When down in Disney for the Inaugural Star Wars Race Weekend, we spent our last day before flying home at Magic Kingdom doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!
We attended the 8:30AM tour and had the park to ourselves for a few minutes before checking in. There’s something extra magical about this kind of walk down Main Street USA!
Keys to the Kingdom is a five hour on- and off-stage walking tour of Magic Kingdom. Cameras are not allowed at any place during the tour, so I have no pictures to share. And, I’d hate to ruin any of the magic by divulging the details. So… this is shaping up to be the strangest non-review ever, huh?!
I absolutely cannot recommend this tour enough and I really hope that I can take Honey on the tour on a future visit. The five hours are completely magical and engaging. Your guide will explain hidden secrets of classic attractions, including a ride and behind-the-scenes info on Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion. You will learn all about the Magic Kingdom “show”, little-known facts, trivia and tidbits about the park. You will enjoy lunch upstairs at Columbia Harbor House. And, perhaps the most exciting of all, you will get to go back stage (we saw the parade staging area and reservoir for Splash Mountain to name a few) AND into the famed underground “utilidor” tunnels!!!!!!!!!!!! I learned SO much and have even more admiration for the Magic Kingdom than ever before. This is a MUST for every Dis-nerd!
The tour itself is $79. We used our 15% DVC discounts, but many tours also have discounts for the Disney Visa and Passholders as well so that is worth checking into. Park admission IS required so I’d really only do this if you were already purchasing week long passes (and therefore each day is “cheaper”) or if you are a passholder. The tour is for adults only (I want to say 16 or 18 and up).
We made our three fast pass reservations immediately following the tour and were able to hop on Space Mountain and Buzz. I’d recommend doing this to get the most out of your day!
We wrapped up the magical day with a snack at Gaston’s.
And, a month later I’ve finally wrapped up my 48-hour whirlwind trip. We’ll back for a couple of days this summer before a cruise with my parents and Sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My fam doesn’t have park tickets so we’re looking at one waterpark day and one resort day!
xoxo
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So excited to see your review! My sister and I are going to Disney for my 30th bday. We are doing keys to the kingdom on one of our days and I can’t wait!
Where did you find the yellow sneakers? ADORABLE!!!
I was wondering what’s going on at the castle? We were there in January and those barricades weren’ t there. I know you will know:-)
I literally made my reservation for keys to the kingdom this morning, we go in January! I am beyond excited and have already picked out my outfit, is that a tad crazy?
I am curious about what they will allow you to carry and I really didn’t get a straight answer when I booked. I understand that phones are not allowed, but do I need to leave it in a locker or can I carry it and just not use it? Will I be able to carry my purse through the tour? I’m also mildly concerned about getting from old key west to the magic kingdom in time for our 8am tour. Any idea whether buses are running by 7:30? I know the monorail will be running but will the parking lot to ttc be open?
Any info you can share about logistics would be super helpful! Thanks :)
YAY!!! So exciting!! We had a small backpack and I had a crossbody purse. We both had our phones in our bags. You just can’t take it out during the tour. You will stop for a couple of bathroom breaks and lunch where they allow you to use your phone. As far as logistics, we were worried about the same thing. We asked at our resort and they assured us that bus and monorail would be running and they were. I guess a last resort would be a taxi or uber. Definitely ask at OKW.