If you’ve ever looked at the crowds on Main Street and thought, “There has got to be an easier way,” you are absolutely the target audience for Disneyland’s private and guided tours. 😅✨
What Counts as a “Private Tour” at Disneyland?
Disneyland uses a few different names, but for trip-planning purposes you can think of three main categories:
- Disneyland Resort VIP Tours (fully private)
- “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour (small-group history tour)
- Seasonal/Holiday Guided Tours (like “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort”)
Offerings can change, so always double-check the Special Events & Tours page on Disneyland’s site before you book. Disneyland Resort
1. Disneyland Resort VIP Tours
The ultimate “skip the stress” day
These are the famous Private VIP Tours where a plaid-vested guide basically becomes your fairy godparent for the day.
What it is
- A fully private, customizable tour for up to 10 guests in your group.
- Minimum of 7 hours, up to around 10, with your guide planning your route, snagging Lightning Lanes where available, and escorting you between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as needed.
- Includes:
- Priority access to many attractions using Lightning Lane entrances (subject to availability, but it’s a huge time saver).
- Help with dining and entertainment reservations and reserved seating for shows, fireworks, and parades when offered.
- Tons of park trivia and little storytelling moments along the way.
Pricing changes often, but recent reports put it around $500–$800+ per hour with a 7-hour minimum, depending on date and demand, and park tickets are extra.
Why you’d want to book a VIP Tour
- You hate wasting time in lines. A VIP day is all about maximizing attractions with minimal waiting.
- You’re traveling with a big group. Up to 10 people can be on one tour, so when you divide the cost by multiple families, it can be more reasonable.
- You’re celebrating something huge. Think milestone birthdays, honeymoons, graduations, or that once-in-a-lifetime “we’re doing a Disneyland big” trip.
- You’re short on time. If you only have one park day, a VIP can help you hit the highlights of both parks in one go.
- You’re overwhelmed by Lightning Lane planning. Your guide does the strategy so you don’t have to live inside the app all day.
When a VIP Tour makes the most sense
- Peak crowd times, like:
- Spring break
- Summer
- Thanksgiving week
- Christmas–New Year’s
- First-and-only Disneyland trip for a while. If you’re not sure when you’ll be back, splurging on one “perfect” day can be worth it.
- Multi-generational trips. When you’ve got grandparents, toddlers, and teens, having someone else manage logistics is a sanity saver.
- You’ve already done Disneyland “the regular way.” If you’re a frequent visitor, a VIP Tour can be a fun “bucket list” item that lets you experience the parks in a brand-new way.
2. “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour
For the Disney history nerds (in the best way)
This isn’t a private VIP in the “front of the line all day” sense, but it is a special, more intimate, guided experience that many fans consider a must-do at least once.
What it is
- A small-group, 3-ish hour walking tour of Disneyland Park.
- Focuses on Walt Disney’s life, how Disneyland came to be, and how the park evolved. Guides use the park as a “living storybook” of Walt’s story.
- Typically includes:
- A meal (you order at check-in and eat at the end of the tour).
- Keepsakes like a special pin or button (subject to change).
Pricing has risen over the years; so always do your price research before you try to plan with other people!
Why you’d want to do it
- You love the “why” behind the magic. This is less about cramming in rides and more about stories, history, and hidden details.
- You’ve done the rides and want something deeper. Perfect for repeat visitors who already know their way around.
- You have a Walt super-fan in your family. This is such a meaningful gift experience for a Disney history buff.
- You like guided experiences but want something more affordable than a VIP Tour. It’s still a splurge, but not in the thousands.
When it makes the most sense
- On a longer trip, where you’re not worried about sacrificing ride time that morning.
- During slower seasons (post-holiday January, early February, mid-September weekdays, etc.), when you’ll still have plenty of time for attractions before or after.
- For adults-only or older-kid trips. Little ones may get bored with all the standing and listening; tweens/teens who love Disney history may absolutely eat it up.
3. Seasonal & Holiday Guided Tours
Limited-time magic with built-in perks
During the holidays, Disneyland sometimes offers special guided tours like “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort.” Names and offerings can change, but the general idea is a seasonal, small-group tour with extra perks attached.
What they’re like (using Holiday Time as an example)
- Roughly 2–2.5 hours of guided time focused on holiday décor, traditions from around the world, and how the resort transforms for the season.
- Often includes:
- Reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade or other seasonal entertainment.
- A seasonal treat and maybe a souvenir pin or keepsake (details vary by year).
- A ride on a holiday overlay attraction like “it’s a small world” Holiday when offered.
Pricing changes annually, but it’s usually a per-person fee on top of park tickets, lower than a VIP Tour but more than just grabbing a parade spot on your own.
Why you’d want to book a holiday/seasonal tour
- You’re obsessed with Disney holidays. If you’re the person who swoons over garlands on Main Street and the castle lights, this leans into that.
- Reserved parade viewing = less stress. Not having to camp out for a curb spot with kids for an hour+ can be worth a lot.
- You want a “special extra” without the full VIP price tag. It’s a nice middle-ground splurge.
- You love learning park details. Guides share stories tying decorations, entertainment, and food into holiday traditions worldwide.
When it makes the most sense
- Holiday trips where seeing the parade and nighttime holiday entertainment is a big priority.
- Short trips (1–2 days) where you don’t want to spend half your time guarding a viewing spot.
- Birthday or anniversary visits during November/December. It makes the day feel extra special and is easier to “gift” than a full VIP Tour.
How to Decide if a Private or Guided Tour Is Right for Your Trip
Here’s a quick decision guide
A VIP Tour might be right for you if…
- You’ve said, “I’d rather spend money than time in lines.”
- You’re coordinating multiple families or 10 people and want someone else to be the planner.
- You’re visiting during a majorly busy time.
- You mainly want maximum attractions with minimal stress.
- This is a bucket-list trip and you’re okay with a big splurge.
A Guided/History/Holiday Tour might be right for you if…
- You want something special, but VIP Tour pricing makes your eye twitch.
- You’re a Disney history fan or you love seasonal details.
- You’ve already done the “ride all the things” trip and now want deeper storytelling.
- You like having some structured time and some free time in your day.
When to skip the tours
Honestly, you might want to skip private/guided tours if:
- It’s your very first trip and your budget is tight—you can absolutely have a magical time with good planning, Lightning Lane, and rope drop strategy.
- Your kids are very little and hate standing still or listening (especially for the walking/history tours).
- You’d rather put that money toward a longer stay, better hotel, or another trip down the road.
Final Thoughts: Are Disneyland Private Tours Worth It?
Private and guided tours at Disneyland are 100% optional “sprinkles,” not the cake itself. You can have a wonderful trip without them. But in the right situation, they can:
- Save you hours of standing in line,
- Add storytelling and depth to parks you already love,
- And turn a special trip into a core memory kind of day.
If you’re planning a big celebration, traveling at a crazy-busy time, or you’re a total Disney history/holiday nerd, a tour might be the exact bit of extra magic you’re looking for.