|
Unique tours and backstage experiences are available throughout the Walt Disney Resort. Unless noted otherwise, tours can be reserved 180 days in advance with a credit card guarantee. Cancellation must occur 48 hours in advance to avoid penalties. Park admission may or may not be required. A photo ID will usually be required when checking in. Photographs are prohibited in backstage areas.
Attention The Mouse For Less Readers: We are always looking for Backstage Tour & Experiences Reviews. Please help us by filling out the Tour Review Form. We appreciate all reviews!
Jump to:
Magic Kingdom Tours
Epcot Tours
Animal Kingdom Tours
Multi-Park Tours
Resort Tours
Magic Kingdom Tours & Experiences
Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
Description: Railroad enthusiasts get an insiders look as the Magic Kingdom theme park train crew prepares the Walt Disney World Railroad steam trains for their daily operation. Enter the park before opening and see the backstage roundhouse where the trains are stored and serviced. Your guide shares with you how Walt Disney's lifetime love of steam trains led to his decision to give them a starring role circling Magic Kingdom theme park.
Days & Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat at 7:30 am
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $45 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 10 and up
Starting Location: Report to Guest Relations window outside the main park entrance at 7:15 am. Tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Disney's Family Magic Tour
Description: Guests to join their family and friends on a guided interactive quest to save Magic Kingdom theme park from the dastardly plans of a Disney Villain. Test your knowledge of Disney trivia as you follow tricky clues, solve diabolical puzzles and engage in a lively scavenger hunt. If you manage to foil the plans of the forces of mayhem and save Magic Kingdom theme park, you will be treated to a very special surprise.
Days & Times: Daily at 10:00 am
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $30 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 3 and up; best for guests age 10 years and older.
Starting Location: Report to Magic Kingdom City Hall at 9:45 am. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Description: Highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park. Includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions, including a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors.
Days & Times: 3 tours daily at 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:30 am
Duration: 4.5 hours
Price Range: $62 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up
Starting Location: Report to Magic Kingdom City Hall 15 minutes prior. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour Reviews
Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour
Description: A journey through Magic Kingdom theme park that focuses on the creation and illustrious career of Mickey Mouse. Guests are treated to select attractions, and a few very special old friends may make an appearance. From the classic cartoon "Steamboat Willie" to the advanced computer graphics seen in Mickey's PhilharMagic attraction, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about the world's most famous cartoon mouse. Your tour guide will point out many of the clever Hidden Mickeys throughout the park.
Days & Times: Mon, Wed, & Fri at 8:45 am
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $25 per person
Park Admission: Required.
Restrictions: Ages 10 and up
Starting Location: Report to Guided Tour Garden next to City Hall at 8:30 am. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Back to top
Epcot Tours & Experiences
NEW! Nature-Inspired Design (Segway) Tour
Description: Discover the wonder of nature-inspired design as you glide through land, sea and air at Epcot. This backstage tour allows you to experience the symbiotic relationship between nature and the nature-inspired designs incorporated into Epcot pavilions and attractions. Glide over California on Soarin', tour the greenhouses at The Land pavilion, explore The Seas with Nemo & Friends and visit Life Support scientists to learn how technology helps us maintain a better balance with nature. After experiencing “air, land and sea” you will have the opportunity to ride your Segway X-2 in a designated off-road backstage area at Epcot.
Days & Times: 8:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Tuesdays
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $124 per person
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up.
Starting Location: Verified as of this writing - Disney Visa
Discounts: Unknown at this writing
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Nature Inspired Design Segway Tour
Epcot Dive Quest
Description: a unique scuba diving experience inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank at the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in Epcot theme park. Scuba-certified Guests can swim with over 6,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays and sharks. All diving equipment is provided. Please bring a swim suit and, if you wish, bring your own dive mask, particularly if you have a prescription mask.
Days & Times: Daily at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm
Duration: 3 hours, of which 40 minutes are underwater
Price Range: $175 per person
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Ages 10 and up. Guests ages 10-14 require participating adult who is SCUBA certified.
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance 15 minutes prior
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only), Military
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Dolphins in Depth
Description: Guests can learn about and get up close with a school of dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. Talk to the expert trainers and researchers who work with dolphins every day. The tour concludes with a very special opportunity for an up-close interaction with a dolphin, perfect for pictures. Please bring a bathing suit if you wish to enter the water. You do not need to swim or be scuba certified to enjoy this program.
Days & Times: Mon thru Fri at 9:45 am
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $175 per person
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Ages 13 and up. Guests under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian along with them on the tour.
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance at 9:30 am
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only), Military
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Dolphins In Depth Tour Reviews
Seas Aqua Tour
Description: The Seas Aqua Tour allows Guests to swim on the surface of the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank inside the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. Guests use a supplied-air snorkel system, and wetsuit gear and do not need to be scuba certified. Participants also get to see the massive backstage infrastructure required to filter and maintain a vast manmade ocean flourishing with life, and spend some time with the aquarium's two manatees. Please bring a swim suit.
Days & Times: Daily at 12:30 pm
Duration: 2.5 hours, of which 30 minutes are in the water
Price Range: $144 per person. Includes Tee shirt and group photo.
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up. Guests ages 8-16 years old require participating adult.
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance at 12:15 pm
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only), Military
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
Description: Venture into secret backstage areas of Epcot theme park and see amazing facilities that Guests are ordinarily not permitted to visit. Discover how Walt Disney's vision and legacy inspired the design and technology behind the Future World area of Epcot theme park. Plus, hear the amazing story of how a massive construction project brought Epcot theme park to life.
Days & Times: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:00 am
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Price Range: $55 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance at 8:45 am. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Around the World at Epcot (Segway) Tour
Description: The first portion of the tour consists of a training session where an expert instructs you on the basic operation of the Segway Personal Transporter. You will learn how to navigate a variety of terrain types and be issued a safety helmet. Once you are up to speed on the operation of the Segway Personal Transporter, your tour group will head out for a trip around Epcot World Showcase before it is open to the general public. For those seeking to test their skills, there are fun opportunities to navigate different types of terrain. Ask your guide to take a picture of you on your Segway using your camera.
Days & Times: Daily at 7:45 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:30 am
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $95 per person, includes special collector pin.
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions.
Starting Location: Report to Guest Relations to the right of Spaceship Earth 15 minutes prior. Guests will not be able to enter Epcot through the International Gateway for the 7:45 am tour. Tour is both indoors and outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Read a First-hand Report on this Tour
Simply Segway Tour
Description: This beginner program showcases the innovative Segway Personal Transporter and offers formal training and indoor riding time on the device that has truly revolutionized mobility and travel at the Innoventions area in Epcot.
Days & Times: Daily at 11:30 am
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $35 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions.
Starting Location: Report to Guest Relations to the right of Spaceship Earth at 11:15 am.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Behind the Seeds at Epcot
Description: See the future of agriculture in greenhouses and labs, go alligator gazing, release lady bugs and learn the advanced, and often experimental, techniques used to grow hydroponic crops with little or no soil. You can preview this tour on the Living with the Land attraction. If you like what you see as your boat cruises through the greenhouse, you will love the this tour. Videotaping is allowed.
Days & Times: Daily from 9:45 am to 4:30 pm, departing every 45 minutes.
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $16.00 per Adult (ages 10+) $12.00 per child (ages 3-9 yrs)
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 3 and up. Children must be accompanied by a supervising a adult.
Starting Location: Report to the tour desk on the lower level of the Land pavilion (near Soarin') to make reservations. Walking tour is indoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Read a First-hand Report on this Tour
Gardens of the World Tour (Seasonal)
Description: In depth look at the Flower & Garden Festival throughout the park.
Days & Times: Tues, Thurs, Sat at 9:00 am
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $59 per person, includes commemorative pin and poster
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up
Starting Location: Outside of Epcot at Guided Tour sign. Walking tour primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Back to top
Animal Kingdom Park Tours & Experiences
Backstage Safari Tour
Description: An insider's look at the innovative ways that Disney Cast Members care for its animal inhabitants. Get up close to a variety of spectacular and majestic animals in their backstage habitats. Talk with animal keepers as you visit the Animal Nutrition Center, explore the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital and discover other backstage facilities. Learn the story of how every day 3 tons of food is prepared, distributed and fed to the animal residents of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. No photography allowed backstage.
Days & Times: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri at 8:30 am and 1:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $70 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up
Starting Location: Report to Conservation Station inside the park at 8:15 am. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Read a First-hand Report on this Tour
Wild By Design
Description: With a sprinkle of storytelling, this tour tells the story of how the creative wizards at Walt Disney Imagineering meticulously transformed Florida wetlands into the exotic and untamed landscapes of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Guest will be given a wireless headset to better hear guides over background noise. Learn about the amazing efforts that went into creating and sustaining painstaking representations of diverse environments that span the globe, including the African savannah and the dense jungles of Asia. The Wild By Design Tour focuses on the beautiful and lush onstage areas of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. No backstage areas are visited during this tour. Bring your cameras.
Days & Times: Thurs & Fri at 8:30 am
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $60 per person, includes continental breakfast of danish and fruit.
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 14 and up
Starting Location: Report to park Guest Relations at 8:15 am. Walking tour is completely outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Wildlife Discovery Excursion
Description: Take a private 30 minute tour and photo shoot of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve before park opening. Includes in depth information on the animals that inhabit the savannah.
Days & Times: Tues thru Sat at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $50 per person
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 3 and up. Available only to Concierge Level guests staying at Disney Deluxe resorts.
Starting Location: Animal Kingdom Park
Discounts: Not applicable
To Reserve: Contact your concierge or resort itinerary planner. May be reserved 90 days in advance with a credit card guarantee. 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.
Sunrise Safari
Description: Board bus transportation to Animal Kingdom park for a private 30 minute tour and photo shoot of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve before park opening. Includes in depth information on the animals that inhabit the savannah.
Days & Times: Thurs & Sun at 7:00 am
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $65 per Adult (ages 10+) $32.50 per Child (ages 3-9 yrs), includes breakfast buffet at Pizzafari with an African flare and one-way transportation to Animal Kingdom Park.
Park Admission: Required
Restrictions: Ages 3 and up. Available only to Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level guest. Limited to 54 guests.
Starting Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge lounge
Discounts: Not applicable
To Reserve: Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755. May be reserved 90 days in advance with a credit card guarantee. 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.
Read a First-hand Report on this Tour
Back to top
Multi-Park Tours
Disney's Holiday D-Lights Tour (Seasonal)
Description: Learn through the twinkle of lights how holiday magic is created for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studio, the frozen transformation of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.
Days & Times: Mondays (November 30, and December 7 and 14, 2009) and Wednesdays (December 2, 9 and 16, 2009) at 5 pm.
Price Range: $179 per person
Park Admission: Not Required (or included).
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up; photo ID required
Starting Location: Report outside of Epcot. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Backstage Magic Tour
Description: This tour provides a detailed peak behind the theme park magic, including access to the legendary underground Utilidors. The behind-the-scenes adventure begins at Epcot theme park and continues backstage at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and Magic Kingdom theme park. From the massive Disney Florist facilities to the ingeniously designed North Service area, you will get a rare glimpse of astounding effort it takes to maintain Walt Disney World Resort.
Days & Times: Mon thru Fri at 9:00 am
Duration: 7 hours
Price Range: $219 per person
Park Admission: Not Required (or included). Lunch at Whispering Canyon Café inside Disney's Wilderness Lodge included
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up; photo ID required
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window at 8:45 am. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Disney's Yuletide Fantasy Tour (Seasonal)
Description: Tour behind the scenes at Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Grand Floridian to learn how holiday Magic is created at Disney World. You'll also get a visit to the visit to the Holiday Services warehouse where holiday decorations are stored. Wireless headsets help to hear your guide in crowded areas. Transportation from location to location is by bus. No cameras in backstage areas.
Days & Times: Mon thru Sat at 9:00 am & 1:30 pm, late November thru December. No Christmas day tours.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price Range: $79 per person, includes a special holiday gift and snacks.
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up
Starting Location: Report to Epcot Guest Relations window outside of park entrance. Walking tour is both indoors and outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
VIP Guided Tour Services
Description: VIP Tour Services offers personalized tours for up to 10 guests looking for the perfect Walt Disney World Resort vacation. From the moment you arrive, your personal VIP guide is there to take care of everything—from creating your ideal itinerary to getting you the best seats in the house for live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars.
Days & Times: Anytime of day, 6 hours prior to park closing.
Duration: Minimum of 6 hours or more
Price Range: $175 to $315 per hour. Private transportation is available at an additional cost. Hefty cancellation fees apply.
Park Admission: Required
Location: Available for Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot
To Reserve: Call (407) 560-4033 up to 90 days in advance. Must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance.
Back to top
Resort Tours & Experiences
Wilderness Back Trail (Segway) Adventure
Description: See the the stunning surroundings of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort along back wooded trails on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. Various terrains are encountered such as sand and wood chip paths as well as various wildlife. Training is provided before tour and helmets are provided. Mid-tour there is a stop at the Tri-Circle D Ranch. Bring cameras.
Days & Times: Tues, Fri, Sat at 8:30 am & 11:30 am. No Disney transportation is provided for the 8:30 am tour. For the later tour use Disney's internal transportation from any park or Downtown Disney to Fort Wilderness parking; you will need to transfer at the parking lot to a Fort Wilderness bus.
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $85 per person, includes bottled water.
Park Admission: Not Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions.
Starting Location: Report to Mickey's Backyard BBQ Pavilion in Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground 15 minutes prior. Tour is both indoors & outdoors.
Discounts: AP, Disney Visa, DVC, AAA (with AAA package booking only)
To Reserve: Call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
Read First-hand Reports on this Tour
Wanyama Safari
Description: Tour the savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge with members of the Lodge's animal programs team as your guides. You'll board special viewing vehicles that allow you stand up to get a better look. You'll also have the opportunity to take unique photos.
Days & Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat; Afternoon departure
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $210 per Adult (ages 10+) $105 per Child (ages 3-9 yrs), includes a sampler dinner feast AKL's award winning Jiko restaurant.
Park Admission: Not applicable
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up. Available only to guests of Animal Kingdom Lodge or Villas. Limited to 512 guests
Starting Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge
Discounts: Not applicable
To Reserve: Call Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755. May be reserved 90 days in advance with a credit card guarantee. 48-hour cancellation policy without penalty.
Read First-hand Reports on this Tour
The Floral Experience
Description: The Floral Experience is an interactive activity where experts from Walt Disney World Florist and Gift Baskets reveal the tricks of their trade and teach you the beauty of floral arrangements. Aside from learning these new tricks, you will also be designing a Disney-themed floral arrangement to take home. The class is held at Community Hall at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
Days & Times: Wed at 2:30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $50 per person
Park Admission: Not applicable
Restrictions: All ages are welcome but a supervising adult must accompany children.
Starting Location: Community Hall at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Discounts: DVC
To Reserve: To register and confirm location, call 407-WDW-PLAY or 407-827-3505. You must register at least 24 hours in advance to confirm your supplies for this fun experience.
Back to top
Updated Oct 27, 2009
|