8 Things At Disney World That Aren’t Worth The Hype Or The Price

Planning a magical trip to Disney World? While the enchanting kingdom offers countless memorable experiences, not everything lives up to expectations. Some attractions and offerings come with hefty price tags that might leave you wondering if the pixie dust was worth the financial dust in your wallet.

Before you splurge on your next Disney adventure, consider these eight overhyped and overpriced experiences that might be better to skip.

1. Character Dining Experiences

Fancy meals with Mickey and friends sound enchanting until you see the bill. These character interactions often cost two to three times more than regular dining options with similar food quality.

Disney’s character dining experiences typically offer mediocre buffet food that won’t impress foodies. The brief character visits at your table rarely justify paying $60+ per adult and $40+ per child for glorified chicken fingers and mac-and-cheese.

2. Memory Maker Photo Package

Shelling out nearly $200 for digital photos feels excessive in today’s smartphone era. The Memory Maker package promises professional shots throughout the parks, but the value proposition doesn’t add up.

PhotoPass photographers are stationed at popular spots where friendly fellow tourists would happily snap your picture for free. Most ride photos can be captured with your phone by simply taking a picture of the display screen, saving you serious cash without sacrificing memories.

3. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Makeovers

Magical transformations come with royal price tags at this princess salon. Starting at $100 for basic packages and soaring past $200 for deluxe options, these brief makeovers deliver surprisingly minimal results.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience typically lasts just 30-45 minutes. Little princesses receive simple hairstyling, light makeup, and nail polish that often begins to fade before the afternoon parade. Similar princess dresses can be purchased elsewhere for a fraction of the boutique’s marked-up merchandise.

4. Premium Viewing Areas for Shows

Reserved viewing for nighttime spectaculars rarely delivers the magical upgrade you’re paying for. Packages like the Dessert Party with Fireworks Viewing cost $90+ per person for some sweets and a spot that’s marginally better than free areas.

The truth about these premium viewing experiences? You’re often standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests who paid the premium. Meanwhile, savvy park-goers who arrived just 30 minutes early enjoy nearly identical views without spending extra. The included desserts rarely justify the steep upcharge.

5. Lightning Lane Individual Attraction Selection

Popular rides now offer paid line-skipping options that can add up quickly for families. Individual Lightning Lane selections for top attractions like Rise of the Resistance or Guardians of the Galaxy can cost $15-20 per person, per ride.

A family of four could easily spend $80 just to skip one line! The kicker? These premium options often still involve waiting 15-30 minutes. Strategic use of the free early entry perk for resort guests or visiting during slower periods can achieve similar time savings without the extra expense.

6. Park Hopper Add-On

Transportation between Disney’s sprawling parks eats valuable vacation time. Adding the Park Hopper option to your tickets costs roughly $85 per person, yet many visitors discover they’ve barely explored one park before closing time.

The sheer size of each Disney park makes complete exploration nearly impossible in a single day. By the time you exit one park, wait for transportation, and enter another, you’ve lost precious hours that could have been spent enjoying more attractions at your original location.

7. Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant

Culinary excellence comes at an eye-watering price at Disney’s most prestigious dining venue. Dinner at Victoria & Albert’s starts around $295 per person before drinks, with the chef’s table experience exceeding $375.

While the food quality is undeniably superb, these prices surpass many Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. The formal atmosphere feels jarringly disconnected from the playful Disney experience most visitors seek. For the same investment, you could enjoy multiple signature dining experiences elsewhere on property with more quintessential Disney theming.

8. Merchandise at Gift Shops

Souvenir shops strategically positioned at ride exits tempt with themed merchandise at inflated prices. Basic t-shirts routinely cost $30-40, while character plushies and toys command $25-50 premiums over similar items found outside the parks.

Disney shopping magic quickly fades when you realize many identical items are available at Disney Springs or even online retailers for significantly less. Character autograph books costing $20+ in the parks can be purchased before your trip for under $10, leaving more budget for experiences rather than overpriced souvenirs.