 |
|
|
|
Tours
and Other Experiences
Descriptions |
|||||||
|
Water
Parks Downtown Disney's
Boardwalk Tours Sports-Related Community/ Other
Fun Things Writers'
Corner Orlando
Area
|
 Curious
about how the Magic is Made at Walt Disney World? Want to learn more
about your favorite park?Then perhaps you want to take one of the special tours or other special experiences offered at Walt Disney World. For a price, you can spend hours learning about the art and architecture of World Showcase in Epcot, take a full-day tour of the theme parks and backstage areas, learn about the Magic Kingdom and more. GENERAL
TOUR INFORMATION: NOTE: There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for a full refund. DISCOUNTS of 10 percent to 20 percent MAY be available. See individual tours for details and always inquire when you make your reservation, especially if you belong to the Disney Vacation Club, have an Annual Pass or a Disney Visa, or are a Cast Member. NOTE: Some WDW packages may include "wishes" or other selections that are good for a tour. AGE REQUIREMENTS: Unless noted in the description below, tour participants must be 16 years of age or older. SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:
All tour and price information is subject to change without notice. Call Disney directly to confirm. Brief descriptions of the tours currently offered follow with links to tour reports, where available. Tour reports reflect the opinions of individual tour participants and are here with their permission. NOTE: We have links to tour reviews PRIOR TO JANUARY 2006 on this page, but our MOST CURRENT Reader Reviews can be found in our Rate and Review section HERE. If you have taken one of these tours and would like to have your TOUR REPORT included on the site, please share with us. Thanks! Other Tour Reviews:
Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour In summer 2007, a new Segway tour was introduced at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground called Wilderness Back Trail Adventures. Tour participants can take a Segway X2 Personal Transporter to view the scenery of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Wilderness Lodge. The Adventures tours may be booked for 8:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and last two hours. Tours can consist of up to 10 people and meet at Mickey's Backyard BBQ Pavilion in Fort Wilderness. The cost is $85 per person. 15 percent discounts are currently being offered to Passholders, DVC Members and Disney Visa Cardholders. Guests wishing to participate in the tour must be at least 16 years of age and be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18. You must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to ride the Segways. Expectant mothers and guests with special needs may not participate due to safety reasons. Payment in full by credit card is required at time of booking. If you need to cancel your tour, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to the start of the tour to receive a full refund. Tours can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. For reports on this tour, see Linda Mac's blog HERE, or visit the AllEars® Archives to read Masayo Kano's report HERE. A one-hour beginner class on using the Segway Personal Transporter, called Simply Segway. The class includes some training and mostly indoor riding -- there may be some limited riding time. The Simply Segway experience is offered daily at 11:30am and can accommodate up to 15 participants. The experience is $35 per person -- discounts are available for Disney Vacation Club members, as well as Disney Visa cardholders and Annual Passholders. You must be at least 16 years old and weigh 100 lbs. to participate. Maximum weight for participants is 250 pounds, and expectant mothers and persons with special needs may not participate due to safety concerns. Arrive at Epcot Guest Relations at least 15 minutes before tour start time (theme park admission is NOT included in tour price). For more information and reservations call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) or inquire at Epcot Guest Relations. And if you take this tour, please let us know what you think! Mickey's
Magical Milestones Mickey's Magical Milestones is a new two-hour tour in the Magic Kingdom. Tour-goers age 10 and up visit attractions and special locations that retrace Mickey Mouse's fabled career. The tour, which costs $25 per person, is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m., starting at the Guided Tour Garden adjacent to City Hall (just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance). There is a 15 percent discount available for DVC Members and Annual Passholders. Arrive at least 15 minutes before tour start time (theme park admission is NOT included in tour price). For more information and reservations call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). And if you take this tour, please let us know what you think!
Backstage
Safari Tour Go behind the scenes at Animal Kingdom! Find out what happens behind-the-scenes at Animal Kingdom. You'll get an insider's look at the innovative ways that we are meeting challenges in areas such as conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, animal care and behavioral studies. Highlights include visits to: backstage animal housing areas to meet some of our keepers and learn how we care for our animals on a daily basis; the Animal Nutrition Center, where all of our animal's diets are prepared; our state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital and Animal Programs Administration to learn how we are constantly seeking new ways to ensure our animal's health and well being. This program takes place entirely behind the scenes. Animal
viewing is extremely limited. No photography will be allowed
backstage. This 3 hour tour is offered Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You must be 16 years of age or older. $70 per person, plus your Animal Kingdom Admission!
Learn
some of the stories behind the making of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
You'll learn how art, architecture, historical artifacts and storytelling
are combined to transport you to exotic lands filled with wild animals.
This 3 hour on-stage, walking tour will provide insights into the
design and building of this new species of theme park as well as a
glimpse into the complexities of caring for animals and habitats.
Your journey will take you into the land of Anandapur, to the village
of Harambe in Africa and through the colorful world of Discovery Island.
You'll marvel at the efforts that go into creating and sustaining
a "wild" place like Disney's Animal Kingdom! A light continental breakfast
will be served midway through the program. Offered Thursday and Friday and lasts 3 hours. You must be 14 years of age or older. There are no behind the scenes visits as part of the tour. $58
per person, plus your Animal Kingdom Admission.
Take
a one-hour walking tour of the LAND greenhouses and labs. Tour greenhouses
to discover over 60 crops from around the world, and see some of
the latest techniques used to grow and improve plants. Watch as
beneficial insects used at The Land battle pests that can destroy
our food supply. Venture through the fish farm to see thousands
of fish and alligators, too! Bring your cameras, and have
fun! Tours
are led by a member of the Epcot Science Team. Flash photography
and videotaping are allowed. Children are welcome, but must be supervised;
strollers are provided for small children. Wheelchair accessible
(guests in electrical wheelchairs need to transfer to push type).
Safety and sanitation rules are strictly enforced in the greenhouses
and labs. Covered, non-alcoholic drinks are allowed during the tour. $14/per adult and $10/per child (3-9). Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Same day tour sign-up downstairs at The Land pavilion, near the entrance to Soarin'.
Epcot Seas Aqua Tour, is now available to persons aged 8 and above. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adults. Program is offered daily at 12:30pm. The 2.5 hour experience includes 30 minutes in the Living Seas aquarium. The $115 includes all your gear, a T-Shirt and group photo. Park admission is NOT required. Bring a bathing suit! You will be given a wetsuit to wear. No special certification required. Senior Editor Deb Koma and her son took this tour in July 2007. Read their report HERE.
Divequest DiveQuest
will allow certified scuba divers to live the ultimate diving dream.
Imagine a salt water dive with 203 feet of visibility and over 4000
animals native to the Caribbean swimming with you in every direction.
Tropical fish, sharks,stingrays, giant sea turtles, and plenty of
coral for you to enjoy is just part of the fun. The other part, is
you become part of the show! Your family members and friends can view
your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at the Living
Seas! Groups of up to 12 persons are accepted. Minimum
age is 10 years. Length
of Program: 2 1/2 hours and is offered daily at 4:30 and 5:40 pm.
Proof of current SCUBA certification is required. Cost: $140 per person, Theme Park admission is not required. Diving Certifications: All are accepted including the Handicapped Scuba Association.
A behind-the-scenes experience for Guests interested in learning more about the dolphins and research at The Living Seas, as well as those wanting to increase their awareness and appreciation for dolphin counterparts in the wild. Expectant mothers may not take the tour. You must
be at least 13 years old to attend and anyone under the age of 18
must be accompanied by a participating adult. Wetsuits are provided but your must bring your own swimsuit. You will be in water up to your waist for about 30 minutes. Offered Mondays through Fridays at 9:45am and lasts approximately 3 hours. The $150 cost includes a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments, and a T-shirt. Theme park admission is not required or included. Tour begins near the outside Guest Relations window. Disney provides showers, shampoo, towels, soap and the wetsuits and booties. No swimming required. No cameras or video taping is allowed. Dolphin interaction is NOT guaranteed. It is the dolphin's choice to participate in the research sessions as well as the interactions. IMPORTANT NOTE: Found this one out the hard way; 16 and 17 year olds need a signed waiver before the tour. The wife and I were on one tour while my stepdaughter was on the Dolphin tour. When I asked the CM that was directing people to their tour directors if we needed to do anything she told us "no" that everything was taken care of. Well of course the people that run the tour needed a waiver and we were gone. They let her in the areas but was not allowed in the water. However, Disney in their way of making things right, sent Sherry a certificate to redo the tour. (dan matheke, 1/00)
NOTE: This tour runs during the Flower & Garden Festival Learn about the basic design concepts, theming, and practices used in creating the beautiful Epcot landscapes. This is a 3-hour tour is hosted by a horticulture expert. Tour is normally offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the Flower & Garden Festival from 9 a.m. to noon. for ages 16 and older. Tour costs $59 PLUS your Epcot admission. Ask about discounts (DVC, AP, Disney Visa, AAA) that may be available.
NOTE: This tour was discontinued on April 27, 2007. Explore the art, architecture, costumes, customs, cultures and history of EPCOT'S World Showcase Countries and take a peak behind the scenes. Offered Tuesday & Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, check-in at Epcot Guest Relations (inside). This 3-hour adventure explores the pavilions of World Showcase. $59 per person, plus your Epcot admission.
UNDISCOVERED
FUTURE WORLD Learn about the history and creation of Epcot and the legacy Walt set forth for the Walt Disney World Resort. See how each pavilion in Future World celebrates human accomplishment and presents the challenge of the future. This outdoor walking tour covers all of the Future World pavilions and gives you a glance at how each area celebrates man's accomplishments and challenges. Visit a VIP lounge area, get a backstage peek at Cast Services and the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth barges at the Epcot marina to see how the Epcot show is put together. Visit with one of the International Ambassadors and learn more about the program. There are some fun "perks" associated with this tour, one is a special Limited Edition Undiscovered Future World pin given to participants. The 4 to 4.5 hour tours are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Meet 15 minutes prior in the Guest Relations Lobby (to the left of Spaceship Earth as you enter the park).
$49
per person, plus your Epcot admission.
FAMILY
MAGIC TOUR A tour the whole family can enjoy is offered at the Magic Kingdom. Family Magic Tour takes you on a one-of-a-kind interactive tour through Main St, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. During the 2 hours, you are taken through the park's themed lands in search of clues (like a treasure hunt). Offered daily at 10 a.m. Disney Family Magic Tour is open to everyone. $27 for adults and children (plus tax) AND Magic Kingdom Park Admission.
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Offered daily, this four-and-a-half hour to five-hour tour celebrates Disney Magic! Learn about the Magic Kingdom's history and backstage secrets. Hear stories of Walt Disney, his visions, his philosophies, and his accomplishments. In addition to Disney history, guests finally get the opportunity to find answers to all of those "neat" Disney trivia questions and get an inside look at how the MAGIC KINGDOM operates by venturing downstairs to the main Utilidor entrance, see display cases of MAGIC KINGDOM Wardrobe, and Cosmetology Guides. Guests also visit the MAGIC KINGDOM Production Center, where they see storage facilities for the floats.
At the 2 1/2 hour mark, the group breaks at the Columbia Harbour House for a delicious meal which is prepared and waiting for all the Tour Guests. Orders are taken in the Tour Garden, next to City Hall, upon check-in before the Tour begins. Menu choices include a Fried Chicken Strips Basket, Fried Fish and Chicken Combo, Garden Galley Salad (mixed greens with feta cheese, pecans, grilled chicken, and pineapple in a zinfandel vinaigrette), Starboard Deck Sandwich (Toasted bread topped with ham, cheese, tomato, and broccoli slaw), and New England Clam Chowder or Vegetarian Chili. Offered daily at 8:30, 9:00 & 9:30am. Tour starts at City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance. Cost is $60 AND Admission to the Magic Kingdom!
The
Magic Behind Our Steam Trains, a Magic Kingdom park tour, explores Walt
Disney's passion for steam trains, while giving Guests the opportunity
to join the opening crew as they prepare for the daily railroad operation
at the MAGIC KINGDOM. This tour also offers the rare opportunity to
visit our backstage "roundhouse". Offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the MK turnstiles at 7:30 am and ends approximately 10:30 am. The cost is $40 plus tax and theme park admission is required. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate. DVC members can receive a 15% discount. Train enthusiasts may be interested in: Walt Disney's Railroad Story : The Small-Scale Fascination That Led to a Full-Scale Kingdom by Michael Broggie.
BACKSTAGE
MAGIC
|
  Subscribe to AllEars®.Net's RSS feedNew to RSS? Click HERE for more info. We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our complete PRIVACY POLICY and TERMS OF USE. Copyright © DWills, All Rights Reserved, 1996-1999 As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc., its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies, as the case may be. AllEarsNet.com, Allears®.net, All Ears® Newsletter and any other properties owned by RYI Enterprises, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. Read more ABOUT US or ADVERTISE with us. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com |
