expedited Access

Streamlined experiences, vip service, from the very first greeting….

Delight in Disney’s acclaimed hospitality and attention to detail—and get help for your needs.

Insider Storytelling 

Your own personal guide will entertain your family with insider tips and stories throughout the day.

Immerse Yourself in Disney Magic and Stories

Land of dreams vip tour, valuable tips, how to book, find out what you need to know to make reservations, including planning, pricing and our cancellation policy..

Planning Your VIP Tour

Get help planning your trip with important information along with the assistance of VIP Tour Coordinators. 

• VIP Tour Coordinators can help you preplan major items such as start times, special celebrations, specific family priorities for the day and special dining needs.

• VIP Tour Coordinators can also help you book Disneyland Resort dining reservations.

• Your VIP Tour schedule will not be a minute-by-minute itinerary but will allow you the flexibility to make impromptu changes along the way.

• Tour length is customizable to your needs, with a minimum of 7 hours and a maximum of 10 hours.

• Tour services are available during normal park operating hours only.

Know Before You Go

Learn important information about vip tour reservations, park admission and park reservation requirements, and more..

Theme Park Admission

Separate theme park admission and park reservation are both required to enter a park and for all Disneyland Resort Tours.

• Park admission is not included in the VIP Tour price. 

• Park reservations will be obtained for Guests with confirmed VIP Tours.

• Same-day visits to one or both theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—requires separate admission to both parks.

Tips and Information about Your Special Day

Questions? Here is some information that might help answer them.

• Minors (Guests under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older) during the entire tour.

• Complimentary strollers and wheelchairs offered to VIP Tour Guests (based on availability).

• VIP Tours are outdoor walking tours, so please wear comfortable walking shoes—and remember to check the weather forecast in advance and to dress appropriately. Inclement weather may also affect available entertainment, attractions and experiences.

• All offerings, services and experiences are subject to availability, change or cancellation without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

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Walt’s Main Street Story Tour

Learn little-known facts about Main Street, U.S.A. during this enchanting tour—which includes a visit to Walt’s apartment in Town Square!

A Disney expert who charges $2,500 a day to guide VIPs through the parks shares how to get the most out of a visit

• Michael Hewell founded Michael's VIPs, a private tour service for Disney World and other parks.
• For $2,500 a day, Hewell or his guides seek to help families make the most of their visit.
• Hewell says his strategies rely on knowing what's possible — not on cutting lines.

Michael Hewell, a 56-year-old Marine veteran, started working at Disney World after leaving college almost 30 years ago, intending to join its management training program. His first role at the park was as a ride attendant for the Haunted Mansion. One day, a singer came to do some research on the ride for a music video.

To observe every detail, the singer spent hours riding the Haunted Mansion in secret, always accessing the ride via its load area. To do so, he had to rely on Hewell to help him.

Hewell's efficient, cheerful manner caught the singer's attention so much that he asked for Hewell to act as his full-time assistant for the rest of the week, while he explored the park's other rides. "At the end of the week, they told the office, 'Michael is the best host I've ever had,'" Hewell told Insider.

In 1996, Hewell was then tapped to join Disney's VIP-relations department, a small team earmarked to handle visits from celebrities and dignitaries. Three years later, Hewell broke off on his own and started a word-of-mouth service for elite Disney-loving visitors called Michael's VIPs .

Today, Hewell and his team of 17 work with about 200 families a year. Rates start at $2,500 a day for a single guide who works with groups of up to eight people.

As the founder, Hewell reserves his personal tours for grandfathered-in clients or the highest of VIPS. Here's what it's like showing the rich and famous around Disney World.

Hewell is a lifelong Disney fan

Hewell was obsessed with Disney while growing up in West Palm Beach in South Florida. "I was a walking encyclopedia, and Walt was my hero — I modeled my life off all his encounters," he said.

In his future role at Disney, he said, VIP hosts were empowered to do whatever it took for their clients to enjoy their visit. "It was for celebrities, royal families, and friends of the corporation, and they backdoored everybody in part as it was the only way for them to experience the attractions without getting mobbed. That would also ruin the experience for the other guests."

But while he was in the Disney role, an article in a major media outlet that mentioned Disney's VIP service changed everything. The day it published, "we got 500 phone calls about it," he said. It rapidly morphed from a discreet service offered gratis to a pricey VIP machine that offered a formulaic high-end experience. It was this shift that caused Hewell to strike out on his own.

Disney's official VIP program is still operating; its website advertises peak-season rates starting at $7,000 a day for groups of up to 10 people. "I was just in line," Hewell said, recalling a recent experience, "and a woman behind us was complaining about having to pay so much money for a Disney guide — there were 12 of them, so they were paying $14,000 per day."

Think of a weeklong trip to Disney like a safari, and conserve energy accordingly

Hewell is often contacted by a travel agent or a traveler directly who's planning a Disney trip . "We don't advertise anywhere," he said, "and it's mostly word of mouth — when you break into certain social circles, a certain private school, then you become the VIP service."

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Once booked, he'll talk through a client's weeklong trip in advance on a Zoom call and then will plot out the visit accordingly. He often explains how his service works by likening the trip to a safari: Start early to see the animals or avoid the crowds, and then expect to be back at the hotel by lunchtime.

Hewell emphasized that none of his strategies involve bribing staffers or taking any frowned-upon shortcuts. "It's about knowing what's possible," he said, "And I know who to call, and what to ask for." For example, Hewell doesn't help clients cut lines to meet the characters — he'll set up a character meal or position the guests in the right part of the park to snag a photo when he knows the characters will walk by.

Hewell often works with the office that typically handles corporate groups of 300 or more; for an additional fee, families can tap their services, too — think a private roped-off area for desserts and drinks at the day-ending firework display. For most of his clients, cost isn't a factor when pursuing setups like this.

Knowing the ins and outs of all the parks

There are distinct visitor patterns , he said, and working around them is another insider move. "Never go to the Magic Kingdom on Monday," he said. "Most Americans get off work Friday, rest Saturday, fly Sunday, and that's always their first park."

He learned the rhythm of operations inside the park by chatting with ride attendants. "I'd introduce myself to cast members and say, 'Help me out, I'm trying to have the best possible day — could you answer all my questions about when to be where?'"

The focus of his work in Orlando has shifted since he started in the 1990s, though. Back then, Hewell worked almost entirely with visitors to Disney World, but since the Harry Potter attraction opened at Universal Studios , about 40% of clients also ask him to squire them around there.

Age requirements on rides mean these are often repeat clients, who've visited with their preschoolers and waited until they are 7 or older to venture there. Hewell does have a small operation at Disneyland in California, too, though the vast majority of his client base centers on Disney World.

He works independently of Disney and has no official affiliation with it. While on Disney property, Hewell's staff must remain invisible. "You're not allowed to advertise any other company on property, or wear anything that does, so we blend in with our guests," he said. "I do everything I can not to have a spotlight on us."

Business cratered early in the pandemic, but it's bounced back

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Hewell went from a guide roster of 28 to just two once the parks reopened. Hewell has slowly rebuilt his team via a training program that takes a minimum of three months.

When he's hiring a new guide, passion for Mickey Mouse is less important than attitude. "The vast majority have no knowledge of anything Disney, but they work in the service industry, so they know how to take care of people," he said. "You can train anybody to know where so and so is, but you can't train personality and attitude."

He's also seen a major shift in his clients as a result of COVID-19: The families are much closer .

"Prior to the pandemic," he said, "the father was a businessman on the phone all day, and perhaps the nannies were closer to the children than their mother or father, but coming out of COVID-19 the families are so close now."

Whatever the travelers' makeup, his guests have one thing in common: They have more money than time.

"The wealthiest percentile doesn't want to come to Disney anymore because it's such a huge hassle, and there's nobody to help them," Hewell said. "That's my niche."

Watch: A drive-thru haunted attraction called Horrorland is providing pandemic-safe entertainment in Florida

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Behind the Secret Curtain: A Personal Disney VIP Tour Review

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It may seem like a dream. A shiny black SUV arrives at your Disney World hotel. Out steps a private Disney VIP tour guide, and soon you’re off on your own personal adventure through Disney World parks. No lines, no waiting and royal magical treatment fit for a prince or princess.

As a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations , it’s incumbent upon me to try as much as Disney has to offer firsthand, to help my clients plan the best Disney World vacation . So, when a friend offered me the chance to join her on a VIP tour of Disney World, I certainly wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity.

While a Disney VIP tour certainly sounds like an elite experience, you may wonder if it really lives up to travelers’ expectations, and more importantly, is it worth the cost? I’ll answer these questions and more as I delve into my recent experience in this Disney World VIP tour review.

Table of Contents

What is a disney vip tour.

In case you’ve heard of a Disney VIP tour but aren’t quite certain what one entails, let’s start with the basics. A Disney VIP tour is a paid, premium experience at Disney World for travelers with deep pockets or anyone who would like a little extra vacation splurge.

Disney VIP tours are designed to whisk you out of the typical park experience into a more magical world where you wait in fewer lines, get access to Disney secrets, walk through backstage areas, and of course, wait in much shorter lines.

How Does a Disney VIP Tour Work?

When embarking on a VIP tour to Disney World, you’ll be assigned your own personal tour guide, whose job it is to see that your visit to Disney parks is magical and filled with enchanted wonder. The Disney VIP tour experience includes:

• Private pick up at your hotel. Smaller groups can enjoy the comfort of a decked-out SUV. Larger groups will travel in a passenger van.
• Snacks and drinks upon pick up and throughout the day.
• Personal escort through the parks and onto rides.
• Personal service, including assistance with park planning and tips to make your day more enjoyable.

Parties of up to 10 guests may book a Disney VIP tour, though you could certainly make this a solo experience or include a party of a smaller size. VIP tours are booked for a minimum of 7 hours and a maximum of 10.

You’ll be charged an hourly rate and billed for the first 7 hours 2 days prior to your tour. You have up until that time to cancel, or you’ll be charged the equivalent of a 2-hour rate.

Once on the tour, you may add additional hours up to the maximum of ten hours. This flexibility is great for accommodating a full slate of plans without having to worry about running out of time. However, if you want to stick to a certain timeframe, your tour guide will offer guidance to keep your day on track.

A Disney World VIP Tour Review: Our Personal Experience

Since I’m offering an overview of my personal experience here, I’ll say one thing up front in this Disney World VIP tour review: It’s an exhausting experience. Fun and magical, yes, but plan on being very tired by the day’s end.

Here’s what we experienced on our VIP tour:

The Disney VIP Tour Hotel Pickup

Every Disney VIP tour includes personal pickup at your Disney hotel or any other location you choose. Our personal VIP tour began when our tour guide, the amazing Helen, pulled up in a white passenger van.

Since we were looking for a nice luxury SUV, we were a little surprised (and disappointed?) but had to be realistic. Our group consisted of 8 adults and 2 children. That’s 10 total passengers, and we just weren’t going to fit into even the largest SUV. And that was fine, since Helen’s engaging personality made it clear from the start that she was going to do everything she could to ensure we had the best day in the parks, regardless of how we got there.

Helen began by introducing herself and speaking with our party lead, Sandy. While I, as a travel agent, had booked the tour for our party, Sandy was the planner behind it. She told me the parks she wanted to visit when I booked the tour with Disney, so I was able to convey these details at that time. Helen spent a few minutes confirming these plans and then helped us all get loaded into the van, even pulling out a stool for easier step up into the interior.

She chatted amiably with us throughout the drive to Hollywood Studios , our first park of the day. She offered little tidbits of information about the tour and little pieces of breaking news as she drove. It was hard to hear her in the back of the van, but we all appreciated her spirit and the bits of wisdom we were able to catch.

Arriving at Disney Hollywood Studios—Our First Park of the Day

If you’re thinking a Disney VIP tour guide is going to pull into the regular parking lot and drop you off at a magical location exclusive to tour guests, it gets better than that. Helen drove into a gated backstage area for our first stop, where several cast members were waiting.

They enthusiastically greeted us and offered us a selection of snacks. These included a variety of options for kids and adults alike, such as Mickey shaped Rice Krispie treats, Kind bars and potato chips. It’s not a meal by any definition, but we could take as many as we wanted.

Cast members also passed out pins for us to wear. These identified us as VIP tour guests, so we could have access to all of the included experiences. This will become particularly important later for gaining entry to expedited ride queues.

After taking care of the formalities and our stomachs, Helen escorted us into the park. This particular portal led us in beside the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster queue, so we made that our first stop. Helen scanned her magic Disney VIP tour guide card at the entrance to the Lightning Lane and held up the line for all 10 of us to proceed.

Once at the next check point, she showed her badge again. The cast member in charge here held us until we could be the first into the pre-show area. Once we were waved in, Helen led us inside and made sure to position us in front of the doors that would open to the ride queue.

When the doors opened, she ushered us in, holding off other guests who may have pushed their way into our party, to ensure we were first out the door and into the queue. Here, she worked her magic again, speaking to the cast member in charge of row assignments and telling them in which rows she would like her party to be seated. Her goal was always to place us in the best spot to experience the attraction, and she always got her way.

One incredibly nice thing about a VIP tour, is that your guide will take care of all of your bags during the ride. Helen gathered up an armload of backpacks, waist packs and the like as each rider took their assigned row.

Sandy and I decided to opt out of this coaster, since we’d already ridden earlier in the week. We’ve found that over time, that Aerosmith’s wild limo ride is a little too much for our aging joints, so Helen accommodated us by leading us to a backstage waiting area at the exit. We chatted for a bit until the riders in our party returned and then we were off to our next adventure.

In general, you can expect your tour guide to bring you into each attraction through the Lightning Lane . In the case of our next ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, we skipped all queues to the ride and entered through a backstage access door . This entry point led us right outside the doors to the pre-show.

Since Helen was allowed to enter the preshow first, she positioned us in a prime location. Once the preshow ended and the gate to the queue opened, we were once again the first ones in line. While we did have to wait in the last portion of the queue for this ride, we did skip the wait in the Lightning Lane. All in, we probably only waited a minute or 2 before Helen was instructing the cast member to seat us in rows 6-9 since these were the best for experiencing the attraction.

One thing to note here during our Disney VIP tour review, is that your tour guide will not ride on the attractions with you. Instead, they will work behind the scenes to prepare for the next steps in the itinerary or to take care of other tasks dedicated to your comfort. In this instance, it was heading out into the park to get ice cold bottles of Smart Water for all of us.

For those who are unfamiliar with Disney parks, you generally have 2 options when it comes to bottled water: Dasani or Smart Water. While Dasani is definitely cheaper, the Smart Water has a more palatable taste to most guests. The fact that Helen chose the more expensive Smart Water for our morning refreshment just underscores the fact that Disney recognizes the premium expectations of guests who book a Disney VIP tour.

We finished up our time in Hollywood Studios with a visit to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance , 2 rides on Slinky Dog Dash and a final show down on Toy Story Midway Mania. I’m proud to say that I hit my trip high score during our VIP tour, though as usual, it really was not much to brag about.

Off to Magic Kingdom, Second Stop in Our Disney VIP Tour Review

To head off to Magic Kingdom , the next stop on our Disney VIP tour, we made our way back to our van. I was pleasantly surprised to find the AC already running and a completely cooled interior, thanks to the Disney pixies hiding somewhere in the dedicated backstage area.

Our arrival at Magic Kingdom was greeted by some very visible pixies who assisted us out of the van and enthusiastically passed out Disney Rice Krispie treats. This time, we could even choose from treats with chocolate covered ears or candy-coated toppings.

As we munched, Helen led us into another backstage passage. For anyone who has attended a holiday party at Disney, this will look familiar. It’s the same pathway to the right off Main Street USA just past the Confectionary, where you start your trick or treating during Halloween.

We began our Magic Kingdom VIP experience by taking this path toward Magic Kingdom’s newest ride, Tron Lightcycle Run. This attraction was running a virtual queue during our visit and also offering guests the option to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) experience . Since we were VIP for the day, she led us directly to the ILL lane and into the preshow.

Since Helen took care of all of our bags and such, she told us not to stop at the lockers after the preshow and to head directly to the queue. This saved us a little time and put us ahead of the many guests who had to stop and stow their cargo before riding.

Understanding the Virtual Queue :  New rides at Disney World are usually operated with a virtual queue. Guests log into the My Disney Experience app at 7:00 am and are assigned a position to ride. You can keep tabs on where you are in the virtual queue using the app, and when it’s your time to ride, you’ll receive a push notification. You have one hour from that point to appear at the virtual queue entrance.

As we emerged from the ride, we found Helen overloaded with our bags as well as an armload of Mickey pretzels and churros. It seems the aim with a VIP tour is to give you a taste of each park. Since these are 2 of the most popular snacks in the Magic Kingdom, she wanted to make sure we had the chance to experience them.

As we ate, we walked over to 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. This was the first bottleneck in our Disney VIP tour review, and it was consistent with every other day we had spent at Magic Kingdom during the trip. This seems to be one ride where people are more than willing to pay the price for the Individual Lightning Lane, so the Lightning Lane queue was always very long, even for VIP tour guests. However, it went quickly with Helen escorting us to the second scan in point to ensure we got priority treatment here.

While we rode, Helen once again grabbed some water for us to wash down our snacks. We then headed over to the castle for a quick photo op and for some members of our party to grab an additional snack at Casey’s Corner. One thing that needs to be mentioned in any Disney VIP tour review is the fact that regular meals are not included. The previously mentioned snacks were all a part of the VIP experience, but if you choose to stop at Disney restaurants, you’ll need to make your own purchases.

With the number of snacks you are provided during a tour, it’s honestly hard to imagine wanting to eat. After munching on rice Krispie treats and churros or pretzels, we were provided a Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich or ice cream bar before getting back in the van and heading to EPCOT.

EPCOT, the Last Stop in our Disney VIP Tour Review

Our arrival at the EPCOT backstage area was similar to the previous stops mentioned in this Disney VIP tour review. We were greeted by cast members and offered more treats before Helen led us off to our next great adventure: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

With this ride, we needed to fight our way to the ILL line like every other guest. If you haven’t experienced this attraction, I’ll explain.

The way the entrance is designed, there’s a bit of a bottle neck since there isn’t much room for guests to queue as they scan in for either the Lightning Lane or the virtual queue. Also, the Lightning Lane is poorly signed, leading many guests to try to scan in through the virtual queue instead of the correct point of entry. This leads to delays, as guests try repeatedly to get their card or MagicBand to work. The poor signage also has guests standing in front of the entry points, blocking access as they try to determine where they should be.

Since a VIP tour guide will never plow through guests inside the park, we had a bit of a delay to get to the scan point. It was nothing significant, but I mention it as part of the Disney VIP tour review for any guest who may be expecting to be whisked on and off rides away from all of the crowds.

Once inside the Lightning Lane queue, we were led directly to the pre-show. Helen accompanied us and again positioned us so we would have first access into the queue. This would have worked if some disrespectful guests hadn’t opened the door during the preshow experience. What transpired after was a stampede of guests, all thinking they had to leave the show.

Unfortunately, this is a new trend at this ride which we hope Disney finds a way to deter quickly. This happened 2 different times that we rode, as repeat guests tried to get to the ride faster by skipping the pre-show. If you’re ever so inclined, please be considerate of other guests and wait out the preshow. As Helen explained, by opening the doors, the guests shut down the preshow experience for the other riders in line, robbing new guests of the chance to understand the backstory so vital to the ride.

Once we found our way down to the ride, Helen as usual told the cast member in charge of seat assignments that she wanted her party to be placed in the front cars. If you haven’t been on the ride before, this is truly the best place to experience the attraction, so we were thrilled.

Following Cosmic Rewind, we planned to visit Frozen Ever After. However, since we had told Helen we wanted to keep the tour to 7 hours, she was always keeping track of time. After checking the wait for Frozen she let us know that we’d likely be over time if we wanted a second guide on Cosmic Rewind. Since Frozen is no match for EPCOT’s newest coaster, our group was happy to skip it.

That meant, we headed over to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure . Again, Sandy and I sat this one out to avoid motion sickness, so we had a chance to chat again with Helen. We talked about how tired we were and how we were dreading having to wait until our 7:00 reservation at Space 220 to eat and head back to the hotel.

This is where I think the biggest perk of a VIP tour can be experienced—dedicated attention. She offered to try to try to get us an earlier Advance Dining Reservation, while we took our last ride on Cosmic Rewind. Miracle worker that she is, she succeeded.

She met us at the exit to Cosmic Rewind and ushered us right to Space 220. We were a little late, so the restaurant had officially closed to new guests in order to prepare for the dinner rush, but she got us right in. We took one last final picture and headed to the turbo lift to dine in space.

Advantages of a Disney World VIP Tour

While I mentioned several of the advantages of a VIP tour in the Disney VIP tour review above, it’s worth speaking to some of the perks in greater detail. While it may sound like a simple perk, the private transportation to the parks is actually a tremendous timesaver.

If you’ve ever used Disney’s complimentary transportation , you know that waiting for the next bus, boat or monorail can come with a wait mid-day when park hopping. You don’t have to worry about this with a Disney VIP tour, and since you use backstage entrances, you don’t have to scan in at the entrance to parks and make the trek past the entrance to the attractions. In most instances, you’ll be entering right into the heart of the magic.

Also, keep in mind that your VIP tour will transport you back to your hotel, a restaurant or anywhere you’d like to go on Disney property at the end of your tour. We had dinner reservations in the EPCOT park, so we simply ended our experience there. However, you may ask for a final round of transport to end your tour, saving you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to getting back to your hotel.

The second big perk of a Disney VIP tour is the access to the Lightning Lane , or in some cases, directly to the final ride queue. While the Lightning Lane will always provide faster access to attractions, the fact that your tour guide will ensure that you are always placed at the head of the line is another time saver, helping you to do more with your day and tour.

Aside from time-saving perks, the biggest advantage of the tour is the premium experience. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, personable and dedicated to ensuring that we had the most magical experience possible. The fact that she thought of little things, like taking all of our bags while we rode rides and anticipated our needs, provided the perfect touch.

While I can only speak personally to our tour guide, I have honestly never spoken to anyone, client or friend, who had a bad experience on a Disney VIP tour. The only complaint I’ve ever heard is how tiring a VIP tour is, mainly because you’re trying to fit so much into the time with your guide.

How Much Is a Disney Private VIP Tour:

Disney VIP Tours are a premium experience with a star-quality price tag. You can expect to pay anywhere between $550 and $750 an hour for a VIP tour. Prices will vary depending on the day of the week and your dates of travel. In general, expect to pay more on weekends and around holidays. Keep in mind, that you will need to commit to a minimum 7-hour experience.

Is a Disney VIP Tour Worth It?

Whether a Disney VIP tour is worth it depends a lot on your vacation budget, how much you value the celebrity treatment and the $3,800 – $7,500 price tag. Since up to 10 people are allowed on each tour, guests with more limited budgets may split the cost across 2 or 3 families and find the experience more economical and magical.

On the other hand, guests with bigger budgets may enjoy several VIP tours during their trip. In speaking with Helen, she indicated that most people she works with will book a VIP tour for each park they visit, rather than hopping from park to park as I discussed in my Disney VIP tour review.

Taking this approach allows for a more leisurely pace. Guests may actually stop and dine at restaurants and still have time to enjoy each of the attractions, since waits in queue lines will be minimal.

On the other hand, if you’re thinking to book a VIP tour to completely avoid crowds, you may not find the experience worth the expense. There is a common misconception that a Disney VIP tour will take you from ride to ride via backstage passages, thereby avoiding park crowds completely. This isn’t the way a VIP tour works, nor do I think it’s completely desirable.

A Disney VIP tour guide will lead you through the parks, allowing you to experience all of the wonder you will find there. If you come across an impromptu character greeting, you can stop and enjoy the show. Every Disney park employs elaborate, realistic theming elements to take you different places and times. It would be a shame to miss this critical aspect of the experience in favor of tunneling through backstage areas just to avoid a few bottlenecks.

In truth, as we moved from place to place with our tour guide, I hardly noticed the other people in the parks at all. I was focused instead on the fun informational tidbits she provided or following her lead down different routes I might not have thought to take on my own.

How to Book a Disney VIP Tour

One of the most important things to understand when booking a Disney VIP tour is how to book. There are a number of third party companies that offer experiences they label as VIP, but there are only two ways to book the experience described in this Disney VIP tour review: directly through Disney by calling the tour booking line, or through a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel.

We’ve heard and read reviews where guests have had terrible experiences with third party guides. Part of the problem is access. Anyone not officially authorized by Disney will not have access to the backstage areas or Lightning Lane queues to help you make the most of your experience. If you want the VIP level treatement described in this review, be sure to book with a travel agent or call Disney yourself and book directly.

Have questions about a Disney World VIP tour not answered here? Just ask!

Disney World VIP Tour FAQs

While I’ve covered most of the VIP experience in the Disney VIP tour review section, there are a few other questions that guests often have. I’ve taken a few moments to address those here:

Does a Disney VIP tour include food?

While multiple snacks a day are included in your Disney VIP tour, if you wish to eat at a Disney World restaurant or stop at a kiosk not included in the snacks provided, you will be required to make your own purchases.

Do Disney VIP tours skip lines?

Guests on Disney VIP tours will skip the regular queue on rides and attractions. They will access lines via the Lightning Lane. While there will be some wait for the attraction using this approach, wait times are minimal.

Is Disney VIP Tour priced per person?

Pricing for a Disney VIP tour is assessed hourly for a party of up to ten people.

Do Disney VIP tours sell out?

Yes, Disney VIP tours do sell out. When I spoke with our VIP tour guide about this, she told me that Disney does offer a waitlist for guests who aren’t able to secure a VIP tour booking, but can’t guarantee a spot will open up. She also mentioned that the waitlist had been closed for the last three weeks of December 2024. Because there were far too many people wanting tours, even the waitlist slots had filled up. The important point here is to book early!

When to book a Disney VIP tour?

Since Disney VIP tours do sell out, it’s important to book your tour as soon as you are able to do so. For guests of Disney World resort hotels, that’s 60 days prior to arrival at your resort hotel. All other guests are eligible to book 60 days before the date they wish to take a tour.

Do you tip Disney World VIP tour guide?

It is customary to tip your Disney World tour guide. While there is no recommended rate or percentage, most people indicate that they tip between $200-$500 a day. However, your tip should reflect the quality of the experience the knowledge and dedication of your tour guide.

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