Curious about how the Magic is Made at Walt Disney World? Want to learn more about your favorite park? Then perhaps you want to take one of the special tours offered at Walt Disney World.
For a price, you can spend hours learning about the art and architecture of World Showcase in Epcot, take a full day tour of the theme parks and backstage areas, learn about the Magic Kingdom and more.
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION:
Reserve a place by calling 1-407-WDW-TOUR (1-407-939-8687) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Discounts of 10 percent to 15 percent MAY be available. See individual tours for details and always inquire when you make your reservation especially if you belong to the Disney Vacation Club, have an Annual Passport, Disney Visa or are a Cast Member.
Some WDW packages may include "wishes" or other selections that enable to you take a free tour.
Please note that (unless noted in the description below) tour participants must be 16 years of age or older.
Also (unless noted) tours are outdoors and walking! In fact, all tours require a good deal of walking. Tours are accessible, inquire when you call for reservations.
Reservations with a credit card are required! There is a 48 hour cancellation policy for a full refund.
Many of the tours require your separate admission to the park, so be sure to ask about this when you call.
Please note: Due to operational concerns, programs may not be offered at certain times of the year, or may require itineraries and prices to change without notice.
You are NOT allowed to take any photos while in the Backstage areas on these tours.
Be sure to bring Photo ID with you to Tour Check-in!
All tour and price information is subject to change without notice. Please call Disney direct to confirm. Tour reports reflect the opinions of individual tour participants and are here with their permission.
Mickey's Magical Milestones
Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Magical Milestones is a new two-hour tour in the Magic Kingdom. Tour-goers age 10 and up visit attractions and special locations that retrace Mickey Mouse's fabled career. The tour, which costs $25 per person, is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m., starting at the Guided Tour Garden adjacent to City Hall (just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance). There is a 15 percent discount available for DVC Members and Annual Passholders. Arrive at least 15 minutes before tour start time (theme park admission is NOT included in tour price). For more information and reservations call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). And if you take this tour, please let us know what you think!
This came from Allearsnet. There is also a review from someone who just did it.
by Gloria Kimmel, December 2004
The tour was scheduled to leave the City Hall area at 9 a.m. and the tour group consisted of a family group of nine adults, one couple from New York and myself. We were all identified with a paper nametag that was shaped like Mickey's head. Our tour guide was Geoff and he was the same CM that led the Keys to the Kingdom tour that I participated in earlier this year. He has been with WDW for over 6 years and is very knowledgeable of Disney history.
The tour started outside the train station facing Mickey's face made from flowers in the front of the park. The tour basically went over how Walt began his career and how Mickey was created/developed. The next stop of the tour was the Exposition Hall and then we jumped on the train and went to Mickey's Toontown. Since this area doesn't open until
10 a.m. we were able to go over to Mickey's house, and after a few minutes we were surprised by Mickey himself. He shook everyone's hand and was available for photos with
the group and individuals. Geoff then had a one-sided conversation with Mickey and we were guided through the rest of the home, garden and garage. One side note, it was great fun to watch Mickey interact with the crowds from his home and see the excitement of the little ones. He played peek-a-boo with the curtains and when he chose the little girl to escort to the tent area I wasn't sure who was more excited the girl or her Mom.
Our next stop was supposed to be Minnie's house, but it was blocked off due to wet paint. Since it was so cool this morning I guess the paint was just not drying fast enough. Geoff then escorted us over to Alice's Mad Tea Cup ride and gave some examples of how Alice in Wonderland showed up in several different examples of Walt's work.
Now it was time to go to Sir Mickey's. Geoff went over some of the history of Minnie
and Mickey and we stood by the appropriate figure in the shop. Did you ever notice that the Giant is peeking into the shop? If you look up at the ceiling directly behind the cashier
area near Mickey on the beanstalk you will see his fingers prying the roof up and his eyes peeking in.
Next we went to PhilharMagic and I tried very hard to see the Hidden Mickeys Geoff informed us about, but I was only able to see one of the three. Now our tour was over
and we were escorted to an area roped off behind the Christmas shop in Liberty Square. As Geoff was going over the final points Donald Duck appeared with a gift for each of us. I will keep the identity of the gift a secret for now.
Overall the tour is a great value and was very informative. The tour is still new and will most likely be going through some changes as time goes on. Geoff was a very good tour guide and is very informative. If you know everything there is to know about Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse you may not learn very much on this tour. I personally enjoyed it and thought it was a good value and a good deal for two and a half hours. Remember to let them know if you have an annual pass. The total cost with the AP discount was $21.25.
I hope that helps. I will do this in May. I have taken my then 10 year old daughter on the family Magic Tour and it was awesome. We had a group of about 12 others and everyone really got into helping and doing the actions.
Lori
appreciated?
I'll be anxiously anticipating your reviews! 
