- Review
by
Jason Klauber - aka JayPD
With
a sense of anticipation, we embarked on the Segway
Tour at Epcot. We
met over at Innoventions where our adventure was to begin.
During the orientation, we watched a video
and our guide explained how to ride this
unusual form of transportation. Next came
fittings for the required helmets. This
introduction lasted about 10 minutes.
Our next stop was the Segway room. Within
twenty minutes of the start of the tour we
found ourselves on our very own Segway! We were shown how to
move forward, backward, stop and make turns. They take you though zig-zag patterns
with cones, followed by a few circular laps to help you get you acquainted
with the device. We were also taught how to “walk” it over
an obstacle that we would otherwise not be able to ride over safely. (In
other words, where you have to get off of the Segway to maneuver over or around
an area.)
We were eager to test our Segway skills
and off we went into Future World. Even
though we were focusing on our vehicle, we could see that we turned a few
heads as we headed from Innoventions to the World Showcase. For the participants
who were still a bit nervous, the Cast Members did a great job in making
them comfortable.
Following our guide, and being monitored by spotters, we arrived at the World
Showcase, which had not yet open to the public. We went from country to country
on our Segways. Through the alleyways of
Morocco, and even through the hedges
surrounding the America Pavilion, our devices traversed the landscape. Anywhere
you can walk through the World Showcase you can take your Segway.
It was an amazing experience
to mix this futuristic mode of transportation
with the historic atmosphere of the World
Showcase. As we reached each country,
our guide gave us special tips and info
about that land. Just watching the Cast
Members prepare for the opening of this
section of Epcot was a treat in itself.
It was fascinating to watch this “behind
the scenes” ritual unfold as we rode
by.
After touring the World
Showcase for approximately an hour, the
fun really began. Now that we were “Segway
Pros”, we rode back through Future
World. With more guests having
arrived in Epcot, we zoomed by them listening
to comments and having our pictures taken! We
were allowed to take photos ourselves,
but to have strangers want to snap our
pix; it became a real Disney experience.
One thing to keep in
mind is that you’re standing for
two hours during the tour, with brief
breaks in between. No one seemed to mind
as the time passed too quickly. Everyone
agreed that our expectations were exceeded.
On a scale of 1 to 10, this was definitely
a 10.
Discounts are
offered to Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Pass holders,
and Disney Visa Card holders (15%).
