*NikkiBell*
Livin’ that DVC & AP life!
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A Walk in Walts Footsteps Tour
A Review by Nicole
As a Walt Disney World veteran, I have always enjoyed going on backstage tours to learn more about the parks and how they are run. Upon confirming reservations for my first trip to Disneyland, I didnt know what to expect and thought a tour might be the best way to become familiar with the park itself. In doing so, I decided to take A Walk in Walts Footsteps, a three and a half hour guided tour focusing on the history of Walts first theme park.
We arrived at the park just before 9 a.m. at the new Guided Tours booth just to the left of the main entrance. Our tour began at 9:30, but my traveling companion and I wanted to be there early. Theres nothing worse than rushing around a Disney theme park.
A very nice cast member took my name and gave us paper tickets for the tour. These were nothing different from the standard one-day park hopper ticket Disneyland uses. He told my friend and me to come back in about ten minutes to check-in and select our lunch option. This gave us the opportunity to explore Main Street a bit. Disneyland is beautiful early in the morning. It was a nice treat to see the park upon its awakening: horse-drawn streetcars click-clacking on the pavement, jovial smiles from cast members, and vehicles of yesteryear honking and beeping Good Morning to everyone strolling by.
Once some time passed, we went back to the tour booth to officially check-in. The same cast member assisted us and gave us badges. These were a nice touch as they displayed a drawing of the famous Partners statue that greets guest as they walk towards both the castle in Walt Disney World and the one Disneyland. We were also given several options to pick from for our included lunch ranging from a salad to various sandwiches. We both decided upon the smoked-turkey and cheese sandwich on honey wheat, a bag of chips, and bottled water. Freshly made cookies from the bakery were also included.
After selecting our meals, we were directed to a charming waiting area that had pretty tables and chairs. A few other tour-goers arrived and soon enough so did our tour guide. We were given the standard audio equipment that accompanies so many of the backstage tours in both Florida and California. On this tour, though, they were going to provide a much more important effect than just amplifying the guides voice. Instead, they would allow us to hear Walt Disney himself describe areas of the park as we visited them and provide themed traveling music along the way.
Our tour began after a quick sound check. Our guide first explained the significance behind Disneylands Main Street, USA, which is modeled after Walts beloved hometown of Marceline, Missouri during the early 1900s (for a sweet nostalgic treat, be sure to visit Marcelines Confectionary in Downtown Disney). Soon enough, we found ourselves standing at the very spot Walt gave the dedication speech on opening day. As if this wasnt enough, after examining a beautiful plaque with his famous words To all who come to this happy place welcome. Disneyland is your land , Walt Disneys voice filled our ears. The entire speech was played on our audio equipment quickly bringing many in our group to tears and causing an instant outbreak of goose bumps.
Without giving too much away, we continued exploring Main Street including the various windows dedicated to those who contributed to Disneyland in some way. This included Walts father, Elias Disney, Marty Skylar, and the Sherman Brothers. As we walked, music reminiscent of the time period played, and Walt continued to narrate from select locations.
After Main Street, we visited Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and New Orleans Square. Our guide was quick to point out hidden gems of these lands and answer our questions. One highlight was spending a good deal of time at Club 33, an exclusive and private restaurant designed by Walt himself. We were able to spend time both in and outside of the restaurant while learning of its unique history. My chills and feelings of awe were only enhanced when I noticed the incredible portrait of Walt on a far wall in the lobby. It was at this point that I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
Our tour concluded after spending some time on the Disneyland Railroad, taking a cruise through the Jungle, and examining some pretty delicate artifacts in the Enchanted Tiki Room (not to mention stopping for a Dole Whip treat). We returned to the tour booth on Main Street and enjoyed lunch on the nearby patio with our tour guide. I found it to be far better than other meals given on tours before and very filling. We were also given a beautiful pin to commemorate the experience.
I cannot say enough about the Walk in Walts Footsteps tour. From the accompanying audio to the knowledge of the tour guide to the surprises along the way, everything was as it should be. I highly recommend stopping at The Disney Gallery after the tour where you can view original artist renderings and plans for the park. Theres also a large collection of photographs showing the Imagineers and Walt Disney himself on the site as it was being built.
The Walk in Walts Footsteps tour is given seven days a week during the summer season at Disneyland Park. There are two tours scheduled per day, 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on whether or not you are an Annual Passholder, Disney VISA cardholder, or Disney Vacation Club member all of which entitle you to a 20% discount. The standard price at this time is $64.00 per adult. Please note that this tour is not recommended for children.
A Review by Nicole
As a Walt Disney World veteran, I have always enjoyed going on backstage tours to learn more about the parks and how they are run. Upon confirming reservations for my first trip to Disneyland, I didnt know what to expect and thought a tour might be the best way to become familiar with the park itself. In doing so, I decided to take A Walk in Walts Footsteps, a three and a half hour guided tour focusing on the history of Walts first theme park.
We arrived at the park just before 9 a.m. at the new Guided Tours booth just to the left of the main entrance. Our tour began at 9:30, but my traveling companion and I wanted to be there early. Theres nothing worse than rushing around a Disney theme park.
A very nice cast member took my name and gave us paper tickets for the tour. These were nothing different from the standard one-day park hopper ticket Disneyland uses. He told my friend and me to come back in about ten minutes to check-in and select our lunch option. This gave us the opportunity to explore Main Street a bit. Disneyland is beautiful early in the morning. It was a nice treat to see the park upon its awakening: horse-drawn streetcars click-clacking on the pavement, jovial smiles from cast members, and vehicles of yesteryear honking and beeping Good Morning to everyone strolling by.
Once some time passed, we went back to the tour booth to officially check-in. The same cast member assisted us and gave us badges. These were a nice touch as they displayed a drawing of the famous Partners statue that greets guest as they walk towards both the castle in Walt Disney World and the one Disneyland. We were also given several options to pick from for our included lunch ranging from a salad to various sandwiches. We both decided upon the smoked-turkey and cheese sandwich on honey wheat, a bag of chips, and bottled water. Freshly made cookies from the bakery were also included.
After selecting our meals, we were directed to a charming waiting area that had pretty tables and chairs. A few other tour-goers arrived and soon enough so did our tour guide. We were given the standard audio equipment that accompanies so many of the backstage tours in both Florida and California. On this tour, though, they were going to provide a much more important effect than just amplifying the guides voice. Instead, they would allow us to hear Walt Disney himself describe areas of the park as we visited them and provide themed traveling music along the way.
Our tour began after a quick sound check. Our guide first explained the significance behind Disneylands Main Street, USA, which is modeled after Walts beloved hometown of Marceline, Missouri during the early 1900s (for a sweet nostalgic treat, be sure to visit Marcelines Confectionary in Downtown Disney). Soon enough, we found ourselves standing at the very spot Walt gave the dedication speech on opening day. As if this wasnt enough, after examining a beautiful plaque with his famous words To all who come to this happy place welcome. Disneyland is your land , Walt Disneys voice filled our ears. The entire speech was played on our audio equipment quickly bringing many in our group to tears and causing an instant outbreak of goose bumps.
Without giving too much away, we continued exploring Main Street including the various windows dedicated to those who contributed to Disneyland in some way. This included Walts father, Elias Disney, Marty Skylar, and the Sherman Brothers. As we walked, music reminiscent of the time period played, and Walt continued to narrate from select locations.
After Main Street, we visited Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and New Orleans Square. Our guide was quick to point out hidden gems of these lands and answer our questions. One highlight was spending a good deal of time at Club 33, an exclusive and private restaurant designed by Walt himself. We were able to spend time both in and outside of the restaurant while learning of its unique history. My chills and feelings of awe were only enhanced when I noticed the incredible portrait of Walt on a far wall in the lobby. It was at this point that I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
Our tour concluded after spending some time on the Disneyland Railroad, taking a cruise through the Jungle, and examining some pretty delicate artifacts in the Enchanted Tiki Room (not to mention stopping for a Dole Whip treat). We returned to the tour booth on Main Street and enjoyed lunch on the nearby patio with our tour guide. I found it to be far better than other meals given on tours before and very filling. We were also given a beautiful pin to commemorate the experience.
I cannot say enough about the Walk in Walts Footsteps tour. From the accompanying audio to the knowledge of the tour guide to the surprises along the way, everything was as it should be. I highly recommend stopping at The Disney Gallery after the tour where you can view original artist renderings and plans for the park. Theres also a large collection of photographs showing the Imagineers and Walt Disney himself on the site as it was being built.
The Walk in Walts Footsteps tour is given seven days a week during the summer season at Disneyland Park. There are two tours scheduled per day, 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on whether or not you are an Annual Passholder, Disney VISA cardholder, or Disney Vacation Club member all of which entitle you to a 20% discount. The standard price at this time is $64.00 per adult. Please note that this tour is not recommended for children.
) so we had to leave before that happened. Kind of a switch for us. I'm usually the one that wants to buy something. 
Anyway, I highly recommend that gallery too!
So, that wasn't part of the tour. We just rode the railroad for a couple stops.
