Walt Disney World

Behind The Scenes Activities

There has been a lot of Email about finding out what is going on "behind the scenes" at Walt Disney World. Well, Disney has a number of tours you can take to learn more and also has great nature experiences. Also, soon Disney will open a continuing learning center vacation resort, 'The Disney Insitute,' where you can learn more on just about everything and be able to visit Walt Disney World as well. For more info on the Disney Institute, you can call 1-800-4WONDER.

You can obtain a 20% discount when paying with American Express. Annual Passholders also get a discount at 15%.

Please note that while I endeavor to keep this information current, tour availability, pricing, etc. should be verified directly with Walt Disney World or call 1-407-WDW-TOUR before deciding on your tour.

"Behind the Scenes" Tours

For the Nature Lover...

Other Activities More "Hidden Attractions" - Little known "side-trips" to enhance your visit to Walt Disney World!

Disney also has a lot more on the drawing boards and a complete line of continuing education classes that include Business and Management Programs. Call Disney in advance.

You also might want to visit the Kennedy Space Center. (Hey, I live on the spacecoast) Kennedy Space Center is about an approximately an hour to an hour an a half away and has a good tour, many educational activities and an IMAX theater. You might even see a launch!

"Behind the Scenes" Tours at Disney World

Note: Disney constantly changes tours and prices. For definitive tour information, call 407-WDW-TOUR.

  1. All: Backstage Magic - See how all the Disney Magic is created. You travel behind the scenes of all three parks. Travel to the Magic Kingdom Park to descend into the famous "tunnel" system. At Epcot, you'll examine the backstage computer-controlled systems at Body Wars and another surprise location, and take an up-close look at the manatee habitat at The Living Seas. Your stop at Disney Studios includes a special luncheon and the chance to paint a keepsake Mickey Mouse cel at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Florida. Your day also includes some surprises - "Disney-style!" Space is very limited Cost is $199 (park admission not required) and the tour takes about 7 hours (Monday, through Friday). Must be 16 years old or older. It goes to the American Adventure now. The group also visits with a Disney artist to learn more about animation and paint a cel.

  2. All: Disney's Yuletide Fantasy - (Available daily Dec. 1st thru the 28th) Shows how Walt Disney World is transformed into magical "winter wonderland." Enjoy Yuletide decorations in all 3 theme parks and a resort. Cost is $45, Theme Park admission is not required, and the tour takes about 3 hours. Must be 12 years old or older.

  3. All: Youth Education Series takes student groups of 10 or more on exciting field trips! Fifteen action-packed and educational seminars transform the vast resources of the Walt Disney World Resort into curriculum-based learning adventures for K-12 school and scout groups! Call 800-833-9806 for more information and special pricing.

  4. Magic Kingdom: Legends of the Magic Kingdom - Next time you are at Walt Disney World, go to the Wilderness Lodge guest services desk and ask about the "Legends of the Magic Kingdom tour." They don't advertise it and will only tell you about it if you ask. The tour begins at about 7:00 am, leaving from the Wilderness Lodge by bus you go to the Magic Kingdom with a tour guide before the park is open to guests. The cast member guide takes the group on a tour all around the Magic Kingdom showing how things are built, forced perspective, traffic patterns and many other Disney secrets. After walking down Main Street you actually go back stage and into the tunnels for a short tour down there. You then walk around all the different worlds looking at the imagineer's details (including Hidden Mickeys!). The tour guide will answer any questions you have about anything Disney. The tour lasts about 2 hours and ends with the Rope Dropping ceremony as the less priviledged guests enter the park. The only bad part is that you have to leave the park and return to the Wilderness Lodge at the end of the tour. When my wife and I took the tour there was only about 9 people with our group. Cost is $35 and the tour takes about 2 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.

    Note: The Legends of the Magic Kindom tour has been cancelled until the winter. My parents, who live near Disney, went to the Wilderness Lodge yesterday to inquire about this tour and that is what they were told.
    REPORTED:     J. Ferris 30 MAY 97

  5. Magic Kingdom: The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains - You can learn all about the WALT DISNEY WORLD Railroad. Highlight of the tour is a train trip backstage to visit the yard and roundhouse facility. Cost is $30 and the tour takes about 2 hours on Mondays & Thursdays only from 7:15 to 9:30 am. Additional theme park admission is required. Must be 10 years old or older. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) for more info. More Info.

  6. Magic Kingdom: Keys to the Kingdom - You learn the history, trivia and fun that surrounds the Magic Kingdom. Visit attractions, the utilidor (tunnels), and the production center. Cost is $58(Theme Park admission required, lunch included) and the tour takes 4 - 5 hours (Sunday through Saturday). Must be 16 years old or older. Similar tours given at Epcot/Hidden Treasures and the Studios/Animation tours are also $45. The Studios/animation tour is given on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) for more info. More Info.

  7. Magic Kingdom: Welcome to the MAGIC KINGDOM - To get the most from a MAGIC KINGDOM visit, one must first understand the geography of the Park, as well as the individual theme and show presented by each land. Our knowledgeable tour guides educate our Guests on the use of the Park guidemap, services available in the MAGIC KINGDOM, dining and entertainment options, and world famous Disney attractions. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience DisneyÕs FastPass, an exciting new system that allows Guests to avoid waiting in line at many Park attractions. Cost is $20 per adult (10 & up), children under 10 complimentary. Theme Park admission is required. Available on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in various languages. The tour takes 90 minutes. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) for more info. More Info

  8. Magic Kingdom: Family Magic - Based on the Peter Pan feature, its 2 hours long and full of info (for those need to know Disney nuts). Lots of, well lets say silly, goofy, very childish fun. This tour is designed for the whole family and centers around a scavanger hunt inside the MAGIC KINGDOM. Participants of this guided tour piece together clues to help Mickey save the Kingdom. A great excuse to go into the Magic Kingdom and act like a idiot for 2 hours. Cost is $25 (ages 3 & up), children under 3 complimentary (Sunday through Saturday) and the tour takes about 2 hours. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) for more info. More Info

  9. Magic Kingdom: Paint a Picket Fence - Your kids can actually white wash a picket fence near Aunt Polly's Landing. The "paint" is really white liquid chalk but it looks and feels like paint. There are plenty of buckets and brushes for everyone to enjoy while "Tom Sawyer" sits back and watches them paint while he fishes off the dock. Its is cleaned every night by spraying it down with some water and the fence is then bare wood again for the next day. No cost fun.
  10. Epcot: Greenhouse Tour - Tour the Land's Greenhouse and learn from a Disney biologist exactly what techniques are being used. Cost is $5 (adult) $3 (child) and the tour takes about a half an hour. No age limit.

    1. After you take the "Celebrating the Land " ride and are interested in learning more about the wonderful things you saw in the greenhouse, you might try the walking tour which is much more fun than the ride. The signup desk is way back to your right as you leave the ride. The tour takes about a half hour. A Disney biologist takes a small group through the entire greenhouse explaining in detail all the plants, equipment and studies that they are doing. Its very interesting and it is free. TR Shaw 30 SEP 95

  11. Epcot: Behind the Greens - Designed especially for garden enthusiasts. $45 plus Epcot admission. For advance registration, call 1-407-WDW-TOUR or register at the Tour Garden, Epcot Entrance Plaza. Space is limited. Must be 16 years old or older.

  12. All: Tropical Travels - Take a fascinating horticultural expedition to the nursery that supports Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Also visit Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom¨ Park, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. $45 plus Epcot admission. For advance registration, call 1-407-WDW-TOUR. Space is limited. Must be 16 years old or older. (Fridays and Saturdays) (Starts April 15th)

  13. Epcot: Gardens of the World - Investigate Disney's unique horticultural techniques in the design and theming of Epcot's emaculate landscapes. A Disney horticultural expert will share some secrets with you - even ones you can use in your own garden. This tour departs 9:30 am Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $45 plus Theme Park admission and the tour takes about 3 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.

  14. Yacht and Beach Club: Gardens of the Yacht and Beach Club - Investigate Disney's unique horticultural techniques in the design and theming of the gardens of the Yacht and Beach Club. A member of the Yacht and Beach Club horticultural team leads landscaping tours Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 8:30 and 12:30. Call Yacht Club Guest Services to make arrangements.

  15. Epcot: Hidden Treasures - Explore the architectural history and culture of World Showcase at Epcot. Discover some 'unnoticed' Disney treasures both on stage and backstage.

    1. I have taken this twice and thought it was great, very informative.
      Deborah Wills 08 SEP 95

  16. Epcot: D.E.E.P. - Disney's Dolphin Exploration and Education Program. Learn about dolphin behavior from Disney and visiting university researchers at the Living Seas. You will become a "guest researcher" and participate in an actual scientific dolphin study. Space is very limited. The program is offered Monday through Friday at 8:45 am. Cost is $45 and the tour takes about 3 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.
  17. Epcot: Divequest - Scuba dive at the Living Seas. Glide through clear, still water among bright coral and 65 varieties of tropical fish. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Current SCUBA Open Water Certification required. Space is very limited (16 divers per day in 2 groups of 8). Disney supplies all gear so the water does not become contaminated. Cost is $140.

    Here is my review: I have done the dive adventure twice! Even for experienced divers, it is a unique experience.

    The EPCOT Dive Quest requires that participants be certified divers. Remember your C-card, as this is required for the waiver signature at the start of the tour. You can use your own mask and swimsuit but this is the limit of personal equipment. One does not have to pay for a day at EPCOT-the tour guide meets guests at the ticket entrance. The tour and dive is about 3-4 hours, as I recall. This involves a tour of the facilities including the dolphin pens and an introductory video about the aquarium. There is a question and answer session and then guests are led to the lockers for a change into shorty wetsuits. Then they have you walk through the Living Seas in partial gear to "show you off" to the rest of the unlucky visitors who can only look into the aquarium instead of from inside, and announce that your group of 8 divers will be in the water in about 15 minutes.

    There are one or two paid divemasters; the rest are volunteers who come in to help with maintenance. The last time I went, there were two other volunteer divemasters, one a Baptist minister and the other a programmer. Another diver videotapes the whole thing. The first time I went we had a somewhat unfriendly Disney divemaster who told us not to scratch our crotch or give anyone the finger in the restaurant. I didn't get any warning like that the second time, but they did tell us to remember that we were "on stage". They also gave us pointers on how to entertain the kids watching. After suiting up you are paired and submerge right in front of the main window. The water is 70 degrees and is chilly for a few minutes. For about 15 minutes they have you pose for pictures, scream for video inside the Plexiglas dive rest station, and do silly things with the junk they have at the bottom. It is also possible to snap off the coral, as they have you go through a cave in the tank. The coral is a polymer that they evidently can easily fix. You can then go off on your own for about 30 minutes, but must stay away from the half of the tank that has the dolphins; they get excited around humans. Any sign language order from a divemaster not obeyed, or going past the warning buoys near the dolphins, will get you kicked out right away.

    The sharks and stingrays hold in circular feeding patterns around the inside. Once I turned around, and the large shark they have was swimming at my side. They are well fed and are pretty shy, in addition to being accustomed to human interaction. One thing that can't be understated is the size of this tank. It is much larger than one thinks, once INSIDE. And we didn't even go on the other side with the dolphins! It's HUGE. It is also great fun to stop in front of the Coral Reef restaurant windows. The kids love it. That's really the best part.

    After the dive we showered (with Mickey shampoo and soap) and watched the video they made, which they try to sell for like $30. The first time they made us hot coffee and chocolate. You also get a T-shirt and they stamp your dive log. (I didn't have this done. I didn't think a divemaster for a 120' wreck dive would be interested in seeing a 35' aquarium dive in my log.)

    I have been told to try to make reservations on the dive later in the day, as that group sometimes stays longer in the tank. Afterwards, make sure you have your admission card or they let you out in front of the main gate. Overall, I would recommend this to any diver as a really different experience.

    Tom

  18. Epcot: Planting Ideas - Disney's horticultural experts will take you through the ongoing operations at the Walt Disney World Nursery. Learn about instant landscaping, topiaries, and hanging basket production. A lucheon with the staff is also available. This tour must be setup in advance. Cost is $45, minimum 15 people, and the tour takes about 3 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.

  19. Epcot: Passport: A Secret Mission to Other Lands - Your kids will become players in an around the word game. of mystery. They'll collect clues to a puzzeling case as they travel to exotic locations at Epcot, meet international Cast Members, study architecture and culture, and even decode ancient hieroglyphics. The program is offered Friday. Cost is $79, park admission not required, minimum 11 per students class, and the class takes about 6 hours and includes lunch, certificates and in many cases can earn school cresit or excused absenses for participating in this structured class. For ages 11 to 15 years old.

  20. Animal Kingdom: Backstage Safari - Take a fascinating 3 hour trip Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., backstage through Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Explore many of the backstage areas including animal housing, the Forage Warehouse, and veterinary hospital. $60 plus Animal Kingdom admission. For advance registration, call 1-407-WDW-TOUR. Space is limited. Must be 16 years old or older.

  21. Disney: Inside Animation - Take an exciting and educational look behind the scenes at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Florida. Create your own Mickey Mouse cel in this memorable experience with a Disney Animator. Cost is $45 plus Theme Park admission and the tour takes about 2.5 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Must be 16 years old or older.

  22. Disney: Art Magic: Bringing Illusion To Life - The Studios becomes your canvas for painting an accurate picture of the variety of skills, talents, and creativity involved in creating the Disney Theme Parks, animated feature films, and live stage shows. The vast world of art comes to life as you visit Creative Costuming; discover the colors, textures, and architecture of our Theme Park attractions; and step backstage at Walt Disney Feature Animation, Florida. Highlights of the day include painting your very own keepsake Mickey Mouse cel and learning "insider" tips about sketching Disney characters. The program is offered Monday through Friday. Cost is $79, park admission not required, minimum 11 per students class, and the class takes about 6 hours and includes lunch, certificates and in many cases can earn school cresit or excused absenses for participating in this structured class. For ages 11 to 15 years old.

  23. Disney: Show Biz Magic: The Walt Disney World of Entertainment - After the chance to showcase your talents in a Disney "audition," you'll step backstage to the Magic Kingdom "tunnel" system to see where Disney entertainers go for finishing touches and for a look at how the technicians and stagehands create the "magic" in Magic Kingdom parades and shows. As the curtain closes on your day, you'll see all the elements of the show come together in a live Disney production. The program is offered Monday through Thursday. Cost is $79, park admission not required, minimum 11 per students class, and the class takes about 6 hours and includes lunch, certificates and in many cases can earn school cresit or excused absenses for participating in this structured class. For ages 11 to 15 years old.

  24. Disney Institute: Day Guest Program - The Disney Institute has a day guest program that allows locals (Central Floridians, but not limited to) or resort guest (of other Disney Resorts) to take programs during a day. The cost is $49 per day and you can take what ever is available and you can fit into a schedule for a day (which is about 3 classes if you pack the day (about 7 or 8 hours of classes). This program was originally just going to last for the first 100 days of the Institute but has been extended indefinately. Call 1-800-282-9282 for more information about the Disney Institute.

  25. Disney Institute: Disney Day Camp - The Disney Institute is offering full and half day camps for children 7 to 10 years old. Disney Day Camp takes kids on exciting, hands-on, and interactive expeditions! Two different programs are offered each day -- from 8:30 am to 12 noon and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. One can choose to participate in one or both programs for only $49 per child, per day. A box lunch is available for an additional charge. Theme Park admission is not included nor required for these programs. They have events everyday of the week. The workshops include:
    • Swap Stomp - Exploring the local habitat of an untamed cypress swamp. Scout for wild animals and gain an understanding of what can be done to protect our fragile environment. (Monday & Saturday mornings)
    • Island Explorers - Visit Discovery Island for an up-close and educational introduction to the exotic and endangered animals who inhabit this tropical paradise. (Wednesday afternoons)
    • Broadway Bound - Teaches the children about a broadway production (Tuesday & Friday mornings)
    • Stealing The Show - Learn about improvisation games, mime movements, and rhythm exercises professional actors use to sharpen their performance skills. (Monday & Thursday afternoons)
    • Face Magic - Learn all about stage makeup. (Wednesday mornings & Friday afternoons)
    • Disney's Orient Express - Explore Japan and China Pavilions at Epcot. (Tuesday & Saturday afternoons)
    • Tiles, Temples & Treasures - Explore Mexico and Morocco Pavilions at Epcot. (Sunday mornings)
    • ArtSurround - Review of Art at the World of Imagination (Sunday afternoons & Thursday mornings)
    You can make reservation 2 weeks prior to the date. Call 1-407-827-4800 to full details.

    Green Marketplace

  26. Property: Accent On the Environment - Only Disney could bring entertainment to environmental awareness. You will go behind the scenes to see how operations at Walt Disney World work in concert with nature. This tour must be setup in advance. Cost is $60, minimum 15 people, and the tour takes about 3.5 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Must be 16 years old or older.

  27. Disney's Architecture
  28. Property: Disney's Architecture - Uncover unique stories of how architects and Imagineers use basic design concepts, story lines, and painstaking attention to detail to create eye-catching and unusual Disney buildings. Cost is $45 per person, the tour takes about 3.5 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.

    The "Team Disney" sign at the entrance of the driveway is an abstract Mickey. (Another cool building to check out. We haven't been in this one, though.)decor
    UPDATE:     Melanie Emmons 24 MAR 96

  29. Property: Disney By Design - Explore entertainment architecture on this tour. Disney "architheming" experts will take you through the Team Disney office building, Walt Disney World Casting, Pleasure Island, Epcot Center, Disney's Dixie Landings Resort, and Epcot Resorts to explain the architecture of Walt Disney World. You will go behind the scenes to see how operations at Walt Disney World work in concert with nature. This tour must be setup in advance. Cost is $60, minimum 15 people, and the tour takes about 3.5 hours. Must be 16 years old or older.

  30. Property: Wildlife Adventure: Exploring the Environment - Travel through a cypress swamp in search of alligators, eagles and other wildlife. Along the way, learn about this fragile ecosystem and its endangered species. Cost is $79, park admission not required, minimum 11 per students class, and the class takes about 6 hours and includes lunch, certificates and in many cases can earn school cresit or excused absenses for participating in this structured class. For ages 11 to 15 years old.

  31. Speedway: Richard Petty Driving Experience is an unprecedented theme park thrill--an actual spin in a NASCAR vehicle. On February 7, 1997, the North Carolina-based driving school will begin classes at the WDW Speedway. Each class begins with on-track classroom instruction and safety fundamentals (one would hope!) It also teaches technique for handling, passing and drafting with the stock cars, For more information call 1-800-BE-PETTY (1-800-237-3889).
    1. Riding Experience - Ride in a two-seater stock car driven by a professional instructor for three laps at speeds up to 145 miles m.p. h. No reservations are needed for the ride and classes run all day. Price $89.99
    2. Rookie Experience - Drive a race car for eight laps around the tri- oval. That's eight miles of high-speed action and your program lasts for three hours. Price $329.99
    3. Experience of a Lifetime - This 30-lap program will be run in three 10-lap sessions. Participants will work on establishing a comfortable driving line and building speed. Price $1,099.99
    RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE- Guests can ride or drive a real stock car at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Speedway. The Riding Experience is $89.99 plus tax, and the Rookie Experience (guest drives) is $329.99 plus tax. The Experience of a Lifetime is $1099.99 plus tax. For more information call 1-800-BE-PETTY (1-800-237-3889).
  32. All: Youth Education Series takes student groups of 10 or more on exciting field trips! Fifteen action-packed and educational seminars transform the vast resources of the Walt Disney World Resort into curriculum-based learning adventures for K-12 school and scout groups! Call 800-833-9806 for more information and special pricing.

  33. Fort Wilderness has a petting zoo just south of Pioneer Hall. You can take boat or bus to Fort Wilderness. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort guests. Great place for kids.

  34. Fort Wilderness has a campfire and sing-a-long every night of the week. A Disney classic movie follows the sing-along. Chip and Dale usually make an appearance. The Fort Wilderness staff provides a campfire; bring your marshmallows, hot dogs and sticks if you have them. If not, marshmallows and sticks are available for purchase. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort guests. Great evening for kids.

  35. Take a boat from the Yacht Club to Epcot for a viewing of IllumiNations. To make reservations, call the Beach Club at (407) 934-8000 and ask for extension 6112. The boat is named the Breathless, after Breathless Mahoney from Dick Tracy. Boat can accommodate up to 7 people. Boat departs at about 8:40 PM. Cost is $185 for evening cruise, not per person. Pontoon boats are also available for $95 at the Friendship Dock at the Boardwalk. Afternoon cruises are also available. For pontoons call (407) WDW-PLAY

  36. A tip I have for you is the best place to see the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks display at the MK. Go over to the Contemporary Resort and watch from the observation deck on the roof. Exit at the rear of the nightclub up there. The view is breathtaking and the fireworks look great from up there and its free!
    REPORTED:     Jennifer Roberts 06 MAY 96
    I agree totally! The Contemporary Resort's observation deck is the best place to see the fireworks. But it is hard to hear the music that goes with the show. If you are in the California Grill the music is pumped in and they dim the lights so everyone can see. My sister and I made reservations to have dinner there for my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary (window table) and that was how our night ended. It was just perfect. You can also just order a drink and appetizer and sit inside to watch the fireworks in case of rain. Remember the show will go on if the rain or storm is not that bad.
    UPDATE: J. Ferris 05 MAY 97

For the Nature Lover...

  1. Disney Property: Jogging Trails - You don't need to be a jogger to enjoy.

    1. Walt Disney World has many jogging trails that you can enjoy to just get away from it all and enjoy Florida flora and fauna.
      TR Shaw 30 SEP 95

  2. Fort Wilderness has a self-guided nature walk in the woods. The trail begins at the far east end of the beach. This trail is normally very private and can be nice for a romantic walk in the woods. Best seen during daytime as there are no lights. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort and River Country guests.
Other Activities

Watersports

  1. Water Skiing on Bay Lake - One hour long with a two guest minimum with a five guest maximum. Cost is $75.00 and reservations are required and can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (407) 824-2621. Instructors available for all levels.

  2. Parasailing at Disney's Contemporary Resort - Single or double riding for eight to ten minutes of air time, with no weight limit. Cost is $40.00 per rider and $15.00 to watch from the boat. Guests can be placed on a Priority Time list by calling (407) 824-3586. It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before your Priority "Flying Time."

  3. Sightseeing - Resort Guests can travel between Disney's Port Orleans and Disney's Dixie Landings via canopied water taxis which stop at both the Empress Lilly from 10AM to midnight and the Cap'n Jack's Landing between 8AM and 10PM. A current resort I.D. is required.

  4. Boat rentals at any of the Resorts on Bay Lake You can choose from a variety of watercraft and captain your own vessel. Minimum age to drive is 14 years old.

  5. Boat rentals at Cap'n Jack's Marina at the Downtown Disney Choose from a variety of watercraft and captain your own vessel. Watersprites offer an exciting turn around the 35-acre Lake Buena Vista in a two-person 9.9 horsepower craft. Minimum age to drive is 14 years old.

  6. Fishing:
    1. Bay Lake Fishing Excursions - Private excursions are available on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon with a Disney Guide. Hotel guests may not keep fish. Guests staying at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or Disney's Village Resort may keep fish. Hours are 8AM - 10AM, 12PM - 2PM, and 3PM - 5PM. Call Fort Wilderness Marina for specifics between 8AM and 4PM. Price is $125.00 per group, for up to 5 people for 2 hours. $25.00 for each additional hour. Includes Float Boat, guide and fishing equipment. Coffee, Danish and orange juice are supplied in the morning, and soft drinks for the afternoon. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (407) 824-2621.

      1. If you want to see some extra large bass, go to the Narcoose's resturaunt at the Grand Floridian. If you look over the edge of the deck in the water you will see some HUGE fish. Ask the waitress/hostess for some bread and you will see how large they really are! Disney won't allow you to fish for the bread eaters, but take an excursion and you will catch some similar in size, b/c disney stocked the lake to the fullest over 30 years ago and you catch 5-10 fish per excursion (per person) it is insane!
        REPORTED: Amy 28 SEP 00
    2. Lake Buena Vista Excursions - Leaving from the Downtown Disney, is Cap'n Jack's Fishing Excursion. Large-mouth bass (averaging 2-3 pounds) can be caught along the canals of Lake Buena Vista. Excursion includes boat, guide and equipment. All fishing is done on a catch and release system on Property, unless you are a guest staying at either Disney's Fort Wilderness or Disney's Village Resort. Fishing excursions range from $120.00 for two hours, $145.00 for three hours, $175.00 for a half day for a fishing trip with up to 5 people.. There is a 10 percent discount for guest presenting a valid Florida fishing license. Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance by calling (407) 828-2204.

    3. For those who prefer fishing the old-fashioned way, the Downtown Disney offers off the dock fishing at Cap'n Jack's Marina with authentic cane poles and special "bait." Pole rental is $3.00 per half hour and $5.00 per hour. Catch and release only.
    4. Disney's Dixie Landings Resort has both cane pole fishing as well as fishing excursions available. Pole fishing is near Old Man Island for $3.00 an hour per pole and xcursions available for $35.00 per person. For reservations, call (407) 934-5409.

    5. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has pole fishing. Poles and canes available for rent at the Bike Barn from 8AM - 5PM daily.

Horseback Riding

  1. Fort Wilderness has horseback riding at the Tri-Circle D Livery by the main parking lot. The guided trail ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and is taken at a walking pace with 2 Cowboys to lead the way and answer questions. Cost is $17.00 with a minimum age of 9. Ride Times: 9AM, 10:30AM, 12PM, and 2PM. Reservations are required and can be made up to 2 weeks in advance by calling (407) 824-2832.

    Comments:

    1. Horseback riding excursions in Fort Wilderness are a blast, however my mother wasn't too fond of the horse she was riding. She got on the horse and he liked to gallop.....we came to find out that his name was Ragin' Cajun, and was an old racing horse. We also came across an old horse named Freckles, who tended to take a few shortcuts along the way. The Disney Cast said that Freckles had ridin' the course so many times that he knows all the "cut threws" and was taking the teenager on his back into uncharted territories...and he was getting hit in the face with tree branches. My horse tended to bite everyone else's, and I was getting nervous, b/c the horses were trying to bite back...so the Disney Cast member came up next to us on his horse and grabbed my horse and yelled "Lucy be good!" and a few minutes later Lucy did the same thing again and this time the Cast Member yelled "Lucifer, knock it off!" They nicknamed Lucy this b/c she is usually a lead horse and tends to get up set if she's not.
      REPORTED: anon 27 SEP 00

Tennis

  1. Disney's Contemporary Resort's Raquet Club features 6 lighted Hydrogrid clay courts. It is open to all Resort Guests. Cost is $12 per court, per hour or $40 per family for the duration of the stay. Reservations are recommended at (407) 824-3578.

  2. Disney's Grand Floridian features 2 clay courts. It is open to all Resort Guests. Cost is $12 per court, per hour or $35 to play against the Pro. Reservations are recommended at (407) 824-2433.

  3. Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort features 2 hard courts. It is open to all Resort Guests. No charge for courts. No reservations are taken.

  4. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort features 2 hard courts. It is open to all Resort Guests. No charge for courts. No reservations are taken.

Rock Climbing

  1. Rock climbing courses at the Disney Institute
  2. New at Blizzard Beach- Rock climbing at Blizzard Beach!! You can "rock climb" up Summet Plummet behind the ski patrol section - Cost $10.00

Golf

  1. 6 World Class Golf Courses
  2. 2 Miniature Golf Courses

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