Hey Kirsty-
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I agree this is a really tough choice. I love all things Haunted Mansion and truly appreciate when those crypt doors creek and the tombstones quake.
Both tours will open your eyes to Walt Disney’s vision for making “…a family park where parents and children could have fun- together”.
While both tours give you a Haunted Mansion experience,
Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour takes you to “regions beyond” inside the mansion. The tour is more “on stage” yet you’ll lean about three attractions and the life influences that led to the design of Magic Kingdom Park.
The
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour will touch on many more aspects of Magic Kingdom Park such as the Utilildors, in depth knowledge of the Imagineers who created Magic Kingdom Park, a special tour of the Jungle Cruise attraction and includes a meal. Essentially it’s a “backstage” tour with lots of “secrets”.
Disney Dad Tip: If you want the history, moderate details about the Haunted Mansion, see the Utilidors, are fine to ride the attractions in the afternoon then Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour is for you. If you want history focused specifically on Walt Disney (as opposed to the complete history), a Grim Grinning Ghosts view of the Haunted Mansion and more time for attractions then Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour is the best birthday gift to yourself. Personally, I chose to do the longer tour first to give me greater insight to the inner workings of Magic Kingdom Park as well as the history.
Kirsty, Happy Birthday and enjoy making many Magical Memories!
~Jason ºOº