DGTG Splurge: Luxury Experiences Deliver Fun for the Most Discerning Disney Guests

Been there, done that? Maybe, but did you know that inside Walt Disney World Resort lies a whole other Walt Disney World Resort?  One in which you can…

•“Hang 10″ and learn to surf
•Set sail on a pirate adventure for buried treasure
•Get nose to, well, bottlenose with Bottlenose dolphins
•Be pampered in a “couples massage”
•Dine with an actual Disney Imagineer
Beyond traditional theme park-going, these options and more are available to guests booking premium, add-on experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. Among a whole “world” of choices (prices exclude tax except where indicated):

1. Wild Africa Trek

In the newest premium experience, gear up and brace for a safari unlike any other this side of Africa. Guests on Wild Africa Trek crouch along trails, traverse swaying footbridges above crocs and hippos and delve deep into the jungly heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Several times daily, expert guides lead small groups of adventurers on excursions across untracked areas of the park. Extended time is spent observing and learning about the animals while on foot or while over-landing in customized safari vehicles. Trekkers close out their experience at a serene overlook above a wildlife-filled savanna while savoring Africa-inspired food and beverage. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek (ages 8 and up) can be arranged by calling 407/WDW-TOUR. The experience starts at $189 per person. More information: Disneyworld.com/disneyafricatrek.

2. Segway Your Way to Fun!

Walt Disney World guests can experience a Segway Human Transporter (HT) for themselves, firsthand, as part of three different programs.

• Around the World at Epcot is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate the two-wheeled, one-person transportation device throughout World Showcase before it opens to other park guests. Cost is $99.00 per person. Tours are daily at 7:45, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 a.m.
• The Simply Segway experience is a one-hour beginner’s class that gives guests a product overview, training and indoor riding time at Epcot’s Innoventions area. Cost is $35.00 per person. Simply Segway is offered daily (except Tuesdays) at 11:30 a.m.
• Wilderness Back Trail Adventures is a two-hour tour that lets guests explore the natural beauty of the Florida landscape in and around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  Cost is $90 per person.

For all Segway programs, class size is limited to 10 guests. For tours at Epcot, park admission is required. Riders must be at least 16 years old to participate. Guests can call 407/WDW-TOUR for more information or reservations. The Segway HT is the world’s first self-balancing human transporter that uses advanced technology, gyroscopes and tilt sensors to emulate human balance.

3. Totally Tubular! Learn to Surf

Unschooled in the fine art of surfing? Novices can catch a wave and master the rush of shooting the curls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. Every 90 seconds, the world’s largest wave machine blasts out walls of surf that can tower up to six feet high. Cocoa Beach Surf School invites guests to learn from professional surfers how to cut, carve and “hang 10.” The 2.5-hour program is available by reservation for $150 on select mornings prior to regular park hours. Guests (ages 8 and older) can call 407/WDW-PLAY for more information.

4. Go “Grand.” Luxury Yacht Sets Sail on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake

Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a pampered VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the 52-foot Sea Ray yacht from the marina at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Morning and afternoon excursions on the Grand 1 offer guests a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts. For an elegant evening voyage, romantic music sets the mood as the sun sets over the gabled roofs of the Grand Floridian. On select nights, cruisers can view “Wishes,” a magnificent fireworks display above Magic Kingdom.  Those on board are treated to synchronized audio from the show.

For the ultimate cruise, the Grand Floridian private-dining staff can prepare anything from an evening snack to a gourmet five-course meal with fine wine pairings. A private-service butler can also cater to guests’ every need.

As many as 18 people can sail for $553 per hour, including charter fee, boat captain and deckhand. Dining service and private butler are available for additional fees.

Reservations for the Grand 1 can be made by calling 407/WDW-TOUR.

5. Take a Sunrise Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Picture the morning sun rising in the Florida sky, illuminating a landscape rich with animals catching the first light of day. And you have a front-row seat. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites Kilimanjaro Club Level guests to an amazing two-hour experience. During an approximately 45-minute safari, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about animal care, the grounds of the theme park and the operation. Included in the cost of the tour is a lavish breakfast buffet in the park, at the Pizzafari Restaurant.

The Sunrise Safari is offered Sundays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. Cost is $65 adult, $32.50 child (ages 3-9). Call 407/WDW-TOUR.

6. Afternoon Game Drive Paired with Dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Savannas surrounding Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offer up a panorama of wildlife as creatures large and small roam the grasses, forage for food and play in harmony. The grounds are home to approximately 200 mammals and exotic birds representing a cross-section of the African palette – bongo, greater kudu, zebra, wildebeest, impala, African spoonbills and Eastern white pelicans, to name a few.

Just before sunset, eager adventurers gather outside the lodge with a guide for a thrilling game-viewing safari. Up to 12 persons can board a specially designed vehicle for a bird’s-eye view of a typical North African safari.

Safari-goers are wide-eyed as many animals move within feet of the vehicle.  Cameras and videos are poised to capture the Africa-like wonders.

The second part of the journey leads to the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko-The Cooking Place, where a savory South African feast awaits safari-goers. Flavors of Africa fill the air in a memorable multi-course meal served family-style and blending regional spices and grains. Popular South African wines are paired with each course, which includes a sweet display of desserts.

The Wanyama Safari is offered to guests (age 8 and up) staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, seven days a week at 4 p.m. For reservations, guests can call 407/938-4755, or visit the concierge desk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge upon check-in.

7. Dine with an Imagineer
Here’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dine with a real-life Disney Imagineer and enjoy engaging behind-the-scenes conversation over a delectable lunch at the chic Bamboo Room of the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Up to 10 guests join in stimulating discussion with one of the incredible creative artists who bring the magic to Walt Disney World attractions and resort hotels. Learn from these talented men or women what it’s like working in the most magical place in the world. Guests feast on a four-course meal and will receive a souvenir plate designed exclusively for this experience that can be personalized by the Imagineer. Price is $64.96 per guest ages 10 and older, $37.27 ages 3-9, tax included. Guests can also ask about dinner with an Imagineer at Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, which offers the same fascinating peek “under the curtain” at Disney’s creative process while being treated to a tantalizing four-course meal. Cost is $105.83 per guest ages 10 and older, $74.70 ages 3-9, including tax. Call 407/WDW-DINE for more information and reservations.

8. Grand Pirate Adventure:

Little buccaneers sail the high seas to exotic “Ports of Call” in search of treasure.

Donning pirate garb, kids venture on foot and by sea in search of buried treasure during Disney’s Pirate Adventure, which departs from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa marina and sails the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Young and eager adventurers visit many exotic “ports of call,” following clues to help lead them to the treasure. During the voyage, children (ages 4-12) enjoy a reading of “The Legend of Gasparilla” (a real Florida pirate), lunch and other surprises. The Pirate Adventure happens Mondays through Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost is $34.00 per child. Call 407/WDW-PLAY.

9. Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage
Ahoy me hearties, ye be setting sail for fun and adventure with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on this adventure. Departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, mateys receive a true buccaneer’s welcome as they chow down on hearty pirate grub and grog before setting sail on an unforgettable moonlight voyage around Seven Seas Lagoon. Play Disney trivia games, sing songs and sea chanteys and savor “Wishes” fireworks lighting the night sky above Cinderella Castle. On the sail home, your pirate hosts enchant you with the tale of Peter Pan, plus more trivia questions and special prizes. Once tied up, the voyage concludes with a visit from a very special guest. Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is scheduled Fridays through Mondays. Cost is $53.99 adults, $30.99 children ages 3-9. Call 407/WDW-PLAY.

10. High-Speed Adventure Around Walt Disney World Speedway
The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway is the place of dreams, offering race fans and adventure-seekers the ultimate thrill of riding in or driving a race car around the one-mile tri-oval Walt Disney World Speedway. Guests are offered several ride and drive experiences as they follow their dream of leaving the grandstands and climbing into a racecar, just like The King himself.

•Ride-Along Program: A 3-lap thrill ride as a passenger at a top speed of 145 mph.

•Rookie Experience: A 3-hour program that includes eight laps of driving thrills.

•King’s Experience: Features 16 laps of driving divided into two 8-lap sessions.

Beyond these core options available to Walt Disney World guests, riders with an insatiable “need for speed” can turn up the thrills with these premium experiences:

•Experience of a Lifetime. Talk about pulse-pumping, thrill-seekers choosing this Petty track will experience 30 laps of white-knuckle, heart-pounding speed in a NASCAR race car. The “Experience” is divided into three 10-lap driving segments and between each session, drivers will receive one-on-one feedback from the Pit Road instructor Priced from $1,299 per person.

•Speedway Challenge. Imagine the high-octane rush of this one-of-a-kind driving program. This 50-lap program consists of five 10-lap sessions as well as a Ride-Along, shop tour with tech talk and lunch with the instructor and crew chief. Priced at $2,099 per person.

The sessions at Walt Disney World Speedway run daily. Driving experiences are available for those at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a vehicle equipped with a standard transmission. Fans at least 14 years of age can participate in the Ride-Along Program with proof of identification.

For information or reservations, visit drivepetty.com or call 800/BE-PETTY.

11. The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together…..

What’s more enjoyable or relaxing than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. Did you know the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love? For information about spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

12. Commune with Dolphins
Imagine getting up close and personal in the water with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion invites guests on a three-hour, behind-the-scenes experience aimed at providing a keener understanding and heightened appreciation for these marvelous creatures. The 30-minute dolphin interaction takes place in waist-deep waters (maximum 8 guests per day) so guests don’t need to be SCUBA certified or even know how to swim. Signups for “Disney’s Dolphins in Depth” learn about how Disney cares for the dolphins each day, how researchers study and train them backstage, what issues are affecting marine life worldwide – and what we can do about it.  Cost is $194 per person.

Theme park admission is not required or included in this experience. Call 407/WDW-PLAY.