Nowadays some elements of a Walt Disney World vacation look and feel vastly different when compared to just a few years ago, with many feeling as though taking a trip to the happiest place on earth now involves a lot more planning and, more importantly, funds than it has done in the past. While some previously-free aspects of a visit to Walt Disney World may now come with a price tag, not every paid add-on at Disney is something to be scoffed at.
It’s important to consider factors such as the length of your stay and the size of your party when it comes to budgeting for extras. All of these add-ons are entirely optional when it comes to your Walt Disney World vacation, however for some, they may just help to put a little bit of extra magic in your step.
1. MagicBands
MagicBands are plastic wrist-bands that act as an alternative to both your park ticket and, if you’re staying onsite at Walt Disney World, your room key meaning you can also use it to pay for things in-park by charging the items to your room. These fun wearables come in a variety of different colors and designs and are the perfect multi-functional souvenir, with prices ranging between $19.99 and $34.99 depending on the design you choose.
Also, guests have the option to purchase a MagicBand+ if they wish to unlock a handful of other unique features such as interactivity with select nighttime spectaculars and in-park quests, with prices for these upgraded models starting at $34.99.
2. Memory Maker
Memory Maker is Walt Disney World’s photopass package that grants you unlimited downloads of all of your in-park photos for one set price. Whether you and your party decide to utilize this feature to its full potential is entirely up to you, as the price of this package can be justified by just how many photos are available to take around each of the Disney parks.
Aside from the much-loved on-ride photos that feature throughout a number of attractions in Walt Disney World, photopass photographers can be found in a variety of different locations around each of the parks, ready and waiting to snap some fun and memorable photos of you and your family. Memory Maker packages cost $169 if purchased more than 3 days in advance or $199 on the gate and are valid for 30 days once activated.
3. Refillable Cups (at Walt Disney World resorts only)
Otherwise known as ‘resort mugs’, these plastic refillable cups are somewhat of a staple when it comes to an onsite Walt Disney World stay. Available for purchase in the food court areas of each Walt Disney World resort, these mugs are priced at $21.99 and allow you to enjoy unlimited refills while at your hotel for the entire length of your stay. The mugs can be refilled with various Coca-Cola beverages, as well as hot drinks such as coffee and hot chocolate, therefore, if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort for more than just a weekend, these can be a fantastic addition that could save you a few dollars if you were planning to buy soft drinks throughout your stay.
(Please note: the Disney parks and water parks do not have refill stations for the resort mugs, these cups are only refillable at the Walt Disney World resorts.)
4. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
While this one may not apply to all parties, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the perfect vacation upgrade for anyone with little ones in their group who are looking to take an already magical day to the next level. With the help of some of Fairy Godmother’s apprentices, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique allows anyone between the ages of 3 and 12 to be transformed into a prince or princess with an experience that includes hair styling, costuming and, of course, lots of pixie dust. Your little one can feel like royalty for the day before heading back into Magic Kingdom to continue your day of fun. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers a variety of different packages which range between $19.95 and $229.95.
5. Genie+ (Sometimes)
Though for some it may sting having to pay for a service that was previously free, Genie+ (Disney’s Fastpass+ replacement) can, in fact, be worth its $15-22 per day price tag. If you’re visiting the parks during busy periods and want to make the most of your day in Walt Disney World, Genie+ can be a great addition to your trip, whether just for a single day or multiple days. That being said, Genie+’s benefits come on a case-by-case basis, with a number of factors coming into play.
It is most certainly not a requirement for visiting the Walt Disney World parks and if you’re traveling in a big group, or find that you frequently visit the parks, you may not find as much value in laying out a chunk of change to skip some ride queues. Though if you’re traveling in a small group or only visiting for a short period of time, Genie+ may just be the perfect way for you to ensure you fit everything into your trip.
(However, with some significant price increases potentially on the horizon for Genie+, it may not be too long until Genie+ loses its value so be sure to do your research before purchasing.)
Have you purchased any of these Walt Disney World add-ons? Are there any add-ons that you’ve been thinking of trying?
