Tours and Other Experiences Descriptions

To see reader comments on any of these tours/experiences, or to leave comments of your own, visit our Rate and Review section!

Wild Africa Trek Bridge CrossingCurious about how the Magic is Made at Walt Disney World? Want to learn more about your favorite park?

Then perhaps you want to take one of the special tours or other special experiences offered at Walt Disney World.

For a price, you can spend hours learning about the art and architecture of World Showcase in Epcot, take a full-day tour of the theme parks and backstage areas, learn about the Magic Kingdom and more.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION:

RESERVATIONS are required for most tours. They can be made by calling 1-407-WDW-TOUR (1-407-939-8687) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. You will need to reserve your tour with a credit card. Most of the tours DO NOT include park admission — you’ll have to provide your own. Be sure to ask about this when you call.

NOTE: There is a 48-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

DISCOUNTS of 10 percent to 20 percent MAY be available. See individual tours for details and always inquire when you make your reservation, especially if you belong to the Disney Vacation Club, have an Annual Pass or a Disney Visa, or are a Cast Member.

NOTE: Some WDW packages may include a tour.

AGE REQUIREMENTS: Unless noted in the description below, tour participants must be 16 years of age or older.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

— Unless noted, these tours and many of these experiences are outdoors and require a good deal of walking. Most tours and experiences are accessible for those with special needs; inquire when you call for reservations.

— Bring Photo ID with you for checking in to the tour.

— Some programs MIGHT NOT be offered at certain times of the year, or may require itineraries and prices to change without notice.

— Photographs are NOT allowed while in backstage areas.

All tour and price information is subject to change without notice. Call Disney directly to confirm.

Brief descriptions of the tours currently offered follow. Our MOST CURRENT Reader Reviews of these tours can be found in our Rate and Review section HERE.

If you have taken one of these tours and would like to have your TOUR REPORT included on the site, please share with us. Thanks!

ANIMAL KINGDOM TOURS

Caring for Giants

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The 60-minute experience Caring for Giants gives participants a chance to meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of Walt Disney World’s African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants. African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of wild populations throughout their homeland. Throughout the experience, you’ll be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away.

Tour is offered daily, between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and costs $39 per person. Participants must be at least 4 years old; guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older). Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529

You can find a review by AllEars.Net’s Deb Wills HERE.

Savor the Savanna

The Savor the Savanna Evening Safari Experience offers you the opportunity to hop aboard a private safari vehicle and enjoy an expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. It includes a stop at an exclusive viewing area where those 21 and over get to sample a selection of regional beers and wines and savor African-inspired tapas while taking in the impressive savanna. A special keepsake commemorating your unforgettable evening trek is yours to take home as well.

Cost: $160.65-$199 per guest. Valid Theme Park admission is required.

Age: At least 8 years old. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).

Each experience is limited to a maximum of 12 guests. This experience requires guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair to participate in the tour. Inclement weather conditions and other factors may affect schedules, and offerings are subject to change without notice.

Wild Africa Trek

Wild Africa Trek, is a three-hour, expert-led wildlife experience. Participants can explore the most remote reaches of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Highlights:

* Trekking with experienced guides through areas of Harambe Wildlife Reserve that aren’t explored during regular Animal Kingdom experiences.

* Navigating through fern and vine forests on a bushwalk.

* Clipping into a harness attached to a safety line, crossing a rope bridge over the Safi River and cliff-hanging at the edge of gullies that are home to hippos and crocodiles.

* Experiencing the thrill of “over-landing” in customized open-air vehicles.

* Unwinding at a private safari camp for wildlife viewing. At this station elevated above the savanna, savor sample tastes of Africa as the adventure draws to close.

Wild Africa Trek is offered several times daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Groups will be kept to no more than 12 trekkers per safari. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally, ranging from $219/per person.

There are a number of restrictions associated with this tour. Participants must:
— Wear closed-toe shoes with a backstrap, or hiking boots. Skirts/dresses are not recommended.
— Weigh at least 45 pounds and no more than 300 pounds.
— Be at least 48 inches tall.
— Be at least 8 years old.
— Be in general good health, and ambulatory, with sufficient stamina. Pregnant women should not attempt the Trek.

Park admission is required for participants.

Senior Editor Deb Koma took this tour in May 2011. Read her review HERE.

Up Close with Rhinos

Rhinos on the safari

During this 60-minute guided adventure, you’ll get up close with the planet’s second-largest land animal– the white rhinoceros. Keppers will take you backstage for a rare encounter with the giants. The guides will provide insights into the rhino’s behavior and biology, and any threats the species faces. No camera, video equipment, or cell phones are allowed.

You must be at least 4 years old, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. It costs $49 per person. Experiences can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

EPCOT TOURS

Behind the Seeds

Living With The Land

Take a one-hour walking tour of the LAND greenhouses and labs. Tour greenhouses to discover over 60 crops from around the world, and see some of the latest techniques used to grow and improve plants. Watch as beneficial insects used at The Land battle pests that can destroy our food supply. Venture through the fish farm to see thousands of fish and alligators, too! Bring your cameras, and have fun!

Tours are led by a member of the Epcot Science Team. Flash photography and videotaping are allowed. Children are welcome, but must be supervised; strollers are provided for small children. Wheelchair accessible (guests in electrical wheelchairs need to transfer to push type). Safety and sanitation rules are strictly enforced in the greenhouses and labs. Covered, non-alcoholic drinks are allowed during the tour.

$39-$45 per person. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

Same day tour sign-up downstairs at The Land pavilion, near the entrance to Soarin’.

DiveQuest

Divers in the massive aquarium

DiveQuest will allow certified scuba divers to live the ultimate diving dream. Imagine a salt water dive with 203 feet of visibility and over 4000 animals native to the Caribbean swimming with you in every direction. Tropical fish, sharks,stingrays, giant sea turtles, and plenty of coral for you to enjoy is just part of the fun. The other part, is you become part of the show! Your family members and friends can view your dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at the Living Seas!

Experience a 30-minute dive adventure in The Living Seas aquarium. You will also receive a backpack that includes the logos for Aqua Tour and Divequest and Dolphins in Depth sponsored by NAUI Worldwide You can pick the color of the backpack, currently: royal blue, lime green, bright orange or purple.

You can also purchase a DVD of your dive for $35.

Groups of up to 12 persons are accepted.

Minimum age is 10 years.

Length of Program: 2 1/2 hours. Program is offered Tuesdays – Saturdays at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Proof of current SCUBA certification is required.

Cost: $229-$249 per person (plus tax). Theme Park admission is not required.

Diving Certifications: All are accepted including the Handicapped Scuba Association.

NOTE: You can bring your own dive mask. (It is the only piece of equipment you are allowed to bring, if you choose to.)

Dolphins in Depth

The Seas Aquarium

A behind-the-scenes experience for Guests interested in learning more about the dolphins and research at The Living Seas, as well as those wanting to increase their awareness and appreciation for dolphin counterparts in the wild.

Expectant mothers may not take the tour.

You must be at least 13 years old to attend and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Wetsuits are provided but your must bring your own swimsuit. You will be in water up to your waist for about 30 minutes.

Offered Tuesday through Saturday at 9:45am and lasts approximately 3 hours.

The cost is $209 per person, which includes a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments, and a T-shirt. Theme park admission is not required or included. Tour begins near the outside Guest Relations window.

Disney provides showers, shampoo, towels, soap and the wetsuits and booties. No swimming required. No cameras or video taping is allowed. Dolphin interaction is NOT guaranteed. It is the dolphin’s choice to participate in the research sessions as well as the interactions.

MAGIC KINGDOM TOURS

Keys to the Kingdom

Offered daily, this four-and-a-half hour to five-hour tour celebrates Disney Magic! Learn about the Magic Kingdom’s history and backstage secrets. Hear stories of Walt Disney, his visions, his philosophies, and his accomplishments. In addition to Disney history, guests finally get the opportunity to find answers to all of those “neat” Disney trivia questions and get an inside look at how the MAGIC KINGDOM operates by venturing downstairs to the main Utilidor entrance, see display cases of MAGIC KINGDOM Wardrobe, and Cosmetology Guides. Guests also visit the MAGIC KINGDOM Production Center, where they see storage facilities for the floats.

At the 2-1/2 hour mark, the group breaks at the Columbia Harbour House for a delicious meal which is prepared and waiting for all the Tour Guests. Orders are taken in the Tour Garden, next to City Hall, upon check-in before the Tour begins. Menu choices include a Fried Chicken Strips Basket, Fried Fish and Chicken Combo, Garden Galley Salad (mixed greens with feta cheese, pecans, grilled chicken, and pineapple in a zinfandel vinaigrette), Starboard Deck Sandwich (Toasted bread topped with ham, cheese, tomato, and broccoli slaw), and New England Clam Chowder or Vegetarian Chili.

Offered daily at 8, 8:30, 9 & 9:30am. Tour starts at City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom Main Entrance.

Cost is $109.65-$149 per person. NOTE: Magic Kingdom Admission is NOT included in the price of the tour.

OTHER TOURS

The Sense of Africa Experience
Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Sense of Africa Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a 3.5-hour breakfast and tour designed to immerse guests in the culture and history of the resort while giving a backstage peek at the care and feeding of the resident animals. The tour begins with breakfast at Boma-Flavors of Africa, followed by encounters with animals such as okapi, giraffe, ostriches and red river hogs. Sense of Africa is offered on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. The cost is $249. Reservations may be made by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). NOTE: Staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is NOT required. Experiences may vary.

Starlight Safari
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village

Climb aboard a sturdy, open-sided safari vehicle, and rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for more than 30 species of African wildlife. To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, you will be provided with a night-vision device. You’ll see the zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeest and antelopes, plus flamingos, ostriches and more that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour.

Check in for this tour at the podium of Sanaa at Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.

AGE: 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

RESERVATIONS: Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Disney conservation efforts.

You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within two days of your reservation.

COST: $75.65-$89 per person.

NOTE: Guests using a wheelchair/ECV must leave their mobility devices at Sanaa, where they will retrieve them upon the conclusion of the tour. Due to limited capacity, those who are unable to change wheelchairs must call (407) 938-4755 and press option #1 in advance to ensure that there is sufficient room to accommodate them.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Fort Wilderness

In summer 2007, a new Segway tour was introduced at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground called Wilderness Back Trail Adventures. Tour participants can take a Segway X2 Personal Transporter to view the scenery of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Wilderness Lodge.

The Adventures tours may be booked for 8:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday (not available Sunday or Monday) and last two hours. Tours can consist of up to 10 people and meet at Fort Wilderness Meadows Bike Barn in Fort Wilderness.

The cost is $90-$99 per person. Some discounts are occasionally offered to Passholders, DVC Members and Disney Visa Cardholders — be sure to ask when booking the tour.

Guests wishing to participate in the tour must be at least 16 years of age and be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18. You must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to ride the Segways. Expectant mothers and guests with special needs may not participate due to safety reasons. Payment in full by credit card is required at time of booking. If you need to cancel your tour, you must do so at least 48 hours prior to the start of the tour to receive a full refund. Tours can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Disney’s VIP Tour Services

VIP Tour Guide in Magic Kingdom

The VIP Tour Guide can host up to 10 Guests. If your party size is larger than 10, they will provide an additional VIP Tour Guide at an additional cost. VIP Tour requests may be taken up to 90 days in advance. Please note that reservations may not be accepted during certain holiday periods. To ensure availability, call at least 72 hours in advance. Existing WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort transportation will be used. Private transportation is available at an additional cost.

The cost of Disney’s VIP Tour Services is $450-$900 per hour with a minimum charge of seven hours.  Should your plans change, we require advance notice of 48 hours to avoid a cancellation fee.

Priority entrance to attractions is neither offered nor available. However, tour guests may be offered a special viewing area for some parades or shows.

Customizing your VIP Tour is easy. Call Disney Special Activities at (407) 560-4033 and speak with a Disney Special Activities Coordinator; also available via e-mail at [email protected].

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more info visit:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/vip-tour-services/

NOTE: All information subject to change without notice.

Disney World Tours