|
I signed up for the Segwaytour back in Feb when I first learned
about it (I actually signed up for 3 tours--The one for today, one
in May and one in November when DS is 16 and can go on the tour
with DH and I)
The tour was advertised to start at 8:45am and last for two hours.
About a week ago, I received a call that the tour was to begin at
8:30am. (it turned out the reason was with the huge crowds this
week, they were planning to open World Showcase up a little early
and The Segway Tour folks have to be clear of WS before they let
guests in....
Excited about the tour, I signed in at 8:05am at Guest Relations
(EPCOT)--the one "inside" the park. Signing in requires
signing a legal release and obtaining a name tag. I was told that
the Segway tour would begin promptly at 8:30am--so, I shouldn't
wander far.
By 8:45am, our group of 3 started the tour. We were taken over
to the Segway Training room... And by 9:00am, the last few stragglers
caught up to the group.
First order of business was to select a helmet. Then, we watched
a slide show and our CM/guide demostrated the Segway (and all the
safety features). While the Segway is a really complex high tech
device with lots of microprocessors and gyros and motors, there
really aren't a lot of dials and indicators to concern yourself
with on the "user interface".
Then, it was time to start the hands on instruction phase. The
most difficult part of this was actually stepping on and stepping
off of the Segway. Your own stability sensors are at odds with Segway's
microprocessing gyroscopic stability sensors and there is a tendancy
for the Segway to shake a little bit when you step on. The Instructor
held the Segway steady for each person while you they get their
"Segway Legs" so to speak.
We practiced going forwards and backwards, stopping, turning left
and right going up ramps and using the power assist mode. This took
about an hour. It was time for a short break and then we were let
out "Into the World"
We played follow the leader as we made our way over to China and
the closed World Showcase. There were 8 students and 3 instructors
and we did catch a lot of attention. Most folks first reaction,
"Where can I rent one of those?" And then disappointed
about not being able to rent, "How do you sign up for the tour?"
Some folks had their own theory as to what we were doing--my favorite
was "An Exercise Class" (Yes, and that is about the only
way "I'd" ever sign up for an exercise class!--LOL).
Once backstage (considered "backstage" because WS was
closed when we went through), we made our way around to all the
countries. The tour was not informational about the countries, but
rather it was testing out different driving surfaces and manuevering
around obstacles and through tight corners. We drove through various
gardens (leaving them all intact--we stayed on the sidewalk!) and
it was really a lovely tour. It was cool seeing some of the CMs
working on the Topiaries for the upcoming Flower and Garden show.
We took a break in Italy and had a chance for a photo Op with Spaceship
Earth in the background.
Finally, it was time to return the Segways. It was a great tour
and I really recommend it. I liked it so much, I am really looking
forward to taking the tour several more times.
How to sign up: call 407 WDW TOUR (1 407 939 8687). (When I signed
up, they were taking reservations through the end of the year.)
The tour lasts for two hours and costs $80.00 (Discounts available
for AP holders and DVC members).
DC
More info on Backstage Tours...
|
