We all know Disney parks aren't really affordable to begin with, but if you're looking to sprinkle a little extra Disney elegance into your visit, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic like a true king or queen. A nice queen, don't worry.
Here's our list of the most exclusive spots in America's Disney parks.
1. Cinderella Castle Suite
First up, the Cinderella Castle Suite. At the top of the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, there's a private suite hidden inside. With towering princess beds, an ornate bathroom, and "Cinderella" props throughout, the suite is definitely fit for a royal. A night's stay here is so exclusive, you can't actually book it. The suite is by invite only. But it's rumored Disney turned down an offer of $40,000 for a one-night stay. Some lucky fans have scored a stay by winning various contests. Special guests at the Cinderella Suite have included Tom Cruise and Mariah Carey.
2. Imagineer Dinner
You've probably heard of the Disney Imagineers — or the masterminds behind the rides, the shows, the music, pretty much everything that's cool at Disney parks — and if you've ever wanted to meet one, we'll do you one better. How about a dinner with an Imagineer? Once a month, you can learn from one of these Disney legends over a four-course meal at Cítricos in the Grand Floridian Resort. The only thing is, you won't know who you're eating with until you get there. The experience will set you back $89 and is limited to guests 14 and older.
3. Victoria and Albert's
Located in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Victoria and Albert's is probably the ritziest restaurant at Disney World. With only 18 tables, reservations are required, and a fancy dress code is strictly enforced. But getting all glammed up is definitely worth it for their chef's tasting menu. The 11-course meal comes in at $250. But if you're wanting something even more exclusive, you can book a table for up to eight people in a completely separate and private space, in the Queen Victoria Room.
4. Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia isn't as high-end as Victoria and Albert's, but it does have a little something special up its sleeve. "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto opened the glitzy restaurant in 2015. Located in Disney Springs, it specializes in Pan-Asian cuisine. Their most exclusive dish is the Japanese A5 Wagyu beef. The beef has the highest rating for Wagyu and is imported from Japan. Each ounce costs $25, but there's an order minimum of 3 ounces, so be prepared to pay about $75 at least. They also have a Toku-Jyo Sashimi Platter that runs for $100.
5. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Looking to spoil your little ones? Hop over to Cinderella's Castle in Magic Kingdom to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, one of the Fairy Godmother's apprentices will transform your kiddo into a knight or one of their favorite princesses. The all-in package for knights costs $80, but for Disney princesses, a full transformation starts at $450. It includes a hair styling, makeover, manicure, gown, and tiara. You can get princess shoes but for an extra cost. These magic makeovers require a reservation and are only available for kids 3 to 12.
6. Golden Oak Residences
Four miles away from Magic Kingdom is the super-exclusive gated community called Golden Oak. Three-hundred homes, each with a little Disney flair, make up eight neighborhoods. But living so close to all the Disney magic doesn't come cheap. Each one runs for about $2.3 million. All Golden Oak residents get access to a luxurious clubhouse complete with a pool, gym, and spa. Another perk: Markham's Restaurant. You have to be a resident here to experience all their Disney-themed meals.
7. Club 33
A luxury Disney experience doesn't stop in Florida. Over at Disneyland in California, Club 33 has been serving an exclusive group of fans since 1967. Located in New Orleans Square, the club's existence was once secret, but now it's pretty well known although few get to experience it. Reportedly, the initiation fee runs between $25,000 and $100,000. Members pay an additional annual fee from $12,500 to $30,000 depending on how exclusive their membership is. And for those willing to foot that bill, membership does come with a couple perks, like the swanky restaurant Le Grand Salon and the lounge attached to it, which is the only place that serves alcohol in Disneyland.
8. Lilly Belle Train
Anybody can ride the steam-powered train of Disneyland's railroad, but you might not know that there's a separate train that runs only occasionally. The Lilly Belle car is named after Walt Disney's wife, Lillian, and apparently it's the last remaining car from the opening day of the park back in 1955. It doesn't run every day, but when it does, you can ride it for free, but you have to be one of the first 14 people in line, so get there bright and early. But for the rest of us late risers, the $85 Grand Circle Tour will get you a peek of the train as well.
9. Walt Disney's Apartment
Back in 1954, as Disneyland was under construction, Walt Disney wanted a place where he could watch over his project. So he had this private 500-square-foot apartment built. The once secret space is located on the second floor of the Fire House on Main Street. It's decorated by Disney's original set designer and looks exactly like how Walt Disney left it. You can't actually stay here, but for $109 per person, the Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour will get you a little closer to the man himself.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in April 2019.
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