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Post by Eli's Nana on Jan 25, 2023 14:39:37 GMT -5
This is my first thread in MagicOwners, so if I am doing it wrong, please don't hesitate to set me straight! We are trying to plan a trip with our DS, DDIL, and our little grandies 8 and 4. I cannot go in the summer because the heat and humidity are too much for my lungs. To complicate matters, our DS and DDIL are reluctant to take our grandson out of school. That said, the 23/24 Denver school calendar just came out and I see 3 teacher work days clumped together in October (Thursday, Friday and Monday) that would allow for a long weekend, flying out on Wednesday late afternoon, and home on Monday afternoon, leaving us 4 days within which to build a magical weekend. Last week I was calling Disney for something else and my call erroneously rolled over into the VIP Tour line. Since the guy was so nice I briefly chatted with him about doing a tour. He said the Sep/Oct (avoiding Pres Day week) was part of the VIP Tours off season, with weekdays having the best rates, $450-$550 per hour. He explained how it all worked and I left feeling encouraged. It IS expensive, but if you can get 10 people, it helps with the cost. We have friends who live in the area with 2 boys so that would give us 10 and they are more than willing to pay their share. Made it sound do-able. Now that we have possible dates, this morning I called the VIP Tour line directly and now I am not so sure. The person was completely unhelpful and pushed me to call back at 60 days out, I explained that by 60 days out we would need to already have most of our planning done (our DVC reservation and our plane tickets, etc) so it would be helpful to have a loose ballpark figure. She said prices went up significantly this year and are only set through June, providing no details at all. I asked if she could look at what the prices were in Oct 22, she said that was last year so it makes no difference. When I politely pushed for information she said October was high season for VIP Tours so plan $900+ per hour. She was rude and cut me off and we were done. I wasn't looking for the exact amount or any commitment, I was just trying to see if it was feasible. Talk about bursting someone's balloon...  I am confused by the opposite information I received. Who should I believe? He was helpful, she was just trying to get me off the phone. I know there was a thread in MouseOwners on this but at the time I was just dreaming. Anyone have recent experience with a VIP Tour? Is October (not President's week) really the highest season? I would love any comments, feedback, etc. Thanks so much! |
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Post by Wiltony on Jan 25, 2023 14:50:05 GMT -5
I would certainly try to call back and find yet another person and explain the situation again. Perhaps you just got someone on a bad day.
I'm sorry I can't offer more info on VIP tours, except to say that when we were there in December over Christmas, there were a LOT of them. We saw groups of VIP CM's hanging out and chatting at the ride exits, waiting for their respective groups to exit the rides! Usually I only see 2-3 per day total, whereas this trip I was seeing 2-3 per ride!
With the increased wait times, increased costs, consistently high demand, and apparently large amount of people now using the VIP tour service, I'm not surprised at all to see them significantly raise the prices for the program.
Personally, if I were only attending WDW once or twice and just wanted to quickly hit the highlights, it seems like a great option. But for me, as a frequently attending DVCer, I don't see a benefit; since the way in which we visit isn't really about the rides anymore. We like to take things slow and enjoy the decor, the shops, the ambience, the shows, the festivals, the resorts, etc. and hardly any of that is enhanced by a VIP tours.
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Post by Eli's Nana on Jan 25, 2023 16:20:16 GMT -5
I would certainly try to call back and find yet another person and explain the situation again. Perhaps you just got someone on a bad day. With the increased wait times, increased costs, consistently high demand, and apparently large amount of people now using the VIP tour service, I'm not surprised at all to see them significantly raise the prices for the program. Personally, if I were only attending WDW once or twice and just wanted to quickly hit the highlights, it seems like a great option. But for me, as a frequently attending DVCer, I don't see a benefit; since the way in which we visit isn't really about the rides anymore. We like to take things slow and enjoy the decor, the shops, the ambience, the shows, the festivals, the resorts, etc. and hardly any of that is enhanced by a VIP tours. I do appreciate your input! I will call back tomorrow and see if I can get any better help. For us, like you, it isn't really about the rides anymore. While we enjoy the rides, we also appreciate the decor, shops, shows, festivals as you describe. If it wasn't that this may be our only chance to get the grandkids through the things that interest them while they are still young we wouldn't even consider it. My DDIL is an amazing mom and DIL and friend to me, but she is just not a park person for any parks, Disney or otherwise. And sadly, she does not share my love of Disney  . |
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Post by helenabear on Jan 25, 2023 17:09:35 GMT -5
Most of the VIP tour guides and CMs on the guest services are nice. However I actually do not suggest calling back tomorrow. The prices do vary some but they do not have exact prices this far out and you cannot book anytime before 60+ days. Keep in mind October has fall break for many and those will be more expensive. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
I have done a few VIP tours and while the first person may or may not be right on high/low seasons. The second person is about pricing not being available. VIP tours have become pretty darn hard to book as a whole with long wait times with busy seasons coming up. This is their prime spring break booking time so I personally would put it on a back burner until later in the spring and see if pricing is out.
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Post by Eli's Nana on Jan 25, 2023 17:29:45 GMT -5
Most of the VIP tour guides and CMs on the guest services are nice. However I actually do not suggest calling back tomorrow. The prices do vary some but they do not have exact prices this far out and you cannot book anytime before 60+ days. Keep in mind October has fall break for many and those will be more expensive. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. I have done a few VIP tours and while the first person may or may not be right on high/low seasons. The second person is about pricing not being available. VIP tours have become pretty darn hard to book as a whole with long wait times with busy seasons coming up. This is their prime spring break booking time so I personally would put it on a back burner until later in the spring and see if pricing is out. I get it! Being a planner I was trying to plan - haha! Thanks Helenabear! |
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Post by helenabear on Jan 25, 2023 18:05:40 GMT -5
Most of the VIP tour guides and CMs on the guest services are nice. However I actually do not suggest calling back tomorrow. The prices do vary some but they do not have exact prices this far out and you cannot book anytime before 60+ days. Keep in mind October has fall break for many and those will be more expensive. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. I have done a few VIP tours and while the first person may or may not be right on high/low seasons. The second person is about pricing not being available. VIP tours have become pretty darn hard to book as a whole with long wait times with busy seasons coming up. This is their prime spring break booking time so I personally would put it on a back burner until later in the spring and see if pricing is out. I get it! Being a planner I was trying to plan - haha! Thanks Helenabear! I totally get that! I want to say our weekends in June have been about $4k. I might try for a Friday this year for giggles. I've been shut out of Spring break so they definitely are crazier thus time of year. I didn't even bother calling for this break Feel free to ask questions. I have treated friends along on this a few times and experiences have changed over the last 2 years but still excellent. For us it was about the experience and not always just the rides. I think our last Guide Jaime Lo. was our favorite so far. |
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Post by dmkedm on Jan 25, 2023 18:28:36 GMT -5
Mmmmm....this is triggering some interest over here in the midst of what I'm calling "Disney Frenzy Mode" in my world....we're fresh back from a week (DGS' first trip to Disney), and returned to news that DIL's mother, two brothers, SIL and niece & nephew want to do a family trip to Disney in June....do we want to go, too? (The answer is a deafening YES)....so we're a group of 10--2 70-year-old's, 3 adults in their 40s, two in their 30s, a 10-year-old, a 13-year-old and a one-year-old....in one way we're perfect for a VIP tour (for 6 of the 10 of us, while this may not be a "once in a lifetime" trip, it's not a DVC-frequency-level trip either....I will be using my points for accommodations (a 2-bedroom and a studio at Kidani--rooms are already booked) and the DIL branch of the family had been planning paying for hotel rooms, so maybe the money they save on rooms could be put towards a VIP tour....
Anyway, did you get info on current prices (I think you said their current pricing is through June? And we're going in June)....I can, of course, call to inquire....but if you know that'd save me a call....I'm not sure this idea will work....the schedule would be brutal for the one-year-old....but it surely would "guarantee" everyone gets on their "must ride" rides--and thus would save people Genie+ money, too....I am intrigued by the idea....but gotta start w/the "actual" cost rather than just guessing....so, if you know, it would be helpful...altho now that I've typed all this, I guess I could just go to the Internet to see if they have that info!
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Post by Eli's Nana on Jan 25, 2023 19:25:52 GMT -5
I get it! Being a planner I was trying to plan - haha! Thanks Helenabear! I totally get that! I want to say our weekends in June have been about $4k. I might try for a Friday this year for giggles. I've been shut out of Spring break so they definitely are crazier thus time of year. I didn't even bother calling for this break Feel free to ask questions. I have treated friends along on this a few times and experiences have changed over the last 2 years but still excellent. For us it was about the experience and not always just the rides. I think our last Guide Jaime Lo. was our favorite so far. Thank you! I didn't mean to give the impression that it was just about the rides, as I am even more excited about the experience. The ride part is to alleviate some of my DDIL's frustration with lines, but I think as a family the experience will be awesome! Really want to do this before we retire and can still cobble the funding. I completely forgot about fall breaks as here in Colorado they moved them all to Thanksgiving week. We're looking at going to Disney Oct 11-16 and trying for the VIP tour the 12th or 14th (Thursday or Saturday). As always, I appreciate your great information! And thanks to your generous offer I will be back with questions!  |
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Post by Eli's Nana on Jan 25, 2023 19:37:04 GMT -5
Anyway, did you get info on current prices (I think you said their current pricing is through June? And we're going in June)....I can, of course, call to inquire....but if you know that'd save me a call....I'm not sure this idea will work....the schedule would be brutal for the one-year-old....but it surely would "guarantee" everyone gets on their "must ride" rides--and thus would save people Genie+ money, too....I am intrigued by the idea....but gotta start w/the "actual" cost rather than just guessing....so, if you know, it would be helpful...altho now that I've typed all this, I guess I could just go to the Internet to see if they have that info! The cast member would not provide any detail about what would be higher or lower season (which I kinda get), only that it will be between $550 and $900 per hour (minimum of 7 hours) depending on the date you choose. She did say if you are staying on property you can call to reserve within 60 days of your resort reservation start date and not the VIP date you desire. She suggested I call a week before the 60 days and they will provide pricing detail at that time. Hope this helps a little! |
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Post by helenabear on Jan 25, 2023 20:24:20 GMT -5
Mmmmm....this is triggering some interest over here in the midst of what I'm calling "Disney Frenzy Mode" in my world....we're fresh back from a week (DGS' first trip to Disney), and returned to news that DIL's mother, two brothers, SIL and niece & nephew want to do a family trip to Disney in June....do we want to go, too? (The answer is a deafening YES)....so we're a group of 10--2 70-year-old's, 3 adults in their 40s, two in their 30s, a 10-year-old, a 13-year-old and a one-year-old....in one way we're perfect for a VIP tour (for 6 of the 10 of us, while this may not be a "once in a lifetime" trip, it's not a DVC-frequency-level trip either....I will be using my points for accommodations (a 2-bedroom and a studio at Kidani--rooms are already booked) and the DIL branch of the family had been planning paying for hotel rooms, so maybe the money they save on rooms could be put towards a VIP tour.... Anyway, did you get info on current prices (I think you said their current pricing is through June? And we're going in June)....I can, of course, call to inquire....but if you know that'd save me a call....I'm not sure this idea will work....the schedule would be brutal for the one-year-old....but it surely would "guarantee" everyone gets on their "must ride" rides--and thus would save people Genie+ money, too....I am intrigued by the idea....but gotta start w/the "actual" cost rather than just guessing....so, if you know, it would be helpful...altho now that I've typed all this, I guess I could just go to the Internet to see if they have that info! I can tell you last year, June 5th Sunday tour price was $575/hr. In 2021 June 6th was $550/hr. A good start hopefully |
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Post by nrspepe on Jan 25, 2023 20:58:47 GMT -5
We just did a VIP tour in DL in early December (high season). It was awesome!!. Worth every penny! It was not only about ride access, it was about the guide’s demeanor, kindness and ability to navigate multiple requests throughout the day. Our party consisted of those very experienced with Disney and others there for the first time…ages 2 through 68. We enjoyed every ride that was on our must do lists, a seated parade, dinner at Blue Bayou, fireworks and Fantasia. Our guide was very knowledgeable about Disney and the park history. He was very understanding of potty breaks, baby naps and the need to grab a snack.
I will say the VIP tour reservationist was lukewarm, at best. Completely professional, but no excitement or real interest in all of my needs was expressed. Follow-up was no more than required.
Don’t let that deter you though. Everyone is still raving about the experience and can’t wait to do it again. I highly recommend it.
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Post by dmkedm on Jan 26, 2023 9:00:21 GMT -5
Just a quick update: we decided against it...just "too much" (commando touring w/a 2-year-old and his two 70-year-old grandmothers, too much money for the adults who would split the cost, too much diversity of "what to do" among the 10 people in our party)...but we all just loved "the coincidence" of having a 10-person party that would fill up a 10-person tour! And we talked about doing it for a solid hour....but we're gonna give it a pass this time....thanks for all the input....
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Post by henrycpa on Jan 26, 2023 10:15:54 GMT -5
We were blessed with a VIP tour in December 21 by a Club33 Member. We loved it. Likely would not have done it without the C33 option because an 8 hour day would have been over $3000 BEFORE the tip.
But, we chose a 4 park day instead of concentrating on 1 or 2 parks. Started at 1pm at Epcot (we were staying at BWV) and did the new Rat ride (this was when you had to reserve it) and did the Frozen ride since my then 6 year old Granddaughter wanted to ride it (her first ever Disney trip).
We proceeded to AKV for FOP, DHS for ROTR and Slinky Dog, and then MK for rides on 7DMT, BTMRR, HM, and POTC. It was a packed day and we crammed a lot into it. We ended the night with free Mickey Bars and watching fireworks from a reserved area. Our Guide was awesome. Very informative and kind and worked the magic they way the VIP is supposed to to get us to the front of the lines. It was cool seeing all the "hidden" entrances to the parks that are hidden in plain site.
We did Tip the guide about $700.
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Post by bakerworld on Jan 26, 2023 11:06:37 GMT -5
A bit of thread drift: Pre-DVC I would routinely reserve WDW vacations so I had the space 'locked' and then when the specials/discounted rates were offered I would call to swap out our existing reservation with the discounted/special rate. I learned that if I hit a cast member that was rude (I'd just disconnect) or unhelpful/unknowledgeable I'd politely end the call and call back immediately. Usually the second connection would provide the help needed. I found the same to be true with member services, although sometimes it takes more than one call back and even pre-covid this was a time suck.
Don't waste you time with a cast member unwilling to help - it wastes your time and theirs. I always assume the rude cast member just doesn't want to do the work so if you disconnect immediately it just forces them to take more calls. LOL
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Post by tessa on Jan 26, 2023 18:28:36 GMT -5
We were blessed with a VIP tour in December 21 by a Club33 Member. We loved it. Likely would not have done it without the C33 option because an 8 hour day would have been over $3000 BEFORE the tip. We did Tip the guide about $700. I'm glad that you mentioned the generous tip. Our Club 33 friends are taking us on a VIP tour next month. I had no idea about how much to tip. |
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