Disney World’s Keys to the Kingdom tour offers a unique opportunity for guests to learn about the history of Walt Disney World. It also provides backstage access to the behind-the-scenes locations where the Disney magic is made. It is the perfect tour for the Disney fan who has experienced the parks before and wants to try something different on their next Disney vacation. Keep reading to find out more about my last experience on the Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom.
What does the Keys to the Kingdom tour include?
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom tour is a 5-hour walking tour of the Magic Kingdom, one of the most beloved parks in the Disney family. An experienced tour guide takes you through the experience, beginning at the Town Square Theater at the front of Magic Kingdom.
Throughout the tour, you find out the history behind some of your favorite attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise. You also discover the history behind the theme parks. This includes stops at locations down Main Street USA, Liberty Square, and little-known facts about Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse himself.
The tour is very well-paced, offering water and bathroom breaks throughout the experience. Our tour guide was fantastic at offering breaks, and we even experienced some rides along the way. Your tour includes a lunch at Pecos Bill, a part of your tour cost.
The 5-hour look at the Magic Kingdom really offers the full background magic tour experience with a stroll through the underground corridors beneath Main Street USA, the legendary hidden areas of the park. Get the inside scoop on all of your favorites in the most iconic theme park of them all.
Is the Keys to the Kingdom tour worth it?
I think the Keys to the Kingdom tour is definitely worth it for the ultimate fan of Disney parks. It is not a tour for those at the Walt Disney World resort for the first time, as it takes you to the backstage areas. The tour reveals many of the secret locations of the parks. For those that love Disney history, want to see the underground service tunnels of the cast members, and the parade floats and parade route, you will have a great time on this tour.
Do take note that this tour includes a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for the duration of the tour. Prepare for the weather. Another bit of important information is that guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the tour. Guests get a fascinating history of Magic Kingdom Park, but younger children would prefer to ride the rides, so Disney leaves this tour to the adults.
How much does the Keys to the Kingdom tour cost?
The price of this tour currently costs $114 per person plus tax. Tour groups leave throughout the day from the Town Square Theater at the Magic Kingdom. The theater is located near the front of the park and the train station. Check the start time for your tour, as various tour groups leave at different times during the day. As you select your tour time, be sure to take into account the amount of time it will take you to arrive at the park. Include the time it takes to go through security and enter Magic Kingdom.
Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members do receive a 15% discount. Your tour does include your lunch.
How do you check in for the Keys to the Kingdom tour?
When you arrive at the Town Square Theater, you will check in at the front desk to the left. Disney recommends you arrive 15 minutes before your tour to have plenty of time. You will meet your Disney Keys to the Kingdom tour guide at the theater.
Upon your arrival, you will receive a lanyard, your listening device, and a name tag. You will also see a menu from Pecos Bill and make your lunch order. This makes it a seamless process at lunchtime. Your lunch awaits you in a private room around noon.
After check-in, your Disney guide starts the tour! Our tour began down Main Street USA with some Disney history behind the windows on the second floor. We began to learn the hidden secrets of classic attractions along the way.
What happens on the tour?
The tour begins with a stroll down Main Street USA. You learn about the Five Keys of Disney and the purchase of the land for the Magic Kingdom. You also discover more about the design of the park and the historical background of the park.
Next, you will most likely make your way to Adventureland. We made our way onto the Jungle Cruise ride for our own special tour. Our tour guide provided great commentary through the entire ride. Afterward, we learned all about the Enchanted Tiki Room’s history and the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Next, you will most likely make your way backstage near Splash Mountain. Here, the cast members prepare for the parade routes. We saw Mickey adjusting his head, the princesses practicing their waves, and the Maleficent float breathing fire. This behind-the-scenes access is quite incredible. You can tell the guides have taken much thought to planning the best day possible. Your view of the parade setup may vary according to the time of your tour. Luckily, ours was right before a parade, so we were able to see plenty.
Afterward, you will enjoy your lunch at Pecos Bill. Next, you learn about the history of Liberty Square and the Liberty Tree. Next up, Haunted Mansion for the skip-the-line access and ride during this special tour. Then, it’s time for the Utilidors!
This is such a special treat! You will spend about 35-45 minutes under Main Street and Cinderella Castle. Tour participants see various cast members getting lunch, traveling to their next location, or moving merchandise. Tour groups may not have cell phones or any recording equipment out in the backstage or Utilidor areas. In the end, you will hear some of the histories of Roy Disney. His great contribution to his brother’s legacy is quite remarkable.
What are the 4 Disney Keys?
Throughout the Magic Kingdom’s Keys to the Kingdom tour, we learned about the Four Disney Keys. These keys are the foundation of Disney’s success which include safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency. The fifth key added in the past few years features inclusion.
Is park admission required for the Keys to the Kingdom tour?
Yes, a valid park admission ticket is required for the Keys to the Kingdom tour.
Do you need a park reservation for the Keys to the Kingdom tour?
Currently, you do need park pass reservations for the tour, in addition to park tickets. Park pass reservations for Magic Kingdom will phase out in early 2024 for most guests.
How long does the Keys to the Kingdom tour take?
The Keys to the Kingdom tour takes 5 hours. It includes a lunch break and a few restroom breaks along the way.
What are other good Disney World tours?
Other fantastic Disney World tours include Behind the Seeds at Epcot, Caring for Giants at Animal Kingdom, Savor the Savanna at Animal Kingdom, Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Up Close with Rhinos, and the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom.
If you want the ultimate in experience, you can book private VIP tours. The Disney VIP tour is an expensive option, but if you want to skip most of the lines and have your own personal guide around all four parks at Disney World, it may be worth it to you and your family!
How far in advance can I book the Keys to the Kingdom tour?
You can begin booking special events, like the Keys to the Kingdom tour 60 days before your Disney vacation begins.
Does the Keys to the Kingdom tour include lunch?
Yes, the tour includes lunch at Pecos Bill. You can order from the pre-set menu upon your arrival and the lunch includes an entree and a drink for each member of the tour. Options during our visit included the fajita platter, bacon cheeseburger, Southwest salad, nachos, the veggie rice bowl, or tacos.
I hope this helps you to determine if the Keys to the Kingdom tour is a good choice for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the tour and learned so much! Be sure to make advance reservations, if you plan to take the tour. Same-day reservations may not be available. Be sure to sign up below for my free packing list for your next Disney vacation. Happy traveling!
I’m going on the tour tomorrow with my family and had no idea what to expect. Thanks for all the great information!!
I am so glad you found it helpful! Have a great time!
Great article. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. So far, I’ve been unable to get reservations for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. I’ll continue to keep trying and even have subscribed to Mouse Watchers to keep a lookout for me. I plan to try and do walk up but my question is will I be able to get in early enough to Magic Kingdom to try to do walk up.
That is an excellent question. I know they allow those with early dining reservations into the park early, so it would seem similar. I may try asking Guest Services earlier in the week to double-check! Hopefully, Mouse Watchers will come through for you. I have had good luck with them with many tours and dining reservations! Glad you enjoyed the article and thank you for commenting!
What time was your tour?
Very interested in seeing the parade route before it starts.
Hi Daniel, our tour was at 9:30, so we were able to see the noon parade set up. Hope that helps! It was a great experience.
We booked this today for November – 60 days out – We just called the number and was given the slot we wanted. The attached is very interesting and we now know what to expect
I am so glad you found it helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time – I think you will really enjoy it.