Want to experience a different side of the Walt Disney World Resort? A variety of unique Backstage Tours and Experiences are available. Reservations are required for most tours. Unless noted otherwise, tours can be reserved 60 days in advance with a credit card. Full payment is due at the time of booking. Cancellation must occur 48 hours in advance so you avoid forfeiting the entire price of your tour. Park admission is also required for most, but not all tours. A photo ID will usually be required when checking in. Many tours have a small number of guests touring each day, so book early to get the date you desire. Photographs are prohibited in backstage areas. Use the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for reservations, unless otherwise noted.
Magic Kingdom Tours Epcot Tours Animal Kingdom Tours Multi-Park Tours Resort Tours
Magic Kingdom Backstage Tours and Experiences
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and also provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park. Includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions, plus a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. Guests will be provided with Disney issued listening devices.
Days & Times: 4 tours daily at 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:30 am
Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours
Price Range: $129-$149 per person, plus tax; includes lunch at Pecos Bill.
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Also, cameras, video equipment and cell phones may not be used throughout the duration of this tour. Photography is prohibited during the tour–even in the park.
Starting Location: Report to Town Square Theater 15 minutes prior. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
EPCOT Backstage Tours and Experiences
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 2,000 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 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours, of which 40 minutes are underwater
Price Range: $229-$249 per person, plus tax
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: All Guests must be SCUBA-certified and 10 years of age or older to participate. However, guests 10 to 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years of age or older). You will need to provide proof of certification, such as a C-card or verification from a certifying agency.
Starting Location: Report to EPCOT Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance 15 minutes prior
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website.
Dolphins in Depth
Guests can learn about and get up close with a school of dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. First, 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 which is also perfect for pictures. Although not required, 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. This experience is limited to 8 participants a day.
Days & Times: Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 am
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $209 per person, plus tax
Park Admission: Not Required (or included)
Restrictions: Guests must be 48″ tall, however 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: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website.
Behind the Seeds at EPCOT
See the future of agriculture in greenhouses and labs, release lady bugs and also 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. Due to the backstage locations visited on this tour, videotaping is allowed. Read a first-hand report about this tour on our blog. See a special souvenir you can take home from this tour!
Days & Times: Daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, departing every 60 minutes.
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $39-$45 per Guest (ages 3+), plus tax
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 3 and up however children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Starting Location: Report to the tour desk on the lower level of the Land pavilion (near Soarin’) prior to your tour. Walking tour is indoors.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Animal Kingdom Park Backstage Tours and Experiences
Wild Africa Trek
Wild Africa Trek is an immersive experience offering a unique opportunity to enjoy unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve while experiencing with intriguing African wildlife. While trained guides lead, begin in the Safi River valley where expedition harnesses allow for crossing precarious rope bridges. Enjoy up-close views of Nile hippos and crocodiles. Continue along the edge of an African savannah, and board a specialized vehicle for an exclusive safari, including a stop at a private safari camp. Guests will use a wireless headset in order to hear the guide at all times. Cameras and video cameras are allowed if securely fastened to the vest but no backpacks are allowed. Lockers will be available for Guest to leave their personal belongings while on the tour. A portion of the Tour price is also donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
Days & Times: Daily at select times during the morning and early afternoon. 12 spaces are available each tour, so reserve your spot early. Approximate times are 8:45 am, 10:15 am, 11:45 am, and 12:30 pm.
Duration: 3 hours
Price Range: $219-$229 per person, plus tax; includes African-inspired snack and photographs
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up (however under 18 must be accompanied by an adult); Weight restrictions between 45 lbs – 300 lbs apply with harness gear on; Minimum Height 48″/122 cm. Guests will be required to step on scale prior to harness issue. Also, certain body shapes may prevent the safety harness from fitting properly. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots required due to the rugged terrain on the tour. No flip-flops will be allowed.
Everyone will wear safety equipment that is issued on the tour. Wild Africa Trek is an outdoor physical journey requiring stamina, surefootedness and comfort with heights. Guests should also be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate due to the requirements of the tour. There are no bathroom breaks for 2 hours. Waivers must be completed at check in for all participants.
Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs. Basically, the first 90 minutes is spent with a guide on the Pangani Trail with information, photos and possible special happenings. Guests on the restricted tour then join the regular tour on the Safari Truck and continue to do the remainder of the regular Tour. The price is the same for either version of the tour.
Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%) (all discounts might not be available for all tours)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Caring for Giants Tour
Get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and learn what it takes to care for them.
During this tour, you’ll meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of the African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants. In addition, African cultural representatives will share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of wild populations. During the tour, Guests will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away. You’ll have the opportunity to be closer to the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.
This is primarily an outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Days & Times: Daily from 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Price Range: $39 per person plus tax
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 4 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Up Close with Rhinos Tour
Get ready for your close-up with the white rhinoceros. In this guided adventure, the rhinos’ keepers will take you backstage to meet these massive creatures as few people ever do. As your guides introduce you to the park’s white rhinos, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.
This is primarily an outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Days & Times: Daily at 11:00 a.m.
Duration: approximately 1 hour
Price Range: $49 per person plus tax
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 4 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Savor the Savanna
Excite all your senses with a private tour and experience, starting with a secluded overlook of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, including a sampling of African-inspired cuisine and drink.
This is primarily an outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Days & Times: Daily at 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm
Duration: approximately 2 hour
Price Range: $189-$199 per person plus tax
Park Admission: Required but not included
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.
Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Multi-Park Backstage Tours and Experiences
VIP Guided Tour Services
VIP Tour Services offers personalized tours for up to 10 guests looking for the perfect Walt Disney World Resort vacation. During a VIP tour, 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. During your time with your guide, your focus is only on enjoying the experience.
Days & Times: Anytime of day, 7 hours prior to park closing.
Duration: Minimum of 7 hours or more
Price Range: $450 to $900 per hour, plus tax (depending upon time of year and whether guest is staying at a Disney resort or non-Disney resort hotel). Private transportation is available during the tour at an additional cost. Hefty cancellation fees apply (equivalent to 2-hours at the booked rate).
Park Admission: Required but not included
Location: Available for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot
To Reserve: Call (407) 560-4033 up to 60 days in advance. Must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance.
Resort Backstage Tours and Experiences
Wilderness Back Trail (Segway) Adventure
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 also a stop at the Tri-Circle D Ranch. Also, guests should bring cameras. Class size is limited to 10 guests, so book early to ensure availability.
Days & Times: Tues – Sat at 8:30 am . No Disney transportation is provided for the 8:30 am tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $90-$99 per person, plus tax; includes bottled water.
Park Admission: Not Required
Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian also required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and also those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions. Helmets provided and required. Flip-flops, sandals or rocker/exercise-type shoes (e.g., Skechers Shape-Ups) will not be permitted as these are not compatible with the Segway.
Starting Location: Report to Meadows Bike Barn in Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground 15 minutes prior. Tour is both indoors & outdoors.
Discounts: DVC (15%), Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.
Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Description: During your safari, join an Animal Programs cast member on an hour-long safari of the Sunset Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Through the use of night vision goggles, guests will see the animals while enjoying resort in a whole new way.
Days & Times: Daily at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $75.65-$89 per person.
Park Admission: Not applicable
Restrictions: Ages 8 and up.
Starting Location: Kidani Village
Discounts: DVC (15%), Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)
To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website.
** Walt Disney World Backstage Tours and Experiences are subject to change. **