Choosing a Disney Event / Tour

[Soulcraft]

I'm going to Disneyworld in early November with a bunch of friends (we're all late 20-year olds), and I'm thinking about a tour or two. After some research, I've narrowed it down to the following 6 that I think would be the most interesting and fun:

Backstage Magic
Backstage Safari
Behind the Seeds
Epcot Dive Quest
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Wild Africa Trek

Can anyone enlighten me on their experience with any of those or a different one that I missed?

I quickly glanced at the Wild Africa Trek thread and saw mostly positive reviews. The food is good, the views insane, etc. What about the Backstage Safari? Is that just not as good as the Trek?

I'm also an avid scuba diver, so I figured the Epcot Dive Quest could be kind of cool. I'm worried, however, that it's going to be filled with absolute novice divers who don't know how their gear works and that the guides will be spending all class making sure they survive. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Are there any interesting things to see? Is the actual dive time cool?

Finally onto the walking tours. I've been to Disneyworld once (last June), so it's sort of fresh in my mind. My friends, however, have never been, and we all have Disneyland annual passes (so they're die hard Disney fans). Which tour would be the most enjoyable/interesting for us? Thanks!

 

[heidijanesmith]

I'm going to Disneyworld in early November with a bunch of friends (we're all late 20-year olds), and I'm thinking about a tour or two. After some research, I've narrowed it down to the following 6 that I think would be the most interesting and fun:

Backstage Magic I loved this tour, it is all day and a lot of walking/standing. It was a fantastic tour and I learned a lot about Disney that I did not know.
Backstage Safari
Behind the Seeds
Epcot Dive Quest A MUST for my family of scuba divers, they are also beginner and advanced divers and love the whole experience.
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Wild Africa Trek

Can anyone enlighten me on their experience with any of those or a different one that I missed?

I quickly glanced at the Wild Africa Trek thread and saw mostly positive reviews. The food is good, the views insane, etc. What about the Backstage Safari? Is that just not as good as the Trek?

I'm also an avid scuba diver, so I figured the Epcot Dive Quest could be kind of cool. I'm worried, however, that it's going to be filled with absolute novice divers who don't know how their gear works and that the guides will be spending all class making sure they survive. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Are there any interesting things to see? Is the actual dive time cool? I am the only non-diver in my family so I have diving and non diving family member perspective. My DH is an advanced scuba diver and has been to multiple places all over the US and Caribbean, he had no complaints with too many new divers or instructions all geared to the newer divers. My DS 1st dive after being certified at age 12 was at Dive Quest and it was a great 1st dive. Even after 4 dives at Dive Quest he still really enjoys the dive section. Part of the experience is being backstage and touring around the aquarium. The best part of the dive is being apart of the show/attraction. You do not have to interact with the guests viewing the Seas, but if you do...amazing. The kids watching love it, the diners at Coral Reef really interact. My kids blow bubbles, through kisses, do somersaults and love goofing around with the crowds. You can get a 10% off coupon though PADI or in the official guidebook. I was even able to go back stage for a while with my family and really loved the instructors and staff. This is one of the highlights of our trips and worth it.

Finally onto the walking tours. I've been to Disneyworld once (last June), so it's sort of fresh in my mind. My friends, however, have never been, and we all have Disneyland annual passes (so they're die hard Disney fans). Which tour would be the most enjoyable/interesting for us? Thanks!

I recommend the Backstage Tour, it was amazing and well worth doing. We love Dive Quest and go every trip. We like to book the 4:30 dive as it does take about 3 hours from start to end. After the dive, then we get something to eat and enjoy Illuminations.

 

[amberpi]

I loved the Keys to the Kingdom so much I've done it multiple times. Was underwhelmed by behind the seeds, but we had an early reservation time and my DH and had overdone it the night before with a VERY late night.

 

[tinkfan160]

I have only done the Keys to the Kingdom tour which was wonderful and I would highly recommend it! It gives great insight on the behind the scenes aspects of the Magic Kingdom and even though I did know some of the stuff discussed I still learned a lot. The tour was one of our highlights from our trip last July! I have also done a lot of research on the Backstage Magic tour as it is on my bucket list. From what I have seen the MK portion of the Backstage Magic tour is very similar to the Keys to the Kingdom tour...just thought I would point this out since you were considering doing multiple tours and both of those might be unnecessary. Hope this helps!