Opinions about Backstage tours

[jodistar]

I've never been to one - which one would you recommend? I would love to go to Keys of the Kingdom but I'm not sure.....reviews needed.

TIA,

Jodi

 

[MiJo]

The Keys to the Kingdom (KTTK) Tour was our first and we really enjoyed it. This one lasted a few hours. We learned a lot about the layout of the MK and facts about its creation. We also got to go "through the backdoor" of a few of the attractions, such as the HM, JC, PotC. We had lunch at the Harbour House (sandwiches, chips, etc.) and headed backstage and eventually into the Utilidors. The Utilidors weren't as interesting as I had hoped but everything else was. If you don't mind walking for a few hours, this is a great tour.
A few weeks ago we did the Segway Tour in EPCOT. This was another excellent tour, especially if you are into high-tech gadgets. There isn't as much information given about EPCOT as there is info given about MK during the KTTK Tour, but the real reason for doing this one is to get the opportunity to cruise around the WS on a Segway Human Transporter for an hour or so. The first hour is spent indoors "in training". After a short break, you head out into EPCOT in single file and head over to the WS. You spend an hour cruising around as a group with your tour guide giving some information about several of the countries along the way. There is a 15-minute or so period where you are allowed to cruise around individually. Bring a camera because the CM's will take photos of you during this time.
Both tours include a special pin to commemorate your day.
I would highly recommend both!

 

[TLinden16]

The Keys to the Kingdom tour is excellent. You'll learn a lot of interesting things, and see some neat backstage areas. I've taken it twice, and both times it was slightly different.

The all day Backstage Magic tour is also fantastic. You visit Epcot, MGM, the Magic Kingdom, Disney Florist, Central Shops (where they work on ride vehicles), and a storage warehouse. You see a ton of interesting things there--like going behind the scenes at the American Adventure, seeing the holiday decorations storage warehouse, going to costuming at MGM to see how the costumes are made, and going into the cast member building at Epcot to see Pride Wall, a hallway that features murals by each attraction or department at Epcot.

Karen