What’s Worth the Splurge at Disney? A Guide to Deciding on Magical Extras
July 22, 2025 by Jasmine Petersen
A vacation to a Disney destination is full of magical moments, but it’s also full of decisions—and many of them come down to budget. Park tickets and resort stays are just the beginning! Once inside the magic, you’re faced with tempting “extras” to add a little oomph to your day.
So, are these magical extras worth it? That depends on your travel style, budget, and what kind of magic matters most to your group. This guide breaks down the most popular splurge-worthy Disney extras to help you decide which ones are worth the cost for you.
Memory Maker / PhotoPass
Memory Maker is Disney’s PhotoPass Service at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, or simply known as PhotoPass at the Disneyland Resort. With more than 175 locations across Walt Disney World, guests with Memory Maker will be able to enjoy photos taken by professionally trained Disney PhotoPass photographers and captured on 15 popular attractions. With this magical extra, you’ll get all the photos taken by Disney photographers throughout your trip—including ride photos, Magic Shots (special effects!), photos from 40+ Character Greetings, and iconic locations across all four theme parks (like a portrait in front of Cinderella’s Castle!).
Memory Maker at the Walt Disney World Resort starts at $185 for your entire stay when purchased 3 days in advance of your check-in date. If not purchased 3 days in advance, you can expect to pay $210. Want just one day? That’s $75.
At the Disneyland Resort, you can purchase PhotoPass starting at $25 for one day or $78 for a week. Guests who purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass at Disneyland enjoy PhotoPass included—so if you’re planning to skip the lines anyway, you might save by skipping this extra.
If you’re visiting with a big group, celebrating a special occasion, or want everyone in the photos without flagging down a stranger, this extra is a magical match.
Lightning Lane Passes
Lightning Lane is Disney’s skip-the-line service, allowing you to skip the line at participating attractions so you can experience significantly lower wait times.
With Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, guests can skip the standby line at participating attractions and experience shorter wait times when they select their return window in advance. At Walt Disney World, Lightning Lane Multi-Pass can be purchased 7 days in advance for guests staying at Disney resorts (or 3 days for off-property guests). It lets you book return times in advance for select attractions. The price varies by date and park, ranging from $15 to $39 per person, per day.
For the most popular rides, there’s Lightning Lane Single Pass—a separate, one-time access you can buy for attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON. These can cost $10–$25 or more per ride, per person.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you access to all Lightning Lane attractions (even the top-tier ones) once per day without booking times. Think of this as Disney’s ultimate time-saving tool for guests who want to maximize every magical moment in the parks. Expect this pass to cost between $129 and $449 per person—in addition of your park ticket.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass is perfect for families who want to make the most of a shorter trip, or for anyone who loves the idea of fitting in as much magic as possible in one day.
And the best part? Pairing the Lightning Lane Premier Pass with smart planning from your Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional (like arriving early and knowing which attractions to prioritize) can help you experience nearly everything on your wish list with time left to savor those Mickey-shaped snacks!
After-Hours Events
Want the parks to yourself for a few extra hours? Disney After Hours events let guests stay after regular closing time and enjoy shorter lines, complimentary snacks, and a quieter, more exclusive vibe.
Walt Disney World offers After Hours events on select nights at different parks. At Disneyland Resort, Disneyland After Dark events are themed parties with unique entertainment, special food, and rare character meet-and-greets. Past themes have included 90s Nite, Princess Nite, and Disney Channel Nite.
Prices typically range from $109 to $155 per person. If you’re looking for exclusive access to popular attractions with minimal wait times, love the idea of complimentary snacks or specialty menus, or simply want to extend the magic well into the night, this splurge is perfect for you, especially if you’re a night owl who prefers to skip the daytime crowds.
Seasonal Parties
When the holidays roll around, Disney hosts special-ticketed seasonal parties. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure let guests trick-or-treat, dress up, and meet rare characters. Meanwhile, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios bring festive parades, snow on Main Street, and specialty snacks.
Tickets range from $119 to $229 per person. These events include exclusive shows, treats, and entertainment you won’t find during regular hours—perfect if you’re visiting during a holiday and want that extra dose of magic.
Having your Be Our Guest Vacations travel agent help you get tickets to these hard-to-book seasonal parties is just one of the many perks of booking through Be Our Guest Vacations. Our BOGV team lives for these seasonal parties and is constantly counting down the days until these popular party tickets go on sale! If you’re celebrating the holidays at a Disney park and want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or you’re wanting to experience even more seasonal treats, entertainment, and unique character experiences, then a seasonal party event ticket is right for you!
Dining Packages with Nighttime Entertainment Viewing
Want to watch fireworks without camping out for a spot? Disney offers dining packages that not only offer guests tasty treats but also ensure a premier view of popular nighttime shows.
At Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks Dessert Party offers seats at Tomorrowland Terrace for Happily Ever After. At Disneyland, you can book a World of Color Dessert Party at Disney California Adventure or a Fantasmic! Dining Package at Disneyland park.
Expect to pay between $75 and $129, depending on the package. These can be a great pick for romantic nights, special occasions, or anyone who prefers not to battle the crowds for a good view.
If you want a guaranteed prime viewing of popular nighttime shows without needing to save a spot early, or are looking to splurge a little for a celebratory or romantic night, this experience might be right for you!
Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is back, and it’s the perfect way to add a little extra magic (and convenience) to your Walt Disney World vacation. Imagine strolling through the parks, knowing your meals and snacks are already taken care of—you just focus on enjoying every bite! So, is it worth the splurge? The answer depends on your group’s appetite, dining preferences, and how much you value convenience. Here’s what you need to know about the two dining plan options.
There are two options: the Quick-Service Plan includes two counter-service meals and a snack per night ($59.14 per adult, $24.71 per child), while the more standard Disney Dining Plan includes one quick-service and one table-service meal per night, plus a snack ($97.79 per adult, $30.56 per child). Both come with a refillable resort mug.
For families who want to feel like everything’s taken care of ahead of time, the Dining Plan can be a real win. You don’t have to pull out your wallet at every meal, and if you’re doing character dining or table-service meals, you can easily get your money’s worth—especially if you enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner, since most alcoholic drinks are included for guests 21 and up.
So, who’s the Dining Plan best for? It’s great for families who want predictable budgeting, guests who plan to do a few character meals, and anyone who enjoys ordering the more expensive items on the menu. If you love having things pre-paid and don’t mind planning your meals in advance, it can feel like a great perk during your Walt Disney World trip.
VIP Tours
Want the ultimate Disney day? Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort offer unique VIP tour opportunities to add to your vacation for a behind-the-scenes experience. These specially guided experiences are all about making your day as seamless and magical as possible, with expert Disney-trained VIP Tour Guides who take care of every detail for you.
During your VIP tour, you’ll be picked up in a private vehicle from your Walt Disney World resort. From that point, your private tour guide will accompany your family as you explore the parks. This friendly Disney expert will act as a “personal concierge,” traveling with you each step of the way and sharing fun behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts. They’ll even be able to escort you onto some of your favorite rides and attractions throughout the day.
Prices range from $450 to $900 per hour, with a 7-hour minimum. For milestone trips, large families, or guests who want a crowd-free, curated experience, it might be worth the investment. While VIP tours are a premium experience, they’re a wonderful way to see the parks through a completely new lens, making every moment feel extra special.
Ready To Add A Little Magic?
Disney is magical, no matter your budget—but the right splurges can elevate your experience in unforgettable ways. Whether it’s the joy of seeing fireworks from a reserved seat or capturing your family in front of Cinderella Castle with no stress, some extras truly pay off in the extra magic they provide!
Not sure what fits your travel style? That’s where a travel advisor comes in! At Be Our Guest Vacations, our team of professional travel advisors can help you figure out which splurges are worth it, when to save, and how to get the most value for your unique trip.