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Theme Park Adventures: Going Behind the Scenes
Disney World unusual tours and up-close-and-personal encounters.

By Dawn Henthorn, About.com

Epcot Segway Tour

Around the World Segway Tour

© The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney World - Epcot

  • Around the World at Epcot
    This experience allows guests to operate the two-wheeled, one-person transportation device — Segway — throughout World Showcase. "Around the World at Epcot" is a two-hour adventure giving guests the opportunity to discover the World Showcase before the area opens for other park guests.
    There is a charge ($95) in addition to regular Epcot admission. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and weigh less than 250 pounds. Tour is offered daily.
  • DiveQuest
    This scuba-diving adventure allows guests to swim with sharks and sea turtles in a 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank at the Seas Pavilion while simultaneously waving to people enjoying a sit-down meal at the Coral Reef Restaurant.
    DiveQuest is a three-hour experience. Participants must at least 10 years of age and be scuba certified. Children ages 10-16 must be diving with a parent or legal guardian. All equipment is included in the $150 cost of tour. No theme park admission is required. Tour is offered daily.
  • Seas Aqua Tour
    Non-scuba certified guests enjoy an in-the-water experience in the Seas Pavilion's 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank using scuba-assisted snorkeling equipment.
    This adventure is open to all those age 8 and up. Parent or legal guardian must participate with children 8-11. Experience is 2-1/2 hours and the cost of $115 includes refreshments, t-shirt and group photo. No theme park admission is required. Tour is offered daily.
  • Dolphins In Depth
    Guests enjoy an up-close-and-personal experience with dolphins in knee-deep water.
    Open to ages 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No theme park admission is required. Cost is $150 for three-hour tour. Tour is offered Monday through Friday.
  • Behind the Seeds Tour
    The Land Pavilion's agricultural world and greenhouse is the backdrop for this interesting hour-long tour where guests get a behind-the-scenes look at new agricultural growing techniques and the fish farm, as well as a taste of some of the produce grown on-site.
    Tour is open to all ages. Cost is $14 for ages 10 and up and $10 for ages 3-9. Epcot admission is required and extra. Tour is offered daily.
  • The UnDISCOVERed Future World
    Walt Disney's vision and legacy lives on in the design and technology of the Future World area of Epcot. Hear the amazing story how that inspired the massive construction project that brought Epcot to life and tour backstage areas usually not seen by the public.
    This four-hour tour is $49, in addition to the required Epcot admission. The tour is open to all those 16 years of age and up. It is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom

  • Backstage Safari
    If you've ever been curious how Disney cares for so many animals, this backstage tour of its animal facilities will reveal just how it's done. Discover the animals backstage habitats, such as the veterinary hospital and elephant barn, as well just how three tons of food is prepared every day.
    The three-hour tour is open to those age 16 and over on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The cost is $65 in addition to regular Animal Kingdom admission.
  • Wild by Design
    Disney imagineers are creative, but it takes a lot to bring their ideas into reality. Hear just how this was accomplished at Animal Kingdom — how art, architecture, artifacts and story-telling combine to transport guests to exotic lands, as well as insight into the care of wild animals and their habitats. A light continental breakfast is included.
    Three-hour tour is open to those age 14 and over, however tour participants aged 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Tour cost is $58 in addition to regular Animal Kingdom admission.

Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom

  • The Magic Behind Our Team Trains
    A behind-the-scenes look at the Walt Disney World Railroad, including an opportunity to learn about Walt Disney's fascination with steam trains. See how the trains are prepared for their daily operation.
    The three-hour tour is available to those age 10 and over on Monday, Thursday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The cost is $40 in addition to regular Magic Kingdom admission.

Walt Disney World - Fort Wilderness Resort

  • Wilderness Back Trail Adventures
    Glide in and around Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on a Segway X2. This is adventure-style sightseeing!
    Participants must be at least 16 years of age and weigh under 250 pounds. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is necessary for participants younger than 18. Cost is $85 per person, tax included, for two-hour Segway experience.

General Information - Not all available tours are listed here. To see a list of all tours see Tours and Special Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. All prices are subject to change. Reservations are required. To book a tour call 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687). Photo IDs are required at check-in for all tours. No photography is permitted in any backstage area.

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