That is a huge bummer & I would definitely qualify that as a punishment! Looking at the itinerary though, I do see right away where that difference comes from, the VIP tour in the parks is substantially cheaper when purchased in a group (can do it with up to 10 people). It’s still a pretty penny BUT considering what it starts out at, the cost when sharing with 9 other people is actually doable.
Anywho, I know nothing about the Animation Studios or most of the other tours outside of the parks, but I do know that you can do the Tom O’Shanter restaurant on your own.
Also, Walt’s apartment as you mentioned is available to book in the Walking in Walt’s Footsteps tour. It is 3.5 hours, but the experience of being in his apartment is worth every second & every penny (and this tour is a set per/person cost so no punishment for being a solo adventurer!). You also get lunch/dinner (depending on what time your tour is) with the tour & the guide will take you on 3 attractions.
When we did the tour last August lunch was from Jolly Holiday (and very tasty, served up to us individually at the end of the tour based on what we ordered at the start). And the 3 attractions were Alice, It’s a Small World & Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Your mileage will vary as the tour guide has flexibility to choose the 3 they take you on. I have heard of a lot of people get Haunted Mansion & we did walk right next to Haunted Mansion for a portion of the tour so it makes sense. I believe Pirates is also one they’ll choose from. I’m not sure of what else but I know I’ve never heard of Peter Pan or anything with a height requirement/FastPass being chosen. I had never heard of Mr. Lincoln being used, but it was cool to hear Walt’s perspective on Lincoln (spoiler alert, he thought very highly of him) & then watch the attraction that came to life from his love & passion for our 16th president. And then my favorite moment of the tour was in portrait gallery at the exit of the show (no spoilers here) but I’m sure even you don’t do the show they’ll at least walk you back here to play the clip they played for us).
That brings me to the audio you’ll hear on the tour: Probably about half of the audio clips amount I had already heard in one form or another being a casual history fan of the parks, so if you are already a die-hard fan you may not hear anything new, but it was neat to hear it while in the context of the parks. It was even neater to hear that my son (6 yrs old) recognized some of the quotes & their context.
The only other item on that itinerary that I know enough to comment on is the World of Color reserved viewing which is probably the seated VIP section. It’s a nice way to see the show for the pure fact alone that you wouldn’t have to camp out AND get a seat, but you can also reserve the dessert party for $79 and get a seat, treats, cocktails & an even better view than the VIP seats. If you weren’t looking to spend $79 for treats & such or an hour of your park time sitting down to enjoy your treats before the show, you can also pull a FP (for free) & get a decent spot showing up 40 or so minutes before (but still a pretty good solid time committment & would-be standing, but it is free!)
Either way, I hope you do end up going & finding some of the magic you were looking for at the Adventures trip. If you are still gung-ho about doing it, I would seriously considering rounding up some like-minded individuals to go in & decrease that VIP tour cost portion of the itinerary.
