![]() He stayed with our youngest while we rode intense rides and helped us procure meals and snacks. We did fine, but it was clear Mick was a pro at navigating the parks. We visited Hollywood Studios on our own the next day. After meeting Mick at 3 p.m., we rode nearly every ride, avoided long lines, and enjoyed the fireworks. We slept late, enjoyed breakfast, then headed to the park around noon. But Disney trips are milestones, and I'm glad we returned with our big kids.Ī guide made our time at the park easy, relaxing, and productive. As an adventurous traveler, I know there are extraordinary places to explore with a Disney-level budget. My Orlando-loving friend says, "Disney is where money goes to die, but it's worth it for the memories." That feels true of the money we spent on tickets, food, Mick, Genie+, lightning lanes, and tips - we used miles for JetBlue flights and Bonvoy points for Swan Reserve hotel rooms. Five Star will also book dining and special experiences, provided you book outside Disney's 60-day advance-reservation window. Our guide, aptly named Mick, texted to confirm our plans and priorities and asked to access our Disney account. I selected Five Star Orlando VIP Tours because it was the cheapest - $700 for six hours others ranged from $250 an hour to between $450 and $900 an hour for Disney's VIP Guides - and offered afternoon start times, which better suited my family. I'd mastered Fast Pass on previous trips, but Genie+, Disney's newer booking system for popular rides, seemed confusing to me. I worried long lines would leave us hot and grumpy. Different vacation schedules limited our travel to Passover and Easter weekend, one of the busiest times at the parks. With the pandemic finally in the rearview, we were eager to squeeze in a trip. ![]() My youngest was a toddler when we last visited Disney. Here's why I hired a private guide and why you might want to So it hurts my pride - and my bank account - to make this confession: I hired a private guide to help my husband and I navigate Disney World with our three kids, who are 8, 13, and 16 years old. I've redeemed enough frequent flyer miles that I know my AAdvantage number by heart. I've planned family trips to Disney, Spain, Belize, and South Africa, all without a travel agent. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |