Go behind the scenes at Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida – Disney guests interested in going behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort now have new leisure tour options from the Disney Institute. The professional development and training arm of The Walt Disney Company is offering guests the opportunity to go behind the scenes at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and get an insider’s look at the operations.

“Disney Institute leisure tours are unique, because we take our guests to multiple parks and visit different locations throughout the resort,” said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute. “These tours are wonderful opportunities for anyone interested in learning how our company operates.”
Disney Institute offers four tours: Backstage Magic, Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes, Holiday D-Lights, and Yuletide Fantasy. Backstage Magic and Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes are offered year-round, while Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy are seasonal tours.

With the Backstage Magic tour, participants see how Disney brings innovative special effects, world-class entertainment and elaborate attractions to life. Beginning at Epcot and concluding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with an up-close look at Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, the tour explores the art, horticulture, landscaping, and costume design that work together to create an immersive and magical experience for guests.

Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes follows the story of The Walt Disney Company from Walt’s perspective. The tour details how Walt was inspired to pursue his dreams and how his desire to succeed influenced those around him. From Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom, participants learn about the pivotal moments in Walt’s life that helped him create everything from innovative animation techniques to new ideas in family entertainment.

The Holiday D-Lights tour visits Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with stops for guests to marvel at each location’s interpretation of holiday lighting, while the Yuletide Fantasy tour helps guests uncover the secrets behind Disney’s stunning holiday decorations. Guests on this tour will travel through the culturally-diverse celebrations of World Showcase at Epcot and get an up-close look at the bows and bells lining Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.

All Disney Institute tours are facilitated by Disney cast members with years of Disney experience. The tours are open to anyone ages 16 years or older. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID. For more information or to book a Disney Institute leisure tour, please call, (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687, or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/.