Keys To The Kingdom

[Pegasus928]

Just heard about this tour from one of the guys at work (he hasn't done it) and wondered if anyone here would recommend it or not.
I noticed you have to be at least 16 to go on it - I assuume it's so the 'magic' isn't spoiled for the younger visitors - and the cost is in addition to the entrance fee, so is it worth it??
Pegasus

[walden64]

Pegasus

Yes, I would highly recommend this tour. Mike and myself did it a couple of years ago and it was really interesting and well worth the extra money.

When I walk up main street now I look at all the buildings and not just the castle at the end of the street. You start to notice so much more.

We learnt about the background of the parks - what happened on the opening day etc.

One thing I never knew about before the tour was all the 'hidden Mickey's' - now I look out for them all the time - in fact Matthew bought a book at Epcot last week all about the hidden Mickey's and where to find them.

Michelle

[E. Cosgrove]

We did the Backstage Magic Tour this year which involves Epcot, MGM and MK as well as some of Disney's other areas, it was expensive but well worth the money and we will certainly be checking out some of Disney's other tours for the future.

[floridageoff]

We have been on four of the Disney park tours and Keys to the Kingdom was definitely the best one. It lasts about 5 hours and lunch is included in the price. You will learn lots of fascinating facts and will jump the queues on a couple of rides too! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and would not hesitate to recommend it to others.

[Madabouttigger]

We did the Keys to the Kingdom and thought it was really good - you get to see different aspects of the Park and see behing the scenes too.

[mistert]

I agree with the other replies - great tour. BUT you have to enjoy walking. Apart from lunch and when you are on the rides (usually 2 or 3) you are on your feet all the time.Tour can last 5 hrs overall - depends on how many questions you ask!

We did this tour last June - very pleasant time of year. Not sure if I would do it in July/August, in view of the temps & humidity, though.

[millie]

Loved this tour - totally worth it!!!!!!!

Our tour guide was lovely and it was quite a hot day but she tried to stop in the shade where she could. Told fabulous stories (could have listened to her all day!!!) and rode a few rides. Lunch was great and the backstage stuff was fascinating. One of the ladies on our tour had a daughter working at MK as a character and she met her when she was backstage on the tour! Def worth a go!
But as has been said it is a long trek so comfy shoes, hat, sunscreen and a nice bottle of water is essential.
Enjoy!
Lx

[KevinT]

We did the Backstage Tour a few years ago and I would definitely go on it , (or one of the other tours) again as the day was absolutely fascinating. The tour we were on starts at Epcot , then on to MGM and finally to the Magic Kingdom. The day seemed to flash past and was brilliant.
You got to understand what a huge organisation Disney has, and got to speak to cast members and see how the parades are arranged and conducted. Tour also included the cartoon studios and even the laundries for the outfits.
although we haven't been on the Keys tour - if it's anything like the Backstage one I would jump at the chance!! [msnsmile2]

[Bookworm]

Thanks for asking about this one. I've never heard of it before but it sounds really good. I'll definitely look into it noext time we are over.

Joanne

[Pegasus928]

Thanks for the replies.
It sounds like something I would really like to do (It beats paying the same price just for an express ticket - at least you get something worthwhile for your money here - Are you watching Universal)
The only problem is Mrs Pegasus is a little reluctant. She hates the thought that we might go wandering around the cast area and she will come across Tigger without his head on and it will ruin the illusion for her.
Up to this point I thought she knew that it was someone in a costume - you learn something new every day [msnscared]
Pegasus

[E. Cosgrove]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Pegasus928
Thanks for the replies.
The only problem is Mrs Pegasus is a little reluctant. She hates the thought that we might go wandering around the cast area and she will come across Tigger without his head on and it will ruin the illusion for her.
Pegasus
[/quote]
They are very careful to make sure that never happens !![msnwink]

[millie]

You actually go into the backstage area and basically go round a big corridor. They have displays set up for people on the tour to see all about the building of the MK, costumes and makeup displays. You actually get to see very little of the cast themselves. We did get a peek into one of ther staff rooms but as it was under main street it was mainly the cast who work in the shops - no headless characters!!!!!!!

I was a bit scared it would spoil the magic but they are careful in what they show and tell you. It actually made it better for me to see a little of how the magic is created. And of course the stories and secrets they tell you make it more magical!!!
Lx

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I'd definitely recommend it - we did this very tour a few years ago now and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wrote a short piece on it at http://www.park-tickets.com/KeysToTheKingdom.aspx

[Andy & Arlene]

So how do you go about booking something like this? Do you have to pay for a day ticket with the tour on top or is it an extra ticket altogether?

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

Ring 407-WDW-TOUR and book it in advance. You pay on top of the price of park admission for the day, but do get lunch included on this one.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Andy & Arlene
So how do you go about booking something like this? Do you have to pay for a day ticket with the tour on top or is it an extra ticket altogether?
[/quote]

[Andy & Arlene]

OK thanks John [msnsmile2]

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

I forgot to mention, the tour also involves going on a few of the more popular rides and you get to walk right to the front of the line, beating even the Fastpass people [msnsmile2].
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Andy & Arlene
OK thanks John [msnsmile2]
[/quote]

[orlandodaze]

This is something we would strongly consider for 2007.