Keys to the Kingdom Tour

[ScrappinGran]

I would like to hear from anyone who has taken the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I read in the Official Guide that it can be a daunting 4 hours, only one 15 minute break, besides lunch. That doesn't bother me as much as the pace of the walking. I'm not in the best shape I've ever been...but do not want to feel like we are running!!! I don't huff and puff very daintily, LOL!
I also would like to know what you thought of it, would you recommend it, what you liked and disliked. I know lunch is included...but where do you eat?
My Dh and I are going ALONE for the very first time...been many times, but never alone. We want to try new things, and I have always wanted to do this tour. Tell all, please. Thanks!

 

[jen42002]

My Mom (who was 62 at the time) and I took the tour about 7 years ago. We both loved it. It was alot of walking but not at a fast pace. Loved going in the Utilidor area and seeing all the behind the scenes parade areas.

 

[broberts]

Did it a few weeks ago and it wasn't bad. Lunch is included in the tour, so you get about a 45 minute break. Also, we rode on 3 different rides, jungle cruise, pirates of the caribbean and haunted mansion. There was several stops where we stoof around (or sat) and listened to the tour guide. I really enjoyed it and thought it was very informative. Lunch was at Columbia Harbor House. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Brocktoon]

I agree with Jen and broberts, it's a great tour, and I'd reccomend it to anyone who has the chance to take it.

As mentioned, the walking pace is not bad at all, and really you're just walking from location to location, where you'll then get to stop and hear some more info or get on a ride where you'll be sitting. So, while you're walking to get around the tour, there are many places where you're just standing or sitting. The time goes by fast, so you'll hardly realize how long the tour is.

 

[ScrappinGran]

thank you all for your input, I think we'll try it!

 

[broberts]

The only thing that really ticked me off about the whole experience was when I bought the tickets, I was told absolutely no cameras. They told me that I couldn't go on the tour if I had a camera with me. I left my camera in the hotel room and when I got there that morning, there was several people that had cameras. I went in to where you check in and complain and they told me that there was no way that they could stop people from bringing cameras they just wouldn't allow pictures in the backstage areas. Needless to say, I was pissed. They asked what they could do to make it right, but really there was nothing that could be done. I just wish that they would be consistent. I did get a free disposable camera, but haven't used it. I would have loved to have gotten some pics of the castle and main street with no one in the park.

 

[Joanna71985]

I've done KttK twice now, and I love it! It is a really interesting tour. I wouldn't mind doing it again.

 

[Grumpy's Twin]

Took the tour in 2007. The CM tailored the pace and tour to the guests on the tour. The pace was excellent. The only problem I had was hearing the CM sometimes. I moved to the front of the group and that solved the hearing. I would highly recommend this tour and the 7 hour tour called Behind the Magic or something like that.

 

[ScrappinGran]

Thanks for your input, everyone. We have booked the tour and can't wait!

 

[black562]

I have the tour booked for August as well.

 

[carol-lamb]

The only thing that really ticked me off about the whole experience was when I bought the tickets, I was told absolutely no cameras. They told me that I couldn't go on the tour if I had a camera with me. I left my camera in the hotel room and when I got there that morning, there was several people that had cameras. I went in to where you check in and complain and they told me that there was no way that they could stop people from bringing cameras they just wouldn't allow pictures in the backstage areas. Needless to say, I was pissed. They asked what they could do to make it right, but really there was nothing that could be done. I just wish that they would be consistent. I did get a free disposable camera, but haven't used it. I would have loved to have gotten some pics of the castle and main street with no one in the park.

Yeah - they told me the same thing about no cameras and no backpacks. So I left my camera back in the car. My daughter and I carried Vera Bradley backsacks on this trip and we left those back as well (I did carry a small purse though). Well anyways, we get to check in and everyone has backpacks and cameras and the only thing we were told was no pictures in behind the scenes areas - it was find to take pictures anywhere else though! They never said anything about the backpacks. I didn't make a big deal about it. It wasn't worth getting upset about and I was really looking forward to the tour and actually it was kind of nice not having to think about taking pictures.

I'm really just posting to let people know that even though they say no cameras or backpacks, everyone had them and there was no problems.

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

My DH and I both took the tour separately before we were married. We both enjoyed it. I was told about no cameras backstage and the CM will remind you as the tour progresses. Lunch is at Columbia Harbour House and is picked when the tour starts. You meet at the building next to City Hall on Main Street. You can request Ear Phones to hear the CM better. We are taking a group of 10 in October and some will be going on this tour at our suggestion.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

So the general feeling is that I could have a camera and bag with me, as long as I don't take photos in the backstage area? We were also looking forward to getting empty Main Street shots!

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

So the general feeling is that I could have a camera and bag with me, as long as I don't take photos in the backstage area? We were also looking forward to getting empty Main Street shots!

Yes! You can have a camera on the tour, just has to be put away...that includes cell phone cameras...backstage.

BTW....Congrats on your Escape Wedding...where are ya'll getting married?

 

[r3ngels]

Would you do the Keys tour to the backstage magic tour if you haven't done either...?

 

[sleeper57]

I just returned from my first solo trip last month.

I did the Key to the Kingdom tour and it was great! The Backstage Tour is also good, but concentrates a bit more on backstage areas at MK, Epcot and DHS while the Keys to the Kingdom tour is only MK and concentrates more on the history of the park and Walt Disney. You do get to see the Ultidoors and we also went backstage where the parade floats are stored and behind Splash Mountain.

I've also done the Walk in Walts footsteps tour at DL - IMO, Keys to the Kingdom was much better.

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Would you do the Keys tour to the backstage magic tour if you haven't done either...?

Between the two, I recommend Keys to the Kingdom tour first. The Backstage Magic tour is ALL day (7 hours) and I never seem to have the time to set aside.

 

[Scrap_Vamp]

Yes! You can have a camera on the tour, just has to be put away...that includes cell phone cameras...backstage.

BTW....Congrats on your Escape Wedding...where are ya'll getting married?

Thanks for the congrats - we're getting married at Sea Breeze Point on August 17th - less than 5 weeks to go now, eek!