Yuletide Fantasy Tour

[Nancyg56]

I am planning a quick trip to see the Holiday decorations with my Daughter in Law. I see that this tour is open on a Saturday while we are there, and I am considering booking it as a surprise for the two of us. ANyway, can anyone describe it for me? There are two, and this is the less expensive at $99 per person. We only are there 5 days, so if I book it I know we will be crazy busy that day because we are heading into the MK that afternoon to see the evening shows. ALso, do you need park tix if you do this tour? I could nto tell from the description.

 

[goofy4tink]

I did it a few years ago. It was okay...not great. There is a ton of time spent on the bus going from park to park. I was somewhat disappointed in the behind the scenes part in the holiday decoration area. I loved our tour guides though...they were terrific. I did it because I had never done it, I was traveling solo and had a bunch of extra time on my hands. If you're pressed for time, on a budget or hope to see some really great things? I would pass on it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I did it a few years ago. It was okay...not great. There is a ton of time spent on the bus going from park to park. I was somewhat disappointed in the behind the scenes part in the holiday decoration area. I loved our tour guides though...they were terrific. I did it because I had never done it, I was traveling solo and had a bunch of extra time on my hands. If you're pressed for time, on a budget or hope to see some really great things? I would pass on it.

Thank you so much! This is a last minute budget trip on the heels of our family blowout this summer. If it is not a standout,I will pass. Plenty of other things to spend our discretionary money on.

 

[matheke]

We have done the tour and love it. You do not need park admission. There are several discounts available with the Disney Visa being the best discount.

There is a lot of discussion about holiday traditions and member participation. Typically you start in EPCOT in Germany and work your way over to Japan and learn of several traditions and how the décor has been matched to the country. This is before the WS opens and unless they are working in the area you can get some nice pictures with out the crowds.

Next is a trip to the GF and a look at Christmas in the Victorian age. Usually there is a break and a chance to see the Gingerbread house and buy some shingles.

Next it is to The MK. You enter Town Square from backstage and exit near the Plaza Restaurant. There are discussions about Walt and some of the Main Street traditions from the turn of the century.

Now it is off to the warehouse where everything is stored, designed and repaired, etc. There are rows and rows of storage and most of it is already in the parks/resorts/ships. You also see the storage for all the new pieces and parts (I did not know there were over 50 different red ornaments).

Then it is back on the bus and back to EPCOT where they give out the surprise gifts for taking the tour.

I may have the order between the MK and Holiday Services switched.

Now for my editorializing: The tour is a good or as bad as you and your group make it. If you don't participate or join the discussions then it will seem to last TOO long. If you see the Holiday services area a think "It's just a warehouse" and not "Look at all this stuff they use to make Magic here" then this is not the tour for you.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I took it some years ago, thought it was good. Interesting insights.

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

 

[Nancyg56]

Hmmmmm.....so much to think about! I love Christmas!!!!!!! I'll ask Erica if she thinks that it will be too long of a day. I think I would enjoy this!