Thrifty Thursday: Guilt-Free Tours

I visit Disney World a lot. But it never feels like a lot because, during each visit, I find something new and exciting to explore or discover. Recently, I experienced my first Disney tour–Segway Around the World Tour–and I’m super excited to try some of the other offerings.

But I’m not made of money, which is why I was so excited to discover that Disney’s tours are available at a range of price points, from insanely expensive to reasonably priced to free. Yes, free. 

Is there anything thriftier than free? (Staying home, I guess … but that’s not any fun.) 

Low-Cost Tours

These tours all require Park admission, so if you don’t have Passes, you should take that cost into account.

Behind the Seeds (Epcot)
You can take a walking tour of the green houses in the Land Pavilion, which provide much of the produce for Epcot restaurants, for $20 or less. Check out this great review on Zannaland. 

Disney Family Magic (Magic Kingdom)
Starting at $35, this is a great tour for folks traveling with young kids because it’s not too long and it is wonderfully interactive. Disney Tour Reviews covers the bases without spoiling the magic.  

 The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains (Magic Kingdom)
Just under $50, this tour is perfect for railroad enthusiasts of all ages. Keep in mind that this tour starts before park opening, so set your alarm clocks! Again, Disney Tour Reviews has you covered on the review.  

Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
Disney historians will love this $30 walking timeline tour through the Magic Kingdom. Think of this as a “lite” version of the longer (and much more costly) Keys to the Kingdom. A review of this one is brought to us by Disney Tour Reviews. 

Free Tours

These tours all take place in resort hotels around property, meaning they are really, truly free! 

Wonders of the Wilderness Lodge
This free, one-hour tour shares the backstory of the Wilderness Lodge Resort & Villas. Read all about it on Touring Plans Blog. 

 Animal Kingdom Lodge Culinary Tour 
 Free food is the highlight of this short, 30-minute tour of Boma and Jiko in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Read all about it on Touring Plans Blog. 

 Sanaa Cultural Tour (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village) 
This quick, intimate tour of one of Disney’s most beautiful dining rooms also includes a quick snack. Read what to expect on Touring Plans Blog. 

Africa-Inspired, Disney-Designed Tour 
Explore the art and thematic details in Kidani Village and the animals on the savanna. Learn more on Touring Plans Blog. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Disney Tours, including how to book them and what you can (and can’t) bring with you on each individual tour, visit Disney Tour Reviews’ amazing Frequently Asked Questions page. 

And happy touring, savings fans! 

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Melissa Sue works in higher education communications in upstate New York, where she lives with her husband Robert, a secondary school teacher, and her cavapoo George (as in King George). Melissa began visiting Disney World when she was six and today owns a piece of the magic at Bay Lake Tower. She blogs at Mouse on the Mind and tweets @msorrellsgalley. She’ll be contributing money-saving tips to The Affordable Mouse.