Everyone’s still obsessing over the Sussex family’s trip to Disneyland. The comments in Sunday’s thread were really interesting, so many people had information about VIP packages! I haven’t been to Disneyland since I was seven years old, and that was just a normal visit, nothing VIP. Over the years, I’ve heard that celebrities visiting one of the Disney parks can pay for special treatment, but I had no idea what that looked like or how much it costs. Apparently, it’s somewhat affordable if you want to spend around $6000 for a unique experience and no lines.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex treated their children to a special VIP trip to Disneyland earlier this week – a special visit to mark Princess Lilibet’s fourth birthday. Meghan later shared a few videos and pictures from the memorable trip on her Instagram account. An insider revealed that the Sussexes will undoubtedly have received special attention during their visit.
The insider explained to HELLO! how different the Sussexes’ visit to Disneyland will likely have been compared to that of a normal family. They said: “Celebrity guests are typically driven around by a personal tour guide backstage so they don’t have to go through the crowds in the park and [they get to] use cast member entrances backstage to enter the rides. The picture that was taken of them on the balcony was Walt [Disney’s] apartment above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and they would have been able to tour the apartment as well. And they probably had lunch either in Walt’s apartment or in Club 33, which is a very exclusive Disney club.”
The publication also shared that Meghan and Harry’s style of visit typically costs between £3,000 and £5,000 [$4,000 and $7,000].
Explaining further, the source also revealed that Harry and Meghan would have been able to ask their tour guide to bring “snacks to them” and “escort them anywhere they want to go”.
You can pay to tour Walt Disney’s apartment? I had no idea, truly. Anyway, while the VIP package is too rich for my blood, that’s certainly not a bad investment for VIPs like Meghan and Harry. They don’t have to wait in line, they get special treatment and a tour guide, and they get all kinds of great perks. I mean, I don’t imagine that Archie and Lili cared that much about Walt’s apartment or Club 33, but it’s worth the price to go anywhere you want within the park.
Also: you can tell how mad the British tabloids are over this Disneyland trip. They’ve called in the body-language experts to mock the photos and they called in cost-benefit analysts to scream about the cost of the VIP package.
Meghan has made ANOTHER post about Princess Lilibet's birthday!!! ❤️
The Sussexes (all 4 of them) celebrated the little Princess' birthday at the Disneyland! ✨️
One more time Happy Birthday, Lili 🎀 pic.twitter.com/tUtuiebFPG
— Katerina 🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) June 6, 2025
Photos courtesy of Meghan’s IG.
Good for them. I mean they need the security. But I feel kinda bad like how is the amount my business. They are wealthy and again need the security.
Can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Disney has created a great system for its VIPs that is well managed and secure, lets them pay for their own security, includes their security in the planning of the trip and obviously goes above and beyond for high security risk guests to ensure their security and safety without a 28 day notice, demands in where they stay during their trip or leaks to any tabloids or news outlets?
Disney more comprehensively and compassionately works to keep individuals within its “kingdom” safe than the British government. Harry didn’t need to sue Disney – their security team worked with the team at Disney and came up with a plan.
Disney is CROWDED. And bustling and busy and fast paced. It’s a theme park where a ton of things can go wrong – even for regular families. Disney always responds rapidly and thoroughly to any situation. Lost bag or child who wandered off.
The Sussexes were able to spend two days making memories at one of the busiest theme parks on earth because Disney recognized the security risks and mitigated them to the point that Harry felt completely at ease and was beaming.
When have either of them looked so relaxed in a public place?!?
Also. This piece won’t land with Americans. We all know a family or an adult or couple that does Disney like this multiple times a year. Fast track bracelets or whatever and all that jazz. Some people make it a priority and are also able to afford it. And that’s their right.
I am surprised – and impressed – nobody took photos of the Sussexes at Disney. Or if they have, they didn’t sell them to the rats.
Disney can now make a motza whenever people request a “Sussex VIP Package” (TM).
That’s an excellent point Friendly Crow! You’re right Harry and Meghan looked so relaxed and relieved that they could have fun knowing that all security concerns were taking care of.
Yes, I agree with everything you said Friendly Crow. This article doesn’t hit well because none of what they did was unusual for lots of us here in the U.S. and especially for those who can afford it. They weren’t the first or only celebrity people to use the VIP option because it’s a necessity to protect their family and to make sure that their children have a great time. This just sounds like they are mad that once again they don’t have photos of the children’s faces and the entire family had a great time without anyone in the media knowing until after the fact.
There was a Buzzfeed article a while back with pictures of celebrities incognito at Disneyland. It was clear that one tactic is dressing them up in oversized Disney gear so they look like any other overdoing it Disney adult. If you saw them you’d roll your eyes not look closer. I was really surprised that people had noticed and recognized them.
I read your comment a few times, you put this so beautifully and perfectly Friendly Crow
“Disney more comprehensively and compassionately works to keep individuals within its “kingdom” safer than the British government” THIS!
Oop. I think you’ve hit on one of the main reasons the British press is mad. That the Sussexes can live their lives and have fun and be safe at Disneyland instead of stuck and terrified in their house goes against everything the press (and the royal family) actually wants. How dare Disneyland not follow their advice and deny security to the Sussexes!
And completely agree that this is an expected option for Americans, especially for those familiar with Disneyland. I’ve done fast pass, etc. since they started (not vip) and it’s great. And I’ve gone with a disabled family member and the access sounds similar – front of the line, different entrances. It was perhaps the easiest time I’ve ever had at Disneyland. Yhey made it fun and normal and made us want to go back. A VIP package that makes it easy and fun for their high-security needs? seems like an absolute no-brainer and bargain.
And I really want a Minnie Mouse baseball cap! 😂
Given how expensive theme parks are, the amount actually seems pretty affordable. A family with multiple children are going to spend at least a couple thousand anyway.
It certainly does seem reasonable, we always got the multiple day park hoper pass, with express access in Orlando and it was not cheap even twenty years ago. I would have expected a vip pass to be more. Disney theme parks all have an extensive tunnel system that vips and employees use I highly doubt they were walking around with the general public so that would explain the lack of photos.
Yes, our family used to make a habit of spending a few days at an outdoor or indoor waterpark or going to an amusement park with rides for both the children and adults. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve don’t that because of schedules and other trips but this isn’t unusual or unreasonably priced to protect your children and allow them to have a great time.
Agreed, we haven’t even looked at Disney because it’s so insanely expensive, especially flying from Massachusetts.
I think that’s about the price a 2 night stay for a family of four cost in the now closed Star Wars hotel.
VIP access to Disneyland seems like a much better use of the money.
People, people, people. ANYONE can purchase the VIP package. I have done so twice. Once was with my whole family and, since we were there off-season, it was about $3k. The next time it was my husband, son and myself and we spend $5k – worth every penny to not have to stand in the hours long lines with a kid. Expensive but Disney IS expensive.
The photo of them above the Pirate of the Caribbean/New Orleans area is Club 33. I have had dinner there as a friend is a member. Walt Disney’s apartment is above Main Street. There’s also a bedroom in Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
VIPs can get around through cast member tunnels and doors so they aren’t out in the public areas much.
When I first saw these posts from Meghan, the first thing I thought of was the video of Diana taking Harry and William to an amusement park and riding a log ride and getting soaked. I bet Harry wants his kiddos to have those experiences and memories.
Disney is expensive with or without a VIP package. The Sussexes work for a living and if they want to SPEND THEIR MONEY on a great trip for their children then good for them!! Where is the complaining about the many vacations that the British taxpayers shell out for the leftovers?
Exactly this. And, personally, I don’t even think $6000 is all that expensive for a family of four for 2 days at a theme park.
But yeah, all of this focus on the Sussexes is meant to distract from the Leftover Royals and the insane amount they are costing the British taxpayers. Quick, look over here (so you don’t notice the Wailses are on vacation again). Quick, get enraged about how much (of their own money) the Sussexes spend (so you don’t see this other family picking your pocket for millions upon millions).
I’m thinking that price doesn’t include food and accommodation. And obviously they didn’t have to fly. But $6k is what 2 day trip for four would cost if the family flew and stayed in a park hotel. So this seems very reasonable for VIP. I assumed it was much more.
I’m pretty sure that’s just the cost of the private tour guide and the letting them skip the lines part, not the price of the tickets, hotels, food etc (all the normal stuff). And honestly the $6k for the private tour guide seems kind of low – maybe it’s just more expensive at disneyworld vs Disneyland though and that’s the pricing that I’m more familiar with.
My friends and I shared a room at the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Disney (it’s since closed) and it was $6,000 for two nights. I would have expected a VIP tour to be much more expensive.
I don’t think these prices are correct, it’s way more expensive
That sounds about right. It ends up being easier for the celebrities obviously but also for Disney, bc security can keep a better eye on the VIPs, crowds dont congregate around them etc.
IT’S THEIR MONEY. They earned it. Meanwhile, Brits are paying for the Left Behinds to take a minimum of half a dozen vacations a year and frequently not even getting a brief appearance to shake hands in return. Mind your own business, FFS.
Who knows, maybe they do as my family and they use a Disney VISA to rack up points. If you play the long game, you can get a trip entirely free.
Hello Express rats 👋
Guess what, writing for the Express won’t allow you to afford this Disney VIP package. Stay jealous.
Pocket watching the Sussexes is now the new sport. I would not be surprised if this was Tyler Perry’s gift to his Goddaughter Lili. Two days of enchantment at Disneyland for a 4 and 6 year old would be an ideal birthday gift.
More than likely, that Vip Tour was comped as they do for most celebrities. Most tours are eight hours and they are around $550 per hour depending on the time of year. It can be more if it’s a holiday or a weekend. If you see someone wearing a plaid vest walking with a family or a group, that’s a Vip Tour. They do bring you snacks, push the stroller, whatever you need. They’ll even ride the rides with you if you want them to. It’s a great job and it’s one of the few tipping positions in the parks that aren’t at a restaurant. It’s standard to tip the guide $50-$100 per hour so it’s a great job to have.
Also, Walt’s apartment is not normally included in the Vip Tour.
I’m going to be honest, for a trip to Disney for four people, for that level of access and service, 6K doesn’t even sound that bad? Perhaps my sense of scale’s just been thrown off by the Disney adults and whatnot, but I would’ve guessed that it cost 10K.
It’s not. My coworker spent close to 10K on the Disney cruise last year for him, his wife and their four kids. This honestly is a bargain. Also, a cost benefit analysis? For a amusement park visit for children? Get out of here
disney cruises are ridiculously overpriced compared to other cruise lines and compared to the parks. Every time I price one out I’m like, OR we can just go to disney for half the cost, lol.
It didn’t seem that expensive. To the point that I wondered if they meant 6,000 per person. Disney can get expensive for anyone. I’m still kind of laughing that they were eating corn dogs and pickles. Delicious but funny.
I have done this, and the VIP Tour ran roughly $600/hr a few years ago, with a minimum 8 hour requirement, and a max number of guests. Depending on the size of your party, it can be a worthy splurge to maximize a day in the park, and you get special seating for the nighttime parade and fireworks, which I thought was the best perk of all. Plus, they help you make dinner reservations at some places that can be difficult to secure.
I checked recently and the Grand Californian rate is over $900/night for a basic room – which is more than some Four Seasons properties around the country. And let me tell you how that hotel does NOT offer any kind of Four Seasons service.
I would stay at the Westin and get a small group together to splurge for the VIP before I would pay for the hotel with early entry and lightning lane madness all day.
For two days that’s a little steep based on my disney experiences, but not outrageous and obviously i’m not a millionaire, lol.
That tour cost more than 6K, it was the four of them plus the bodyguards, nanny and Marcus.
They would have paid for more than 4 people because I’m sure they would have to include their private security in the cost. I have to think that they would have at least 2 private security people with them.
I’m sure they did. That is probably who is shown sitting behind them on the ride.
I read that you can include up to 10 people in your VIP tour and park admission costs separately.Remember Meghan did that voiceover for the Disney Elephants documentary. They have connections at Disney.
I went to Club 33 for birthdays around that age and loved it. There’s a secret-ish door, an old fashioned elevator, painted walls, a harpsichord, and (back then) an amazing buffet. The bathrooms quite are fancy too. Plus it’s cool and quiet and felt like a respite from the crowds.
That’s not a bad price for rich people like Harry and Meghan. I’m just glad they were able to have a good time.
That’s not a bad price for anybody, especially considering the perks! Maybe that’s considered a lot of money for two days, but it was for four people, and I personally know people who spent five figures to go to Disney and get MUCH less.
Seriously. Disney is expensive and so crowded you barely get your money’s worth. I’m considering the VIP package if I ever again.
I am an admitted Disney Adult and can confirm the VIP package is worth every penny. We normally stay on property at a mid priced resort for a week and that’s close to 10k. But once we stayed at a local resort and did the vip package for 3 people for 1 day and it added 2k to our trip. No lines, all four parks, backstage access, free snacks and No. Lines.
It was the best day ever.
I’m baffled why this is a story. Disney has had VIP packages for years if not decades. Although expensive it’s not just for celebrities. People, specifically the media, are acting like Harry and Meghan demanded special treatment.
Of course, after all they are H and M, the more they write about it the more the express earns, and when it comes to H and M they have no regard for the truth.
Yes, exactly, it’s not just for celebrities. My grandkids other grandma took 2 of her other children to Disney/Epcot 6 years ago. The bough a package that included a room and food in addition to entrance and the rides. It cost them $25,000 for 4 days. And then they filed for bankruptcy for the 3rd time. They lost their case though because one of them makes $100,000 a year.
It’s pocket change compared to the vastly expensive trips senior royals take .
Anyone who can afford to pay for VIP Passes can purchase them.
In the Mickey Mouse picture, there is a button saying, “Happy Birthday Lili.”
10 years ago we paid 5 K to take our grandchildren to Disney so this amount seems very lowball.
Same Libra! We stayed off site but had 6 adults and 2 little ones so it was a very expensive adventure, this doesn’t seem all that out-of-reach.
You can go on YouTube or TikTok and see videos about the VIP experience. It’s not exclusive to celebrities, you can arrange it yourself or through a travel agent if you want to pay for it. They keep trying to frame anything the Sussexes do as unattainable and therefore unrelatable. Disney is expensive for anyone but people still go and the parks are packed. We were at Disneyland over Thanksgiving and we bought Lightning passes to use the faster line and avoid long waits. We had a lot of fun and it looks like the Sussexes did too. This is another one of those pocket watching articles because apparently people aren’t supposed to spend their own money as they see fit. They had absolutely zero clue about this Disney trip until Meghan posted her pictures.
I’m really impressed there were no candid photos of them that day. I know their public exposure was kept to a minimum but still-there was some.
It’s illegal in CA to take photos of other people’s children.
I’m an ordinary person who took her family, including a 4 year old and a 6 year old, to Disneyland about 10 years ago and I would have gladly paid $6000 to avoid the lines and other people in general but I didn’t know this service was available.
Let’s be real here. A VIP experience is the ONLY way that this family can experience such a huge theme park! They are unfortunately high risk targets and they need extensive security and a crowded theme park environment must be a security nightmare. I am happy that they could get an experience that otherwise would be hard for them with their security requirements.
In addition to the malicious risk, crowds of people swarming them to take photos would be a nightmare and violate their children’s privacy. I’m laughing at $6K even being a story.
I recently went to a 4 day rock festival in Florida. I chose the VIP hotel package…shade, bathrooms with toilet paper that flushed, fast track entry, shuttle bus from hotel to Daytona Speedway and back, as many times as I wanted a day. (Also my hotel was RIGHT on the beach)
It cost me (before food, merch, travel expenses to get to Florida from NY) around $3500. For one person.
Money well spent and more importantly it’s MY money to spend as I want. If Harry and Meghan want to convert all their money to coin and swim in it like Scrooge McDuck every day, then they can! The media can’t get over the fact that it’s Sussex money, not tax payer money or in anyway public money. They need to start nickel and diming (whatever the British equivalent is) the left overs and their helicopter rides and vacations.
That sounds like Heaven!!! As I get older, I’m much more inclined to pay more for creature comforts like a flushing toilet and shade!
It was awesome. I’m a fair skinned red head so shade is a must for me (along with sunblock….I went through 3 bottles in 4 days). They had increased the amount of shade for everyone, but not having to use a porta potty is something I will definitely always pay for, no matter what. I view that as a necessity now lol.
I did the tour that included Walt’s apartment. As a disney nerd (and for travel agent who specialied in Disney), I loved it.
I have booked myself disney vacations that would have cost $14k retail (paid about half that with certain discounts) so $6k is within reason for a luxury day trip I think.
Club 33 is strict and has privacy guidelines. Anyone who violates them could have their membership revoked. So they would be able to enjoy the park without anyone taking pictures of them. There is so many exclusive parts of the park that people don’t know about that our little prince and princess would enjoy.
Only the UK tabloids can throw water and try to spoil a lovely outing for Archie and Lilibet. Its a VIP package available to anyone who wants it and can afford it. The tabloid writers have never been to a theme park and had to wait in line with two young children. As to the cost, its no ones business in the UK how H&M choose to spend their money. The calling upon a body language expert just shows how idiotic these tabloids are.
Are we supposed to be shocked that they paid 6k for the VIP pass? I mean, if I ever wanted to set foot in Disney again, I’d pay to avoid that headache. This is not the pearl clutcher they think it is.
Good for them. I was married to a prince of England of royal blood, I too would do the same. Considering what’s going on in the world, this is the least of anyone’s worries. Live you best life.
The UK tabloids are so mentally limited. All they have is screaming about prices and protocol. Once you take the royal off taxpayer funding and out of the monarchy they have nothing to report on. They can’t stop because the Sussexes pay their bills but they also can’t pivot.
The balcony photo is a luxury suite at Disneyland where Drew of the Property Brothers stayed when he beat Jonathan in a remodeling challenge . I recognized the balcony and floor right away. (Sad, but there you have it.)
Since Lili is barefoot in the balcony photo I assumed it was where they stayed overnight in a luxury suite in Disney. I was going to point it out that the article was wrong about that so they really don’t know sh*t and just wrote an article based on info about Disney VIP passes that anyone on the internet can get.
Seriously.
I’m impressed by Meghan’s commitment to wearing those mouse ears lol.
The VIP package may well have been comped. If anything happened to the Sussexes while there, it would have been a nightmare for Disney. Thank goodness they had a lovely time.
Where can you actually see all the costs of travelling for the monarchy? And their benefits? How often is the taxpayer prepared to finance extended holidays for the king and heir to the throne and other family members? How much do all the knighthoods and ceremonies for alliances and orders cost that the population has nothing of? And last but not least: How much does it cost for all the servants and the fleet of vehicles of the London billionaires?
I know a family that had dinner in Walt Disney’s apartment and it was almost $20,000 for 10 people!
So – when Diana took the boys years ago, I am sure she did much the same package, and that was fine, but Meagan does the same and it is terrible? I even read an article this weekend that the favoritism showing towards Lilli is horrendous. Archie gets not much for his Bday but Lilli gets all this? I just hate how everything is so twisted around Meagan.
Yet it is not mentioned that huevo only takes George to those games
Both Sussex children were taken to Disneyland not one having to stay home.
You know if the wails did this, it would be “a sweet nod to those meddleton family values 🙄 and a tribute to Princess Diana and her theme park trip with her kids”
This is such a wholesome and normal way to spend a birthday weekend with the littles. Hope they had an amazing time.
It’s none of our business how much the Sussexes paid for their Disney trip. Did they ask anyone for money, bill the government? Some of you need to stop centering yourselves in other people’s experiences.
That’s actually not that off base in cost for Disney. Seems actually bargain to get VIP and security to boot
They didn’t use taxpayer ££ or $$. They used their own money.
We’ve never taken our kids to Disney because every time I’d do a cost comparison it was cheaper to take them to Europe. It was a win-win for all of us LOL
Good for the Sussexes! They should be able to do what they want, when, how they want. They owe the British press nada.
I wonder how much Will + Kate + kids vacations cost?
Yes where are the price breakdowns for the trips to Courchevel or to Mustique? We know it’s way more than 6k.
“The insider explained to HELLO!”
Wot!?! Hello…These prices have been public for years, since they opened that failed really pricey spaceship hotel, and non celebrities use it too as long as they have the moolah.
Walt was an amazing man and I bet his park apartment is as well.
A lot of assumptions and speculations in this piece. No facts whatsoever reg. what the Sussexes really have paid. How would the know?
A family with a high security risk managed to gave 2 fun days with their kids, away from the prying eyes of the public. Yeah, that for shure will cost extra money. Rich people do that. Like what’s the problem here? Sigh.
the next time a famous family goes to Disneyland like the Sussex family I hope the UK tabloids scream and tear out their hair about how much it costs-I don’t give a damn what Harry and Meghan spend for their family as long as they had a good time.
The Wales are for sure going to show up at Disneyland Paris in no time now.
I hope they had ever more fabulous a time than their smiles say they did. Love this sweet family and wish them all the best. Diana would love that they are able to have privacy, especially the kids. The one thing she wanted so badly, especially with her children, and never got.
My nephew, his wife and two children went on the VIP package to the Florida park October, 2023 for his son’s 5th birthday (he is disabled so waiting in long lines or being stared at or treated as other would have taken so of the magic away, you would think adults wouldn’t be cruel to children). They flew from Toronto and stayed at a lovely Disney hotel four days on a VIP package that included rides, breakfast daily and dinner at any of the restaurants. The only additional costs were lunch, non included snacks & souvenirs. They even included a babysitter one even so my nephew and his wife could have a later dinner alone (also adult beverages extra). Total cost with airfare & hotel was just under US$20,000 for all but the non included items. Their daughter is 7 and her birthday is within one week of her brother’s. This was a big trip for them but they started a savings account when their son was born. The goal was always for either his 5th or 6th birthday as they knew it could be a joint birthday neither would object to and they would both be old enough to appreciate and young enough to still feel the magic. They ended up picking 2023 to avoid any possible drama a month before an election.
They consider it the best money they ever spent, even more than their wedding. The park goes all out for all those who purchase a VIP package. They wanted to know both kids favourite movies and characters. Each had their own custom made cake, they got to meet their favourites and special experiences were set up in the attraction for each of their favourite movies. They had hats and shirts with their names and favourites on them. The real thrill was arrangements being made for their disabled son to go on a ride he desperately wanted to but it likely wouldn’t have been possible. They came up with a safety solution and opened the ride early just for them, the video of his mom crying is almost as good at his stunned joy. He got to ride twice before they had to prepare for opening. They really do care about the happiness of all guests, it was clear in every video that the park employees felt happiness and pride in seeing how much each detail meant to the whole family.
They will have moments of pure joy they can look back on forever when they hit those times where life knocks you down. I hope it’s exactly the same for the Sussex family.
@KAT, that was very moving. 🥹🤗Thanks for sharing. There really is no price to creating loving, warm and joyful family moments, specially where little ones are concerned. I can only imagine how excited they were to go back to school and tell all their friends how much fun they had in the “Happiest Place on earth”.
Of all the non stories….