If you ask us, trips to Disney World are pretty great — but what if we could make them even better?
You’ve probably heard us talk about how to upgrade your Disney trip (like with a fireworks dessert party!). BUT, many of these upgrades can be costly! A Disney trip is super expensive on its own, but you still might be able to fit a few surprisingly inexpensive upgrades into your budget.
We’ve got a super fun list of 50 Disney World upgrades for under $50 that could add a LOT of EXTRA to your next Disney trip for…not a lot extra. 😉
Merchandise Upgrades
First up we’re going to take a look at some GREAT ways to upgrade your merch in Disney World!
1. Cool MagicBand ($20-$40 usually)
MagicBands are a pretty common accessory in Disney World; they’re a great tool for getting into the parks, unlocking your hotel room, and even buying food and merch in the parks! Complimentary MagicBands are no longer available for Disney Resort Hotel guests or Annual Passholders, but there are still TONS of cool designs you can purchase online, in the parks, or even at a discount if you’re an Annual Passholder or Resort gust.
We love this Madame Leota MagicBand for $34.99. Designs available on My Disney Experience change often but if you have your heart set on a specific design, you can always buy it for yourself! You can see more MagicBand designs online!
Read about the MagicBand price increase here!
2. PhotoPass Photo Extension ($19.95)
If you’re planning on using PhotoPass, you’ll want to know about the upgrade you can add to your PhotoPass plan! When you head home from Disney World, you’ll want to download all those great pics but you’ll only have 45 days to make sure you get all the downloads.
If you need a few extra days to get all your PhotoPass, dining, and attraction photos downloaded you can extend your expiration date with the PhotoPass Photo Extension for $19.95. Your photos will extend 60 days out from the date of purchase!
Want to check out MORE PhotoPass upgrades? Click here!
3. Personalized PhotoPass Products ($14.95+)
Another way to make sure you get some one-of-a-kind souvenirs is to upgrade your digital PhotoPass pics into something super special. Disney offers personalized PhotoPass products for prices around $14.95 and up! You can get all sorts of personalized products like mugs, photo books, metal prints, ornaments, and more.
You can check out all the products through your PhotoPass page on the Disney website.
Click here to check out Disney World’s Memory Maker PhotoPass system!
4. Custom Lego Minifigure ($11.99)
If you’re shopping around Disney Springs, you might find yourself inside the Lego Store. Ok…if you don’t find yourself in the Lego Store, we’re impressed. BUT, if you’re trying to upgrade your Lego souvenir you can get a CUSTOM. LEGO. MINIFIGURE.
Oh yeah. You in Lego-form? How do you not need that?! Customize your outfit, face, hair, and accessories so you have a totally unique, totally YOU souvenir from your Disney World trip. Getting it for under $15? Brilliant!
Check out a TON of new Disney Lego sets online!
Resort Room Upgrades
Did you know you can get a way cooler hotel room in Disney World Resort Hotels for generally less than $50?? Sign us up!
5. Pirate Room at Caribbean Beach ($25-$50 increase per night)
There are some themed rooms in Disney World that are really awesome choices for pirate-loving kiddos. At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you can upgrade your standard room to a Pirate-themed room for $25-$50. A chance to sleep in a pirate ship? Argh!!
These nautical-themed rooms feature pirate ship beds and even a barrel as a night table!
Click here for a tour of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Pirate Rooms!
6. Preferred Room at Value Resorts (around $25 per night)
Value Resorts don’t have as many room categories as Moderate or Deluxe resorts, but you CAN choose to get a Preferred Room! If you’re planning on staying at a Value Resort this can be a great way to step up your room game for only around $25 per night.
This will place you much closer to the central amenities in the hotel, whether it be closer to dining, pools, or transportation.
Read more about Disney’s All-Star Music’s reopening here!
7. Standard View to Water View Upgrade ($20-$40 per night)
You’d be surprised how much of a difference a nice view will make for your stay in a Disney World hotel. For many of the Moderate Resorts, you can usually upgrade from a standard view to a water view for around $20-$40 per night. That’s going from looking at a parking lot to a peaceful river. That sounds like an upgrade to us!
The upgrade from standard view to water view is usually around $20 to $40 at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs, and Caribbean Beach Resorts.
Click here for what’s new with Disney World hotels!
8. Upgrade to King Bed (usually $25+ per night)
This upgrade might not be a great choice for families, but if you’re having a couples getaway to Disney World, this might be worth researching!
At some resort hotels, you can change your room from a standard two-bed hotel room to a room with a king bed for an average of $25+ per night! Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and some other locations typically have this as a paid upgrade, but in other resort hotels your King bed upgrade would be considered a room request. Call your resort hotel before you arrive to see what the options are for a King bed upgrade!
Take a look at this video of the most RIDICULOUS rooms in Disney World! Click here!
Resort Activities
This next category is a big one! You can do a LOT to upgrade your resort experience OUTSIDE of the rooms with some resort activities!
9. Fort Wilderness Archery Experience ($45)
Fort Wilderness offers a BUNCH of awesome resort activities. In fact, it’s one of our FAVORITE resorts to hang out around when we’re spending a day outside of the parks while in Disney World. One thing you might be surprised you can do at Fort Wilderness? Archery!
Guests 7 years old and up can learn how to use a bow and have target practice as part of a 75-minute experience. Plus, it’s only $45 a person!
Want to know more about surprising things you can do in Disney World? Click here!
10. Character Couture Makeup ($50 adult $40 child)
Can you think of a better way to upgrade your Disney day than with a full face of totally gorg, professionally done, Disney-inspired makeup? We can’t! Well, good news! You can get your makeup done by Character Couture for $50 for an adult or $40 for a child.
Although Character Couture is temporarily unavailable, it was previously available at The Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Salon by the Springs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, La Vida Salon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Ship Shape Salon at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.
Click here to learn more about Character Couture and see some of the looks!
11. Canoe Rentals at Fort Wilderness ($13)
Fort Wilderness also has an idyllic location right by the edge of Bay Lake. You can REALLY explore those waters for just $13 per hour with a canoe rental from the Bike Barn.
Kids must be 11 years old and up, but canoeing sounds like a great fam excursion to us.
Check out our review of Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness!
12. Kayak Rentals at Fort Wilderness ($13)
If canoes aren’t your style at Fort Wilderness, don’t fret! Kayaks tend to be a little easier since the paddle is two-sided, so try out kayak rentals at Fort Wilderness!
These rentals are the same price as the canoes at $13 per hour.
Did you know you can bring your dog with you to Fort Wilderness?
13. Horse Drawn Wagon Ride at Fort Wilderness ($12 adult, $8 child, 2 and under free)
As for land transportation at Fort Wilderness, there are a lot of ways to engage with horses. If you have a little one who loves horses, you should totally swing by the Tri-Circle D Ranch. You can go horseback riding or have a carriage ride for $55 per person.
BUT for $12 per adult and $8 per child, you can take a wagon ride! You’ll get a loop around the resort sitting on a hay bale with your fellow guests. These wagon rides are closed right now but be sure to check what the situation is when you visit.
Take a look at the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch barn here!
14. Fort Wilderness Pony Rides ($8 child)
Your kiddo can have a pony ride for just $8 at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch stable near Pioneer Hall!
Pony rides are available for walk-ins only, so no reservation is required. Head on over to Pioneer Hall to make your little’s day — for a pretty cheap price!
Check out what’s new at Fort Wilderness Resort here!
15. Dockside Fishing at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort ($6.39 30 min, $10.65 one hour)
Got any fishing fans in your traveling party? You might want to stay at (or at least stop by) Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort so that you can swing a rod with dockside fishing! This is a super inexpensive activity that’s a must-do for fishing-lovers.
You’ll just have to pay $6.39 for rod rental for 30 minutes or $10.65 for 1 hour. This upgrade is currently unavailable, but when Port Orleans Riverside reopens on October 14th, we’ll check back to see if fishing is available again!
Click here for more things you can do in Disney World WITHOUTÂ a park ticket!
16. Arcades at Various Resort Hotels (25 cents – $5 per game)
If you’re traveling with kids, you’re going to be looking for a way to upgrade your resort day. Sure, the resorts have some great pools, but what about when those rainstorms come? Buy them a game card and they can spend some time playing in the arcade!
Arcades are located at various resort hotels around the property. Ask at the front desk where you can find the nearest one! You can load up a game card and most of the games cost $0.25 cents to $5 per game.
Read more about arcades reopening in Disney World here!
17. Bike Rentals ($20) and Surrey Bike Rentals ($25)
If you’ve been to Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ve probably seen a happy family cruise by on a Surrey Bike. This can be a great way to have some fun during your resort day. Bike rentals and surrey bike rentals are available at various resorts around the property. Just ask the front desk!
Regular bike rentals will run you $20 and surrey bike rentals will run you $25. Note that surrey bikes may be temporarily unavailable at the moment as Disney continues to reopen, be sure to check what’s available during your trip.
Click here for more ways to take a vacay from your vacation!
18. Motorized Boat Rental at WDW Marinas ($45 per half hour)
Maybe paddling your OWN boat isn’t quite your style. So, let’s talk about upgrading your boat ride. 😉
Walt Disney World Marinas offer motorized boat rentals for $45 per half hour. You can rent a Pontoon boat that seats up to 10 guests.
Can’t get enough of resort activities? Click here!
19. Painting Classes ($35-$50)
You might be surprised to find out that there are a bunch of art classes and workshops at the Disney resorts for between $35 and $50. To schedule a class you can call 407-WDW-PLAY.
You can find these classes at Win, Paint, Show at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Wild About Painting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Painting on de Bayou (adults) and Painting by the Lagoon (kids) at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter.
Want to check out Animation Classes at Animal Kingdom? Click here!
20. Fun Runs ($15)
If you’ve ever participated in a runDisney event, or have thought about taking up running, you might want to check with the front desk about any fun runs taking place at your resort or resorts nearby. The resort fun runs usually take place on select mornings at the different resorts and cost about $15.
Check-in with the front desk about opportunities near you!
Registration for runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon is open now!
21. FREE Resort Activities
Besides all the inexpensive resort activities, there are a bunch of free ones, too! You can always check with your concierge to learn about the activities offered around your resort.
Some examples of free activities around the different resorts include tennis, basketball, volleyball, yoga, scavenger hunts, and special tours (we love the free art and food tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge)!
Some of these perks are not currently available, but it’s worth checking with your resort. Nothing like staying fit for zero dollars on your Disney vacation!
Click here to check out the tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge!Â
Behind the Scenes and Specialty Tours
A wonderful way to upgrade your day in or out of the parks is to add on a special tour. You might think these are all pricy experiences, and some of them are, but there are also some great tours that are super affordable too. Note that these tours are currently unavailable, but we will be watching for updates from Disney. Be sure to check and see what’s available during your visit.
22. Behind the Seeds Tour ($29)
One of our absolute favorite (and totally underrated) behind-the-scenes tours in Disney World is the Behind the Seeds Tour in EPCOT. When in operation, this tour leaves from The Land Pavilion in Epcot and takes you behind the scenes of Disney’s horticulture and growing programs.
You’ll get to head into the greenhouses that you usually float past on the Living with the Land ride and even try out some produce from the greenhouses! It’s seriously so cool and it’s only around $29 for adults and children over 3!
For more info on the Behind the Seeds Tour, click here!
23. Disney’s Family Magic Tour ($39)
If you’ve got adventurous kiddos who would love to learn more about Magic Kingdom, consider doing the Disney’s Family Magic Tour! When operating, you usually can take this tour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and your fam can participate in a guided scavenger hunt around the Kingdom where you’ll learn about all the different lands.
This tour is $39 per person. When tours reopen, you can book a spot on any behind the scenes tour by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.
Thinking the Disney’s Family Magic Tour might be right for you? Click here!
24. Up Close with Rhinos ($40)
For animal lovers, there are a TON of neat Disney World tours. From exploring the savanna in Animal Kingdom to diving into the depths of The Seas Pavilion in EPCOT, there’s something for every animal lover.
When in operation, the Up Close with Rhinos experience will take guests behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to encounter rhinos in a whole new way and learn all about what it takes to care for them.
Click here to check out more special Animal Kingdom experiences!
25. Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour ($49)
For $49 per person, guests can take part in the Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour. Wow, what a way to upgrade your day in MK!
While this tour is operating, guests embark on a three-hour guided tour to learn all about how Walt (who spent some of his life in Marceline, MO)Â inspired aspects of the Magic Kingdom park.
For more info on this Walt-inspired experience, click here!
26. Caring for Giants ($30)
Aaaaand we’ve got another awesome animal tour! If you have a big fan of elephants in your party, this Animal Kingdom upgrade might be for you. Check out the Caring for Giants tour for $30 per person!
Though this tour is not currently operating, you may want to keep it in mind if heading behind-the-scenes in Animal Kingdom to learn all about how elephants are cared for sounds like something you’d enjoy. You’ll even get to observe them from fairly close up!
Special Dining
Alright, let’s get on to our FAVORITE way to upgrade your Disney trip — with special dining! Many of these special dining experiences are unavailable at this time, but we’ll be watching closely for updates from Disney. Be sure to check and see what’s available during your visit.
27. Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room (Mrs. Potts $23.75, Bedfordshire $35, Cheshire $50)
If you want a fancier approach to your upgrades, consider tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa! This experience is perfect for anyone who wants to feel a little fancy in the afternoon without breaking the bank.
When available, you can grab Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room. There are several different tea course options ranging in price from $23.75 to $50. You get a variety of small bites and sweets along with a piping hot pot of tea of your choice (or chocolate milk for kids!).
Click here for our FULL REVIEW of Afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian!
28. Jiko Wine Tasting ($31.25)
We’re headed over to one of our FAVORITE hidden gem restaurants in Disney World — Jiko in Animal Kingdom Lodge — for this next special dining upgrade! In the past, this experience took place every Wednesday at Jiko and it was so fun!
Sorry, kids, this is an adults-only upgrade. It’s the Jiko Wine Tasting! You’ll sample a trio of South African wines, paired with delish Jiko savory cheeses for $31.25 per person! This is a GREAT way to unwind after a bustling morning in the parks, and we hope to see it return very soon.
Want to read our full review of the Jiko Wine Tasting? Click here!
29. Hoop Dee Doo Higher Tier ($10)
Disney also has a few dinner shows and trust us, they’re awesome. We recommend the Hoop Dee Doo Revue over at Fort Wilderness (note, however, that this show is currently unavailable). If you’re already planning to get your Hoop Dee Doo on once it reopens, consider upgrading to a better seat.
You can usually go from the lowest tier seating to the highest for just about $10 per person. Uh, yeah! Why wouldn’t you want to check out the performance in all of its up-close glory? (FYI, the difference between Tier 3 and Tier 2 is significant, so it’s well worth the upgrade.) This is a show you won’t want to miss, so having a great view can make a world of difference!
For our review of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, click here!Â
30. Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Higher Tier ($10)
Or maybe hula dancing and island food is more your style? If so, you might want to make future plans to spend your evening at the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. When this dinner show is open, you can see hula dancers, and a fire-knife performer; don’t you want a better view of THAT performance?
This show is not open at this time, but you may want to consider upgrading your future tickets for about $10Â to get closer to the action!
Thinking about the luau? Click here for our full review!
31. Alcohol Upgrades (less than $5-$50+)
Here’s one you might not think about that often at a theme park, but you can sometimes upgrade your alcoholic drinks for just a few bucks! Whenever you’re sippin’ at any full bar in Disney World (like La Cava del Tequila or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto), talk to your bartender about how much it would cost to upgrade to better alcohol. It will likely be just a few bucks (unless you’re going REAL fancy).
You can also find alcohol additions to a lot of the slushies served around Disney World! A great way to upgrade a treat with alcohol is with a rum floater for your Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai!
Next time you’re grabbing a Goofy’s Glacier or a slush at many locations in the parks (note that this might not be available at all spots though), ask if you can “plus” your drink for a few bucks more! 🙂
Click here for our recent review of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!
32. Upgrade your Special Meal to a Signature Restaurant (less than $50 per person)
If you’re planning to have a special meal in Disney World, we have a great idea for an upgrade that might be less expensive than you think!
Disney is a great place to celebrate birthdays, engagements, retirements, and anything else. If you have a table-service restaurant booked for your special meal, consider “upgrading” your choice to a signature restaurant, a.k.a. Disney’s swankiest restaurants.
There are a LOT of awesome signature restaurants on property and it can really make the difference between a good meal and a fantastic one. This upgrade will usually cost less than $50 per person as long as you’re careful not to order anything too crazy on that signature menu. 😉
Check out California Grill’s special 50th anniversary dining experience!
33. Upgrade your Special Meal to a Character Restaurant (less than $50 per person)
Similarly, if you’re celebrating with a little one, you might want to upgrade that special meal to a character meal! It will usually cost less than $50 per person to switch over to a character restaurant — especially if you opt for breakfast (the cheapest meal at most restaurants). Keep in mind that a lot of character dining experiences are currently without characters or with minimal character interaction.
In the past, you could swing for iconic with a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table, or you could opt for one of our lesser-known faves with Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT or Tusker House in Animal Kingdom! Your little one will love the upgrade of hanging with Disney characters while they chow down.
Is breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table worth the cost right now?
34. Get a Souvenir Endor Mug ($45)
At Oga’s Cantina, you can get a souvenir Endor mug with your Yub Nub cocktail, which consists of Malibu Pineapple Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Citrus Juices, and Passion Fruit for $45 total.
Oga’s Cantina is located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this upgrade gets you a drink AND a souvenir mug! Nothing quite like bringing home a cool Disney souvenir you can use over and over again.
Click here for two underrated drinks at Oga’s Cantina in Disney World!
35. Update Your Space 220 Meal ($18-$20)
At EPCOT’s new restaurant, Space 220, you can upgrade your pre fixe meal to include the Space Station Special for $18 at lunch. The special at lunch is the Galactic Lobster Globe, which consists of a Maine lobster salad, quinoa, bulgur wheat, avocado, lettuce, mango, citrus dressing, and crispy wonton.
At dinner, you can pay $18 to add on the 24oz Bone in Ribeye (featuring a Coffee Space Rub, Cheddar Leek Moonrock, Asparagus, and Cippolini Onion)…
…or $20 to add the 1.5lbs Baked Whole Lobster Stuffed with Jumbo Crab (also featuring roasted corn, broccolini, and Mornay Sauce).
The lobster stuffed with crab was delectable and was the one that we felt like was most worth the extra cost. The ribeye was a HUGE portion of food and was a solid item was a fantastic char. The lobster globe at lunch had a super unique presentation. It’s not much food for the cost though, so that’s something you want to keep in mind. But, if you love lobster, you might really enjoy it.
You can also upgrade your meal at Space 220 with other things like drinks and appetizers for under $50! All in all, these upgrades allow you to add more flavors and options to your meal.
Here’s our full lunch review of Space 220!
And click here for our full dinner review of Space 220!
36. Upgrade your EPCOT Festival!
We love going to EPCOT festivals — in fact, it’s one of our favorite things about Disney World! Did you know there are TONS of ways to upgrade your festival experience for under $50?
At most EPCOT Festivals, you’ll find a scavenger hunt, like Remy’s Hide and Squeak for the 2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, to entertain you as you eat your way around the festival. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak costs $9.99, and once you find all the hidden Remy statues around EPCOT, you can win a special prize.
You can also complete Emile’s Fromage Montage and purchase 5 different cheesy dishes for $23.50 total to get an exclusive prize!
Click here for Best of the Fest of the 2021 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!
37. Tea at EPCOT’s Rose & Crown Restaurant ($30)
If you’re looking to upgrade your EPCOT morning, you might want to look into the Tea Experience at Rose & Crown, when it is available. This experience is a really cool way to kick off your park day as you munch on sammies and scones, all while learning about tea from a Twinings-trained Cast Member. Yeah, these people know their stuff.
Although not currently available, this small-group experience is a great way to upgrade your breakfast experience at EPCOT for just $30 per person. If you’re a tea buff, you’ve gotta try it!
Check out this guest review of Tea at Rose & Crown!
38. Just Add Cheese (around $1)
Ok this one is a DFB Hack that you might have heard us mention before, but there are SO MANY places where you can add cheese to whatever you want for around $1. Yes. You heard us. Why would you NOT add cheese to literally everything you could?!
Now, when we mention adding cheese, we’re talking about the GOOD stuff…Plastic Cheese, babyyyy.
Keep an eye out for that beautiful “Add Cheese” message on menus; and when in doubt, ask a Cast Member if you can add it onto your meal!
Are YOU obsessed with cheese? Click here for a list of DELISH cheesy favorites!
39. Upgrade your Drink, Popcorn, or Treat to a Souvenir Container!
We love checking out the different souvenir containers that Disney comes up with. They’re especially fun around the holidays! When you’re picking up a treat, drink, or snack around Disney World keep an eye out for souvenir containers on the menu or displayed on the counter!
These are actually pretty cheap souvenirs when you compare them to some of the stuff you can get in the stores, and they’re usually SO CUTE. Kids seriously love them. The upgrade will usually only run you a few bucks more too! (Plus if you upgrade to a souvenir popcorn bucket you can usually get $2 refills!)
Here’s Disney World’s NEW 50th anniversary popcorn bucket!
40. Upgrade Your Fancy Meal to an Even FANCIER One (usually less than $50 per person)
If you have a fancy meal planned at one of the signature restaurants in Disney World, consider upgrading to a more exclusive or all-encompassing experience. Although currently unavailable, Takumi-Tei in EPCOT previously offered the Omakase Tasting Menu which you could grab instead of a regular a la carte meal.
If you’re dining at the resorts, check out Chef’s Tables when you’re making your choice. These upgrades will usually come out to less than $50 more per person than what you’d spend on the regular menu and can make for a truly wonderful experience.
Want to see what we thought of the Omakase Tasting Menu? Click here!
Dining Packages
Next up, we’re going to talk about another of our favorite ways to get more out of dining in Disney World. That’s right, we’re taking a look at Dining Packages! Some of these packages are not currently available, but some are returning soon! Be sure to look for more updates and check to see what’s available during your trip.
41. Fantasmic! Dining Package
The Fantasmic Dining Package is a Hollywood Studios offering that will net you preferred seats at Fantasmic! (the best seats in the house, usually) and a reservation at a Hollywood Studios restaurant, too! Fantasmic! is not operating right now, but we will be watching for updates from Disney.
If you’re planning to dine at Hollywood and Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, or The Hollywood Brown Derby, think about upgrading to the package.
It’s usually around $10 more than what a typical meal at any of these spots will cost you and the seating at Fantasmic is great.
For more information on the Fantasmic! Dining Package, click here!
42. Rose & Crown Fireworks Package
If you’re already planning dinner at Rose & Crown Dining Room in EPCOT, consider upgrading to the Rose & Crown Fireworks Package so that you can get a great view of Harmonious when it debuts on October 1st!
This package is usually around $30 more than what a typical dinner would cost and you’ll be seated on a special patio for the fireworks viewing. Pretty cool, huh?
Click here to see more about the fireworks dining packages available in EPCOT.
Dessert Parties
Another option for upgrading your nighttime spectacular experience is with VIP viewing from a Dessert Party! Now, many of these are over $50, but there is one that isn’t too pricy.
43. Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience ($39 adult, $19 child)
Again, Fantasmic! is not operating right now, but we think it’ll be worth looking into the Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience for $39 for adults and $19 for children in the future.
For this party, you’re provided a packet of delish snacks to enjoy while you watch Fantasmic! from a VIP spot. Could it get any better than that?
To learn more about this Fantasmic! experience, click here!
44. Upgrade your Disney Enchantment Dessert Party from Standing to Sitting ($15)
If you’re planning on spending an evening at the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party or Disney Enchantment After Party in Magic Kingdom, we know of an upgrade that you might not be thinking about! The base dessert parties have you enjoying an array of sweets at Tomorrowland Terrace before heading to the Plaza Garden for a standing view of the fireworks for $99 (pre-party), or enjoying an array of sweets AFTER the fireworks for $99 (after party)
BUT if you want to upgrade, you can get a comfy seated view of the show for just $15 more per person at the Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats party! Instead of moving down to the Plaza Garden, you’ll remain at Tomorrowland Terrace with reserved seating to take in a great view of the spectacular! This might not provide you with a good view of the projections down Main Street, U.S.A., but if that’s not a concern for you, a seat during the big fireworks show can be really convenient.
For Kids
If you’re headed to Disney World with kids, you might be looking for some ways to upgrade THEIR trip. We’ve got you covered!
45. Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare ($49 child)
Consider signing little ones up for the Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare! When available, this one hour experience will have kiddos hanging with Alice and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, singing “A Very Merry Unbirthday,” and eating cupcakes. Sounds like a great time!
When this experience was available, you could sign kids ages 4 to 12 up for $49. Be sure to see if it’s returned during your trip.
For more info on the Wonderland Tea Party, click here!
46. Pro Golf Lessons ($50 for under 17)
If you’ve got a kiddo or teen who loves to golf, you can upgrade their vacay with Pro Golf Lessons at one of the four Disney Golf Courses!
These lessons are $50 to have instruction from a pro golfer. You’ll be hitting a hole in one in no time!
Do Disney World-owned hotels REALLY have the BEST perks?!
47. FREE Epcot Scavenger Hunts!
Remember how we talked about the special Epcot Festival scavenger hunts? Well, there are also some year-round scavenger hunts that kids love. Oh, and did we mention they’re completely FREE???
The DuckTales Adventure is set to come to World Showcase at some point in the future, so you may be able to check that out soon. Or, you can swing by The Seas Pavilion to grab a fishy scavenger hunt guided by Dory! There are sometimes holiday or themed scavenger hunts available at the Disney World Resort hotels as well.
Click here for more info on the 50th Anniversary scavenger hunt!
48. First Haircut at Harmony Barber Shop ($25)
If you’ve got a little one who is ready for their first-ever haircut, we have a great way to upgrade that haircut! When it reopens, take them over to Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street U.S.A. (yes, kids AND adults CAN get their hair cut in Magic Kingdom!).
Why is this such an upgrade from a typical hair cut? If you buy a specific package, your little one will receive a free Mickey ears hat AND you’ll get a commemorative certificate and lock of hair sprinkled with pixie dust. How sweet!
Here are 7 things at Disney World that cost less than you think!
Special Occasions
Spending a special day in Disney World? Whatever you’re celebrating, you might want to look into some upgrades!
49. Disney Floral and Gifts ($40+)
Disney Floral & Gifts is a GREAT way to make someone feel special on their Disney trip! You can find a TON of different floral arrangements, gift baskets, and more to have delivered to hotel rooms (and sometimes restaurants!) in Disney World!
Some of these offerings are more expensive than $50, but some of them start as low as $40 so check out Floral and Gifts next time you’re celebrating in Disney.
Click here for tips on celebrating your kiddo’s birthday in Disney!
50. Cake Delivery to Disney Restaurants ($35+)
If you’re looking to upgrade a celebration, consider getting a cake delivered to your Disney World restaurant. You can usually get celebration cakes delivered from one of the many Disney World resort hotel bakeries — and you can even get mini cakes! Amorette’s Patisserie and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (allergy-friendly AND vegan!) in Disney Springs also typically offer cake delivery.
If you’re looking to order a cake in Disney World, the options can be a little overwhelming. Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with an FAQ on Cake Ordering in Disney!
Note that some cake delivery services might be limited or might not be available right now. But, you can still order things like celebration cakes from select locations or get other specialty desserts, so be sure to look into those options!
Click here to learn EVERYTHING there is to know about Cake Ordering in Disney!
There you have it, folks. Phew! That’s 50 fun Disney upgrades that YOU can get for under $50 in Disney World! What have YOU tried?? Let us know in the comments below!
Here’s your guide to Disney World’s 50th anniversary!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Will you be UPGRADING your Disney trip next time? Let us know in the comments!Â
Hello! A super complete guide! I love it, quick question, the room upgrades where and when can be done?
You omitted the scavenger hunt in Animal Kingdom. Shame on you. Our 5 year old grandson LOVED the challenge and so did his foot-weary grandparents! Not only did we visit every corner of the park, but were treated to educational encounters by well-prepared cast members. A definite MUST DO.
This is a great list of upgrades–some even THIS seasoned Disney lover wasn’t aware of. Nicely done!
I have screenshotted so much of this -super helpful alot of it i really did not know. Hoping to get back ti disney soon as we were due to me there right now but you know what can we do.
Thanks so much for everything you do for all us disney fans.
I thought the free magic bands were no more?
Betty, you’re correct. This post was from April 2020, before Disney announced the change. Sorry for the confusion!