Keys to the Kingdom Tour?

[QJ411]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if you guys can tell me which tour is which. My DH wants to go on the tour where they take you in the utilidors and see the behind the scene stuff. I wanted to surprise him with the PS or tickets to the tour. I wanted to tell him when we check in or when we actually go to the tour. But we leave in a few days, do you think I can still get the ressies? And would you know how much? THANKS EVERYONE!!!

 

[travelin' tigger]

I think this is the tour you're describing:

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, MAGIC KINGDOM Wardrobe, and Cosmetology. Guests also visit the MAGIC KINGDOM Production Center, where they have the rare opportunity to see parade floats up close.

At the 2 1/2 hour mark, the group breaks at the Columbia Harbor 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 served in a bread bowl.

Offered daily at 8:30, 9:30 & 10:00am and 1:30pm. Tour starts at City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance.

Cost is $58 AND Admission to the Magic Kingdom! Discounts as of January 2002: DVC, AMEX, The Disney Club & Annual Passholders 15%; Cast Member discount available.

 

[Valentine]

Hey there... the tour you are looking for is the Keys to the Kingdom tour... I just booked mine for December 31st. YOu can certainly try to get one for while you are there.. if when you call there are no spots.. keep trying because the cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to the date.. and anyone who is going to cancel usually waits till the last minute.. so, some spots may open up. You have to pay for the tour when you book... mine was $48.00 since I am a passholder.. they offer discounts also if you are Diamond AAA, Florida Residents and sometimes Disney Visa (that one has date limitations) just ask which discounts may apply.. they will tell you! Enjoy and Best of luck!!

Kathy

 

[Dan Murphy]

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

Keys, and it is a wonderful tour!!!! Enjoy.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Keys to the Kingdom Tour is wonderful! I wish I could do it again. Talk about making the magic come to life. It was great to see all the details that you may not have noticed befor. The tour guides are really great too. Hope you get to go and have a great time.

 

[Safari Steve]

Alot of guests refer to Keys as "The underground tour" or "The backstage tour". Keep in mind that, while this is the only tour that goes backstage and visits the MK utilidor, backstage areas account for only about 20% of tour time, and that is divided between the utilidor and the parade fabrication/storage area. It's a great tour, and I'm sure you will enjoy it, but don't go expecting a thorough or extensive jaunt through the MK tunnel.

Similar situation with Wishes and Tinkerbell. Alot of people really build up tinkerbell's flight in their minds, forgetting that it accounts for about 12 seconds of a 12 minute fireworks display.

 

[dgaston]

I would just echo Safari Steve's comments. We did the KTTK tour in August, and had a fabulous time with our extremely knowledgeable CM Rae, but saw little in the utilidors. A few carts went by and we got to press up against the walls, and look at a map but we did not see costuming or some other sights reported in the trip reports on www.wdwig.com. Don't get me wrong I really liked this tour; it's just not all about backstage. I really enjoyed our Columbia Harbor lunch (had never been inside). We did HM and JC, but not PoC. I think the rides may depend on how time is passing for the tour group.

Safari Steve: Are you going to become a guide?

 

[barbeml]

We did this tour last month and absolutely loved it. We also had the fabulous Rae as our guide. Just being in the utilidors was cool and we learned a lot about the true layout of the MK.

As we entered the utilidor, we saw Cinderella without her gloves! I swear she blushed.

I look forward to doing an Epcot tour next year.

 

[QJ411]

OOOHH, I can't wait!!! Thanks for all the info and tips guys!

I have an AP, so I'm hoping I'll be able to get the discounts. I'm going to TRY and call them after lunch (hoping I won't be on hold for hours on end! ) and make the ressies. YAY!

 

[barbeml]

Good luck, have fun and happy anniversary!

Barbe

 

[QJ411]

BARBE,

Thanks!

I just called and they picked up right away and there is a discount for AP holders. The CM said it's 15% off. I though I would be able to just hold it on my CC and pay w/ Disney Dollars when I get there, but in order to use my AP discount, I had to pay w/ my CC right away. Which is fine, b/c 15% is 15% and every little bit helps! (Just an FYI)

Thanks again!!!

 

[barbeml]

Congrats on the discount. It is well worth the money, and it is never a bad thing to have something paid in advance! You will be given a nice little souvenir, too.

Be sure to post when you return!

Barbe