Comments on Keys to the Kingdom?

[Moomduck1]

Hi,
I have been dreaming about taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Still not sure about it this next trip. What do people who have done it think? Was it worth it? Do they still offer a long verson and a shorter version? Which did you take? Any thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris

 

[kandmwedding]

I've taken the KTTKT twice, once in Jan 04 and again in June 05. Both times were wonderful. As I recall, you check in near City Hall and pick out your lunch at check in from a menu provided. You're given a earpiece to use to better hear your guide (ours didn't work so well, so plan to be close to the guide anyway). The tour is about 4-5 hours long, including lunch, and I'm never heard of a shorter version. You typically ride 2-3 rides, see the backstage area near the parade step-off in Frontierland and venture down into the Utilidors. You get your KTTK pin during lunchtime and finish out your tour near the hat shop at the front of the park. I love this tour, as evidenced by the fact that I've been twice, and wouldn't hesistate to go on it again. If you can, request to have Rae as your tour guide. She's awesome!!

 

[bradisgoofy]

We are planning on doing the Keys this trip. From everything I've read it is a magical tour.

 

[spaceoddity]

I'll be doing the tour for the first time next week!! Can't wait!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We went on this tour and had a great time. I don't know about the short or long version though. Ours we about 4 hours long if I remember right. We would recommend people take it if they want to know more about the MK.

 

[scrapjackie]

What rides do you ride on this tour? My fiance is not good with coasters, or anything with heights so it would make a difference. This sounds like a great tour!

 

[skunkvette]

We did the tour a few years ago and loved it.

I do remember riding on the Haunted Mansion during the tour, they took us in through a back door, but no coasters.

 

[MICKEEP]

Been to WDW about 30 times and the KTTK tour is the best thing we have ever done there. You will not be disapointed. We rode PoC and HM on our tour

Edit: Forgot, we also did the Jungle Cruise in our own boat and it was more an informative ride while the boat operator kept the corny comments to a minimum.

 

[Disneymama1]

I've also done the tour twice. Once in Feb 04 and again in Oct 06. It was a wonderfully informative tour. Lots of background info and tidbits that I would never have known otherwise. Our Oct 06 tour was slightly different from 04, so that was nice as well. In Oct 06, we got to spend more time in the utilidors than our first tour. We rode both Jungle Cruise (got a special boat all to ourselves for the tour, and the guide skoke in detail about the ride, we did not just get the regular spiel) and we also rode Haunted Mansion.

I second the poster who said to ask for Rae as your tour guide. She was absolutely wonderful.

I think you will enjoy the tour immensly.

 

[Fitswimmer]

We're going in May for the first time! I did the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" at MK in Disneyland and really enjoyed it. That tour isn't even as in depth as the Keys tour is. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm glad to hear about the earpieces as my parents are coming and they don't always hear as well.

 

[maroney495]

We are doing this tour on our March trip. Am really looking forward to it. Made the mistake however of telling DH that we have an 8:30 tour time and the park doesn't "officially" open till 9. Now he is freaked out about not getting in on time. I do all the planning so he will just have to trust me that I'll get him there.

 

[goofy4tink]

I did the KTTK tour in Dec....with 'President Austin' and his family. It was a terrific tour. I think I'm pretty knowledgable about WDW but I still learned things. We rode Haunted Mansion. Ate lunch at Columbia House. I met some terrific folks in our group. Our tour guide was Jarrod...he was just wonderful!!! I got there at about 8:20ish for the 8:45 tour. I checked in, got my name tag, made my lunch choices and then used the bathroom again. One note...when I made the reservation for this tour, I was told that no bags would be allowed on the tour, that lockers would be provided, so be prepared. When I checked in, I asked the tour guides where I should leave my bag. They looked at me as if I had sprung wings!!! Told me that I most certainly could bring my bag with me, I just couldn't take any photos in the 'backstage' areas, but they would be sure to remind us all before we got to those areas.
I loved the tour...would almost do it again in a year or so.

 

[jessieroo]

My husband & I did the tour on our last trip & thought it was great! If I were to do any tours again I would do them in the beginning of my trip not towards the end of my vacation which is how we did it. We both had a lot of fun. Enjoy it!

 

[MICKEEP]

I just couldn't take any photos in the 'backstage' areas, but they would be sure to remind us all before we got to those areas.

And the two Disney Security Guards, dressed as cast members, following the tour made sure of that.

 

[bytheblood]

Is KTTK a magic spoiler at all?

 

[DepCor0311]

Is KTTK a magic spoiler at all?

Not at all...It is a magic enhancer! Gives you a great appriciation for how much work goes into running the place.
I went in Dec. 04 and, without question, it was the highlight of the trip.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have to say that I looked at MK in an entirely different light after my tour. Yes, it was still magical, but since I knew what was behind those closed off pathways, it was a bit weird. The change from 'magical' to 'industrial' is just incredible. In fact, now I wonder, even more than before the trip, how those CMs get so psyched before they hit an 'on-stage' area. It has to be tough to be out in the ratty old back areas, and then hit Frontierland with a huge smile on your face!!!
But, evidently the magic is still there for me. I spent another 3 days in the parks after my tour, I'm looking forward to my day and two nights in WDW in three weeks and then 5 days next summer before my 4 night cruise.
So...you know it's back there, you just choose to ignore it!!!

 

[Moomduck1]

Thank you so much for all of your comments!!
Chris

 

[Boardwalker]

If you can, request to have Rae as your tour guide. She's awesome!!

You are absolutely right about that! We took the tour a few trip ago and were so lucky to have her as our guide. She was knowledgable and engaging. The tour was just so interesting. We enjoyed it so much I can understand why you took the tour a second time.

 

[byoung]

This is a great tour.