Around the World at Epcot on a Segway

[KyleRayner]

I just heard about this tour that takes place at Epcot and that DVC Members get a 15% discount on the price of the tour which is $80 per person. The tour lasts for 2 hours and you get lessons on how to use the Segway for the 1st hour and the 2nd hour you get to ride around World Showcase on a Segway before it opens to the public.

I was just curious if anyone has tried this yet, and if so, could they give their opinion on it and share some details of their experience(s).

 

[Caskbill]

Yes, my brother and I did this Summer 2004 and it was great. There are many on the DVC board who have done this and have posted on other threads in the past.

Basically you're correct, one hour of training and one hour through World Showcase. The training involves basic Segway controls, moving, stopping, turning, going up/down small ramps.

The Showcase tour is basically follow the leader (tour guide) through many of the large and small paths found around the different 'Lands'. Some of them are a little tricky and the training really pays off.

You stop for awhile for a photo-op session, and 'free' time where you may just ride the Segway around in an open area, just for the fun of it. On the way back, when you get into the areas of Epcot that are open, it's fun to listen to the comments of guests who see you go by. Probably the most common one we heard was that we were CM 'trainees' of some kind. Very few people really know it's a tour.

If you're interested, definitely go for it. Riding the Segway is easy once you get the basic hang of it. When we finished, they gave us a special Disney Pin, basically Epcot with a little Segway that actually slides left and right on the pin.

This is how it was for us 18 months ago. I'm sure if it's different now someone else will post. We'll be doing it again sometime on a future trip. Maybe this time I'll get DW to try it......

 

[LoveMickey]

We also tried this tour. It was the best. I was a bit nervous that I would not be able to "do it", but I had no problems what so ever.

Someone did mention, make sure you keep flexing your knees - so they do not stiffen up on you.

It was great, I highly recommend it.

 

[WDWLVR]

We did it in May 2004 and had a great time! The training part was good but the best part was going into World Showcase! It was fun to wind in and out between columns and the free time to do your own thing was also fun.


I highly recommend this tour.

 

[esulerzy]

It was so much fun! One of the best tours Disney offers - and, I've taken many. I found it easy to nagivate the Segway and really enjoyed going through all the countries - when I went in Oct 2005, it was exactly the same as Caskbill described. Well worth the money!

 

[Patty3]

DH did this twice last year, August and then again in December. He just loves it!

 

[dis-happy]

I've done it twice this year--it's great fun. If you want to be in WS before the people come, be sure to book the first tour of the day, which is 8:30 am. One other thing: if it's raining heavily, you don't get to do the WS part, instead they refund half your money.

 

[dairyou]

Is there an age limit? My teens would like to try it.. but they may still be too young.

Thanks!

Deb

 

[LisaS]

DH and I have done the tour twice, in May '04 and again in May '05. It really is a blast. The first time I was a bit nervous but after about the first 15 minutes of training I was good to go. Once we were out in the WS, I (and everyone else in the group) couldn't stop grinning the whole time. By the end of the tour my feet and legs were a bit tired from standing for 2 hours but I think my smile muscles were just as fatigued!

 

[LisaS]

Is there an age limit? My teens would like to try it.. but they may still be too young.

Thanks!

Deb

The tour is restricted to age 16 and older. For 16 and 17 year olds, parents must sign a consent form. There is also a weight restriction of 250 pounds.

 

[crazywig]

dh loved that tour when he did it in june of '04. i was pregnant with my second at the time and couldn't join him. i would like to try it though, who wants to babysit for me?

 

[SylviaL]

DH and I did the tour last May and we had a blast!!! DH loved it so much that he considered buying a Segway but decided that it really wouldn't be practical with our midwest winters. We're hoping to do it again and get my sister and BIL on one when we take them in October. Book early!

 

[Daddio]

Do yourself a favour and BOOK IT!

It is the blast of a lifetime.

 

[ACDSNY]

Six of us did the tour in Oct 2005, our 18 & 21 yr old said it was the highlight of the trip! Our daughter was so excited because she was allowed to do the tour with a cast on her right wrist. She was all prepared to hear she wouldn't be allowed to do the tour.

It's a really fun tour! Well worth the money!

 

[KyleRayner]

Thanks for to everyone for sharing your experiences. Its made me that more excited to do it. Does anyone know how far in advance of your trip you can make the reservation?

 

[dznyacct]

I just booked this tour last week for me, DS (16) and his friend (also 16) for our trip to WDW in March (77 days and counting !) My son has been DYING to do this tour ever since he first heard about it a few years ago. I really think he was more excited about being able to do this tour when he turned 16 than being able to drive ! I have heard soooo many great things about this tour, I'm really glad that I decided to do it also.