Maybe you are planning your first trip to Disney World, or maybe you have been so many times you have lost count. Either way, you are probably looking for ways to make this vacation special.

You might have thought about doing some table service reservations — hopefully based on our reviews. Of course, you could always book that VIP Tour to get exclusive access to rides or stay club level at your Disney resort. If you are looking for ways to take your Disney trip to the next level, we got 8 ideas that you might not have thought of just yet. And since secrets don’t make friends, we’re sharing them with you!

Staying at Deluxe Resorts for Cheaper

You have likely heard of the Disney Vacation Club. DVC is basically a vacation club system through Disney where the member owns points that give them the privilege to stay in certain properties. However, any guest can book a DVC room like a studio or a 1-bedroom villa. But booking these through Disney can be pricey.

Here’s the secret, though: Anyone can rent DVC points from a DVC member. You can book rooms at DVC hotels directly through Disney, so why should you rent points instead? Well, first and foremost — renting points can help you save money. Through David’s Vacation Club Rentals,  you can rent points and get a room for 30-50% LESS than it would cost you to book the room directly through Disney.

Some of you may be wondering what “renting points” really entails — i.e. where are the points coming from? Well, when you rent points, you’re renting them from a DVC member. Essentially, you’re paying the DVC member per point so they can utilize those points to secure your reservations. The DVC member will remove the points from their account and deposit them with DVC to secure your reservation. This could save you hundreds of dollars while allowing you to upgrade your hotel stay to a deluxe resort.

You Can Read More About Renting DVC Points Here

Using a Travel Agent

Did you know using a travel agent could really increase the value of your Disney trip? Not only do they bring expertise and unique first-hand knowledge, they help you get the best deal for your vacation. Our friends over at Small World Vacations have planned trips for us and even as Disney experts, we’re so thankful to have them help us score some great deals. Best part is that it is completely FREE.

Dining Packages for Special Events

You probably have heard of the Disney Dining Plan, which is great, but not really a secret. However, there are special dining packages for special events that are very worth it. For example, did you know that you could get dinner and a great seat for Fantasmic for one price? Guests may choose from ’50s Prime Time Cafe, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Hollywood & Vine, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby for this dining package. You can book this just like a standard advanced dining reservation.

You can also do this during EPCOT festivals for special seating at the nighttime events. During Food and Wine, you can book the Eat to the Beat Dining Package or during Festival of the Holidays, you can snag a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. This not only gets you a meal, but a great seat without waiting in a long line.

Just Ask

While you can check in to your Disney hotel through your My Disney Experience App, you might want to hold off and check-in in person. Once you arrive at your hotel, head to the front desk to check in. There, you can simply and politely ask for an upgrade.

There might not be one available, but as long as you are kind to the Cast Members, there is no harm in asking. This could look like them upgrading your room to a better view or a specific location like closer to the pool. Again, this may not happen, but it’s worth a shot.

Special Dining Experiences 

There are several dining experiences at Disney World that are less known and could really upgrade your vacation, but they’ll come at a cost. First, you could book the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Alberts. This 3-hour dining experience allows only one party to be seated per evening. The exclusive table can accommodate a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 6 guests. The chef will serve a prix fixe meal that includes up to 13 courses. This will cost you $425.00 per person. 

If you are looking for something sweeter, for $199, two guests can head to Amorette’s at Disney Springs and take a hands-on class where you can walk away with a Signature Mickey Dome Cake that you have personally decorated. The Cake Decorating Experience is a 90-minute small group session is limited to just 14 guests, allowing for interaction and conversation with the Pastry Chefs.

Finally, if you are wanting to do a little more drinking, there are a few options you can do. First, the La Cava Experience in EPCOT. During this experience, you will be with a certified Tequila Ambassador as your host, learn the history and sample the tastes of the Mexican spirit. It is $180 per person. Another option is Sangria University at Coronado Springs. You will learn directly from a sangria sommelier and enjoy tasting four house-made sangrias paired with an appetizer while learning about the history of sangria. This costs $59 per person.

Booking a Tour, But Not The VIP One

While the VIP Tour is exclusive, there are some other lesser known tours we want to highlight. The Behind the Seeds tour takes a closer look at Living With The Land. You’ll visit four greenhouses (plus a fish farm) in The Land Pavilion during this one-hour tour, encountering insects, fish, and plants along the way. This is only $35 per guest which is a less pricey way to make your visit unique.

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, check out Caring for Giants! This is an hour-long experience which offers guests a closer look at the African elephants, for $35 per person. If you are looking for something with more adventure, check out the Wild Africa Trek. The Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour tour of the Safi River Valley — an area of Animal Kingdom park that is typically unseen by guests  — and this experience is $199 – $249 depending on the time of year.

Capture the Moment

While all guests have access to Photopass Photographers around the park, there is a unique experience to help capture your memories on your Disney trip. A Capture Your Moment photo session is an experience you reserve in advance through the Disney World website, where you get a Disney PhotoPass photographer for a private photo shoot. It costs $99 and can include up to 8 guests. Once you check in and you’re escorted to your photo location, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take pictures.

We hope these tips help you to have a more magical vacation. For more Disney tips and tricks, be sure to follow us at Disney Food Blog!

The Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip