Top 12 Splurges for Your Next Disney World Vacation

We are budget people. Our Disney World vacations are planned out in spreadsheets before we go. We have an idea of how much we are going to spend on many different levels and have that money in the bank ready to roll as needed. At the same time, we work hard and deserve a splurge every now and then! So, what splurges make the top of our list? Well, we could tell you to buy a home in Golden Oak – Disney’s pristine neighborhood, get married in front of Cinderella Castle, or rent Tower of Terror for a party of a lifetime… BUT, we are all about realistic splurges for those of us that are living on a budget. Save up and splurge away, Disney fan!

12 – Golf

Let’s kick off this splurge list with a round of golf! Many people miss or don’t know about the opportunity to golf at one of Disney World’s four champion golf courses. You can book a tee time in advance to ensure your requested course, date, and time is available. The cost for 18 holes of golf starts at $35 per player. The price depends on which day, course, and time you are seeking. Golf carts and club rentals are an additional fee. Go ahead and spend a little green, then take to the “green” for some golf rest and relaxation.

11 – Water Parks

“Splash” that money pot just a little with a Water Park ticket purchase. Walt Disney World has two fun-filled water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is known for its frosty atmosphere and the very intense body slide called Summit Plummet. Typhoon Lagoon is themed with the tropics in mind and boasts a massive wave pool, among many other refreshing experiences. You can purchase a 1-day water park ticket starting around $74 plus tax. Break out of the four-theme park routine and try a day at one of Disney’s Water Parks! 

10 – Senses Spa and Salon

Vacation should be all about relaxing, after all! What better way to spend your hard-earned money than by treating yourself? Senses Spa and Salon can be found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The spa offers paramount spa and salon services that will leave you resting easy! You can spend as little as $20 for simple braids (single or double French braids), in the middle around $175 on a 50-minute Massage, or as much as $250 per person on a Couple’s Spa Treatment. From manicures to massages, haircuts, body treatments, and everything in between – Senses Spa and Salon is an ultimate splurge-worthy activity for anyone who needs a little rest and relaxation.

9 – Signature/Fine Dining

There are SO many places to dine at Disney, and making the decision on which one can be difficult! If you’re looking to taste an impeccable meal and want the atmosphere to match, we’d suggest spending a little extra to dine at one of Disney’s Signature/Fine Dining Restaurants. Try the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant, Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Do you want an intimate night watching the sunset or the Magic Kingdom fireworks while you dine? Make a reservation at California Grill located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Your taste buds will appreciate this splurge!

8 – runDisney Events

If you’re not a runner, you may scroll right by this paragraph as fast as possible – but slow your scroll! While running might not be our favorite thing in the world, something magical happens when it’s done with Disney! RunDisney hosts run/walk races for all ages and all body types. With family events, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathons, you’ll find a race that works best for you. Not only are you doing something wonderful for your body, but Disney truly makes these themed races FUN! Pick a theme like Star Wars, Princess, or Food and Wine, and have a blast getting that blood flowing, some fresh air, and memories that last a lifetime. Admission for the races can be around $120 for 5k races, all the way up to the Dopey Challenge (conquering all the races!) for $700. If you’re going to splurge, make it count with admission to one of the runDisney events.

7 – Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom is the ideal splurge if you’re a Walt Disney World fan and aren’t afraid to see a little behind the scenes. Tour-goers (16 years and up) experience 5 hours with a guide for an in-depth look at the park. You’ll even have a chance to access Disney’s underground Cast Member area called the Utilidors. The cost includes a quick-service lunch and is $129-$149 plus tax per person, depending on the day of your tour. The true Disney fan’s splurge!

6 – Dinner Show

We mentioned Fine/Signature Dining above, but let us not forget to mention Disney’s Dinner Show. While you’ll pay a little extra for this meal, there is exceptional entertainment that goes along with it. Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a hilariously fun show called Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Prices for this show can range from $66 to $74 ($39-$44 for children) depending on age and seating category. Music, dancing, and superb food await!

5 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Here’s a chance for your princess, prince, or knight to have the ultimate dress-up experience. There are currently two locations for “BBB,” including one at Magic Kingdom inside the Cinderella Castle and the second at Disney Springs, where no park ticket is required. A third BBB is available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort! If your child is between the ages of 3 and 12, they can have a royal makeover with packages ranging from $20 (Knights Package) to $450 (Princess Signature Dress Package). BBB can make it happen, whether it’s hair, nails, makeup, outfits, or all of the above.

4 – Dessert Parties

Yes! We said DESSERT! Three of Disney’s theme parks have extraordinary nighttime spectaculars that should really be on your must-see list. Why not experience these nighttime spectaculars with VIP treatment? Not fighting the crowds and reserved viewing areas is a fantastic experience – but add desserts, and we are sold! Magic Kingdom has three different dessert parties for Magic Kingdom fireworks. It’s a great way to see the Magic Kingdom Fireworks!

3 – Go Deluxe

Is this a once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation that you’ve been saving up for? If at all possible, go deluxe! Disney has eight deluxe resorts with exceptional theming, views, transportation, location, dining, services, and more. It’s really the best of the best and worth the extra money if it’s workable in the budget. The cost for an average night at a deluxe resort is right around $650. While staying at the other Disney Resorts is fantastic, once you experience Deluxe, you’ll understand why people spend the money they do to stay there.

2 – Disney After Hours

From time to time, Disney offers Disney After Hours! Experience three to four extra hours in the park after it closes to the public. These events are offered at three of the theme parks. The After Hours events usually run in late winter through summer! The main selling points of these events are the limited-capacity crowds, little to no wait times on most attractions, and complimentary beverages, ice cream novelties, and popcorn!

1 – Magic Kingdom Parties

Our number one splurge goes to two special-ticketed events for the party of a lifetime at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is held on select days in the fall, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) is on select days in late fall and early winter. Both parties feature treats throughout Magic Kingdom, and shorter attraction waits, unique character meet and greets, and special entertainment like stage shows, a parade, and fireworks. We’ve splurged on these parties numerous times and will keep doing so as long as they are offered!

What’s the splurge-worthy Disney experience you’re planning for your next Disney World vacation?