Keys to the Kingdom Tour

[iLoveEeyore2]

We did the tour last week and it must have changed. From what I'd read, they take you to several areas in the Utilidor (costuming, floats). This was not so in our case. They took us down to the Utilidors, but all we saw were some hallways and a parking lot. This was somewhat disappointing. I was really looking forward to seeing some of the "live" action. All we saw were some maintenace workers on break.

 

[WDSearcher]

Security was pretty high last week, due to all the various special events and celebrations, and there were also a lot more CMs on strange schedules, which could have led to the tunnels being much more crowded than usual. Might have just been a reaction to that.

 

[Badger Brent]

The area with the floats was eliminated after the unfortunate accident of a CM. I was also looking forward to seeing tha area. We did go back by the Jungle Cruise backstage area. Did you enjoy the tour? I can't wait to take my kids as soon as they are old enough.

 

[tink22]

After Sept 11th many backstage utilidor parts of the tour were cut out due to heightened security. It's sad but that is why. Guests should spend as little time as possible in those areas now with the new security measures Disney has. A friend of mine in Guest Relations told me that was the main reason.

 

[NCDisneyMom]

After Sept 11th many backstage utilidor parts of the tour were cut out due to heightened security. It's sad but that is why. Guests should spend as little time as possible in those areas now with the new security measures Disney has. A friend of mine in Guest Relations told me that was the main reason.

This is exactly what we were told on our KTTK tour in late 2002, when one of the other guests inquired about going to other areas of the utilidors. We were also told that security wanted to cut out ALL backstage parts of the tour, but the CM's insisted that at least some of it stay in, so they just cut out much of the utilidor section.

 

[artblessed]

OK if things have been cut from this tour is it still worth doing? All the rave reviews I have read have included the "backstage" stuff. My husband and I are planning to do this on our upcoming trip but I don't want to spend the extra money if we will end up disaapointed. Those of you who have been, what do you think?

 

[fholdred]

We went on the tour the November right after 9/11/2001. We really enjoyed the tour and thought it was worth the money.


Faith

 

[MNSusan]

We did the KTTK tour in Jan 05. We were disappointed but it was mostly due to our tour guide. I think he was having an off day or something, but he didn't really do much to enhance the magic. We heard a lot about the history of the park, and many times when asked a question he would just say, "I'll tell you later." He even denied the existence of Hidden Mickeys and said they were just coincidences.

I've read many many reports of wonderful tour guides though, and think we just had an unusual experience.

 

[Tinkaroo]

My DH and I just went on the tour a couple of weeks ago, and we thought it was some of the best $$ we've ever spent in the World. Our tour guide was Jonathan, and he was absotutely wonderful!!! He was extremely knowledgeable, had a great attitude, and encouraged and brought up lots of questions, fun facts, etc., beyond what I'm sure is the usual "spiel." DH asked a question Jonathan wasn't sure of the answer to, and he had the answer (via text message) to share with us a couple of hours later in the tour.

I would highly recommend this tour! We went backstage near Splash Mountain, again near Main Street, and then down into the Utilidors. We didn't get to venture far in the utilidors, but we were also told it was for heightened security. I have heard you get to see more of the places like costuming, etc., on the more intensive backstage tour that covers all the parks and is a day-long thing, but can't confirm that.

 

[momandseandodisney]

so then I am looking to go on this tour with my 7 year old son, what can i expect? How soon should I book it? Is it worthwile, I just dont want to "waste time" when I know what other excellent stuff we can do there.

 

[snubie]

You must be over 18 (I think) to go on this tour.

Stacey

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I think you need to be 16.

We're going next week. I hope we get a good tour guide.

 

[Catrin]

That is too bad that you do not get to go to the costume shop.... when I took the KTTK tour in 2000, that was one of my favorite parts!

BUT... at least you get lunch! My tour we had a 1/2 hour break at Pinocchios... on our own for lunch.
Catrin

 

[Leota]

It's 16. My 16 yo DS has been waiting to do it & could this trip.We just did the tour a couple weeks ago. We went backstage by Splash, behind Main St. & a short glimpse in the Utilidors. I thought it was great & worth every penny. Of course I'd still like to see more, but am happy with what we did get to see. We had Matthew & he was awesome. He was very excited about the Company & about the Magic & it really carried over.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have taken nine of the various tours available, including Keys, each has been well worth the time and money. I have enjoyed them all.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I am sorry that they have cut back on that tour. I took it back a few years ago...it was a tour for just our group as part of a package. We did go into the utilidors and saw costuming, wardrobe, the wigs and hair salon I think it was. At one point, we did see a Mickey Mouse without her Mickey head chatting with some of her friends. I can see why they do the age restriction, imagine how horrifying for a small child to see Mickey without his Mickey head. We also toured backstage where the floats were kept, it was a lot of walking but we loved it. We also snuck backstage on the Haunted Mansion through the CM entrance and went right on the ride, we thought that was pretty cool.

It was a great tour and I am saddened that it has been cut like that.

 

[iLoveEeyore2]

It's 16. My 16 yo DS has been waiting to do it & could this trip.We just did the tour a couple weeks ago. We went backstage by Splash, behind Main St. & a short glimpse in the Utilidors. I thought it was great & worth every penny. Of course I'd still like to see more, but am happy with what we did get to see. We had Matthew & he was awesome. He was very excited about the Company & about the Magic & it really carried over.

Did your DS enjoy the tour? My DD (just turned 16) was bored. She calls it the "trash compactor tour" because they took us behind the Splash Mtn area where the trash system is located and it really smelled. I don't think she was paying much attention, because when DH and I were discussing parts of the tour, she did not have a clue.