#21 Take a Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom

Yesterday, I took a Keys to the Kingdom tour at Magic Kingdom.  While I wish I had done it on a cooler day (the heat index was 107!), I had a great time.   This is a 5-hour walking tour (scooters are allowed) that costs between $129 – $149, depending on the date.  There is a Disney passholder discount as well.   There are 4 tours – 8, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 am most mornings.

I chose the 9 am tour and headed to Town Square around 8:40 am.  Check-in is at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant kiosk.  After showing my picture ID, I received my name tag, headset, and a bottle of water and chose my lunch.  Then, we set off.

Pictures are prohibited inside and backstage, so I simply listened to what our wonderful guide, Allison, was telling us.  She was a wealth of knowledge and took us from the humble beginnings of Walt and Roy Disney, through the planning and design of Magic Kingdom, and finally opening day.  We learned so much information about Main Street and the challenges of designing this theme park, before heading to Adventureland.  We had a private boat ride through Jungle Cruise, discussing how the ride evolved into what it is today.  We spent some time learning about the Pirates of the Caribbean area, before heading backstage by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to see the parade staging area, and the floats.  We got an up-close view of the Electrical Water Parade barges before heading back to onstage and working our way to Liberty Square.

We then had lunch at Columbia House and I had their signature lobster roll.  After some much needed air conditioning, we were off to Haunted Mansion, where we went through the servant quarters, learned more about the imagineers who brought this attraction to life, as well as learning a few secrets of how the ride works.  

Then we headed off to Fantasyland and descended into the utilidors where the magic happens.  We visited a costume workshop, went under the castle, saw actors and character friends hurrying to entertain the guests and even saw the elaborate trash system that Magic Kingdom has, to preserve the “magic” onstage.  Using these tunnels, we went back to Main Street, to end our tour.  We were gifted with a commemorative key pin and castle chocolate covered oreos to take home. 

What a great experience; I would recommend it for people who love Disney, interesting facts and are looking for an “extra” to make their trip even more memorable!