Which EPCOT tour? DestiNations or UnDISCOVERed Future World?

[armerida]

My husband and I are big EPCOT fans and are interested in doing a tour this summer. (We're planning on doing Backstage Magic in December when the weather is cooler since it's an all-day tour). Has anyone done either (or both) of the other tours - DestiNations or UnDISCOVERed Future World? I'm torn between them...

We prefer to spend our EPCOT time in World Showcase but I'm wondering if the Future World tour gives more backstage access and information about the concept of EPCOT...Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Oneanne]

I did UnDISCOVERed Future World a couple years ago and did enjoy it, but in a kind of sad nostalgic way since the tour covered so many things that don't exist or happen any longer. The things that I remember the most are seeing how close the Canada pavilion and Soaring really are behind the scenes, and going thru the laundry area and hearing how they manage costuming and uniform distribution, and also seeing some of the face characters do their makeup... and being instructed to not make eye contact .

I'm taking the DestiNations tour when I'm there next week and really looking forward to it.

 

[armerida]

I did UnDISCOVERed Future World a couple years ago and did enjoy it, but in a kind of sad nostalgic way since the tour covered so many things that don't exist or happen any longer. The things that I remember the most are seeing how close the Canada pavilion and Soaring really are behind the scenes, and going thru the laundry area and hearing how they manage costuming and uniform distribution, and also seeing some of the face characters do their makeup... and being instructed to not make eye contact .

I'm taking the DestiNations tour when I'm there next week and really looking forward to it.

Thanks for the feedback, would love to hear how DestiNations compares after your trip!

 

[VAfamily1998]

I did UnDISCOVERed Future World a couple years ago and did enjoy it, but in a kind of sad nostalgic way since the tour covered so many things that don't exist or happen any longer. The things that I remember the most are seeing how close the Canada pavilion and Soaring really are behind the scenes, and going thru the laundry area and hearing how they manage costuming and uniform distribution, and also seeing some of the face characters do their makeup... and being instructed to not make eye contact .

I'm taking the DestiNations tour when I'm there next week and really looking forward to it.

Why no eye contact?

 

[kiford]

We did DestiNations about two weeks ago. I thought I knew a lot about the World Showcase but we learned so much. Really enjoyed it and our tour guide was great.

 

[armerida]

We did DestiNations about two weeks ago. I thought I knew a lot about the World Showcase but we learned so much. Really enjoyed it and our tour guide was great.

Awesome, thanks for the info!

 

[teach22180]

Kiford, can you answer a couple specifics? Did you see every country? And was there a snack break? Thx!

 

[Oneanne]

Why no eye contact?

The tour guide said they were "shy"... and they didn't make eye contact with us either.

 

[nekonekoneko]

Kiford, can you answer a couple specifics? Did you see every country? And was there a snack break? Thx!

I did DestiNations in January, and the tour goes through every country. There is no snack break, but lunch is provided. Definitely plan to eat breakfast and/or bring a small snack with you during the tour.

As for the OP, there is a bit of history about Epcot in general before getting to the Mexico pavilion. There is some backstage access within World Showcase.

My favorite part, without spoiling too much, is being allowed to cross the rope between Norway and China before that part officially opens. And the onstage areas still allow pictures to be taken, even though it's still officially closed. It makes for some great pictures with nobody there.

 

[amw]

I did DestiNations in January, and the tour goes through every country. There is no snack break, but lunch is provided. Definitely plan to eat breakfast and/or bring a small snack with you during the tour.

As for the OP, there is a bit of history about Epcot in general before getting to the Mexico pavilion. There is some backstage access within World Showcase.

My favorite part, without spoiling too much, is being allowed to cross the rope between Norway and China before that part officially opens. And the onstage areas still allow pictures to be taken, even though it's still officially closed. It makes for some great pictures with nobody there.

The tour has since changed. They no longer provide a lunch but give a snack instead. That’s why the previous poster was asking.

I’m not going til August, but another reviewer mentioned a quick fruit snack - I think in America. Maybe someone else can elaborate.

 

[armerida]

I did DestiNations in January, and the tour goes through every country. There is no snack break, but lunch is provided. Definitely plan to eat breakfast and/or bring a small snack with you during the tour.

I believe they recently changed the tour to no longer stop for lunch at Rose and Crown - I think I read that they provide a snack of fruit and cheese. They also lowered the price because of removing the meal. Unless I'm thinking of a different tour!

 

[nekonekoneko]

I believe they recently changed the tour to no longer stop for lunch at Rose and Crown - I think I read that they provide a snack of fruit and cheese. They also lowered the price because of removing the meal. Unless I'm thinking of a different tour!

You are correct. From the DestiNations Disney webpage:

• The walking experience lasts about 4.5 hours and includes a snack.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/world-showcase-destinations/
That's different, and my tour wasn't that long ago.

 

[kiford]

Kiford, can you answer a couple specifics? Did you see every country? And was there a snack break? Thx!

Yes, we went to every country. Some backstage areas. Went into the Festival kitchens and the Exec Chef talked about its design and how they manage the festival catering and gave us a special Epcot festival cookie. We had a short break in the American Pavilion Publick House with a snack (cheese, fruit, water, air conditioning!!).

The guide told us about the design and inspiration in each country as well as little stories about them and the World Showcase in general. I hadn't realized so many of the pavilions were actually small scale versions of actual buildings as opposed to "inspired by". Now I have to visit some of these places to see how they compare.

It starts at 8:15 so you get into some of the countries before they're open or before there are many people there which was great. You're allowed to take pictures in the countries just not in the backstage and because it's so empty, you can get some great pictures without tons of strangers in them. It ended about 12:45. Definitely worth a morning. We did have to take a taxi to Epcot since we were supposed to check in by 8 am and since Epcot wasn't opening until 9 am that morning, none of the transportation was running. Very efficient entry though; they had a separate entrance for people with early ADRs and people with tours. We were checked in and waiting for our guide before 8:10.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Don't forget tour discounts....AP, DVC and Disney Visa, all 15%

 

[CartyGirls]

Super excited to find this thread and all the great information. Now I want to do both tours.

 

[armerida]

Super excited to find this thread and all the great information. Now I want to do both tours.

I do too!

 

[teach22180]

Thanks everyone for the good info. I'm excited about Epcot for the first time in a while, so it seems a tour is just what I needed!