More ‘VIP’ experiences let Disney cash in

For years, suspicious Disney fans have anticipated a day when they would have to pay for FastPasses at the parks. And who could blame them? Universal Studios does it. And it would be like cranking up a money machine for Disney, which is well-known to love its money machines.

Instead, Disney seems to have found another way: Rolling out more and more special experiences that let you skip lines or get other preferential treatment — for a price.

To Disney’s credit, those prices come in a wide range, from xx for a fireworks dessert party to $299 for a VIP tour.

The latest, announced this week, is the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package at Hollywood Studios, which gives you special access to three events starring Anna and Elsa. For $59 for adults and $34 for children, the package includes reserved viewing for Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome procession, the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and the nighttime Frozen fireworks show, plus snacks and dessert.

A similar package available during Star Wars Weekends this year also included “expedited access” to rides, breakfast and lunch, and premium seating for seminars involving Star Wars celebrities — all for $499 a person.

And just last week, Disney announced two new VIP tours that cut right to the chase: skipping the lines on the most popular rides at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. One tour focuses on thrill rides, and the other is for families. The price for those tours is $299 a person, no matter what age.

Here’s a look at some of the other special events Disney has cooked up just this year:

• “Hard ticket” events: Most of us are familiar with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The latest addition to this lineup is the Villains Unleashed party at Hollywood Studios, which is happening on one night only in August at prices starting at $67. (Hard ticket events aren’t new to Disney. The original “date nights” and Grad Nights started in the 1960s at Disneyland.) 
• Dessert parties: You can see the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom or Illuminations at Epcot in a special viewing area accompanied by a dessert buffet. The Epcot edition just joined the lineup this year. ($49 for adults and $29 for children.)
• Epcot After Hours Wind Down: Have a drink and a snack at one of Epcot’s restaurants while the crowds clear out of the park. This event started in June and is scheduled to continue through mid-September. ($35 per person.)

Most of these events only happen on selected days and nights, and some are going on just for a limited time. Most also book up far in advance, so plan accordingly if you’re interested in your own VIP experience.