To say that there is a lot to do on a Disney vacation would be an understatement. Between the amazing rides and attractions, the delicious dining options, and the stunning shows, your days are sure to be full of excitement and magic. However, it can be quite complicated to plan a Disney vacation, especially if you have never been to the resort before.
People who have visited Disneyland Resort before typically know what they want to do, where they want to go, and how best to achieve that. But what if you have never been there? And what if figuring out what you want to do and how to do it is too overwhelming?
Related: “I’m Not Some Criminal”; Disney Releases Statement on Tour Guide Bans
Well, if you have enough money, then you can book a private VIP tour from one of Disney’s incredibly qualified tour guides. The tours range in price from $500 to $700 per hour and can accommodate up to 10 guests. You must also have the guide for a minimum of seven hours. Using a VIP tour guide will get you to the front of the line of the most popular rides in the theme parks, along with private transportation between parks.
Related: Once Beloved Disney Tour Now Called “A Total Rip-Off”
Guests are always intrigued when they see a “plaid” (AKA private tour guide) because there is a chance that they might spot a celebrity. This is especially true in Disneyland, because it is not far from Los Angeles. But one guest had a less-than-pleasant experience with one, claiming they were booted from their good spot on a ride to accommodate VIP guests.
According to Redditor waiting4thatasteroid, they had waited more than an hour to ride the popular attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. When it was finally their turn, the Redditor said that they were booted from their front-row seats, so VIP guests could have them. The OP (original poster) was then told by the VIP guide, “That’s what we do.”
Just curious if you’ve ever encountered a rude plaid.
During my last visit, after waiting an hour for Rise, myself and another single rider were booted from our assigned seats in the front row. The plaid held his arm up in front of me to let 4 of the 5 guests in his group take the front row. I looked over to see that was the color I was assigned. He didn’t say much except he was having them take that row. I ended up sitting next to him and I looked over to see his name.
At the end of the ride, I quietly said to him that I understand he needs to provide a good experience for his group but after waiting for an hour, getting the front row, then being kicked off my assigned seat sucked. His reply was “yeah, I know you got my name”. Really??? I responded that yes I got your name but you know complaining isn’t going to do anything. He responded with a shrug and said “it’s what we do”. I replied with something along the lines of how that isn’t really a fair attitude for those paying for tickets or passes.
Ever have a negative experience with a plaid?
byu/waiting4thatasteroid inDisneyland
Thankfully, the OP’s experience did end on a happier note. They said that they went to a guest relations kiosk, where they encountered a very kind plaid. They were given an apology and even issued Lightning Lane passes for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. A complaint was also filed against the plaid that the guest encountered on Rise of the Resistance.
In the end, the OP simply wished that the plaid on the ride had been a little nicer. It would have been appreciated if the plaid had asked for a private ride vehicle or even asked the OP if they would be willing to switch seats.
Many commented that it wasn’t a VIP issue, it was that specific tour guide. Commenters who have been on VIP tours stated that their guide had never taken spots meant for other people. One person who commented said that their spouse worked as a VIP custodian and the cast member was definitely in the wrong.
It is possible that the cast member was doing whatever they could to get a better tip from their group when the tour was over. However, that should not come at the cost of another guest’s Disney experience.
Have you ever had a negative experience with a plaid? What happened? Let us know in the comments!