Going to Walt Disney World can be a big expense, and some families spend years saving for just one trip! But on some occasions – whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, or just because! – you may want to splurge on something special. The resort is filled with a wide variety of choices, so you’re definitely guaranteed to find an option that suits you and your needs. Without further ado, here are 8 ways to splurge at Walt Disney World!

1. Head to the spa

Did you know that Disney has it’s own spa? Senses has two locations: one at Saratoga Springs and one at the Grand Floridian. Both locations offer a full selection of services, from facials and massages to body therapies and pedicures. You don’t have to be a resort guest to book a treatment, and they even have services for children and couples! If you’re looking to relax, unwind, and spend some quality rejuvenation time, this is a great way to do it.

2. Take a backstage tour

If you love learning about Disney secrets, history, or backstage magic, a tour could be the perfect choice for you! Walt Disney World offers over 20 different tours, each focusing on different themes and/or areas of the resort. From the hour-long Behind The Seeds tour that takes you on an in-depth journey through the gardens of Living With The Land to the 7 hour Backstage Magic tour that takes you everywhere from utilidors of Magic Kingdom to the costume design studio, there’s truly something for everyone!

3. Go VIP

At Disney, VIP service isn’t only reserved for celebrities! They offer a variety of VIP tours, including both custom and themed options.

A customized, private VIP tour is available for up to 10 guests and allows for a fully tailored itinerary. As the Disney website states:

“After being picked up from your Central Florida accommodations in a private vehicle, experience unparalleled hospitality at one or more theme parks, ride your favorite attractions and watch magnificent parades, live shows and select nighttime spectaculars from special reserved viewing areas alongside a VIP Tour Guide.

Some of the personalized services include:

• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks in one or more days, if desired
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently, even repeatedly
• VIP viewing areas for parades, select stage shows and nighttime spectaculars
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour”

Disney also offers some pre-created, themed VIP options. The Ultimate Day of Thrills is a seven-hour tour that includes lunch and expedited access to your favorite thrilling attractions, while the Ultimate Disney Classics tour is a four-hour experience that takes you through some of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions. To see all Disney’s VIP options, check out their website here!

A VIP tour guide definitely is one of the pricier options on the list, but if you want to experience Walt Disney World like the elite, this is the way to do it!

4. Stay Club Level

If you’re staying at a Deluxe Walt Disney World resort, you have the option to stay in a Club Level room! This upgrade includes a dedicated concierge and an exclusive lounge with a variety of complimentary daily refreshments, including a continental breakfast, hot samples from resort restaurants, evening wine and beer selections, and desserts.

5. Book a dessert party

Disney offers a number of fireworks dessert parties at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. At these special events, you will first indulge in a wide array of desserts, including anything from cupcakes to ice cream to pastries! Afterwards, you will be escorted to a private viewing area, where you’ll be able to watch the fireworks and enjoy the display in peace. Many of these parties even have an additional theme, such as the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party in Hollywood Studios and the Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party in Epcot!

6. Indulge in signature dining

Unlike many theme parks, Walt Disney World is actually known for its food. Throughout the property, they have signature restaurants that offer one-of-a kind experiences with world-class fare. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, consider California Grill, which is located on top of the Contemporary and offers spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom, or the Yachtsman Steakhouse, which has premium steak and fresh seafood, all prepared in a traditional New England style.

If you truly want to splurge, consider heading to Victoria & Alberts, the most famous signature dining experience on Walt Disney World property. This award-winning restaurant holds the honor of having both a Michelin star and the AAA Five Diamond distinction, along with a host of other accolades. They have a world-class wine selection and the food is worthy of a once-in-a lifetime meal! If you’re looking for a completely splurge-worthy experience, then book the Chef’s Table. As Disney’s website states:

“Chef Scott Hunnel begins the evening with a champagne toast as he and the Victoria & Albert’s team prepare to craft a mouth-watering feast of up to 13 courses. Your gourmet odyssey will offer up delicacies from caviar to Maine scallops to Japanese beef—all paired with the perfect wine and spirits. Chef Hunnel’s friendly, easygoing conversation with Guests between courses makes the evening as entertaining as it is delicious.”

7. Attend a special event

Throughout the year, Disney puts on a variety of special, ticketed events. Although they vary with the time of the year, they are a great way to experience Disney through a different lens and try something new! Around the holidays, they host Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, an evening event that offers rare character meet & greets, free cookies and hot cocoa, and special parades and shows. It even snows on Main Street U.S.A!

At Halloween-time, Disney offers Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. This party has the show stopping Boo To You parade and Hallowishes fireworks, along with other special shows, character meet & greets, and events. Guests of all ages are invited to dress up and get to trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom during this one-of-a kind evening.

8. Cruise on a yacht

Launching from the Grand Floridian, the Grand Yacht 1 is Walt Disney World Resort’s private 52-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht. It holds up to 18 passengers and can be booked by guests throughout the day! On the yacht, you’ll cruise on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, taking in the sights of the parks and resorts from the water. You can even hire a private butler to join you, who can arrange any type of food service that you’d like – from snacks to celebratory cakes to brunch or dinner!

If you book the yacht at the right time, you can even view the Happily Ever After fireworks while on board. They’ll pipe the music onto the ship to give you the full experience and with no trees, guests, or light posts in front of you, you’ll have the perfect view!

What are your favorite ways to splurge at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

Images courtesy of Disney Parks Blog, Kingdom Magic Travel, Walt Disney World, Orlando Weekly, Traveling Mom.