LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — With the holidays just around the corner, Disney Institute is offering guests of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., the opportunity to go behind the scenes of celebrations at various theme parks.

Yuletide Fantasy and Holiday D-Lights, both led by seasoned Disney Institute facilitators, offer guests a special look at holiday attractions and events, including a peak behind the curtain, where production of Disney’s holiday season takes place. Yuletide Fantasy is a three-and-a-half hour tour that takes place in the morning and afternoon and costs $84 per person; Holiday D-Lights is a five-hour tour that takes place in the evening and costs $199 per person.

“These tours are great for guests interested in discovering what makes the Walt Disney World Resort a favorite place for families to celebrate the holidays,” said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute.

Yuletide Fantasy uncovers the origins of holiday traditions as guests travel through the culturally diverse celebrations of World Showcase at Epcot before getting an up-close look at the bows and bells lining Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom. While in World Showcase, Disney Institute facilitators visit Germany, Italy and Japan to demonstrate how each country communicates the story of the holidays. The tour continues to the Magic Kingdom where guests learn about the birth of holiday traditions celebrated in the United States.

The last stop is a backstage visit to holiday services. This department produces and stores holiday decor for all Walt Disney properties on the East Coast, including two Disney Cruise Line ships. Guests are able to see the scope of Disney’s holiday operations and how thousands of decorations are used.

Holiday D-Lights journeys through the history of Disney traditions, with visits to Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Each location’s interpretation of holiday lighting is showcased, kicking off with priority viewing for Epcot’s Candlelight Processional. This event features the story of Christmas retold by a special celebrity narrator and is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. The next stop on the Holiday D-Lights tour is to the Magic Kingdom, where guests experience Cinderella’s Holiday Wish before watching her castle illuminate with more than 200,000 LED lights.

Before traveling to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will be treated to a light meal while marveling at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Lastly, guests get a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney creates holiday lighting displays while visiting decorating support. This unique department coordinates all of the lighting logistics for the entire Walt Disney World Resort.

The tours are open to anyone ages 16 years or older. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID. For more information or to book a Disney Institute holiday tour please call, (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687, or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/.