I believe that Walt Disney World vacations are magical no matter the budget you have for your trip. Personally my family and I have stayed onsite at value, moderate, and deluxe resorts and we've stayed off site at both hotels and in home rentals. We've experienced every type of Disney trip and wouldn't trade a single one of them. However if you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to splurge on something at Disney World, I'm going to share the top 4 "Bougie" Disney experiences that I think are totally worth the money!
Staying in a Deluxe Resort
Convenience is something that I am willing to pay extra for because I reap the benefits of being closer to the parks every single day of my trip. Deluxe hotels are typically located closest to the parks, many of them within walking distance or featuring easy transportation options such as the monorail and water taxis. They also have the most amenities, the largest rooms, and perks such as Evening Extended Hours which grant you extra time in select parks after they close to other guests. Considering location, pool, onsite dining options, and room interior my overall favorite deluxe resort is Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Totally worth the splurge to me!
A Private Fireworks Cruise
My husband and I recently celebrated our 15th anniversary at Disney World and we wanted to do something extra special, so we booked a private fireworks cruise to see the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. I called the Enchanting Extras line 60 days out to book this experience and we paid $425 for it (pricing can vary based on date and demand). The experience gets you a cruise around the Epcot Resort area which culminates in sailing through the International Gateway to watch the fireworks from World Showcase Lagoon with a completely unobstructed view. There are also special extras that come with this experience. Since I had noted that it was our anniversary, our driver had decorated our boat with balloons and a Happy Anniversary banner. We also got a basket full of snacks and a cooler full of water and soft drinks. This experience can include up to 10 people but it was an incredibly romantic thing for just the 2 of us. There is also a fireworks cruise available for the Magic Kingdom fireworks which I just booked for our next family vacation in July! Highly recommend this experience!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a magical experience for any young Disney fan who dreams of becoming a princess or prince. This enchanted salon offers an immersive transformation into a fairytale character. There are several different packages available that range in price, but the most popular option includes hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, and a costume. The attention to detail is impeccable, and the "fairy godmothers in training" go above and beyond to make the experience unforgettable. It is truly worth the splurge for any child who loves Disney and wants to feel like a prince or princess for a day.
A Fireworks Dessert Party
As you can probably tell by the fact that 2 of the 4 items on my list have to do with getting a preferred spot for fireworks, I am willing to pay to avoid having to stake out a spot on my own. I reached that point on a trip a couple of years ago. We showed up 45 minutes before the fireworks started and found a great spot right on Main Street. My son, who was 9 at the time, was so excited about seeing Disney Enchantment for the first time. He was particularly excited to see the projections on the castle. Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance to because another guest stepped in front of us right before the show started and put his daughter on his shoulders, blocking the view of everyone behind him. Since our son didn't get to see the show, we told him we would try a fireworks dessert party on our next trip and we have been hooked ever since! Check out the video below to see a full review of this experience.
While there are plenty of ways to enjoy Disney World on a budget, sometimes it's worth treating yourself to a little luxury. Staying in a deluxe resort offers unparalleled comfort and convenience, while a private fireworks cruise and a fireworks dessert party provide a truly unforgettable view of the parks' spectacular nighttime shows. And Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique allows you to experience the ultimate fairytale transformation. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in some Disney magic, these 4 bougie experiences are definitely worth the splurge!
