Back Stage Tours

[iggy50]

We enjoy learning how things work. Over the years, we've gone on a number of WDW Backstage Tours/Experiences. They change often. Most recently we did Wild Africa Trek. We'd recommend it. You mostly are on the safari vehicle but there is some interesting "trekking" and the guides are knowlegeable. Which tours would you recommend?

 

[CoachBeard]

I've done Keys to the Kingdom, and that was pretty good with a ton of backstage time. I wish they'd still offer the early morning world showcase Segway tour. I had it booked eons ago and my ex decided last minute she didn't want to do it.

I'm considering the wild africa trek for my upcoming trip.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I don't think I've ever had a tour experience at Disney that I didn't enjoy. The smaller tours (both price and duration) at Animal Kingdom like Caring for Giants and Up Close with Rhinos are well worth doing. A bit pricier but absolutely loved Savor the Savanna. We also really enjoyed the Behind the Seeds tour at Living with the Land in EPCOT. Keys to the Kingdom is a long day but well worth doing. They do a really nice job with tours. They used to offer quite a few more but they've been reduced significantly over the years ... would love to see more return.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Sadly my favorite tours (2) are both gone. There was one at Animal Kingdom (I can't remember the name) that lasted about 3 1/2-4 hours, where although you were almost always "on-stage", all kinds of interesting facts and easter eggs were pointed out, like that the picture of Chester and Hester were really of one person, how each room in Pizzafari was themed to a type of animal, how there's just one tree on the safari that's not real (Which one and why), etc. The other was Lunch with an Animal Keeper at Sanaa. At that one you got to hear all kinds of interesting things about the animals on the savannah at the lodges, and why a few of them have been sent over from the Animal Kingdom (one was sent over because he kept trying to eat the windshield wipers on the trucks!).

 

[iggy50]

Sadly my favorite tours (2) are both gone. There was one at Animal Kingdom (I can't remember the name) that lasted about 3 1/2-4 hours, where although you were almost always "on-stage", all kinds of interesting facts and easter eggs were pointed out, like that the picture of Chester and Hester were really of one person, how each room in Pizzafari was themed to a type of animal, how there's just one tree on the safari that's not real (Which one and why), etc. The other was Lunch with an Animal Keeper at Sanaa. At that one you got to hear all kinds of interesting things about the animals on the savannah at the lodges, and why a few of them have been sent over from the Animal Kingdom (one was sent over because he kept trying to eat the windshield wipers on the trucks!).

You reminded me of aBackstage Tour we did years ago at the Animal Kingdom (not the Lodge) where we had lunch and heard interesting stories about the animals. Don't think it was Up Close With Rhinos. For us, taking the tours doesn't spoil the magic but makes it even more magical!

 

[ghtx]

Keys to the Kingdom Tour in MK is a must-do - you get to go down into the utilidors and see lots of backstage. Do it. My youngest daughter is counting down the days until she is 16 and can do this one.

The other one that I did years ago, which I think is no longer offered, is Undiscovered Future World - lots of cool backstage access in Epcot. If that ever comes back I would recommend booking it.

I also want to try the Wild Africa Trek, which looks really cool, and the Behind the Seeds tour, since I'm a big fan of The Land at Epcot.

 

[CoachBeard]

I forgot I did Behind the Seeds and it was cool. A little underwhelming but neat to walk around the attraction.

I booked Wild Africa Trek and I am looking forward to it after watching a few videos. I just wish there was some better stuff at Epcot. I feel like there used to be some fun stuff they no longer offer.

 

[_19disnA]

We did a behind the scenes tour of Disney MANY years ago that is no longer offered. For those looking for what is currently available, check the Disney website since they do change over time. Choose something based on your interests, budget and how much time you want to spend on that tour.

 

[scrappinginontario]

This link provides a list of the current tours available on the Disney website.