5. Grab the Keys to the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom)
Many Disney fans will know that the Magic Kingdom's rides and attractions aren't actually situated at ground level. Instead, an immense network of utility corridors ("utilidors") was constructed before the park opened, and then covered over with earth that was excavated from the Seven Seas Lagoon. The theme park itself sits on top of them. The utilidors are generally off-limits to guests, and most visitors to the Magic Kingdom don't even know that they are there. But it is possible to explore them as part of an organised tour. The Keys to the Kingdom tour, which includes visits to several other backstage areas of the Magic Kingdom, features a trip down into the utilidors. More details, pricing and reservations
4. Discover how Disney tells its stories (Disneyland Paris)
The stronger of the two tours on offer at the Disneyland Resort Paris focuses on Disneyland Park, and runs for two hours. Some elements are largely borrowed from stateside tours, focusing on what inspired Walt Disney and how those stories and told in the park. However, there is a unique perspective on Disneyland Paris, too. The park's architecture is actually quite different from the other Magic Kingdom-style parks in places, and the tour explains what inspired the various buildings and structures. More details, pricing and reservations
3. Find out what's behind the seeds (Epcot)
Epcot's The Land pavilion includes working laboratories and greenhouses, and you can find out what goes on inside them by taking the hour-long Behind the Seeds tour. This includes a look at the weirdest hidden Cast Members of Walt Disney World - the millions of insects that are released each year by Disney to control populations of pests such as mosquitos and aphids. You'll also take a look at a fish farm, where you'll find thousands of fish and even alligators. More details, pricing and reservations
2. Learn some history...in Japanese (Tokyo Disneyland)
Just like Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland offers a tour that focuses on the origins of Disney theme parks, and how Walt Disney conceived the concept. However, it also includes specific information about the park itself and its attractions. There's just one problem: it's only offered in Japanese. You'll need to bring a discrete translator to enjoy this one, unless you happen to speak the language. More details, pricing and reservations
1. Enjoy some Backstage Magic (Walt Disney World)
This monster of a tour offers an extensive look at all four theme parks at Walt Disney World, and extends on for a full SEVEN HOURS. At Epcot, you'll head into the American Adventure, to learn how the incredibly complicated audio-animatronics show was put together. At the Magic Kingdom, you'll discover hidden details on Main Street, USA, and then head down into the underground Utilidors. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, you'll get an insider look at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, as well as a peek at Disney's Creative Costuming department. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, you'll head behind the scenes of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. But the tour doesn't only encompass the theme parks. You'll also head to the Central Shops, where skilled craftspeople create landscaping details and other theming elements. And you'll check out the Walt Disney World Nursery and Tree Farm, where horticulture Cast Members grow the plants that are used to landscape the resort. More details, pricing and reservations
Comments
I just took the Walking in Walt's Footsteps tour back in early Nov. Unfortunately Walt's apartment was being renovated so we didn't get to go see it. We did get to tour the Dream Suite though, which was cool. I had read, I think on one of these posts, that you got to go into the lobby of Club 33. While the new one is complete that was not the case. They pointed out the window to the place from in front of the French Market and that was all. It was an interesting tour but for Disney "nerds" like me, I already knew about 80% of the info they shared. I will try another tour someday though, it was fun.
DiveQuest at Living Seas is my favorite "backstage" tour. We've done it several times, and there's always more to see and learn. And the dive is a 10+.
I agree that some tours are OK to have for guests, but I certainly disagree wholeheartedly with 'utilidor' tours. I have been a former Disney cast member (on 2 different occasions). There is, and should be, an element of 'mystery' as to how Disney does some things in their operation. For some, this 'mystery' as to how these 'magical' things happen will always be special. It sure was for me. Fortunately, having worked there for 4 years (both in the park, and in Main Entrance Operations), the magic is still there for me. But I have to imagine that for some of those that take these tours, the lustre is somewhat lost. Yes, it's nice to know all you can about Disney. But can't there still be a bit of wonder about it all? Is Disney so desperate to make that extra dollar that they had to go this route? I'd bet if Walt were still around, there'd be NO way he'd let guests go down and tour everything. From what I hear, things (the changes they're making now) are really bringing things down. What a shame.
I have been on this tour and am also a Cast Member. Actually you see very little of the utilidor and it is the last part of the tour. You have to be at least 16 years old also so the "magic" is not taken away from children. I took my grown daughter , who had been curious about "backstage" and she loved it.