"BEHIND THE SEEDS "

[momandseandodisney]

I got this from allearsnet.com

Has anyone been on this tour? How is it?

You've probably ridden "Living with the Land" in the Land pavilion at least a few times. But did you know there's a one-hour walking tour called "Behind the Seeds" that will take you into the Greenhouse area you only get to pass by on the boat ride? A Disney horticulturist -- most likely a graduate student doing some research project -- will explain the various growing methods used there, as well as hydroponics, pest management, farm fishing and more. They'll also answer questions and show you the plants and fish "up close and personal." Epcot admission is required, of course, and the tour costs $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-9. Sign up for the tour at the stand inside the Greenhouse Emporium on the first floor of the Land pavilion. (Ask a Cast Member to direct you.) NOTE: You can make phone reservations for the 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. tours *only* via 1-407-WDW-TOUR. Otherwise, sign up in person on the day of the tour -- the earlier in the day, the better.

 

[melissa5583]

I've never been, but I made reservations for Sept. 18th!!!!! I've heard lots of good things about it. I love the "Living with the Land" ride...so I'm sure I'll enjoy the tour!!! (plus it's really cheap)

 

[tonypitt]

My wife and I did it this summer and absolutely loved it. The tours are given by college interns that work in the greenhouses and the facilities there. It really was very enjoyable. I think our tour guide was named Ramona. She was really a lot of fun and very knowledgable. If you're into plants and gardening, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 

[Ilovestitch]

We did it in May and it was pretty neat- they give an AAA discount so bring your card. We just signed up for it an hour or so in advance and paid for it right there. They have the tours several times a day.

An CP intern gave the tour and she was really nice and you learn a lot of interesting facts. First you start off backstage where they show you how they raise all kinds of different insects (like ladybugs) to be released to the different parks to control pests. The kids on the tour were allowed to relased some ladybugs into the pavillion.

They explain (more than the ride) about hydroponics and you walk through where all the plants are. They show you the molds they use for the mickey pumpkins and everyone gets to eat a slice of a mickey shaped cucumber. They also let you pick out some seeds to put in a little baggie and take home (I have a giant pumpkin plant growing on the side of my house now- its so big that it keeps creeping into our neighbors yard).

They also tell you all about the fish that are grown there and the alligators- our guide fed them and that was neat. Our guide stuck her hand in the tank w/the sturgeon fish and petted them- she said they are very gentle and have delicate spines. She showed us that a couple of them got hurt during the rehab when they had to move them to a different tank. The tour is very interesting and WELL worth the $10 price! And bring your camera b/c you can take as many pictures as you want.

 

[safetymom]

I have done it and really enjoyed it. If you are into plants it is a great tour.

 

[momandseandodisney]

Sounds like I would like it for sure!

but how about a 7 year old boy?

 

[foxfire]

Does anyone know what time the first tour of the day starts?

Three of us are doing the early (8:30 am) 2-hour Segway tour and I was thinking my parents might come to Epcot a bit later in the morning and enjoy doing Behind the Seeds. When I was booking the Segway tour, the CM said she "thought" the earliest Seeds tour was 10:00 am but I've seen post here that mentioned 9:45. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[milmore104]

Sounds like I would like it for sure!

but how about a 7 year old boy?

My Dh and I did this on one of our trips and really enjoyed it. However I don't know if a child would enjoy it unles they liked things like this. If they really enjoy the boat ride they will most likely enjoy the tour.

 

[mrslane]

I've been several times and it's never exactly the same. Once we all got to feed the talapia! We were given some handouts on hydroponics, but it is an expensive hobby! Last time I went, only 5 adults were on the tour. We were able to ask lots of questions. It's over an hour, I believe, and you have to stand the whole time. I believe that most kids would get bored at some point, but the bug and plant nuts will like it. The tour is a great thing to do for those who have been to Epcot several times. It's also very reasonable $$! It's a great secret too. Don't tell too many people!

 

[disneyaggie]

I plan on taking this tour as well.

 

[snappy]

Our tour started at 11 am. There is a desk just to the left of the Soaring entrance.

Our daughter is 9 and she loved it.

It was a great change of pace to the rest of our day and our trip in general.

The CM at the desk gave us a coupon for 50 % off the price of the tour, not sure why, maybe trying to drum up business. It was just three from our family and one other family of three on our tour.

It was not rushed, we could ask lots of questions, and DD9 and the other little girl received a magical moment certificate.

 

[experiment626mom]

We've done this tour before and absolutely loved it. If you are a gardeder it really is a lot of fun. One of the best values at DW IMHO

 

[SEAlla]

Thanks for the info!!! I made our ressies for the 10:30 on Oct. 15th.

Don't forget if you are doing the early tour, to make PS for lunch at the Garden grill. That way you can taste the things they grow. It has changed to family style for those of you who haven't been recently.