Keys to the Kingdom Tour?

casrin · Post by **casrin** » Sep Mon 24, 2007 7:41 pm

You didn't see any characters without heads did you?!

You know, years ago, I took the Backstage Magic! tour that was geared for kids and teens. It was part of the Disney Institute if I remember right (I still have my guidebook for it somewhere, I should find it). Anyway, we also saw the prep area for the Mickey Mania parade, the Utilidor, stuff at the Tomorrowland stage about acting at WDW, etc.

Our last stop was at American Adventure to talk to the Voices of Liberty and on our way through backstage World Showcase (how weird to see "plain" buildings behind the facades!) and we saw a headless Mickey. This little human head poking out above Mickey's torso!

Was kinda freaky, to be honest!

wdwannabe · Post by **wdwannabe** » Sep Mon 24, 2007 7:45 pm

I would like to take this tour some day too. I don't think I would spoil the magic, only enhance it! Make you go........WOW!

I remember a tour I did the first trip I made with my parents, many moons ago. You added it on to your ticket for the day and a guide took you around the park (at the time it was only mk, maybe Epcot)any way, I don't remember much about the tour. Anyone?

jcodirewolf · Post by **jcodirewolf** » Sep Mon 24, 2007 9:05 pm

Have you looked at WDW from the arial view? It looks more like an industrial park.

http://www.direwolf.com/Maps/frames.html

One of the podcast I heard them talk about how much they had to do when they built the boardwalk since you can see the backside of France from some rooms. They had to build a new facade on some of the buildings or else you would be able to see the tower poking up from some stage building.

johno

Post by **js3901** » Sep Mon 24, 2007 11:42 pm

I've always found it facsinating how large the buildings actually are in all of WDW. the room for the attractions seems so small when you look at the facades and you're just strolling through the parks.

I think my next trip down (next year) will have this tour planned, along with at least 1 more (Dr. Ravenscroft knows which one I mean)

casrin · Post by **casrin** » Sep Tue 25, 2007 11:27 am

That's cool - the arial views!

dwellsbct · Post by **dwellsbct** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 10:30 am

I took this tour about 3 yrs ago and LOVED it!! It didn't spoil the magic it just enhanced my amazment. My tour guide was Mary and I was traveling alone on that trip and I was the only single person on the tour so on the rides Mary kept me company

. I would love to do the tour gain sometime, also I did the behind the scenes train tour that was real interesting to me but if you aren't into trains it might not bee too interesting.

jenjolt · Post by **jenjolt** » Feb Tue 24, 2009 12:49 pm

For those of you still interested I took this tour in January and it was one of the most fabulous things about my trip! I loved it! Matthew our tour guide was not only funny but well informed and I learned so much new stuff and it really does enhance the way you look at the Magic Kingdom!

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » Feb Tue 24, 2009 1:16 pm

My family and I enjoyed the tour, though I was really hoping for a walk through the costume area (the video tour they had wasn't working). I didn't really think we needed to go on as many rides - especially because it was during slow season and we had already ridden most of them. The details were fun though, and I loved seeing the floats up close!

Soarin08 · Post by **Soarin08** » Mar Tue 03, 2009 10:38 pm

As a CM, I get a discount on this tour and will be taking it the first spare chance I get. Quite possibly more than once, too....

secondstar · Post by **secondstar** » Mar Sun 15, 2009 11:12 pm

We took the Keys to the Kingdom tour several years back and LOVED IT! We had a terrific tour guide, Tall Paul, who just exemplified the Disney Philosophy. He was an excellent representative.

I'll never forget his theatrical presentation of Disney's Four Keys that go into everything:

Safety
Courtesy
Show
Efficiency

We learned many Imagineer tidbits, including, not only the names in the second store windows, but the significance of their location. Entering the Magic Kingdom is like entering a show production. Going through the darkened train terminal underpass is like the rising of a curtain. The posters on the wall are the "Previews of Coming Attractions." The window names represent the credits. And as with any production, the director is listed last. That's why you will find Walt Disney's name at the very end of Main Street, U.S.A., above the Ice Cream Parlor. And, again, with a production, it is the director whose name is listed first during the credits. When you prepare to leave, you will see Walt's name first.

We saw the utilidors, got to see "backstage," where they work on the floats. Had lunch then entered the Haunted Mansion through a different entrance. We got to hear the entire "back story" to the attraction.

At the end, Tall Paul told a story that brought tears to, not only his eyes, but also ours, as well. He was endearing and the tour was magnificent. You will find out exactly how much effort Disney puts in to EVERYTHING EVERYDAY!

PopCentury2007 · Post by **PopCentury2007** » Mar Mon 16, 2009 11:13 am

From the underground tunnel, to the secret hallway and tidbits about the Haunted Mansion, to the Mexican workers smoking cigarettes in back, to the secret entrance in the gift shop, to the story behind Tinkerbell's flight - Mindy and I loved this tour and plan to do it every time we go back!

dwellsbct · Post by **dwellsbct** » Mar Mon 16, 2009 11:58 am

This is a fantastic tour I agree with previous posts it does not destroy the magic it enhances it.As teens and adult we "know" how Disney does certain things and to find out more than we know is interesting. I found it to be educational and entertaining. I hope to go on the "Behind the Magic" tour someday.

emnbensdad · Post by **emnbensdad** » Mar Mon 16, 2009 12:04 pm

I am curious about this tour for myself and my DW. Not sure if I would want my kids to see behind the scenes just to keep the magic alive for them.

dwellsbct · Post by **dwellsbct** » Mar Mon 16, 2009 12:06 pm

emnbensdad wrote:I am curious about this tour for myself and my DW. Not sure if I would want my kids to see behind the scenes just to keep the magic alive for them.

I believe kids under 16 are not allowed on this tour.

AtticBride · Post by **AtticBride** » Mar Wed 18, 2009 9:56 pm

I have been on this tour and like the others, I loved it! Our tour guide was Brick and he was knowledgeable and a lot of fun.