Disney World Backstage Tours

 

NOTE: All tours/prices are subject to change without notice. Most tours require walking. Comfortable shoes are recommended. For outdoor events, sunscreen should be applied. Some tours prohibit the use of photo/video equipment. Minors may require having a waiver filled out by a parent or legal guardian. Cancellation penalties are applicable. It’s advised to review all of the requirements with the Disney Tour department at 407-WDW-TOUR.

* Some AAA discounts are exclusive to Diamond Card holders.  AAA members that book a AAA package are entitled to a Diamond Card as part of their member benefits. 

2/15/13: The Keep Moving Forward: See the World, Share the Dream Segway Tour at Epcot has been cancelled.  We're not sure yet if this is a permanent change or just temporary, but we'll update as soon as we know.  The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour is still taking place at Fort Wilderness.

 

Name

Days/Time

Length

Cost

Discount

Park Admission?

Restrictions

Location

Backstage Magic- MK, Hollywood Studios, Epcot

Mon and Fri 9:00 AM

7 hrs

$243.89 per person Lunch included

Annual Passholders (15%), DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa(20%), Siemens/Jostens employees w/ID (30%)

Not Required or Included

16 years old or older, Photo ID required

Start at Epcot Guest Relations window @ 8:45 AM

Backstage Safari-Animal Kingdom

M, W, Th, F Arrive: 8:30am and 1:00pm

3 hrs

$76.68 per person

DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Required

16 years old or older, Photo ID required

Animal Kingdom outside the main turnstiles next to Guest Relations

Behind the Seeds

Daily 9:45 am - 4:30 pm, every 45 minutes

1 hr

$18 adults $14.00 children (3-9)

AP, DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa (all discounts 15%)

Required

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Make reservations at the tour desk on the lower level of The Land

Disney’s Behind the Magic of Our Steam Trains

M, Tues, Thurs, Sat@ 7:30AM

3 hrs

$52.19 per person

AP and AAA Diamond*, DVC, Disney Visa

Required

10 years old or older

Magic Kingdom @ 7:15 AM @ Guest Relations window outside main entrance

Disney's Family Magic Tour

Daily at 10:00am

2 hrs

$34 ages 3 and up

Annual Passholders (15%), AAA Diamond*, DVC, Disney Visa

Required

None

Magic Kingdom Meet at City Hall

Dolphins In Depth- Living Seas-Epcot

M thru F @ 9:45AM

3hrs

$206.61 per person

DVC, Military, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Not Required or Included

13 years old or older. 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. No jewelry.

Epcot @ the Guest Relations window outside Epcot main entrance

Epcot Dive Quest-Living Seas-Epcot

Daily @ 4:30PM and 5:30PM

3 hrs

$186.38 per person

DVC, Military, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Not Required or Included

10 yrs and up. 10 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Scuba certification required

Epcot Guest Relations window outside of main entrance

Epcot Seas Aqua Tour

Daily @ 12:30 pm

2 1/2 hrs, w/ 30 minutes in water. Remainder includes: backstage tour, video, instruction

$149.10 per person

DVC, Military, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Not Required or included

Minimum age is 8.8-16 must be accompanied by adult; age 17 must have waiver from guardian; photo ID for guests 16 and over

Living Seas, Epcot

Family Magic Tour

10:00 am

2 hrs

$34.00 per person ages 3+

AAA Diamond (15%), Disney Visa (20%), DVC (15%), AP (15%)

Required

All ages

Magic Kingdom Meet at City Hall

The Floral Experience

2:30 - 3:30

1 hr

$50

DVC

Not required

All ages

Saratoga Springs Resort Beach Club Resort Boardwalk Resort

Gardens of the World

offered select days during Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival

3 hrs

$63.90

Siemens/Jostens employees (30%), AAA Diamond* (15%), Disney Visa (20%), DVC (15%), AP (15%)

Required

Minimum age 16

Epcot outside main entrance

Holiday D-Lights Tour

Call for dates and times

4.5 hours

$199.00 per person

AP (15%) Disney Visa (20%), AAA Diamond*

Not Required

Minimum age 16

Epcot @ Guest Relations window outside main entrance

Keep Moving Forward: See the World, Share the Dream Segway Tour - cancelled

Daily 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am

3 hours

$99 per person

AP (15%), DVC (15%), Disney Visa (20%)

Required

Minimum age 16 - Signature of parent/guardian required for ages 16 - 17

Guest Relations Lobby to the left of Spaceship Earth. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time

Keys to the Kingdom- Magic Kingdom

Daily @ 8:30 am, 9:00 am, 9:30 am

4.5- 5 hrs

$78.81 per person Lunch included

AP(15%), AAA Diamond*(15%), DVC(15%), Disney Visa (20%)

Required

16 years old or older Photo ID required

Magic Kingdom @ City Hall

Night Safari

Wednesdays and Sundays

1 hour

$70 per person

None

Not Required

Minimum age - 8 Exclusive to guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - must be booked via the concierge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Sunrise Safari

7:00am Sundays and Thursdays

2 hrs including 30 minute Safari & breakfast

$65.00 ages 10 and up, $32.50 ages 3-10

None

Required

Exclusive to AKL Kilimanjaro Club Level Guests

Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Undiscovered Future World

M, W, F @ 9:00AM

4 to 4 1/2 hrs

$58.58 per person

DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa,Annual Passholders (15%)

Required

16 years old or older Photo ID required

Epcot @ 8:45AM @ Guest Relations window outside main entrance

Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom

Monday, Wednesday, Friday @8:15 am

2.5 - 3 hrs

$32 per person

AAA (15%), DVC (20%), Annual Passholders (15%), Disney Visa (20%)

Required

12 years old or older Photo ID required

Magic Kingdom @ City Hall

Wanyama Safari

Daily Afternoons

3 hrs including dinner at Jiko's

$170 per person

None

Not Required

Exclusive to guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Wild Africa Trek   Save $50 if you book a tour at 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm or 3:15pm. Discount is valid through 10/26/13.

Daily - several times offered throughout the day

3 hrs

$189 (price may go up to $249 during peak seasons)

None

Required

Minimum age is 9 years old Need to be able to walk. Maximum weight - 350 lbs. Wear closed toe shoes Cameras are allowed, as long as it is secured to your body. group is limited to 12 people

Kilimanjaro Safari Fastpass machines

Wild By Design

M, W, Th, Fri 8:30am includes breakfast

3 hrs

$63.90 per person

DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa

Required

Minimum age is 14

Animal Kingdom outside the main turnstiles next to Guest Relations

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour

Tues, Fri, Sat 8:30am 11:30am

2 hrs

$95.85 per person

DVC, AAA Diamond*, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Not Required

Minimum age 16 - Signature of parent/guardian required for ages 16 - 17 250 lbmaximum weight

Ft. Wilderness Resort & Campground Meet at Meadows Bike Barn

Yuletide Fantasy (Seasonal)

9:00am Mon - Sat 11/27-12/30 No tour on Sundays or Christmas Day

3 1/2 hours

$79.00 per person

AAA Diamond*, DVC, Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Not Required or included

Minimum age is 16

Epcot @ 8:45AM @ Guest Relations window outside main entrance

 

Backstage Magic: You’ll feel like a true Disney insider when you explore the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot from this entirely different perspective. The secret world behind the “Magic” is yours to uncover during this fascinating tour. Lunch at the Whispering Canyon restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort is included. Photo ID is required. Click Here for our Review

Backstage Safari: The Animal Kingdom theme park is yours to explore. This behind the scenes tour provides fascinating insights of the challenges faced in the operation of this unique venture. As you visit the Animal Nutrition Center and Veterinary Hospital, as well as other backstage areas, the specialists will discuss what goes into the day-to-day care of the wildlife. PLEASE NOTE: Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice as moderate walking and stair climbing is involved.

Behind the Seeds: Take a walking tour of the "Living with the Land" attractions. Explore various areas within the greenhouse and learn the techniques used for raising crops. You'll take part in a herb/spice sensory challenge, veggie taste test, lady bug release and don't forget the alligators! All ages are welcome with strollers provided for little ones. ECV users must transfer to a manual wheelchair. Cameras and videotaping are welcome.

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains: Get an insider’s look at one of Walt Disney's greatest passions, steam trains. You'll join the opening crew as they prepare the Magic Kingdom's steam trains for their daily operation. You’ll visit the backstage roundhouse where these treasured transports are maintained and stored. All aboard for a ride on the Lilly Belle, Roy O. Disney, Walter E. Disney or Roger E. Broggie.

 

 

DiveQuest: This three hour tour starts with a behind the scenes look at the operation of the Living Seas followed by a 40-minute dive. You’ll swim amidst the colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks and 65 other species of marine life. It’s always smooth seas at this unique diving venture. PLEASE NOTE: Ages 10 and up. Guests ages 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Younger guests will need proof of Jr. SCUBA certification. Adults are also required to show proof of SCUBA certification. All equipment is provided including fins, tank, buoyancy compensator, weight belt, mask, and a 2.5mm shorty wetsuit. (You may bring your own mask.) You’ll have access to changing rooms with showers, and you are asked to bring a swimsuit. No cameras/videotaping allowed. Other members of your party may be able to photograph you from inside the exhibit. (Park Admission will be required.) Jewelry is not permitted and expectant mothers cannot participate.

Dolphins in Depth: Here's your chance to get up close and personal with a playful Dolphin. You’ll first explore the backstage areas where these amazing mammals are cared for and learn about the research being conducted at Epcot’s Living Seas pavilion. After this portion of the tour, you’ll enter into waist deep water to interact with these fascinating creatures. You’ll receive a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments and a T-shirt. PLEASE NOTE: No swimming or SCUBA diving is required. No cameras or jewelry are permitted and expectant mothers cannot participate. The dolphin determines the level of interaction.

Epcot Seas Aqua Tour: Time to slip on your swimsuit and slip into the waters of the Living Seas. Your tour begins with a fascinating behind the scenes look at the aquarium. The grand finale is a half hour spent in the water with the inhabitants of this amazing facility. Your tour includes a group photo, refreshments, all of your gear and a T-shirt. PLEASE NOTE: Bathing suits are required. Wetsuits are provided and must be worn. Lockers are provided. Scuba certification is not needed. The water temperature will be in the mid-70s. No cameras/videotaping allowed. Other members of your party may be able to photograph you from inside the exhibit. (Park Admission will be required.) Jewelry is not permitted and expectant mothers cannot participate.

Family Magic Tour: A fun-filled scavenger hunt at the Magic Kingdom that the entire family can enjoy. You’ll follow clues in pursuit of a Disney villain to thwart his evil plan. Lots of fun surprises and character interaction are in store as your detective skills save the park from dastardly deeds.

The Floral Experience: Create your own Disney themed floral arrangement to take home with you. The arrangements will vary by season. The Floral Experience is offered at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. Call 407-827-3505 to book.

Gardens of the World:

This is your chance to tour and learn about the World Showcase’s gardens with one of Disney’s horticulture experts.  You’ll hear how the gardens are designed and how each plant is incorporated into the pavilion’s landscape.  You might even learn some tips for how to use some of these techniques in your own yard!  This tour is only offered on select days during Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.

Holiday D-Lights Tour: The holidays are a special time at Disney. Get an insider's look into how Cinderella Castle sparkles during the holidays. Enjoy the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. You will experience the Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and you will meet the Disney event team responsible for planning and executing all the displays at WDW.

Keep Moving Forward: See the World, Share the Dream Segway Tour: Explore Walt's vision for a better tomorrow and how he achieved that with the design of Walt Disney World and Epcot.  After receiving instructions in the use of this futuristic vehicle, you’re off on a fun filled exploration of Epcot and an in-depth tour of the World Showcase before it opens to the public.  Hear the stories of the countries and learn their heritage while listening to your guide through headphones to make sure that you don't miss a thing. This tour is an amazing opportunity that’s certain to create a once in a lifetime memory. Breakfast at Sunshine Seasons is included, as well as a new commemorative pin.  PLEASE NOTE: The maximum weight is 250 lbs. Helmets are provided and are mandatory. Expectant mothers may not participate. Guests with special needs should discuss the requirements with the Disney Tour department to see if they’re able to take part in this tour. Listen to the Review (MP3 Time code 0:33:27)

Keys to the Kingdom: Your “key” opens the doors behind the formation of the Magic Kingdom. You’ll feel as if you’re walking in Walt Disney’s footsteps as your tour guide shares stories of the “man behind the mouse.” You’ll learn of what led to the parks creation and the vision that inspires its continued growth. Both backstage areas and attractions are visited during this tour. Lunch at Columbia Harbour House is included. Large bags and cameras are prohibited.

Mickey's Magical Milestones: The focus is on Mickey Mouse as you tour the Magic Kingdom. While visiting the attractions and locations that highlight his career, you'll delve into the enchanting world of everyone's favorite mouse. This tour features the development and achievements of this world famous icon.

Night Safari: This nighttime safari is only available for guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and must be booked via the concierge. Guests will use night vision goggles to search out the animals on the Sunset Savanna. 

Sunrise Safari: This tour is exclusively offered to guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kilimanjaro Club Level. The Sunrise Safari provides an in depth look at the daily operation of the Animal Kingdom theme park. Included in the tour is a 30 minutes safari ride and breakfast at the Pizzafari restaurant. Transportation will be provided from the Animal Kingdom resort. Upon completion, regular Disney motor coach transportation is used. This can be booked 180 days in advance and must be booked through the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755

 

 

The UnDISCOVERed Future World: Explore areas of Epcot that are restricted to park visitors and learn of Walt Disney’s plans for this “City of Tomorrow.” As you visit behind the scenes, you’ll share in the vision that led to the creation of Epcot.

Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom: Walk through the Magic Kingdom and see how it is a timeline to Walt's life.  Events in his life helped shape his view of the world around him, which in turn, inspired him to create his own "World."  This walking tour will also give guests an inside look at operations and design of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions.

 

 

Wanyama Safari: This tour is exclusively offered to guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. This three hour experience gives guests an opportunity to tour with members of the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge's animal programs team. You'll learn of the development of the resort's safaris and what goes into maintaining the animals in a resort environment. Bring your camera for unique photos taken from the resort's Savannas. Following your in-depth tour, you'll have dinner at Jiko - The Cooking Place, the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge's award winning restaurant. This tour is limited to 12 guests and can be reserved 90 days in advance through the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755

Wild Africa Trek:  The Wild Africa Trek takes small groups on a guided hike with animal experts into some of the undeveloped areas of the “Harambe Reserve” of the Kilimanjaro Safari.  You will experience up close views of Africa's wildest animals, clip into a harness allowing you to step to a cliff's edge and see the hippos and crocs below!  You will then board a special vehicle to explore the rest of the Savannah.  The tour concludes with a "Taste of Africa" experience where guests can continue to view animals from a special private safari camp above the savanna. Click Here to read a review of the Wild Africa Trek on the DIS Unplugged Blog.

 

Wild By Design: On this tour of the Animal Kingdom, you’ll learn how another continent was created in the midst of Florida. By sharing in the vision of the Imagineers, you’ll see how the use of authentic artifacts, native crafts and regional architecture led to the formation of the Animal Kingdom theme park. You’ll “Walk on the Wild side” as you explore the park and its inhabitants. PLEASE NOTE:Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice as moderate walking and stair climbing is involved.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour: This tour takes you along the trails of Ft. Wilderness. Meet at the Meadows Bike Barn area. After receiving instructions in the use of this futuristic vehicle, you're off on your 'wilderness' adventure. You'll head to the Fort's Settlement Post where there's a covered pavilion nearby. Here you'll get a helmet and mandatory instructions. Cameras and video are allowed. If you book the 8:30 session, you'll need to provide your own transportation to Ft. Wilderness, making it very important to plan ahead. They don't allow vehicular traffic within the grounds. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to take the internal bus from the Day Guest Parking Lot. For the later session, if you take Disney transportation from a theme park or Downtown Disney to Ft. Wilderness, you'll still need to transfer to the internal bus. You're required to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your session. If you're late, no tour for you. PLEASE NOTE: The maximum weight is 250 lbs. Helmets are provided and are mandatory. Expectant mothers may not participate. Guests with special needs should discuss the requirements with the Disney Tour department to see if they’re able to take part in this tour.

Wildlife Discovery Excursion: An animal expert is your guide for a safari ride onto the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You'll visit special observation and photo ops exclusive to this tour. This can be booked 90 days in advance and must be booked through the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Itinerary Planning Office at 407-938-4755

Yuletide Fantasy: Get a behind the scenes look at how holiday Magic is created at Disney World. You'll see how the Magic Kingdom is transformed into a scene from Currier & Ives, how Epcot captures the international flavor of the different cultures and their traditions, and how the Disney Resorts are transformed during this special time of year. You'll get an insiders look at the "tricks of the trade" and the enormity of this annual undertaking. At the conclusion of this walking tour, you'll receive a special holiday gift. Click here for a review of this tour.