You’re not just looking for any Walt Disney World day.
For one brilliant, beautiful day, you plan to feel like the world is your oyster, and it’s raining pearls. When you do Disney, you go for broke. You’ve called in your favors to the Fairy Godmother, and it’s time to put on your glass shoes and dance.
It’s time for a “Treat Yo Self” day.
Image: Disney
No clue what we’re talking about? “Treat Yo Self” began as a joke on the popular comedy show, Parks and Recreation—one day a year when you and/or a friend pamper yourselves silly. The goal is to treat yourself to an experience you normally wouldn’t partake in, saying yes to some self-care and luxury where you would normally say no.
Want to enjoy a mouth-watering steak instead of Mickey Mouse waffles? TREAT YO SELF! Want to have a shopping spree while Disneybounding as steampunk Mary Poppins? TREAT YO SELF! Want to ride Expedition: Everest eighteen times in a row? TREAT YO SELF! While the version from the show is a good way to end up in crippling debt (proceed with caution, impulse spenders!), with enough time and preparation, Disneyholics can plan a Treat Yo’ Self day for the record books. Here’s a few ideas how.
1. Enjoy a lavish resort room
Image: Disney
While a trip to Walt Disney World is already an opportunity to treat yourself, if you’ve the means or a substantial savings pot, the first thing you’re going to want is a luxurious space to lay your head before and after your big day. Even if you only book one night at one of these swanky resorts, it will be a visit to remember.
Want to wake up to the call of the African wild? Animal Kingdom Lodge’s gorgeous Asante Suite is one of the finest rooms on property with a wrap-around balcony looking out over the resort’s active animal habitat, complete with an enormous bathroom.
Maybe Hawaii is more your speed. In that case, the state of the art Bora Bora Bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon might be your dream home away from home. Need a peaceful trip to the woods? Wilderness Lodge’s Copper Creek Cabins include private hot tubs, cozy finishings, and a kingly indoor-outdoor fireplace. You can also save on a luxurious room by renting Disney Vacation Club points to stay in the stunning suites and villas at the Contemporary Resort’s Bay Lake Tower. Our single night at this resort was one of our favorites anywhere in Walt Disney World!
Image: Disney
Want the crème of Victorian Luxury? You cannot beat the Grand Floridian Resort’s Grande Suite, a lavish apartment worthy of Her Majesty herself. Alternatively, if you don’t mind sacrificing a few Disney-specific perks, The Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World comes with the brand’s world-renowned dedication to VIP service. While you could splurge for the jaw-dropping Royal Suite, any room at the Four Seasons is going to come with all the benefits of this respected resort.
Treat Yo Budget:
Not all of us can burn our bank accounts for even one night in a Disney suite! If you are looking to have a Treat Yo Self day on a budget, you have two options. You can either save for a longer period before your trip or you can find creative ways to recreate the Treat Yo Self experience. Want an upgrade for at least one night of your stay? The Swan and Dolphin, owned by Starwood Hotels, offer luxury accommodations at a price on par with Disney moderate resorts. While you will need to take into account a resort fee and parking, you still can come out with an excellent deal for a sleek room in a fabulous location near Epcot. You can even earn Starwood Points to go towards a stay by using their rewards credit card. Another favorite of our team is Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside, particularly if you’ve a soft spot for Old World comforts.
2. Treat yo taste buds
Image: Disney
Any proper Walt Disney World addict knows the best part of the trip can easily be the food. Despite waning quality in some of their establishments, Disney still has full lineup of world class restaurants on property where you can Treat Yo Self to the meal of your dreams.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention scoring a reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest (getting the reservation alone will feel like a triumph!). Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse is another popular choice for meat lovers, while fans of world cuisine will love Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko (who has a vegetarian dish that is better than just about anything else in Walt Disney World). Wilderness Lodge’s Artist Point was recently lauded as one of the finest restaurants on property along with the Four Season’s Ravello Italian kitchen (particularly their Good Morning character breakfast). Other popular spots with consistently high marks include Flying Fish Café, Monsieur Paul, Narcoosees, California Grill, and The Boathouse.
Of course, if you are looking for the ultimate Walt Disney World dining experience, there is only one real choice. Victoria and Albert’s maintains its crown as Disney’s pièce de résistance for culinary achievement, with the exclusive chef’s table 10 course meal as its most coveted centerpiece. You will certainly pay for it, but experts are unanimous that there is no dining experience at Walt Disney World like Victoria and Albert’s.
Image: Disney
Treat Yo Budget:
The Swan and Dolphin come to the rescue again! If you happen to be visiting on or near your birthday, Shula’s Steakhouse offers a free entrée if you sign up for their mailing list. The Swan and Dolphin also include several of Walt Disney World’s most fabulous restaurants that you have never heard of, such as the delicious sushi stop, Kimonos, or rich Italian fare at Il Mulino. At the same time, you don’t have to spend yourself blind to have a stellar meal at Walt Disney World. Spend a day sampling delights from one of Epcot’s annual festivals, or just pick your favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World and have a Treat Yo Self meal!
3. Shop like no one is watching
Image: Disney
What is a classic Treat Yo Self day without shopping? Epcot’s World Showcase is full of incredible shopping opportunities like the Mitsukoshi department store, Germany’s quaint courtyard shops, and the gorgeous wares of the marketplace in Morocco (not to mention perfume in Italy and France). If you’re a Star Wars fan, partake in some artwork and props from a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars Launch Bay or Tatooine Traders. Magic Kingdom also has a number of unique shopping experiences along Main Street and throughout its lands.
If shopping is your favorite Treat Yo Self activity, Disney Springs is the place to be. If you are looking for unique souvenirs and stylish clothing with a Disney twist, head to the Marketplace Co-Op, which is full of trendy Disney merchandise found nowhere else. For more traditional Disney shopping, The World of Disney remains a mainstay. If you are just looking to shop, shop, shop, Disney Springs offers over a hundred shopping locations including popular high-end retailers like Na Hoku Jewelers, Mac Cosmetics, and Uniqlo.
Treat Yo Budget:
You don’t need to go on an insane shopping spree to Treat Yo Self. Save up to buy one or two souvenirs you normally wouldn’t purchase on your next trip. Give yourself the freedom to say yes to that lightsaber lamp, that R2D2 dress, or that Baymax coffee mug you’ve been ogling. What is the one item you really wanted to get? Treat yourself to that one thing.
4. Treat Yo Self to a VIP experience
Image: Disney
Want to take your Treat Yo Self day to a whole new level? It’s time for some VIP treatment.
Disney has a wide range of upcharge experiences for every flavor of guest, whether you want special seating for fireworks or a peek behind the magic. The Seas at Epcot offer several special tours, including a diving encounter and even the opportunity to get to know their dolphins up close and personal. Animal Kingdom offers an exclusive Wild Africa Trek, a starlight safari, and backstage tours. Star Wars fans can enjoy a guided tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and those curious about the magic in the rest of the parks can take the “Keys to the Kingdom” behind the scenes tour.
As part of their Enchanting Extras collection, Disney also offers several dessert parties for special fireworks viewing and even the ability to dine with a Disney Imagineer! The options are seriously myriad. For the ultimate VIP experience, book a VIP tour of the parks, where a cast member will lead you through the parks with a special itinerary and Fastpass+ access to all attractions on that list.
Treat Yo Budget:
Not all Disney’s upcharge experiences are utterly budget breaking. The Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot’s The Land is only $25 a person, and the “Caring for Giants” tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom comes in at only $30 a person.
5. Get pampered!
Image: Disney
Now that you’ve walked yourself ragged, it’s time for some pampering. Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort and Saratoga Springs both offer a wide range of facials (like the fairytale appropriate “Rose Renewal” treatment), massages, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures for guest enjoyment. The Walt Disney World Dolphin houses the Mandara Spa as an alternative, and the Four Seasons Orlando offers an extensive spa as well. The Salon and Health Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort also offer a range of massages, hair, and nail treatments. Couples can also book packages at almost any of these spas. Whether you’re looking for a warm bamboo massage or a hydrating body wrap, Walt Disney World has you covered in the pampering department!
Low Budget Option:
Mandara Spa offers a classic spa manicure for $40, while the Salon at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort offers hair and nail treatment services at similar rates. Men can get in on the action too with a Gentleman’s Manicure and Pedicure for $35 for a 25-minute session.
6. Spend nothing extra (and have a blast doing it)
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
We’ve focused on luxury experiences through most of this list, but there is one way of having a “Treat Yo Self” day that requires spending nothing extra beyond your normal budget for park tickets and dining: treat yourself to your own personal ultimate Disney day.
Maybe you want to try a challenge, like visiting all four parks or riding all of Disney’s “mountain” coasters in one day. Maybe you want to have a no pressure day of taking artsy Instagram pictures. Maybe you want to visit every single art and history exhibit in Walt Disney World or ride Mission: SPACE Orange ten times in a row (I’m not saying it’s good for your brain, but why not?). You could spend the whole day touring Disney’s dark rides or not hit a single attraction with a queue. Heck, spend the whole day reading Mark Twain novels in a rocking chair on Tom Sawyer’s Island. Whatever your dream Disney day looks like, give yourself the freedom for one day to enjoy it without restrictions. This is a great idea for annual passholders!
What would your ideal “Treat Yo Self” day at Walt Disney World look like?
