Most Americans know how important it is to save money and budget during vacation. If you’re taking a trip to Disneyland or Disney World, however, it’s worth it to spend a little extra on magical souvenirs and moments you won’t find anywhere else.
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If you’re looking for unique splurges that everyone in your family will cherish for years to come, invest in these special Disney experiences worth the cost.
Character Dining
Character dining is a splurge that allows guests to interact with their favorite Disney characters without waiting in line.
Currently, character dining experiences are available at Walt Disney World’s 1900 Park Fare, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Cape May Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, The Crystal Palace, Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, ‘Ohana, Ravello, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Tusker House Restaurant.
Disneyland visitors may enjoy Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at Plaza Inn, Mickey’s Tale of Adventures — Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Trillium Room at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel.
Prices vary for children and adults, with discounts of up to 15% off select dining available for Magic Key Holders. Remember to bring your autograph book and camera to get an autograph and photo with your favorite characters!
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Disney Ears
Nothing feels more magical than walking into a Disney theme park under the iconic sign “here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy” with a pair of Disney Ears on your head.
Disney Ears are available as hats and headbands to purchase throughout the park starting at $29.99 – $34.99 and online at the Disney Store website. Pick from a wide variety of styles ranging from classic Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses and characters from the Star Wars franchise!
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Visiting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and at the Disneyland Resort, is where fairytales come true for kids.
Choose from a wide variety of packages, including the Carriage Package and the Castle Package, that allow a team of Fairy Godmothers-in-Training to pamper and primp children to look just like their favorite storybook characters — with hairstyles, makeup, accessories and costumes fit for a royal transformation.
The Carriage Package starts at $99.95, or you can splurge on the Deluxe Package, which starts at $229.95. Taxes aren’t included, and you must purchase theme park admission that day.
Tickets to Special In-Park Events
Michael L. Moore, owner of the Disney travel website Countdown to Magic, said every year, there are must-see Disney events. Some of these events include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during Halloween and Disney Very Merriest After Hours in late December. These events are exciting to attend, but tickets are a separate cost from the regular park admission. The prices vary depending on the event you want to attend.
“The Disney World cast members dress up in elaborate, colorful and frightful costumes. Kids can go trick or treating all throughout the park, and there’s even a special Halloween-themed parade,” Moore said.
Tickets for Disney Very Merriest After Hours are also well worth the holiday festivities. Moore said this event is like the Halloween party, only Disney makes it magically snow on Main Street, serves hot chocolate and cookies for free throughout the park and puts on a holiday fireworks show and parade. Check in with the Walt Disney World website as the event gets closer to learn more about ticket pricing.
Disney PhotoPass
You may be using your smartphone to take pictures during your Disney visit, but Disney PhotoPass ensures you receive professional photos during your trip — always picture-perfect and never blurry!
Disney PhotoPass is available to purchase at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Splurging in PhotoPass ensures you capture photos and videos at select attractions, link your photos to your Disney account using your MagicBand, Disney PhotoPass card or theme park ticket or annual pass, and lets you enjoy unlimited photo downloads for just the price of the Disney Memory Maker.
You can add the Disney PhotoPass Downloads add-on to your annual pass for $99 for the year.
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Disney Fireworks Dessert Parties
This special event isn’t ordinary fireworks viewing. Splurge on a ticket to the fireworks spectacular — A Sweet Finale to Savor. This is fireworks with a sensational dessert party, and it’s worth the added ticket admission.
According to the Walt Disney World website, desserts include chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate silk tarts. Drinks, including an assortment of beer and wine for guests ages 21 and over, are also available.
Admission prices range from $119 to $129 — taxes included — per adult (ages 10 and up) and $75 for children (ages 3-9). Theme park admission is required, and the prices vary by date.
Head to the Tomorrowland Terrace and enjoy a delicious and dazzling nighttime spectacular!
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of June 12, 2025, and are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Splurges That Are Worth It at Disney Theme Parks
