Behind the scene tours?

[Beaker74]

My DF and I are going to WDW in May 2004 for our honeymoon. We booked a 10 day Dream Makers Gold Plan at WL. The Gold Plan includes several behind the scenes tours. Any insight on them would be great. I've read a thread on Keys to the Kingdom, sounds great. We're trying to decide which ones to take part in. Here's the list:

Backstage Safari at AK
Behind the Seeds at Epcot
The Magic Behind Stream Trains at MK
Family Magic at MK
Gardens of the World at Epcot
Hidden Treasures of World Showcase
UnDISCOVERed Future World at Epcot
Welcome to the MK
Wild by Design at AK

Thanks for your tips!

 

[ncbyrne]

http://wdwig.com/tours.htm This link will give you descriptions of all the tours. Some of the tours are topic specific, like Behind the Seeds and Gardens of the World. If you like to garden, these would be of interest to you. Also, as you read thru the descriptions, be sure to take note of the length of the tours. Of the tours you listed, they last anywhere from 1 hr. to 4 hours. You can also find out which tours would be the best bargain too, since it's included in your package. I can recommend Hidden Treasures of World Showcase. DH and I did this one and loved it! The CM took us to behind the scenes of the countries around Epcot. By taking a tour, you get to see and learn some very unique things about WDW. Our tour included a private tea in Morocco, and we even got to see where the costumes are designed and made.
Our next trip is also in May. We'll be there 2-12th. We're going to splurge and take the 7 hr. Backstage Magic tour! I'll be looking for lime green ribbons!

 

[JamesD]

We have had the pleasure of going on most of the WDW Tours over the years and have been very happy with all of them. The ones we were most impressed with were the two Animal Kingdom tours and Epcot's Undiscovered Future World tour. As to which one you choose, it depends on your interests. The Backstage Safari takes place almost completely backstage at the AK, where you can get up close and personal with some of the wildlife, and learn how they take care of the animlas behind the scenes. The Wild by Design, on the other hand, takes place completely onstage, but at times in areas where the park as yet to open. This tour concentrates on the design of the park and some of the backstories behind the various attractions and areas of the park. We especially liked Undiscovered Future World because we were allowed to go in areas that are normally off-limits to guests, such as the Living Seas VIP lounge, the dinosaur portion of Universe of Energy, and backstage to see the Illuminations barges. Another great backstage tour, where you learn about the beginnings of Disney's theme parks is the Magic Behind Steam Train tour. Be aware though, that this tour requires you to be at the MK around 7 am! I would avoid any of the outdoor tours, like Backstage Safari and Gardens of the World when it is very hot weather, because you will be wiped out for the rest of the day after 4 hours in the sun.

 

[stinkerbelle]

my hubby (ckj) and I just got back from our honeymoon at Disney. We did the Backstage Safari tour at DAK and the keys to the kingdome tour at MK. Both were GREAT! I personally learned alot that I never knew of before and the keys to the kingdom tour really makes you look at some parts of disney in a new light - I think both were well worth the money!

also - if you plan on staying at the AKL - i would reccommend the Sunrise Safari - seeing the animals right when they are released onto the savannah was amazing - they are so much more active!