disney back stage tours

Back Stage Tours & Tickets of Other Walt Disney World Attractions

by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on November 19, 2008

In our series of Back Stage Tours & Tickets of Disney Word, we’ve covered Magic Kingdom’s Back Stage Tours, Epcot’s Back Stage Tours and Animal Kingdom’s Back Stage Tours. There’s only a few other tours left to cover that are a specific tour to one of Walt Disney’s Attractions not previously covered, or, they are a seasonal tour to one of the attractions covered.

The Floral Experience Back Stage Tour

If you’re into flowers and flower arranging, then this back stage tour is just for you! Disney World allows visitors to create their own Disney themed floral arrangement to take home with them, just keep in mind the arrangements will vary by the season and availability of the flowers and plants used to create the arrangements. This behind the scenes event takes place at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and is $50. All ages are welcome, as well as there’s a special discount for Disney Vacation Club members, and admission is not included nor required.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Back Stage Tour

Get ready for a backstage tour of the trails of Disney World’s Ft. Wilderness via a Segway! This unique 2 hour tour gives you the behind the scenes ins and outs of one of Walt Disney World’s more unique attractions. The tour runs $85 per person and there are some restrictions on this tour. Minimum age 16 with the signature of parent or guardian required for ages 16 & 17 and a strict 250 lb maximum weight restriction is followed. Helmets are required for this tour and Disney World does provide them. The Wilderness Backtrail Adventure Segway Tour runs at two times on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Yuletide Fantasy Backstage Tour

Christmas time in Magic Kingdom, Epcot & Disney Resorts is probably one of the most magical time of year at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. By taking this tour you’ll get a behind the scenes look at how holiday Magic is created at Disney World. Visitors on this tour get to see how the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a scene from Currier & Ives, how the Disney Resorts are dressed up and decorated during this special time of year, and how Epcot captures the international flavor of the different cultures and their traditions in celebrating the holidays. At the end of this 3 and a half hour walking tour, you’ll receive a special holiday gift from Disney World. The price of this unique seasonal back stage tour is $69 per person, and it starts at the guest relations window outside of Epcot. Admission to the parks is neither required nor included. The Yuletide Fantasy Back Stage Tour starts at 9:00am Monday through Saturday from November 27th to December 30th, there are no tours on Sundays or Christmas Day.

Animal Kingdom Back Stage Tours & Tickets

by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on November 16, 2008

The next theme park we’re going to look at in our Back Stage Tours of Disney World is Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is a huge park, mostly consisting of grounds for the animals to live on. Animal Kingdom in Disney World, Orlando, Florida has a few interesting behind the scenes tours of this park that you can purchase.

Wild By Design Tour

This three hour tour lets you in on the secrets of how Animal Kingdom’s designers combined authentic architecture, ethnic art and artifacts and a story line to create the parks special appeal. This tour costs $60 and admission to Animal Kingdom is required. Wild By Design start at 8:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Tour guests must be at least 14 years of age to go on the Wild by Design Tour. Discounts for this tour are available for AP, DVC, AAA DiamondDisney Visa members.

Backstage Safari Tour

Explore the where the animals are kept, meet the park safari/zoo keepers and learned how the animals are cared for in Animal Kingdom on this 3 hour tour. Tour visitors will be able to tour the backstage area of the Veterinary Care Hospital at Conservation Station and the visit the nutrition center where the animals’ food is prepared. The tour wraps up with a special tour through Kilimanjaro Safaris. There are two tours 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Backstage Safari Tour costs $70 in addition to your admission to Animal Kingdom. To attend this backstage tour, attendees must be at least 16 years of age. The tour starts at Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom.

Wanyama Safari Tour

The Wanyama Safari Tour is an exclusive tour offered to guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. On this three hour behind the scenes experience, attendees get an opportunity to tour with members of the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s animal programs team. Discover how Animal Kingdom developed the resort’s safaris and get a glimpse into what goes into maintaining the animals in a resort environment. Make sure that you bring your camera too, guests get an opportunity to take unique photos from the resort’s Savannas. Following your in-depth tour, guests get to have dinner at Jiko – The Cooking Place, the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s award winning restaurant. Make sure you book this tour early as it is limited to only 12 guests. While admission to Animal Kingdom isn’t required for this tour, there is specfic pricing for it – Concierge Level: $160 ages 10 and up, $80 Ages 8-9; All other rooms $210 ages 10 and up, $105 ages 8-9. The tour runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the afternoon.

Wildlife Discovery Excursion Tour

Take a trip into the the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. An animal expert is your guide for this fun safari ride. Tour guests get to visit special observation and photo ops exclusive to the Wildlife Discovery Excursion Tour. This is a 1 hour tour that is exclusive to concierge level guests at all Disney Resorts. The tour costs $45 and Animal Kingdom admission is required for this tour. The Wildlife Discovery Excursion Tour is for ages 3 and up and runs Tuesday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Sunrise Safari Tour

Another exclusive tour to guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level. IF you get to attend the Sunrise Safari, you’ll get an in depth look at the daily operation of the Animal Kingdom theme park. The tour includes a 30 minutes safari ride and breakfast at the Pizzafari restaurant. This two hour tour (including breakfast) runs $58.58 ages 10 and up, $29.29 ages 3-10 and runs Thursdays and Sundays at 7:00 a.m. Admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is required for this tour, too.

Epcot Back Stage Tours & Tickets

by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on November 11, 2008

In our series of Disney World Back Stage Tours & Tickets, last post we covered the Back Stage Tours of Magic Kingdom that you can take while you are visiting Disneyworld. No matter if it’s your first time there or your 20th, these tours definitely give you an entirely different perspective on how the magic is created in Disney World’s theme parks. This post we’re going to talk about the Back Stage Tours at Epcot in Orlando, Florida.

Behind the Seeds Tour

Ever wonder how greenhouses turn out such beautiful flowers and plants? How about how farmers produce so much produce? Well the Behind the Seeds tour can give you a peek into just how all this works. Visitors to this tour get to take a 45 minute behind the scenes walking tour of the “Living with the Land” attractions in Epcot. If you decided to take this tour you’ll get to take part in You’ll take part in a herb/spice sensory challenge, fish feeding, veggie taste test, fish feeding, lady bug release, apparently there’s also something to do with alligators, too but we won’t ruin the surprise. This tour is $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 9, plus your Epcot admission. The Behind the Seeds Tour leaves from the desk next to the Soarin’ attraction in The Land pavilion every 45 minutes daily starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. While reservations are encouraged, visitors wanting to take this tour can just show up the same day.

Epcot Dive Quest Tour

Love to Scuba Dive? Visiting Epcot? Well you might want to think about taking some time out for the Epcot Dive Quest tour. This tour gives guests a a behind the scenes look at the operation of the Living Seas followed by a 40-minute dive in the 6 million gallon aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. You’ll get to swim with sea turtles, sharks, hundreds of colorful fish and over 60 other species of marine animals. Guests between 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Jr. SCUBA certification is required for younger guests. Adults are also required to have SCUBA certification. All equipment is provided including buoyancy compensator, weightbelt, fins, mask, tank, and a 2.5mm shorty wetsuit. Guest are allowed to bring their own mask. You’ll also have access to changing rooms with showers, so make sure to bring your own swimsuit. This tour is $150, Epcot admission is not included nor required for this tour. It is offered daily at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Around the Word at Epcot Tour

Segway Human Transporters are your mode of transportation on this two hour tour of the Word Showcase at Epcot. This tour has become one of the most popular at Epcot. You’ll get the behind the scenes view of the World Showcase and the different things that make it so unique. The tour does have a weight restriction of 250 pounds. Children ages 6-17 may go on this tour but must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver. The tour is $95 per person and runs rout times daily at 7:45 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9: a.m. and 9:30 a.m and leaves from the Epcot Innoventions area. Entrance to Epcot is required for this tour.

Dolphins in Depth Tour

Get up and close those beautiful dolphins you see in Epcot with the Dolphins in Depth back stage tour. Guests get a glimpse into dolphin behavior, and training with a chance to enter the water with this astonishing creatures. The Dolphins in Depth tour runs three hours in length and includes a souvenir t-shirt and photo. Although no swimming is required for this tour, you are told to bring a swimsuit. Guests must be 13 years or older to participate in this tour, however ages 13-17 must have a parent or legal guardian participating with them on this tour. This tour runs on Weekdays – Monday through Friday at 9:45 a.m. and is $150. Entrance fees into Epcot is not required, however it is not included with the tour price either.

The Undiscovered Future World Tour

Get an indepth view of the vision and history of Epcot on this 4 1/2 hour behind the scenes tour. Get the scoop on each pavillion in Epcot, as well as getting a peek backstage. Guests are also treated to a behind the scenes look at the Epcot marina where the Illuminations fireworks show goes on each night at Epcot. This tour run $49 plus your admission to Epcot. The Undiscovered Future World back stage tour starts 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and attendees must be over 16 to attend the tour.

Seas Aqua Tour

Get behind the scenes at the The Seas with Nemo & Friends attraction. This 2 1/2 hour back stage tour gives tour attendees a chance to explore the 6 million gallon aquarium for 30 minutes using a supplied air snorkle. With your $115 fee for the back stage Seas Aqua tour you’ll get a t-shirt, a group photo and the gear. You’ll need to bring a bathing suit, and guests ages 8 and older can participate, although guests 8-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Admission to Epcot is neither included nor required.

Magic Kingdom’s Back Stage Tours & Tickets

by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on November 8, 2008

Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida offers a wide array of back stage tours that allow visitors to the park to get an exclusive behind the scenes look at how Magic Kingdom makes it fun and magic. From the trains to the subterranean tunnels, we’ve got the scoop on the back stage and behind the scenes tours at Disney World. This biggest tip we have to offer about going on these tours is to call ahead and book early to the Disney Tours number – 407-WDW-TOUR. There are discounts available for AAA, AP, DVC and Disney Visa Members on all tours, some tours offer Military discounts as well.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Of all the behind the scenes tours at Disney World, this one’s considered the best in Magic Kingdom. Visitors start at City Hall for their 4 1/2 hour tour through the park to learn about all of the hidden secrets and the history that surrounds Magic Kingdom. Tour attendees visit the Utilidors which are the tunnels below the park, and the Production Center where all those magical floats line up for the daily Magic Kingdom parade. Attendees also get the behind the scenes look at three of the Magic Kingdom’s attractions. This tours is $60 plus you also must have a park ticket, but the tour does include lunch. Tour attendees must be at least 16 years old. You must pre-register for this tour since it sells out everyday, to ensure that you can take the tour. Tours leave City Hall at 8:30 am., 9:00 a.m., and 9:30 a.m.

Backstage Magic

This is pretty much an all day tour that shows you all of the ins and outs of Magic Kingdom as well as Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. For 7 1/2 hours tour attendees get a view of the behind the scenes artistic and technical creations at each park, including the the Utilidors (those subterrean tunnels) at Magic Kingdom. The tour is $199.00 per person and you do not need purchase a park admission for this tour. Lunch is included, and guests much be 16 years of age or older to attend.

Disney’s Family Magic Tour

Fun for the whole family! This scavenger hunt style tour features Disney Trivia, so put your thinking cap on and brush up on all your Disney World knowledge. This tour is a short one compared to Behind the Scenes and Backstage Magic, at only 2 1/2 hours. The tour is $27.00 per person, plus you must have purchased your Magic Kingdom park admission. This tour starts daily at 10 a.m. and guest on this tour must be 3 years old or older.

Mickey’s Magic Milestone Tour

Wondering what inspired the creation of Mickey Mouse? Well take the Mickey’s Magical Milestones tour and get treated to a 2 hour spin around Magic Kingdom to learn about it all. Guests get to visit park attractions and special locations associated with Mickey Mouse’s famous career. The tour cost $25 plus your admission to Magic Kingdom. This tour begins at 9:00 a.m. but Disney world suggest arriving at 8:45 a.m., and this tour only runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To attend this tour, guests must be 10 or older, it begins at the garden adjacent to City Hall.

The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour

Ever wonder how Disney gets those wondrous steam trains to work like finely tuned machines? Well take the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour and you can find out how it all works! Starting early in the morning, for three hours tour attendees get to hang out with the steam train crew and see how they prepare the trains for operation each day. Guests get to check out the engine cab, visit the roundhouse where the trains are stored each night and learn all about Walt Disney’s love and fascination of steam trains. This tour cost $40 plus your admission to Magic Kingdom. It begins at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. To attend this tour, guests must be 10 years or older.

Walt Disney World’s Back Stage Tours & Tickets

by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on November 7, 2008

All over the different theme parks that make up Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, is something rather unique that most common theme parks don’t do. Disney World allows visitors special access to the “Behind the Scenes” or the “Back Stage Tours” of the workings of the parks, and special tours of the major attractions.

There are all sorts of back stage tours that range in pricing as well. Some do not even require Disney World park admission when paying for the back stage tour, and some might even include lunch. If you are planning a trip to Disneyworld, you might want to consider setting a day a side to take one of these very special tours. If this isn’t your first time to Disney World, this would probably be a best bet! The behind the scenes tours at Disney world can give you a totally different view of what goes on at the parks ad how the inner workings of some of your favorite rides, events shows and the Disney World parks themselves work.

Disney lists out all of the behind the scenes tours on their Tour’s Page, describing what’s involved in each tour, length of time each tour is, pricing, and what’s included with the price. Be sure to check out the pricing and inclusions fully since some of these tours require that you must also purchase an admission ticket to the park and whether a meal is included with it or not.

We’ll be doing a series highlighting each of the back stage tours that you can take for each of the 4 themes parks in Disney World in Orlando, Florida, so stay tuned, we’ve got a lot more Fun in Disney World to talk about!