Yuletide Fantasy tour - worth doing?

[anne930]

We were thinking about taking the Yuletide Fantasy tour this year since we are staying one more day than we usually do. If anyone has taken this tour, do you think it is worth the money and the time it takes? Or do you think we should wait until another year since Osbourne Lights is not running?

Thanks,
Anne

 

[nh-try]

WE did the tour last year and you can not beat it. You get to see the magic that is behind the lights . I think it is a must see

 

[padisneylover]

nh-try,
Would you explain a little more about the tour. Was it all walking, what did you see and how long was it, was it daily and what time did it start.
Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,

 

[nasmith]

I took the tour last year and was really disappointed. I believe that part of the problem was that I took the tour on a Saturday- and they had a "substitute" tour guide who's english was so highly accented that it was hard to understand her (and she was following a script- so when guests asked her questions it thru her off track (and she mostly didn't know the answers)). Also- noone was working in the Christmas workshop that day- and it would have been nice to see the "elves" at work (they were off decorating the Magic). Also, I was hoping that the tour covered Disney's version of Christmas stuff- but alot of it was spent talking about Christmas traditions from around the world- and had nothing to do with Disney.

As far as what the tour entailed:

Started at MGM- walked thru the park while we were told about the choice of Xmas deco. there (1950's americanca)- went to Osbourne lights which weren't on because it was morning) and were told the story of Jennings Osborne (which is posted on a board there for all to read). Got on a bus- went to Epcot- walked around a portion of World showcase and had some of the dec. pointed out to us- and what their meaning is (mistletoe, Santa's origins- that sort of thing)- Got back on the bus and went to the WL to look at the tree there as an example of decorating the resorts and the effort involved to incorporate the various themes; got back on the bus- went to MK where we were given 30 minutes of free time to check out the decorations on main street ourselves (geez-that's what I paid for right? I mean- I had already checked out the decorations myself plenty of tiimes before that); got back on the bus and went to the Christmas warehouse/workshop-- walked thru the aisles of shelves bursting with christmas decorations (most in boxes) - then went in the back and tied a bow with cheap faux-velvet ribbon.(this portion of the tour was the part I was most interested in, but it only lasted about 20 minutes). We were given a Mickey ornament.

If you do the tour, I suggest bringing along a bottle of water- because they don't provide you with any (as opposed to the other Disney tours I've taken).

Jill

 

[nh-try]

When we took the tour the cast member that we had was full of infomation and had the answers to all our questions, Also the people where working in the warehouse when we got there.
We learned about the Christmas traditions of many countries along the way. We also were told all about why the different decorations in the parks. We would do it again in a heart beat.

there is a lot of walking on the tour. and i think the tour is 3 or 4 times a week. I hope this helps

 

[mnbrowns]

It looks like hit or miss. My inlaws took this tour a couple years ago and didn't like it. They also said the tour guide seemed to be reading from a manual.
We always enjoy driving ourselves around to visit all the resorts to see the decorations.

 

[TBLJason]

My wife and I took the tour this morning. I have to say that I was a little let down by the whole thing. We had a group of 40 and two guides. They divided us into two groups, and then staggered the groups by a couple of minutes.

We started off in EPCOT where we visited Germany, Italy, USA, Japan and Morocco. Interesting info on the way the holidays are celebrated in different countries.

We then went to AKL to see the how they decorate the resorts. Again nice stuff.

Next we were off to the MK. That's where things started to go downhill. They were taping the christmas parade for TV today. Now, most people might be thrilled to get a peak at this, but I have seen my share of TV tapings in my life and it really was no big deal. During our time at MK, we were relegated to a little cove on Main Street. We never came within 200 feet of the MK Christmas tree. We were there for 5 mintues max, and then whisked out. If Disney knew that they were taping the parade, amd it would interfere with the tour, why would they schedule the tour? I couldn't help but feel that I missed out on a big part of the tour.

We then traveled to the Grand Floridian. Again, very nice. Good info. The Gingerbread House was cool.

Then we were off to the area where they store and make all of the decorations. They only problem was that nobody had the key to the building. So we stood outside for 10 to 15 minutes while they tried to find a someone who had the key. Once they found the key, we were rushed through the emty building. We were ther for maybe 5 minutes. It was cool seeing all the decorations stacked up, but again you felt that because they were running late, they were giving the Cliff's Notes version of the tour.

We got back on the bus. They gave us a nice ornament and a special pin, and we were done.

Overall, I learned a lot. Saw some cool stuff. The guide was good. I just felt as if we got a rushed version of the tour and that I probably didn't get my money's worth.

JD

 

[InstImpres]

After reading these reviews, I'll add my 2 cents. I would take the all day back stage magic tour. It was great. We were lucky and had a small group (8 plus the guide) and a terrific bus driver...he was always moving around to meet us. We started with backstage areas at Epcot than MGM, than off to the Christmas Warehouse...I loved listening too and talking to the "elves" they had amazing stories. Than off to MK and the utilidaor tunnel. Back to Epcot. (They really pushed the free bottle water on ice and even had us take the extra "home" at the end of the day) Lunch at Mama Melrose was included.

I am disappointed to hear reviews of Yuletide Tour as I wanted to make it next on my list. I am wondering since it is seasonally (though not an excuse) if that is why they are "reading a script".

Sandy

 

[betterlatethannever]

I guess it definitely is hit or miss.

Last year we had a very good tour guide. He had a lot of information about everything. Never used a script. He kept it going on the bus rides to the various parks/resorts (Asked trivia questions ,gave out little prizes).

Ed

 

[BriarRose59]

My mom and I are planning to take the Yuletide tour on Dec. 16. I picked this tour over Keys to the Kingdom because it is seasonal; we can do Keys in May when we go back for the F&G festival. Unfortunately, when you take a tour like this you never know who you are going to get as a guide. The regular one may be sick or off that day. We will just go in with a positive attitude and enjoy the tour no matter how it goes. I am really excited about being there during the holidays again so I am thinking everything is going to be great!