Hiya, Barbara, and welcome to planDisney! You are among kindred spirits here since you are thinking ahead and planning your
Walt Disney World Resort visit early. And since I recently took
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour, I'm happy to share a little about my experience to help you decide.
This walking tour is exactly that. We walked and stood for hours, but I'm not exaggerating when I say the time flew by. Exact tour times can vary depending on crowds and your guide, but mine was about five and a half hours from beginning to end. And every single minute was amazing!
I don't want to give too many spoilers, Barbara, but in general, you will have a headset to hear every tidbit your guide shares. The guides are typically long-time Cast Members who have risen through the Disney ranks to become experts in park history and trivia. I was fascinated by all my guide Molly knew!
My group strolled around
Magic Kingdom Park as our guide pointed out facts. Did you know all the patriotic flag poles that line Main Street, USA, also serve as lightning rods? And many thatched roofs throughout Adventureland are made of metal for the same reason!
We also learned how Imagineers orchestrated and designed attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
My group was ushered past the standby queue to experience a couple of attractions. Please keep in mind that these are subject to availability and the discretion of your guide. It was fun to learn the backstory of the attractions and then immediately experience them.
But one of my favorite surprises was going "backstage" to see the floats and performers prepare for the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. It was emotional for me to catch that glimpse behind the curtain!
Lunch for my group was at
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe where a room was prepared for us, complete with a private condiment bar and a commemorative keepsake. This felt very VIP and was the perfect break.
One of our last activities was to tour the utilidors under Magic Kingdom. Again, no spoilers, but this was even more awe-inspiring than I anticipated.
In my opinion, this tour is the perfect "extra" for Disney fans, especially ones who admire Walt Disney and the accomplishments of his Imagineers. I could've listened to our guide for five more hours! But if you think going behind the scenes might tarnish the magic, this tour might not be for you.
You can book this Enchanting Extra online 60 days before you arrive, and if you're an Annual Passholder, you might be eligible for a discount.
Barbara, I hope I've given you some perspective on Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour; I can't wait to hear what you decide! Please
stop by planDisney anytime.
Magic awaits,
Elaine