Disney World & Orlando Unofficial Guide

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Backstage Tours at Walt Disney World

 

Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of tours for guests. You can find out more information & make reservations by calling 1-407-WDW-TOUR (1-407-939-8687) between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, or between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Most tours have minimum age requirements, & all tours require quite a bit of walking.  The tours are very interesting to do, & most involve going 'Behind the scenes' where you wouldn't normally be allowed.

If you have been on a tour & would like to submit a report for this page, please email me, or fill in the box at the end of this page.

Read Stacey Fox's Hidden Treasures Tour report
Read John's Steam Train Tour Report
Read my report of the Backstage Magic Tour (Sept. 00)
Read Sally's Undiscovered Future World Tour Report
Read Robert's Keys to the Kingdom Tour report (5/02)
Read DC's Epcot Segway tour report (3/04).
Read Donna's Family Magic Tour report (6/04)
Read Donna's Backstage Safari Tour report (11/01)

Please note - all information, prices and times are subject to change. Please check all details when booking your tour.


Dine with a Disney Imagineer

Wish you could learn firsthand about Disney's world-renowned creativity? How Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative arm of the company, puts magic in all it does? Guests now can have lunch or dinner with a Disney Imagineer at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Lunch
Monday 11:30am
Friday 11:30am
The four-course lunch costs $60.99 per person, $34.99 for children 3-11. (includes tax and gratuity)

Dinner
Wednesday 5:30pm
The dinner, a four-course meal including a wine pairing with each course, costs $99.99 per person, $34.99 for children 3-11. (includes tax and gratuity)

Make reservations as far as 30 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE.


Backstage Magic

See how Disney Magic is made as you travel behind the scenes throughout the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort! Descend beneath the MAGIC KINGDOM Park to explore the utilidor system, go backstage at Fantasmic! & the costume department at the Disney's Hollywood Studios, and investigate the computer controlled systems of "Body Wars" and EPCOT during this seven hour tour. Lunch is included at Mama Melrose's, on this 7 hour tour.

Meet at Epcot Guest Relations at 8:45am. Available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - $199.00 - Ages 16+ - park admission not required.

Read my report of the Backstage Magic Tour (Sept. 00)


Magic Behind the Steam Trains    

Tour takes you on a private train ride around the Magic Kingdom & back to the RoundHouse, discussing history & technology.

From 7:30am to 10:30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday mornings. $40 per person plus park admission. Ages 10+

Read John's Steam Train Tour Report


Family Magic

The Family Magic tour takes every member of the family on an exciting 2-hour journey through the Magic Kingdom Park, featuring Captain Hook and Peter Pan. Young and old alike can revisit their childhood on this fanciful tour of the most magical place on earth. This one-of-a-kind interactive tour takes you through the park's themed lands in search of clues. Find yourself immersed in a Disney story adventure that could only happen in the Magic Kingdom Park.

The tour starts at City Hall, and it is recommended for guests to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time. Offered daily at 10am. $25.00 adult 10 and over; $20.00 child ages 3 to 9. Park admission required.

Read Donna's Family Magic Tour report (6/04)


Keys to the Kingdom

Unlock the "keys" to the Magic Kingdom Park with this unique four-five hour tour that allows our guests to take a special look at the history, heritage, and philosophies behind the Park. Guests will hear intriguing stories of Walt Disney and how his legacy is still alive in the dedication and talent of today's Cast Members. This informative expedition takes Guests through the Park's themed lands as well as backstage to marvel at the operation that makes all the magic possible. The tour includes a variety of "on stage" experiences, a visit to two or three attractions, and a peek at two "backstage" areas: the utilidor (tunnel system) and the Production Center. Includes lunch at Columbia Harbour House.

Offered everyday, Sunday through Saturday -  $58.00 - Ages 16+
Meet at City Hall, Magic Kingdom. Four tours daily - 8:30am, 9am, & 9:30am. Lasts around 4½ hours. Park admission required.

"Keys to the Kingdom Tour. My wife and I throughly enjoyed this tour. It was informative, easy and the Disney Tour Guide was knowledgeable, helpful and had good people skills. He started us on looking for "hidden Mickeys" and we have been looking ever since. I would recomend this tour to everyone 16 and over." Eve and Ed Bagnell


Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

A 90 minute walking tour of the Magic Kingdom. Recommended for first-time guests. It's basically an orientation tour that educates guests on services available, dining options, entertainment options, and the park's attractions. No backstage visits.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday. $20, children under 10 free. Park admission required. Meet 15 minutes early near guest relations outside main entrance. English tour starts at 8:30am. (Japanese-9:30am)


Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour

Chronicle the fascinating world, development and success of Mickey Mouse while
touring the Magic Kingdom Park. Recall and discover the magic of Mickey by visiting attractions and special locations that retrace his famed career.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am. Tour starts at the Guided Tour
Garden adjacent to City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance.
Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time.

Duration: 2 hours

$25.00 per person (Theme park admission is required)

Restrictions: Most appreciated by ages ten and above. This is an outdoor
walking program.


Undiscovered Future World (Epcot)

Learn about the history & creation of Epcot and the legacy Walt set forth for Walt Disney World. The tour includes a visit to a VIP lounge, meeting an international ambassador, going backstage at IllumiNations & cast services.

The tour is 4 hours. Available Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, at 9am - $49 per person - Ages 16+ - park admission required.


Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour

The new Around the World at Epcot® tour offers a tour of World Showcase while maneuvering on a SegwayTM Human Transporter. The Segway is a motorized self-balancing, personal transportation device, recognized by Popular Science in 2002 as the "Best of What's New in Technology."

Around the World at Epcot is offered twice daily, seven days a week at 8:30am and 9:30am, and costs $80 per person, plus tax. A 15% discount is offered to AAA members, Disney Vacation Club owners, Disney theme park annual and seasonal pass holders and Disney's Visa card members.

Each tour has a capacity of 10 people and must be pre-booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. The experience is available for guests at least 16 years of age, with a maximum weight limit of 250 lbs. Participants are asked to sign a waiver and children ages 16 and 17 will need to have a guardian sign for them. Helmets are provided and, incase of inclement weather, the experience may be shortened to a one hour inside-only tour at a 50% discount.

Read DC's Epcot Segway tour report (3/04).

"We had the pleasure of visiting Epcot earlier this year and saw the "parade" of Segways as they were finishing their tour of the World Showcase.  So, when an opportunity to visit Orlando came up, I reserved a spot for my wife and I to do the WDW Around the World - Segway tour this last Sunday.  We had a fabulous time learning to operate the machine and then testing our new found skills in the World Showcase at Disney's Epcot.  My wife and I both had a truly fun Disney Experience with the Cast Members and enjoyed the behind the scenes tour winding our way through the countries and gardens and learning things about the countries that you wouldn't normally be aware of with out this tour.  We also enjoyed becoming temporary celebrities as part of our own "Segway Parade".  This is an experience that we both recommend highly." D & J, Greeley, Colorado


Epcot Divequest

Certified Divers can have the opportunity of a lifetime to experience a closer look at the inhabitants and the operation of the country's largest closed system aquarium. During this undersea dive adventure, guests will encounter over 64 species of marine life - and yes, it all takes place in front of Epcot guests in a perfect setting of calm seas, no current, incredible visibility and bright coral - truly a certified diver's paradise. The two and one-half hour program includes a 40 minute dive experience in the "Living Seas" aquarium. A special T-shirt, a certificate and dive log book stamp are also included. Lasts 3 hours.

Open-water scuba certification required and ages 10-14 must be diving with a parent or legal guardian; bring swimsuit (locker room provided for change); diving gear provided.

Offered everyday, 4:30pm & 5:40pm - $140.00 - Ages 10+ - park admission not required.


Epcot Seas Aqua Tour

The new Epcot Seas Aqua Tour lets Epcot guests learn about and interact with ocean life in the Living Seas. Guests taking this tour will explore backstage facilities, watch a video about the pavilion's creatures and then explore the creatures' environment using a Supplied-Air-Snorkel system during a 30-minute swim through the main aquarium. Scuba certification is not required.
A t-shirt, group photo and refreshments are included.


© 2003 The Walt Disney Company

Minimum age is 8.
Cost is $100 per person and includes all gear.
Parent or adult guardian must sign waiver for all minors aged 8-16 AND must participate in the program along with the minor; no theme park admission required; non-scuba-certified guests have an in-the-water experience with the animals using scuba-assisted snorkeling equipment (provided); swimsuit required; no observers permitted backstage.

The Epcot Seas Aqua Tour runs daily from 12:30-3pm.
Lasts 2½ hours, including 30 minutes in the water.
For more information or to make reservations, call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).


Gardens of the World 

A Disney horticulturist hosts this three hour study of basic concepts, theming, and practices used to create our award-winning landscapes of Epcot in World Showcase. Find how you can apply Disney horticulture principles and practices to your own garden. Lasts 3 hours.

Meet at the Epcot Guest Relations (inside park) at 10am. Tuesday and Thursday only - $59.00 - Ages 16+ - park admission required.


Hidden Treasures of World Showcase

Explore the authenticity and attention to detail found in and throughout World Showcase at Epcot. This two hour adventure provides some behind the scenes looks at design, construction, and costuming. Architecture, history, and culture are also part of this walking excursion.

Available Tuesday & Thursday, 9am - 3 hours - $59. Park admission required.

Read Stacey Fox's Tour report


Dolphins in Depth

Learn about dolphins, their anatomy, how they're trained, do some fun things, get into wet suits and spend about 30 minutes in waist-deep water with them. The price includes a videotape, sodas, and a t-shirt. You need to provide your own bathing suit. They provide showers, shampoo, towels, soap and the wetsuit. No swimming required. Lasts 3 hours.

Meet at Epcot Guest Relations, at 9:45am. Monday through Friday - $150 - Ages 13+ - park admission not required.
Minors must be accompanied by a guardian adult aged 18 & up.


Behind the Seeds

This newly enhanced family-friendly tour provides Guests of all ages with an intimate look at the four greenhouses and fi sh farm that are part of the Living with the Land attraction, and includes many exciting activities. For example, you can visit the fish farm during feeding time, release ladybugs into the greenhouse, sprout a seed in your pocket to take back home, see gigantic fruits and vegetables grown without soil, discover some of the latest plant-growing techniques and more!

To book your tour in advance, call 407-WDWTOUR (939-8687). At Epcot®, you can make same-day reservations at the tour desk located in The Land pavilion.
Annual Passholders receive 15% discount.
Tours offered 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but are subject to change based on demand and time of year.


Inside Animation

Discontinued.


Wild By Design

A 3 hour tour of Disney's Animal Kingdom park. Learn how art, architecture, historical artifacts and storytelling are combined to transport you to exotic lands filled with wild animals. A continental breakfast is served during the tour.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - $58, park admission required - ages 14+


Backstage Safari Tour  

Tour will cover the animal housing area, food storage area, veterinary hospital, and others. 3 hours long.

Leaves Conservation Station (AK) 8:15am Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Guests must be 16 years or older to attend. $65, park admission required.

Read Donna's Backstage Safari Tour report (11/01)


Disney's Yuletide Fantasy   (seasonal)

Almost magically, Walt Disney World Resort transforms into a holiday headquarters complete with millions of sparking lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees and miles of garland. From end of November through December, guests will be able to take a behind the scenes peek at that magical transformation, as Disney University Guest Programs presents "Disney's Yuletide Fantasy," a 3 ½-hour journey into the holiday history of Walt Disney World Resort. Guests take guided tours to theme parks and resort hotels, learning stories about the themes of the Yuletide decorations and how Disney "elves" transform the parks and hotels into an annual winter wonderland.

$59 - Ages 16+ - park admission not required.


VIP TOUR

The VIP Tour is tailored to each guest's individual needs and is designed to accommodate guests who desire personalized familiarization with our WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort. It is aimed to assist the guests through the park in the most timely fashion possible and to provide guidance in planning their visit in our parks. The tour may be reserved for an extended time or a minimum of five hours. The group size can include up to ten guests per guide.

Price: $125.00 per hour per guide

For reservations: Call 407-560-6233


Have you been on a WDW Behind the Scenes Tour?  Write a report about your experience, to be put on this page. Email me or fill in the box below. (Please do not use the box to ask questions, as they will not be answered by email)

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