Would you recommend a tour?

[Holly]

I've been taking a closer look at the behind the scenes tours and I'm wondering if they're worth it - we'll be traveling with a 7 year old and a 5 year old and I don't want to plan everything down to the second. But on the other hand, these tours *do* sound kinda cool.

Backstage Magic sounds wonderful - but far too long.

I'm most interested in hearing some feedback on Keys to the Kingdom and Disney's Family Magic Tour. Did you like it? Is there enough to hold the attention of my kids?

I'm sure the adults in the group would like either one - but this vacation is really for my girls.

Any feedback?

 

[AkiraRaptor]

I have not taken any of the tours you are looking at, but I did do Gardens of the World and Backstage Safari last year. We are also going to be doing 4 more this year (Backstage Magic, Hidden Treasures, Wild By Design, Sunrise Safari), but not until Oct.

Gardens of the World is a tour of World Showcase (on/off stage) of all the landscaping. One of Disneys landscape artists gives the tour, and they talk about the plants, flowers, turf, etc. It doesn't sound like much, and I did it 'cos the wife is a green thumb, but I actually really enjoyed it. Did you know Disney actually paints the grass green at times? The coolest part of the tour is that it happens before World Showcase opens, so you get to be in the park with NO ONE else around. It's a very strange feeling.

Backstage Safari is the beind the sceens tour of AK. It about how they care for the animal. While you get to see some of the animals close up, this is never guareentied. It's a teaching tour to be sure. But if you are even remotely intrested in what Disney has to do to run a park like AK, this tour will interest you.

Both were great, and I'm looking forward to the ones we have coming up in Oct. Unfourtunatly, both require 16years or older, so no kids on them.

Check of Deb's Informage Guide site, she has plenty or reviews for all the available tours. Keep and eye on the age limits though, most are for 16 years and old.

http://wdwig.com/tours.htm

Have fun!

 

[goofymom]

Hi Holly! I just made reservations for the Family Magic Tour this morning. I have never been on it but in reading, it sounds fun for younger children. Mine is 3 1/2. We are going in September and during this "off" season the CM informed me there is only one tour a day taking place at 11:30 am. She said to expect a lot of skipping, jumping and in general a lot of zany behavior. Our little boy will love this. My husband however is a little hesitant but I know he will get into it with my son. From people who have gone, whom I have talked to, they say the enjoyment of this particular tour depends on how involved you are with the cast member as you go about discovering clues in the different lands which ultimately leads to a character greeting at the end and a ride with the character. So if you enjoy being a little silly it may be fun for you and your children. In looking at the various tours many do not allow younger children. With most, the children have to be 14 or 16 to do the tour. This is why we were interested in this tour. The Family Magic Tour is $25.00 per person adult or child. If you are a Disney Club Member you can save 15%. You have to pay all of the tour when you call so have a credit card handy. Also you must cancel within 48 hours in order to receive a full refund. The CM could not guarantee which character we would meet or what the story line of the tour would be so you have to be willing to leave the specifics in the air and be surprised when you take the tour. We were also instructed to bring photo ID with us for the tour check-in. You may have already been aware of all of this info. but I thought I would pass it along as I just learned it all myself. Hope this helps and hope you have a wonderful tour which ever you choose.

 

[hockeymom]

I haven't taken in any tours, but did look into some. I agree with Goofymom, the Family Magic Tour sounds wonderful! hmmm, maybe next time....

I believe I read that you must be 18 to go on the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I'll see if I can find that info again.

oops not 18, but it is 16