Backstage Magic (Southern California)... too much standing?

[JonUK]

Hi all!

I'm a Disney freak and my partner is... let's say, open to it, but not crazy about it like I am.

I feel like it would be really enjoyable to do the Backstage Magic Tour in April 2017, and it sounds good to be shown around Hollywood, see the theatres, the Muppets thing (meh) and most important of all the Walt Disney Studios!

I don't think that they will let us tour Walt's office, which is a bummer. But so far, all the YouTube videos I've watched about it seem to just show the tour group standing around and listening to the guide talking. Then somewhere else standing around and listening. Then again, and again and again.

While it looks like it would be cool to learn factoids and whatnot, I get the impression that it's mainly standing and listening. The people in the videos had bored/tired faces. It also seems like photo ops and that takes a little too long... so you just stand around and wait.

My question is: have any of you done it and found it very engaging and hands-on? or was it a case of just being on your feet and not moving much? I'm worried about booking it and feel like I'm attending a 6 day lecture on my feet all day - let alone how my partner will take it, and how that will affect our prospects of doing Disney vacations together in the future. I'm sure it's not all boring!

 

[White Rose]

There was sitting and listening too...lol...no seriously, there was a bunch of walking, listening, talking....I found Walt's barn boring, and my hubby was fascinated. Was it "adventure, hiking, zip lining, WOooHOooo!" Very physically straining active? No. Did we love it? Yes. We got VIP spots to sit and watch the parades and fireworks in DL. We got to see some amazing things in Imagineering... We were on a bus briefly to get to each place, and it was comfy and well appointed.

I was born with a birth defect that impacts me after long hours of standing day after day. I was hurting after 2 days, which is typical of any normal WDW trip, or standing still on my feet for at least 4 hours plus off and on each day. Walking does not hurt, it is standing still that hurts. I started asking for places to sit or looked around for opportunities to get off my feet. The only time I had to stand was in Walt's apartment, but I am the type who has no problem sitting on the ground if the option is offered, or leaning against a wall or pole.

We were on an adults only trip, not sure if that impacted the level of activity. We were never "bored" (well Walt's barn...) or felt like it was a one sided lecture. It was interactive.

 

[KYDIZFAN]

One of the best trips I have EVER been on. And Jim Henson's studio is very cool Lots of history, former home of A&M records, many early 60's TV shows were shot there. For me it was the 2nd best thing on the trip, Imagineering was #1. Tthe barn is kinda cool if you are in to Disney history.

 

[scottmel]

I shared your initial concerns. We went on the July 2015 trip. I couldn't do it again bc the walts barn and muppets was pretty dry for us. We enjoyed the guides and the Disneyland leg immensely. We arrived a few days early and hired a personal tour guide to take us thru la and this was fantastic. I needed more to this trip and seeing those sites before Abd began rounded out the trip better for me.