Behind the Scenes Tours

[jaime_1234]

I really would like to try on of DW's Behind the Scenes Tour on my next trip to Florida, but I want to make sure I do the best one and don't waste my money! Can you guys tell me which one you think is the best tour? Thanks in advance for any info you can give me!

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by jaime_1234
I really would like to try on of DW's Behind the Scenes Tour on my next trip to Florida, but I want to make sure I do the best one and don't waste my money! Can you guys tell me which one you think is the best tour? Thanks in advance for any info you can give me!

First of all, Welcome to the Board, Jamie.

Now, the following is completely my opinion, and personal experience and does not necessarily represent fact. I've taken a number of their tours, some twice, and will give a BRIEF summary of each. (keep in mind that they change them occasionally, so some stops may vary).

Magic of Disney Steam Trains (twice): $30 per person. Starts at about 7:30am at the MK. Learn the history of the trains, Walt's train background. Get on the train and ride to Toontown. Back into roundhouse, behind MK, and look at engine. Ride back to Main Street to open the park. Very good, 1-2 hours long and you don't miss any touring time. Good for train buffs, but not necessarily veteran WDW-ers.

Keys to the Kingdom (once): $60-ish. Includes lunch. History of construciton, architectural and symbolism within the MK only. Park Admission required - and you ride 2-3 rides, learn about some hidden Mickeys, see backstage in some areas, briefly visit the tunnels. 4-6 hours. Should be a veteran WDW-er beause it can ruin some magic.

Backstage Magic (twice): $200. Includes lunch. Start at EPCOT. Go inside the back doors of Body Wars and American Adventure. Lunch at MGM and tour costume shop. Visit Central Shops and/or Christmas Storage behind MK. See back roads, utilities, etc. Visit tunnels at MK, backstage west (behind splash mountain) and see parade storage and ride buildings. 8 hours, lots of walking, and pretty much ruins every bit of magic imaginable. If you're a Disney & Technical Freak like me, its worth every penny. If you don't want to see the ugly, dirty, unkept, and exposed side of Disney, don't take it.

There are many other tours, but I haven't taken them - perhaps someone else can help! Feel free to e-mail or IM me if you want more specific info on these though.

 

[BRER STITCH]

Hi JAIME! :wave:

EDWARDTC did a good job of summarizing the different tours.

I took the Backstage Magic Tour last summer and LOVED it!

For more info, use the "SEARCH" feature on this site and enter the names of the Tours.

HAVE FUN!

:sohappy:

 

[jaime_1234]

Thanks a lot for the info guys! The Backstage Magic Tour sounds really cool and I would LOVE to see all of the behind the scenes stuff at all three of the parks; all of those things you described are exactly the kind of stuff I'd want to get out of a tour. But it's kind of pricey so it looks like I'm gonna have to start saving some money! Is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour kind of like the Magic Kingdom part of the Backstage Magic Tour? I mean, do they talk about and show a lot of the same things or are they totally different? Thanks!

 

[Tom]

Originally posted by jaime_1234
Thanks a lot for the info guys! The Backstage Magic Tour sounds really cool and I would LOVE to see all of the behind the scenes stuff at all three of the parks; all of those things you described are exactly the kind of stuff I'd want to get out of a tour. But it's kind of pricey so it looks like I'm gonna have to start saving some money! Is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour kind of like the Magic Kingdom part of the Backstage Magic Tour? I mean, do they talk about and show a lot of the same things or are they totally different? Thanks!

In both BM and KttK you visit the tunnels briefly, and visit the parade storage area for roughly the same amount of time. However, that's all you do in the MK on the BM tour.

On KttK, you see those 2 areas, but spend most of the time IN the park and on rides. That tour focuses ONLY on the MK. You stroll slowly down Main Street and learn the history of the architecture there. We saw the dry dock for Jungle Cruise and behind Main Street, but then we rode JC also, learning more secrets of the kingdom. KttK really focuses on the history, architecture, and all that goes in to the "show".

If you want to see how the World runs, take BM. If you're a MK freak, take KttK. Or, take both, HAHA. I would really suggest BM (save your money) because you see a bit of everything!

 

[se8472]

Lets not forget the best tour of all!!!

Become a Cast Member and help bring the magic to life!

 

[Eljay]

http://allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm
Here you go. lots of tour info. Enjoy!:wave:

 

[jaime_1234]

Originally posted by se8472
Lets not forget the best tour of all!!!

Become a Cast Member and help bring the magic to life!

I wish! Maybe someday I'll get to be a cast member; I've always wanted to be one! And that web-site's really helpful, Eljay, thanks!

 

[se8472]

Originally posted by jaime_1234
I wish! Maybe someday I'll get to be a cast member; I've always wanted to be one! And that web-site's really helpful, Eljay, thanks!

yeah and I think a lot of people don't know we get free tours too.

My fav one was when we did a walk around world showcase. Our guide showed us some of the smallest things in the world that are so hugh now that most people never notice.

awsome

 

[SpectroMan]

Has anyone been on the UnDiscovered Future World Tour? I have already been on the Backstage Magic tour and it was great. Is the EPCOT tour worth it if I have already done the big tour?

 

[TIGGER-FAN]

My wife and I have done the Keys To The Kingdom tour and the Epcot Dive Quest tour (twice). Both were well run and first class all the way. I highly recomend Dive Quest for anyone who is SCUBA certified.

 

[Eljay]

I'm dying to do the Segway Tour of World Showcase! Anybody have a report on that yet?