Tours

[cuteduck223]

I know several of the tours are walking tours, but we're travelling with my brother (has spina bifida and will be in a wheelchair) and he LOVES history and educational things. Anyone ever done any of the tours? which ones would be best if we wanted to get him one as a suprise? (looking for ways to add magic!) He can transfer, and walk with crutches short distances.

[ElenitaB]

The Keys to the Kingdom tour at the MK might be a good choice (and is noted as wheelchair accessible). Note that for many tours, the participants have to be 16 or older. The most notable exception would be the Family Magic Tour which is "best for guests aged 4-10" and is also wheelchair accessible, but doesn't have the historical focus you're looking for.

[cuteduck223]

Thanks. He's in his 20's so age limits aren't a concern. Just wondering what options we might have for him, especially if others in our party do other tours.

[ElenitaB]

Each park has its own set of tours. Below are a few that might be of interest (and that the Disney site indicates are wheelchair accesible):

Magic Kingdom
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains — "The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour grants railroad enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch as the Magic Kingdom theme park train crew prepares the Walt Disney World Railroad steam trains for their daily operation." Lasts three hours and starts before the parks open.
Keys to the Kingdom — "Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park." Lasts four and a half hours.

Epcot
Behind the Seeds — "The Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour offers a one-hour indoor walking tour of the greenhouses seen during the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot theme park." We've done this one and if you like Living with the Land, it's a good one.
The UnDISCOVERed Future World — "The UnDISCOVERed Future World tour shows how Walt Disney's desire to improve the world for the future led to the development of Epcot theme park." Goes on longer than three hours.

Animal Kingdom
Backstage Safari — "The Backstage Safari tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park provides a 3-hour insider's look at the innovative ways that the Park cares for its animal inhabitants."
Wild By Design — "The 3-hour Wild By Design Tour tells the story of how the creative wizards at Walt Disney Imagineering meticulously transformed Florida wetlands into the exotic and untamed landscapes of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park."

Hollywood Studios
Inspiration: Through Walt's Eyes — "Take a 3-hour tour and discover how Walt Disney used everyday events as a source of inspiration and see how he, in turn, inspired generations."

Happy planning!

[TheDuckRocks]

Call 407-WDW-TOUR and the Cast Member will be able to tell you which tours can and cannot be done using a wheelchair. Sadly not all tours are wheelchair or ECV friendly. Off the top of my head there were a couple of tours that sounded right up my alley except for the fact that more mobility was needed than I'm able to do.

[kakn7294]

We've done the Behind the Seeds tour in Epcot. Very educational and enjoyable. There may be a small set of 3 - 5 steps and a couple of thresholds to cross though. My hubby and I can't remember for sure.