In March, Disney World began offering a new tour called Marceline to Magic Kingdom. We had a chance to go on this tour recently and we really enjoyed it.

We went on a Friday morning. Check in is in the building to the left of City Hall. We were given our headsets and name badges. Once everyone was ready, we walked up Main Street. As we went, our guide told us how Walt Disney wanted a place he could take his daughters to have fun. One thing lead to another and the idea for Disneyland was born. Walt wanted more land and from that, the concept for Disney World was born.

As we approached the castle, he called our attention to the coat of arms over the archway. It’s the Disney family coat of arms.

We stopped at the gorgeous mosaics inside the castle. I’ve seen them countless times but I’ve never noticed the artists’ names are included.

He also pointed out that Disney Legend Herb Ryman (he created the original sketches for Disneyland as well as the concept drawings for numerous attractions) was depicted in this scene.

We crossed in to Fantasyland and rode Snow White’s Scary Adventures. After the ride, he asked us to think about how some of the effects were created. Some of the realistic effects are actually created through black lighting. Some of the eyes that watch you on the ride are actually Christmas lights.

Next, we headed to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. We went through the new interactive queue and judging by the laughter, everyone enjoyed it.

After the ride, he asked us to compare Snow White’s Scary Adventures and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The Many Adventures has more white lighting and has more figures and movement.

We made our way to Tomorrowland and to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. He told us about the name changes over the years, the different sponsors the attraction has had and the different attractions it has passed through.

After the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, we walked over to Carousel of Progress. We waited so that we could have our own theater. He talked about the sponsorship of this attraction and how things have changed since it was at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Throughout the show, our guide would point out some of the details. I won’t share them all but here are a couple of my favorites-

This robin in the first scene of the attraction is the same robin used in Mary Poppins.

Herb Ryman’s name is included on this mural.

These were not the only detailed pointed out but they were two of my favorites.

After Carousel of Progress, the tour wrapped up. We turned in our headsets outside of Carousel of Progress. The tour was a little over 2.5 hours.

We really enjoyed the tour. It was a great way to spend a summer morning. I really enjoyed hearing some familiar stories and hearing new ones. I would recommend it to others but it wouldn’t be on my “do again” list unless I was with someone who wanted to go.

The cost is $32/person. Discounts may be available for this tour. Call (407) WDW-TOUR to book.

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