Soooo, as stated above, I'm reporting back.
We arrived on 10/30, for our 10:30 tour, at approx. 10:15. We checked in and were seated in the area. There is a one person bathroom there, in case anyone needs to use it while waiting.
They then came around and provided headphones for everyone, alone with our lanyards.
At 10:35, we headed out. Our guide was named Dianne from Costa Mesa. She was very pleasant, though a bit soft-spoken at times. With the ambient noise on Main Street, I ended up turning up the volume. We walked up and down Main Street, stopping along the way to discuss Walt, Marceline, the windows, and other architectural nods.
After this, it was time to head up to Walt's apartment. The stairway is located behind the CM wall. No cameras allowed at this point. We entered the apartment, which I had never seen before. It was very small, all things considered, but quaint.
After checking out the apartment, and the Photopass photographer taking a few pics for everyone, we headed out onto the patio. We got or beverages and cookies. The beverage was based on your choice at check in. The cookie was large enough for 2 or more people, I will say that. We sat and chatted amongst the group. Our guide asked us questions like what our fave Disney movie is, etc.
The tour itself lasted approximately an hour. We spent an additional 1/2 hour on the patio. MOST of the conversation centered around a teddy bear that we carry with us (he's our child). Everyone wanted to know the history, etc. on our bear. Even the guide engaged us about our bear.
Pros:
Small group (6 of us not including our guide)
Felt like we were engaged during the tour
Cons:
Felt short (the total time)
Cost is a bit high for the overall experience
I currently believe that they should EXPAND the tour in terms of actual length spent on Main Street. Give us MORE history. The portion in the apartment was quite adequate.
Would I do it again? Probably, IF they expanded the historical portion of the tour.
That's my two cents, for what they're worth.