Walking in Walt's Footsteps

[volvo99]

Greetings all!

My girlfriend is a CM in DD, and I have to commute from out of town to see her. Since our next opportunity to meet is on a workday for her, she has offered to place me on a 'Walking in Walt's Footsteps Tour" to kill time while she is at work. I've learned a few details about it, but I'd like to know if anyone here has taken it.

How long does it take? What to expect? Anything I will learn that I can't figure out on my own? I understand that a meal is provided; any reports about that?

I'm not a huge Disneyland fan, but I find Walt Disney to be an interesting historical figure, a complex man who was both a nostalgic and visionary.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

If thats true and the tour hasnt changes *that* much from when I took it then you'll like it-

Most things at DL have a why and a story behind their existance there from the lamposts on Main Street to the Telephone in the Walt Disney Story- The tour is an introduction and a explination to lots of the little things that make Disneyland what it is.

The lunch I'm told is mainly sandwiches and the like but not bad food.


-em

 

[volvo99]

Thanks for the reply. That is something I'm very interested in; the architecture and history behind what is present in the MK. I'll be sure to grab a camera as well.

Some more research on my part has shown that the tour includes a ride on the Disneyland RR, a visit to the Tiki Room, the lobby of Club 33, and lunch on a terrace overlooking New Orleans Square, originally designed to be Walt's apartment.

The CM giving the tour gives insight into the research and architecture behind what millions of visitors pass through without realising all the thought and research involved decades ago.

It seems rather low key; is there a huge interest in this tour or is it more for 'people in the know?'

 

[Tina]

We did this tour last December and loved it. DH and I are big Disney fans and of Walt himself. Our tour group was fairly small, DH and I, 2 women who were BIG Disney nuts, and a group of 4 others who appeared to have been placed on the tour by someone at Disney. They didn't really seem to be into the park itself, but just killing some time. I think they enjoyed it anyway. You learn a lot about the building and history of the park and Walt's visions. I loved going into the Club 33 lobby. The lunch is served on the inner patio of the Disney Gallery (where Walt's private apt was to be built). It was interesting to walk through the rooms of the gallery and learn the intended purpose of each room. It was a good lunch of sandwiches or salads. The guide was very informative and left no questions unanswered. I think you'll have a fun time on the tour - even if you're not a Disney nut.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

The one thing that I dont know is now that the Tiki Room is under Refurb if and what they do to replace that portion of the tour.

As for interest- its more of a interest group thing as most people who do Disney frankly dont care about the little things they just want to ride Space dozens of times (this is *not* a bad thing) and there are others who love being at DL but enjoy it for its experiance and stop to see the little things...

I've taken the old tour twice (same tour but didnt have the lunch and destinations) first time I did it alone and that was great- I learned alot more than I think I wouldve in a group setting- The 2nd time I was with a dozen or so others and it wasnt nearly as informative (for me- Ive studied DL history for years now) but was very good overall. I'm planning to take the new tour in May so we'll see how it stacks up

-em

 

[volvo99]

Hello! I took the tour last Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it. It took nearly 4 hours; longer than scheduled, but I'll include brief but important components.

The tour is limited to 15 people. This allows enough people to take it yet gives everyone a chance to ask the guide questions.

On Main Street, you will visit The Walt Disney Experience and learn about some interesting trivia regarding the buildup and opening day. Along with a visit to the fire station to learn about the mystery light in the upstairs window, you learn about the architectural tricks employed here.

A visit to Fantasyland reveals all you want to know about the castle.

After a private ride on The Jungle Cruise, the highlight of visiting New Orleans Square and the lobby of Club 33 is not to be missed.

Then we visited The Haunted Mansion, and rode the RR to Tomorrowland. Here, you learn that this park was perenially a work in progress...and still is.

After a jaunt to Frontierland and a brief history of The Golden Horseshoe, we trekked back to N.O. square to dine al fresco on a terrace, formerly part of an apartment built for Walt's family, but rarely used.

To summarize, this was an excellent tour, much more than I expected. Our guide, Michael, was enthusiastic, professional, and approachable, and truly seemed to love what he does. Meals were of good quality, and the whole ambience was that of a VIP tour. My whole perspective of the MK is now permanently changed, and I truly recommend this tour as a way to grasp the true flavor of the park.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Glad you liked it

Its amazing how much detail they put in the park that most people walk right on by...

-em

 

[PigSoldier]

I'm hoping to take this tour while the rest of my family spend a few hours in DCA, a few more questions:

I can be quite picky about my food (I don't like tomatoes, and I'm allergic to citrus fruits- you can guess the problems that causes ), is there much of a selection at lunch? How fancy is the food on offer?

I haven't been able to find any times for the tour, what time does it normally start?

We're probably going to be there Easter Sunday, where it's going to be impossibly crowded, with the Walt Disney Story and Jungle Cruise (which I heard were part of the tour) out of action. Will the tour still be running? Is it on every day?

Many thanks!!

 

[volvo99]

Pig Soldier:

Any basic information you need can be searched on the main Disneyland website. However, there are some I can share here.

When you present yourself at the info cart in front of City Hall, you will be offered a menu for your meal selection. There are plenty of choices and descriptions, and even vegetarian selections. It is above the standards you find in the quick service restaurants, and comparable to what you may find at, say, Carnation Cafe. The opportunity to dine on the Disney Terrace, however, is special.

I understand tour times are 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. The tour is scheduled for 3.5 hours, however mine took longer.

If an attraction is closed, a substitute will be chosen. For example, the Jungle Cruise substituted for the closed Tiki Room. Club 33 access is planned, but the guide noted that is subject to the discretion of the manager on duty.

Plan to book space on the tour ahead of time and to verify if it is operating on the day you want to visit. Ask if CM Michael is working your tour; I found him to be an excellent and thorough guide. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera, and enjoy.

-Cheers

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Pigsoldier,

When you get to Disneyland, visit Town Square, and let them know your diet restrictions. They will help you out, and may be able to influence what you'll eat on your tour.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Yes Disney is very accomadating with food issues-


now if anyone wants a cheap version of the tour- just make sure to be at the park when I am and I'll give ya a free version well *my* version but hey it works-- but I can't get ya into club 33 even the entry way and I dont provide food or pins...

-em

 

[JC Butterfly]

Is this tour offered every day?

I have this booked as part of a package and I'm trying to find out if I'll have any say on the date/time selected.

I have visited DL a couple of times but it's my husband's first visit, would it be appropriate for a first timer?

I thought we should at least schedule the tour later in the week so he had a chance to experience a couple of things first.

 

[volvo99]

Again, any questions regarding when the tour is offered should be referred to Guest Services. I understand, however, that the tour is filled first come, first served.

I've visited the MK several times before this tour, and it is a good introduction to the park wether you are a first time or many time visitor. It may help to have seen the park beforehand to become familiar with what the CM is saying.

Just plan to have a good time.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I think that the tour should be done after you've "seen it all" Personally If Id never been to DL Id be like I want to RIDE Pirates not discuss the theming around it... but thats just me


-em

 

[Meriweather]

I've taken this tour twice now. Once in July with friends and last Wed with DH. The tour guide makes a lot of difference. I knew more than the last one and we didn't cover nearly as many things. But it had all 15 people in the tour and some first time people that asked lots of questions (not a bad thing....but it slowed us down).
Tiki room in July, Jungle Cruise in Nov.
Lunch was great in July. I had one of the salads. The Disney Gallery was a great place to dine and also to talk with the guides more.
However....something was going on there last week at lunch time and we dined instead at the Golden Horseshoe....great show, but crowded dining upstairs and loud.
Sanwich this time....dry and not too great. I'd go for the salad again. But the cheesecake is delish!!