General description of Tour: (NO spoilers)
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This is a walking our and guests must be at least 16 years of age.
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It is approximately a 4 hour tour.
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Time: Offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Meet 15 minutes prior in the Guest Relations Lobby (to the left of Spaceship Earth as you enter the park). NOTE: Guests are able to arrive before the 9 a.m. opening in Future World by identifying themselves as being on the Undiscovered Future World tour. There is a guest list at the turnstiles. Use the same far right queue the Princess Storybook breakfast (Norway) guests use.
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Cost: $49 + theme park admission
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To book this tour you must call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687
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You will learn about the true reason why EPCOT was developed. Guests visit each of the Future world pavilions and learn how each area celebrates humanity’s accomplishments and challenge. You will discover the scale of the construction project that was able to bring this park to life. This tour also makes stops in backstage areas.
My review of Epcot Tour (with SPOILERS!!!)
On July 8, 2009, my fiance and I took this Epcot Discover the Future Tour. Our guide was Chris, who was knowledgeable and very funny. The tour started with an introduction at Guest Relations about the history of Epcot and Spaceship Earth. There are a variety of pictures including one where Walt Disney points at the schematic for Epcot.
We then toured Innoventions East making a stop at the photo mural of the Monsato House of the Future in Disneyland. We made our way toward The Seas with Nemo and Friends (formerly known as the Living Seas). Our guide led us into the Coral Reef Restaurant (where we had eaten 5 days ago). He gave us a history of the aquarium. It is hard to believe that Disney houses an aquarium that can easily fit Spaceship Earth (which is 160 ft in diameter). Also he described the structure and that the “windows” are not made of glass, but of plastic. There is no glue, which is why the fish do not look out of proportion. The pressure of the water is what holds the “windows” in place.
We then went right next door to the the Land, where Chris pointed out the mural and its significance. Trivia: Both sides are mirror images of each other with the exception of one mural piece. This is the artist’s signature. We went inside and were given a 20 minute break to go buy food or relax. We bought and ate some snacks from Sunshine Seasons and met at the entrance of Soarin’. Our guide then announced that this would be our first “backstage entrance!” What a treat! It looks like a regular parking lot with multiple buildings. I would easily get lost. All of a sudden we make it to one door. Chris says “hey you guys want to ride Soarin’?” and then a unanimous “YEAH!!!” We cut through the “60 minute” wait line and enter the cue. Before the ride, he pointed out special areas to watch out for a hidden Mickey (three rocks in the snow scene, golf ball that flies towards you, fireworks at the last scene). During the ride I sat next to Chris and during the golf ball scene, he seemed to grab it from air and the golf ball appeared in his hand!
After the great ride, we exited once more into the backstage area and this time, made our way towards the Imagination building. It is odd, how backstage, it is much faster getting from building to building. This time we enter the building that houses the ride cars for Figment of Imagination, as well as the 3-D glasses for Honey I shrunk the Audience.
We then crossed Innoventions Plaza and stopped for a description of the fountains before making our way towards Universe of Energy. We went into the backstage break area and was able to touch one of the dinosaurs and even take photos with it. We could hear the ride, as it would make a large noise and even vibrate the walls.
Our next stop was backstage at Mission Space. We were allowed to enter the HP VIP lounge, which overlooks the queue area. It is relaxing with bean bag chairs and full bar. Right next door at Test Track, we were told about the problems of building and maintaining the ride. As he spoke, we noticed how quiet it was and realized that the ride was once more down. We went behind the scenes to take a look at the maintenance bay for the cars.
After Test Track, we visited the main Cast Member building. This is a service area that houses a store, cafeteria, costuming and office area there. The costuming area was spectacular. It is organized according to area, sizes, etc. A mini mall! The inside walls of the building have been decorated by cast members from each of the different areas in EPCOT. It was fun to see all the creativity that came from each. We then went to a building that housed the International offices and met with a cast member from Germany. She told us about the international ambassador program and answered many questions.
Our last stop was the marina, where the barges for illuminations and other boats are stored. We returned on stage at the China pavilion, where Chris provided us with the UnDiscovered Future World Tour pin, as well as offered us a 20% discount for lunch or dinner at Nine Dragons, as well as VIP viewing for Illuminations that night or another night. We went back that night and it was a great view! It is a small roped-off area in front of Italy.
As a whole, we greatly enjoyed the tour and was well worth the time and money.
