Guided Tours at WDW

[thinkerbell]

My husband and I are going to WDW in July. We have been many times before but this time we would like to take one of their guided tours. We have read about them in Birnbaum's, The Unofficial Guide and on-line at the Disney site. We just can't make up our minds about which one to go on.
If you have ever been on one of the Disney tours, could you please tell us which one you went on, how you liked it, and if it was worth the money? What were the good things about it and what was bad about it? If you have been on more than one, which one did you like the best?
Thanks for your help!!

 

[ericafny]

Bumping as I was about to post a very similar thread myself!

 

[Wendy1953]

We've done...

Family Magic Tour (more fun if you have kids)....but I loved it...taking GrandNephews on it in November!

Behind our Steam Engines....loved this one too, it's a little too long if you have stream train/or train enthusiasts on the tour with you (they ask too many questions and take up a lot of time)...but you get to go into the MK before anyone else (other than CM's)....great time to take a picture of the castle with no one in the streets....bring a telephoto lens with you...you don't get that close!

Keys to the Kingdom....also loved this one...learn lots of little tidbits about the building and buildings...lunch at Harbor House is included....get to go down into the Utilidors (although the area you get to see is not the busiest spot...but still worth seeing), learn some "secrets" about the parades! This is the longest of the three we've experienced so far...but well worth it!

Hope this helps!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did Backstage Safari in November and loved it. But if you're not a big AK fan (as I am), it may not be too interesting. Also, since you're going in July and AK is the hottest park any time, I wouldn't pick it then for you.

 

[Bev J]

My Husband and I did the Keys to the Kingdom last June. We enjoyed every minute of it. So much cool information about the Magic Kingdom, plus backstage touring too. The guide was very willing to answer all the questions we had. Included lunch in the cost and lasted about 5 hours. I think there were about 15 people on the tour so we got plenty of attention. Plus the very nice pin. WE would do this tour again some time.
This September we are thinking about doing the Futureworld Tour at Epcot.

Bev

 

[thinkerbell]

Thanks for the replies. We have probably talked about the Keys tour the most.

Anyone else?

 

[ryley26]

I can't say enough about the keys tour. We did it and loved would do it again

 

[dgaston]

We have done KTTK, Backstage Safari, Segway, Undiscovered Future World, Hidden Treasures of World Showcase, Gardens of Epcot (during F & G) and Yuletide Tour. DH's favorite is the Segway Tour, and I'm torn between KTTK, and Undiscovered Future World. On both of those tours we had terrific CMS -- Rae in MK, and Robert in Epcot. I think the CM often makes the tour better, but can recommend either of the above tours. HTH

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We have done Keys to the Kingdom and Backstage Safari. We loved each of them and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others. Our next tour will either be Undiscovered Future World or Backstage Magic.

 

[jimmiej]

Segway Tour! Segway Tour! It was a blast. We're doing it again next trip. As other posters have said, KttK is great also.

Have you looked here?

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm

 

[justplaingoofy]

Did keys to the Kingdom a couple years ago with my hubby, and booked to do it again in Sept. with my mom...

If you have a Disney Visa you can get 20% off the tour. (this discount is being discontinued Sept.30th) and I heard AAA gives a discount although I don't know how much.

 

[phisigprincess]

Based on all of the raves reviews on the boards - we're doing the Keys tour in December and I can't wait!! Do a search on this forums for tours or a specific tour name. There's usually a thread for it.

 

[jspahn]

I did the Keys tour in November. It was really incredible. Our guide, Jeff, was so wonderful! I thought I knew a lot about Disney and the MK, but I learned many new things on that tour. It was soooo worth it!

I am headed back in July for my best friends birthday, and her mom and I are surprising her with the Backstage Magic tour (the long one that does 3 parks).
I cant wait!

And yes, AAA does give a discount. I think its 15%

 

[ericafny]

A few question about the Keys to the Kingdom Tour: What time does it start and is lunch served once the tour is over or in the middle of the tour? Is the lunch a fixed menu at Columbia Harbor House or can you order what you want? Are you allowed to take any pics at all? And what attractions does the tour include? Thanks!

I think we are leaning towards this one...

 

[Kimberly815]

We have only ever done the Segway around the World tour. . .but it was the hightlight of our trip! Everyone loved it!

I am looking forward to doing some of these other trips eventually though.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

Hidden Treasures of World Showcase...can anyone elaborate further into this tour? thanks so much!

 

[athenna]

Hidden Treasures of World Showcase...can anyone elaborate further into this tour? thanks so much!

I've actually taken this tour twice as WS is my favorite part of all of WDW
It starts at 9am (before WS is open) and ends approx 12:30pm. It gives you history and background info on each country. I don't want to give to much and spoil it for anyone. I would highly recommend this for anyone (over 16 that is) that loves WS!

 

[jimmiej]

A few question about the Keys to the Kingdom Tour: What time does it start and is lunch served once the tour is over or in the middle of the tour? Is the lunch a fixed menu at Columbia Harbor House or can you order what you want? Are you allowed to take any pics at all? And what attractions does the tour include? Thanks!

I think we are leaning towards this one...

From http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm#kk

KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
Magic Kingdom

Offered daily, this four-and-a-half hour to five-hour tour celebrates Disney Magic! Learn about the Magic Kingdom's history and backstage secrets. Hear stories of Walt Disney, his visions, his philosophies, and his accomplishments. In addition to Disney history, guests finally get the opportunity to find answers to all of those "neat" Disney trivia questions and get an inside look at how the MAGIC KINGDOM operates by venturing downstairs to the main Utilidor entrance, see display cases of MAGIC KINGDOM Wardrobe, and Cosmetology Guides. Guests also visit the MAGIC KINGDOM Production Center, where they see storage facilities for the floats.


At the 2 1/2 hour mark, the group breaks at the Columbia Harbour House for a delicious meal which is prepared and waiting for all the Tour Guests. Orders are taken in the Tour Garden, next to City Hall, upon check-in before the Tour begins. Menu choices include a Fried Chicken Strips Basket, Fried Fish and Chicken Combo, Garden Galley Salad (mixed greens with feta cheese, pecans, grilled chicken, and pineapple in a zinfandel vinaigrette), Starboard Deck Sandwich (Toasted bread topped with ham, cheese, tomato, and broccoli slaw), and New England Clam Chowder or Vegetarian Chili.

Offered daily at 8:30, 9:00 & 9:30am. Tour starts at City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance.

Cost is $58 AND Admission to the Magic Kingdom!

ETA: No pics allowed backstage. I think we did Jungle Cruise & Haunted Mansion.

 

[thinkerbell]

Thanks everyone. I think Keys is the winner. I'm going to make reservations tomorrow.
Special thanks to jimmiej. That link was awesome. Anyone who asked any questions on this thread, go back to jimmiej's post and click on that link. It will have all of your answers and then some.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

We loved KTTK. It's been a few years now since we've done the tour and we're ready to go back. DS and DH are taking the Segway tour when we go in June. I'll be anxious to here about that. I really want to take the Undiscovered FW Tour. From reading alot of the posts, it sounds really interesting.

Michele