Before I start I want to give full credit to WDWNT for this story.

Disney had just increased prices at both parks and now they have increased the price of using the VIP tour guides.

For those that don’t know, you can pay to use the service of VIP tour guides at Disney parks. They take you where you want to go and can help you get into front of the line for attractions, and they are full of special knowledge about the parks. We have used them a couple of times (Chris is our favorite.)

Up to 10 people can be in the group and you have to pay for a minimum of seven hours to use the tour guides. The price per hour just changed. It can run anywhere from $425 per hour (on off-peak times) to now $750 an hour (up from $625 per hour.)  During peak times it could cost you $875 more to use a VIP tour guide than it did before.

If nothing else proved to people that Disney is catering to the wealthier clients this does. Disney keeps increasing their prices and they have indicated before it’s to make the crowds smaller. Basically, keep out those that can’t afford it. But they know most people will still pay it.

Again, you can divide the cost up among 10 people. So it can go from $297 per person to $525 per person (If you have a 10 person group.)  It’s still far too much for most people and as of right now they are not offering VIP services for Rise of the Resistance.

I do recommend it if you can swing the expense because it’s really a fun experience and worth it! You get VIP seating for events and shows and if they can get you on an attraction faster they will (including getting to go through Cast Member areas and doors.) It’s how I got the cool pictures of the bells from The Haunted Mansion.

If you can do it at least once I really do recommend it. It is a worthwhile experience, if you can afford to do it. You can learn more about this service HERE.

But, it’s yet another example of Disney showing us who they are catering to. I think we are going to see this more with paid FastPass+ that is likely coming. It already is available for Club Level guests. The rumor is that they will be implementing a paid FastPass system for those who want to shell out even more money. Those that do will likely get better options and earlier windows as well.

Their business plan is “How can we bleed more money out of the guests we have?” Because their attendance is not growing very much. Raising prices up almost $900 on a peak season VIP tour will definitely add to their bottom line.

If you do want to try it, it still isn’t too terrible on the low end. Ask for Chris!

What do you think? Comment and let us know.

Source: WDWNT, Disney