Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
222
Behind the Scenes: Special Tours
in Walt Disney World
Moments
In addition to the greenhouse tour in Epcot's the Land pavilion (see below),
the Disney parks offer a number of walking tours and learning programs (keep
in mind that not all are listed below). The tours are subject to change. The
tours I list represent a sampling of the most recent ones available at press
time. Times, days, and prices also change. It's best to call ahead to Disney's
tour line,
&
407/939-8687,
to make reservations or get additional informa-
tion.
Tip:
Custom Guided Tours
(
&
407/560-4033
) are available at $175 per
hour with a 6-hour minimum.
• Epcot's
Aqua Seas Tour
lends you a wet suit and then takes you on a 2
1
/
2
-
hour journey that includes a 30-minute swim in the 5.7-million gallon Seas
with Nemo & Friends Aquarium, home to some 65 marine species. The tour
includes a souvenir T-shirt, refreshments, and group photo. The cost is $140,
park admission is not required, and it's open to guests 8 and older (those
younger than 11 must be accompanied by a participating adult). It's offered
daily at 12:30pm.
• The
Family Magic Tour
explores the nooks and crannies of the Magic
Kingdom in the form of a 2
1
/
2
-hour scavenger hunt. You meet and greet
characters at the end. Children (ages 3 and older) and adults are $30 per
person. You must also buy admission tickets to the park and book in
advance. If you have young kids and want to do a special tour, this is the
one to take. It begins daily at 10am outside City Hall.
• The 3-hour
Magic Behind the Steam Trains
tour (ages 10 and up) is a fun
one for locomotive buffs. A pair of veteran conductors gives you insight,
which other guests don't get, into the history and present operations of
the little engines that could. Monday through Thursday and Saturday at
7:30am; cost is $45 per person, plus park admission.
6
The following tours are for those 16 and older:
Emporium shop on the ground floor near the Sunshine Season Food Festival. The cost
is $14 for adults, $10 for children 3 to 9.
Note:
It's really geared to children.
Circle of Life
combines spectacular live-action footage with animation in a 15-minute
motion picture based on the
Lion King.
In this cautionary environmental tale, Timon
and Pumba are building a monument to the good life called Hakuna Matata Lakeside
Village, but their project, as Simba points out, is damaging the savanna for other animals.
The message: Everything is connected in the great circle of life.
Soarin'
is a copy of a popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure theme park.
Guests are seated in giant hang gliders and surrounded by a tremendous projection-
screen dome. After being lifted up more than 40 feet into the air, you'll fly through the
sky over the landscapes of California. This amazing adventure is enhanced by sensory
effects as guests are treated to the sights, sounds . . . and smells (think orange blossoms
and pine trees) of a dozen locations in California, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the
