Demise of Hidden Treasures tour Outrage

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Whilst a thread has been started about the departure of an unheard of show, I'm surprised that no one has commented on the demise of another back stage tour.

I was lucky enough to have taken the tour last summer, and I really thought it was excellent. The CM that hosted it was very knowledgeable and entertaining. And it did provide a good opportunity to catch some shots of World Showcase when it was deserted.

I would say that those of us on the tour were ahemmm...mature, but I have lived in Germany and Italy and found some of the information provided both stimulating and entertaining.

The thing is no doubt the reasoning behind the cutting of the tour will be because it wasn't popular enough, well thats hardly surprising given that when I turned up at Guest services at Epcot they hadn't a clue what I was talking about, seems its run buy another team, from WDW. However surely guest services should have known about a tour that operates in their park?

Well I have done it and no doubt its demise will add value to my pin, but this is another little bit of magic that has been cut, and it saddens me, because again it was something that fed the brain rather than my normal coaster fixation.

 

[DiPSU224]

This was next on our list of tours to do but unfortunately I guess we won't make it there in time to experience it. My parents took it a few years ago and said they enjoyed it. They commented on all the interesting facts on the architecture, etc. of the buildings.

 

[disnyfan89]

Whilst a thread has been started about the departure of an unheard of show, I'm surprised that no one has commented on the demise of another back stage tour.

I was lucky enough to have taken the tour last summer, and I really thought it was excellent. The CM that hosted it was very knowledgeable and entertaining. And it did provide a good opportunity to catch some shots of World Showcase when it was deserted.

I would say that those of us on the tour were ahemmm...mature, but I have lived in Germany and Italy and found some of the information provided both stimulating and entertaining.

The thing is no doubt the reasoning behind the cutting of the tour will be because it wasn't popular enough, well thats hardly surprising given that when I turned up at Guest services at Epcot they hadn't a clue what I was talking about, seems its run buy another team, from WDW. However surely guest services should have known about a tour that operates in their park?

Well I have done it and no doubt its demise will add value to my pin, but this is another little bit of magic that has been cut, and it saddens me, because again it was something that fed the brain rather than my normal coaster fixation.

They are not discontinuing the tour. They are merely making it available for convention groups only. They are also doing this with there Gardens of the world program.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

They are not discontinuing the tour. They are merely making it available for convention groups only. They are also doing this with there Gardens of the world program.

Does you average vacation family class as a convention group? Sounds like a plug being pulled to me.:shrug:

 

[DisneyMusician2]

These tours should be open to everyone! This one was an especially great tour. Does anyone know the stated reason behind the altered availability to the public?

 

[Space Mountain]

When does it end?

 

[paul436]

Does anyone know the stated reason behind the altered availability to the public?

I always feel that no matter what the stated reason for stopping tours or closing shows is, the real reason is money. If the company feels they are investing too many resources, and not getting the return on that investment, they stop doing it. This holds true for every company not just Disney.:shrug:

 

[foldmama]

Does anyone know when the last tour will be. I was looking on-line a few weeks ago and it stated that this tour was offered on Tuesday and Thursday's. I am going the very beginning of May and was planning on taking this tour.

 

[foldmama]

I have been thinking abour this topic all day and I am so upset about this. Does anyone have any details. I have taken several of the tours and I absolutely love them.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I always feel that no matter what the stated reason for stopping tours or closing shows is, the real reason is money. If the company feels they are investing too many resources, and not getting the return on that investment, they stop doing it. This holds true for every company not just Disney.:shrug:

We took this tour in Feb 06. Very informative and we really enjoyed it. There were about 20 people on the tour, at about $40 a person, I really dont see how it could be about money. There was one CM who was the guide and there was really nothing else done that required a large money expendature (they did give us a bottle of water and a collectable pin). So for $800 that they probably paid $300 in wages and materials for, I think it has to be more than a profit motive.

 

[Jekyll_Baker]

So could the Oct 1st 25 Anniversary fan meet that's being planned be considered a convention, and if so, should we do it as a group?

 

[maconMouse]

The last tour is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th from what I've read.

I loved this tour too, and can't believe there isn't going to be anything equivalent to it to share the magic of World Showcase. The Backstage Magic tour does a little of it, but it's an expensive, all day long tour.

 

[Foolish Mortal]

Makes me wish I would've taken it now that I'm reading about it's demise.

 

[disnyfan89]

So could the Oct 1st 25 Anniversary fan meet that's being planned be considered a convention, and if so, should we do it as a group?

Maybe! I would be happy to look into it for you.

 

[InsideOtherPark]

As of April 27, 2007, Hidden Treasures of World Showcase will no longer be offered.

Epcot® is host to a family of nations standing side by side along the shores of World Showcase Lagoon. This showcase of nations features an extraordinary collection of art, architecture, and costumes. Join us in Hidden Treasures of World Showcase for an in-depth study of the cultures of our international community and the Disney magic that brings it to life!



This 3-hour tour reveals the detail within each nation's pavilion, turning fact into fascination. Come sample the history of China, the romance of Old Europe, the pioneer heritage of North America, and the exotic flair of Morocco. See how the special “Disney touch” adds to the authenticity of this international community.



Guests participating in Hidden Treasures of World Showcase will enjoy the following:

Review the countries represented in World Showcase and the philosophy that brought them together.
Examine the authentic details of history and culture in each World Showcase nation that can often be overlooked in a hurried visit.
Discuss the art, architecture, and costumes of the World Showcase countries.
Travel behind the scenes for a look at some of the illusions created by Disney "Imagineers."


Hidden Treasures of World Showcase brings the wonder and discovery of traveling the world to life in one extraordinary and entertaining journey!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As of June 9, 2007, Gardens of the World will no longer be offered.




--
Everywhere you look at the Walt Disney World® Resort, the trees, shrubs and flowers play a vital role in setting the stage for recreation, entertainment and beauty. Disney landscaping has become a recognized show in itself, providing color and enjoyment throughout the year. This fascinating 3-hour program gives participants the chance to study the various gardens of Epcot® World Showcase with one of the experts responsible for helping maintain the horticultural “show."



Your horticultural instructor turns Epcot into a living classroom, using facilities “on stage” to describe the basic process of plant design and how it is incorporated in the landscape for the World Showcase pavilions. In addition, your group learns how they can apply many of these elements of design and theme their home gardens.



Attendees in Gardens of the World will do the following:

Study the five principles of the Disney horticulture program.
Examine the role of landscaping at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Discuss ways to adapt the Disney landscaping techniques at home.
Discover how landscaping helps develop a theme.
Explore plant materials and gardening techniques in World Showcase.


The beauty of each country's traditional landscaping makes this tour an extraordinary introduction to the World Showcase nations!

 

[foldmama]

Oh, I am so sad. I arrive at WDW on the eve of April 27th. This is just so disappointing. I was planning to take this tour on May 3rd.

 

[Frank Stallone]

I'm glad to see some interest on the boards for the Hidden Treasures of the World Showcase tour.

Currently, this tour is facilitated by the Disney Institute (along with the Gardens of the World, unlike most tours, which are given by guest relations hosts from that particular park.

As soon as I found out that the Disney Institute will no longer be offering a World Showcase tour, I brought it up to a few of my managers, as well as a few fellow tour guides (I do tours at EPCOT).

I am hoping that, with the Disney Institute no longer offering this tour, eventually EPCOT's guest relations will take over the tour, since I would love to give a walking tour of the world showcase (I also do the segway tour, but most guests just want to ride the segway, not necessarily learn about the world showcase).

Side note, to the original poster on the thread. Not sure why the guest relations host you spoke with in the lobby wasn't aware of your tour. However, all tours done by the Disney Institute meet outside of the park near the Guest Relations window, whereas the tours given by EPCOT's GR department meet in the lobby.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Side note, to the original poster on the thread. Not sure why the guest relations host you spoke with in the lobby wasn't aware of your tour. However, all tours done by the Disney Institute meet outside of the park near the Guest Relations window, whereas the tours given by EPCOT's GR department meet in the lobby.

It was a young lady who didnt have English as a first language and I think my Scottish twang confused her, either that there were short on the UnDiscovered Future world tour and wanted two extra bodies :drevil:

That said we will be doing that tour in August (ive done it before , but Im hoping it will be a bit less of a buggers muddle this time)

 

[go3epcot]

Is there any printed information that went along with the Hidden Treasures tour that could be had by those of us who are now sorry that they put off taking this tour? :shrug: I don't anticipate being a part of any convention group at Epcot anytime soon...

 

[disnyfan89]

Is there any printed information that went along with the Hidden Treasures tour that could be had by those of us who are now sorry that they put off taking this tour? :shrug: I don't anticipate being a part of any convention group at Epcot anytime soon...

There is printed material but it's for Disney Institute eyes only. The information used in the tour is just a compiled list of information from different sources like company documents and puplished books that the general public can get there hands on.