- Mar 13, 2024
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It’s no secret that planning a trip to Disney World is an expensive proposition. From theme park tickets to hotel reservations to travel, a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” is by itself a splurge for many.
PhotoPass
On top of that, there are many extra perks and splurges at Disney World that are available to guests. However, some of those perks just really aren’t worth it. We’ve already fallen for paying for a lot of these perks, so now we can warn you away.
Okay, this might be controversial, but Memory Maker could very well be a waste of money. Here’s the thing: Memory Maker gets you unlimited digital downloads of all photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers. The price? $210! Okay, so it’s only $185 if you purchase it BEFORE your trip. However, those same PhotoPass photographers will take photos of you with your own camera or phone if you ask.
PhotoPass Studio
So what exactly are you paying for? Well, the photos will be high quality, but most phones are capable of good quality photos. You’re getting the same amazing photographer, regardless of how the photos are taken. You DO get Magic Shots, which is when Disney adds a little extra character or scene to each photo, but if you know how to photo edit, you could do that yourself at home. Is it worth over $200?
©Disney
On top of that, you can also get on-ride photos if you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which is going to cost less per day than Memory Maker, PLUS it allows you a way to bypass long standby lines at rides. Multi Pass allows you to select three Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit (7 days for a Disney Resort guest, 3 for everyone else) and choose available times as you make your selections. From there, as you use each selection on each day of your visit, you can use the My Disney Experience app for availability to make additional selections.
©Disney
Did you know you could pay extra to park closer to each park’s main entrance? Prices are seasonal but run $50, $55, or $60 per day. That’s not chump change, is it? But here’s the thing…do you need to park that much closer to the entrance when you can just hop on the tram if you don’t want to walk far? Note that Disney World does provide special parking areas for visitors with disabilities and mobility issues.
East Tram and Preferred Parking sign at EPCOT
Also, if you’re going to Magic Kingdom, you have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and you’ll have to take a boat or Monorail to the Magic Kingdom entrance anyway.
Now, don’t get us wrong, if you’re staying at a value resort or another Disney World hotel that is spread out (Caribbean Beach, we’re looking at you), you’ll probably get your money’s worth if you pay for a preferred room, which is a room closer to the hotel’s lobby, food court, and transportation. However, if you’re staying at a smaller hotel like Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, a preferred room isn’t going to be worth the extra cost.
Port Orleans is so small you don’t need a preferred room
Before you book that trip, we recommend taking a look at a map of the Disney World hotel you’re planning on staying at and seeing just how big it is. If it’s a big hotel, like Caribbean Beach, the All-Star Resorts, or others, think about how far you’ll have to walk to get to everything — that long walk at the end of a day in the parks can be brutal. If a hotel is more compact, you can book a standard room, and you’ll be fine.
Of course, there are some perks we DO feel are worth splurging on at times. These include the aforementioned Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as well as Lightning Lane Single Pass, which allows guests to “secure a time to ride one of (Disney’s) most highly demanded attractions” for an additional charge before their visit, with the same 7 and 3-day timelines.
Disneyland App — Purchase option for Lightning Lane Single Pass — Rise of the Resistance ©Disney
And then there’s transportation. Look, we love Disney’s transportation options. Whether it’s buses, boats, or the Skyliner, we take them all the time; however, on days when you’re just too wiped out, splurge on a rideshare like an Uber, Lyft, or even a Minnie Van.
Ride share is always an option.
Of course, we can’t leave you without dropping our forever favorite splurge: A CUP OF PLASTIC CHEESE!
Plastic Cheese!
So before you spend money on these extra perks, you’ll want to think about it first. We’re all about helping you save money in Disney World, so we’ll keep offering our best tips and tricks to make the most of your money AND time on your next Disney World trip.
What do you think? Is there a perk you’ve paid for in Disney World that you think wasn’t worth it? Share with us in the comments!
PhotoPass
On top of that, there are many extra perks and splurges at Disney World that are available to guests. However, some of those perks just really aren’t worth it. We’ve already fallen for paying for a lot of these perks, so now we can warn you away.
Memory Maker
Okay, this might be controversial, but Memory Maker could very well be a waste of money. Here’s the thing: Memory Maker gets you unlimited digital downloads of all photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers. The price? $210! Okay, so it’s only $185 if you purchase it BEFORE your trip. However, those same PhotoPass photographers will take photos of you with your own camera or phone if you ask.
PhotoPass Studio
So what exactly are you paying for? Well, the photos will be high quality, but most phones are capable of good quality photos. You’re getting the same amazing photographer, regardless of how the photos are taken. You DO get Magic Shots, which is when Disney adds a little extra character or scene to each photo, but if you know how to photo edit, you could do that yourself at home. Is it worth over $200?
©Disney
On top of that, you can also get on-ride photos if you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which is going to cost less per day than Memory Maker, PLUS it allows you a way to bypass long standby lines at rides. Multi Pass allows you to select three Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit (7 days for a Disney Resort guest, 3 for everyone else) and choose available times as you make your selections. From there, as you use each selection on each day of your visit, you can use the My Disney Experience app for availability to make additional selections.
©Disney
Preferred Parking
Did you know you could pay extra to park closer to each park’s main entrance? Prices are seasonal but run $50, $55, or $60 per day. That’s not chump change, is it? But here’s the thing…do you need to park that much closer to the entrance when you can just hop on the tram if you don’t want to walk far? Note that Disney World does provide special parking areas for visitors with disabilities and mobility issues.
East Tram and Preferred Parking sign at EPCOT
Also, if you’re going to Magic Kingdom, you have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and you’ll have to take a boat or Monorail to the Magic Kingdom entrance anyway.
Preferred Room at Certain Hotels
Now, don’t get us wrong, if you’re staying at a value resort or another Disney World hotel that is spread out (Caribbean Beach, we’re looking at you), you’ll probably get your money’s worth if you pay for a preferred room, which is a room closer to the hotel’s lobby, food court, and transportation. However, if you’re staying at a smaller hotel like Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, a preferred room isn’t going to be worth the extra cost.
Port Orleans is so small you don’t need a preferred room
Before you book that trip, we recommend taking a look at a map of the Disney World hotel you’re planning on staying at and seeing just how big it is. If it’s a big hotel, like Caribbean Beach, the All-Star Resorts, or others, think about how far you’ll have to walk to get to everything — that long walk at the end of a day in the parks can be brutal. If a hotel is more compact, you can book a standard room, and you’ll be fine.
But these splurges? *Chef’s Kiss*
Of course, there are some perks we DO feel are worth splurging on at times. These include the aforementioned Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as well as Lightning Lane Single Pass, which allows guests to “secure a time to ride one of (Disney’s) most highly demanded attractions” for an additional charge before their visit, with the same 7 and 3-day timelines.
Disneyland App — Purchase option for Lightning Lane Single Pass — Rise of the Resistance ©Disney
And then there’s transportation. Look, we love Disney’s transportation options. Whether it’s buses, boats, or the Skyliner, we take them all the time; however, on days when you’re just too wiped out, splurge on a rideshare like an Uber, Lyft, or even a Minnie Van.
Ride share is always an option.
Of course, we can’t leave you without dropping our forever favorite splurge: A CUP OF PLASTIC CHEESE!
Plastic Cheese!
So before you spend money on these extra perks, you’ll want to think about it first. We’re all about helping you save money in Disney World, so we’ll keep offering our best tips and tricks to make the most of your money AND time on your next Disney World trip.
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What do you think? Is there a perk you’ve paid for in Disney World that you think wasn’t worth it? Share with us in the comments!
