Mouse Extra

Perhaps your love of Disney World goes a bit deeper than Mouse Ears and audio animatronics.  Maybe you’re like me, and when you find something you enjoy you need to find out more about it.  Why is this here?  How does this work?  Who built this?  If you have these questions about the Magic Kingdom, then I would suggest the Keys to the Kingdom tour.

Most tours can be dependant to a certain extent on the tour guide.  If you get a dud, then you’re not going to have as much fun.  That may be true with the Keys, but I can’t see it having a big impact.  This tour and its subject is so immersive and interesting, you could probably do this with a cassette tape and still enjoy it.

Keys to the Kingdom is an in-depth look at the Magic Kingdom.  It offers some history, but it mostly examines the “why is that there?” and “how does that work?” type of questions.  For example, you begin outside the entrance to Main Street USA, and are told that the whole park is set-up like a movie.  Under the train station there are posters on the wall for the park’s attractions that represent the “coming attractions” portion of a film.  The names on the upper story windows are the names of important people in the history of the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World.  These are the “opening credits”. 

You also learn all about the design process, such as the “forced perspective” trick used to make the castle and the buildings on Main Street appear larger theyn they actually are.  One of the most fascinating design elements is at Liberty Square and Frontierland.  Beginning at Liberty Square and ending at Big Thunder Mountain that whole area represents a chronological and geographical history of the American frontier.

There are also some nuts and bolts involved.  On my tour, I also got a look at the backstage area used for storing parade floats and such.  We also had a chance to go downstairs into the Ultilidors, the hidden first floor of the Magic Kingdom.  This area is one that has long been cast in great mystery and intrigue.  While the design that produced them is amazing, it is truly nothing more than a large basement. 

The tour also includes a detailed ride on an attraction, we saw Mickey’s Philharmagic, and also lunch, which was at the Columbia Harbour House.  Both offered a chance to see the work we learned about in action and in its context.

Keys to the Kingdom is a perfect way to do something different at Walt Disney World.  It may not be for the little ones, but if you are a Disney addict you will love it and never forget it.