Each of my Disney vacations have been a unique experience. When I am celebrating something special or just looking for a little extra these are a few of my top splurges.

Photopass or Memory Maker

This is one I will always add if at all possible. If you are going in a group, only one person needs to add it and everyone can use it if you connect your accounts. At Disneyland, Photopass is included if you get Genie+. Disney PhotoPass Service includes photographers throughout the parks that will take fantastic photos of you and your party. Everyone gets to be in all the pictures! You can download all or a selection of your photos. This will include your ride photos as well. And of course some extra magic with magic shots. Once purchased, it will be on your Magic Band or ticket which is scanned by the photographer and quickly uploaded to the app.

Staying in a Deluxe Hotel 

This one comes with some perks you definitely will notice and some that are a little more subtle. A pro tip is that often the Deluxe hotels will have the bigger discounts. Sometimes with these discounts you can stay for about the same as a moderate resort. Deluxe resorts have a table service restaurant. This is an important one for my family. We often end up eating dinner at our hotel because Disney is a lot for my son to process and he gets tired early. Some even have character dining experiences! Extended evening hours are also included and are a fantastic way to get those top tier attractions in. You may not really notice, but the rooms also tend to be a little bigger and just nicer in general.

Disney Dining Plan 

As I mentioned in the last one, our family benefits from a sit down meal. It can be less stressful if we are waited on as opposed to one of us having to stay with our son while someone goes to get food and condiments etc. Upgrading the dining plan also includes most character dining. For me, this also makes the vacation seem like an inclusive resort. I like not having to budget for food. If you take advantage of the 6 months 0% financing on a Disney Rewards Visa the dining plan is included in your package giving you time to make payments instead of having the entire expense on your trip.

Ticketed Events 

This includes parties like the Oogie Boogie Bash and Star Wars Nights  at Disneyland, as well as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World. It is really fun to be in the parks with lower crowds and all the fun themed foods. There are often rare characters and incredible decorations. Not to mention the shows and parades.

Tours 

I have been in Walt’s apartment in Disneyland and it was amazing. Tours offer unique experiences with a small group. You get personalized attention and unfettered access to cast members. There is always something special like a photo op with the Grim Grinning Ghost.

If you just read this post and understood every word, reach out! I think we will become fast friends. If you read this post and felt like you needed a decoder ring, reach out for more explanations and we too can be fast friends.