behind the scenes tour epcot

Behind the Seeds

• Preschoolers

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

See, Do, Learn, Grow!

• Learn about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.
• Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
• Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics—look, Ma, no soil!

How to Book

Advance reservations are highly recommended, as availability is limited.

Make reservations online or via the My Disney Experience app . Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Learn when advance reservations can be made .

Know Before You Go

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.
• You’ll be on your feet for the whole hour of this walking tour. With that in mind, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Riding Living with the Land prior to the tour will give you a preview of what to expect. Please be aware that the tour highlights listed above are subject to change.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour at the lower level of The Land Pavilion near the attraction exit.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in this tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Make a reservation, times for behind the seeds.

Behind The Seeds At Epcot Tour Review

The Behind the Seeds at Epcot is a guided one-hour tour through The Land pavilion greenhouses that house the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot. In this post, we’ll share photos from our experience doing the Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour and share whether we think it was worth the time and money.

For starters, some info about the Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour. As of 2017, the tour costs $25 per adult and $20 per child, with a 15% off discount to Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club owners , and Disney Visa Cardholders . This is a modest increase from previous years, so if you encounter a lower number, it’s likely outdated.

Unsurprisingly given the name and location, the Behind the Seeds tour focuses on the forward-thinking agricultural techniques utilized in The Land pavilion. During the tour, you’ll release lady bugs, see gators up close, feed fish, sample cucumbers, and learn more about the growing techniques and nutrient cocktails utilized in Epcot…

Behind the Scenes is a popular tour because it gives guests a taste of what Walt Disney World’s backstage tours are like, without breaking the bank on something like Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom tour at Magic Kingdom, or the UnDISCOVERed Future World tour at Epcot. It’s also not nearly as much of a time commitment as either of those tours (or many other tours guests can take at Walt Disney World).

When we did the Behind the Seeds tour, our only other experience with backstage tours was a few one-time events offered by D23. I had also done Epcot’s DiveQuest as a teen, but that was ages ago. Our experience had been almost universally positive with this type of events, so it made sense to give it a try.

While you can book the Behind the Seeds tour in advance by calling (407) WDW-TOUR, my recommendation would be to not do this, unless it’s an absolute must-do. Particularly if you’re a first timer to Walt Disney World, you should actually experience the Living with the Land attraction first, see how it appeals to you, and then book.

There are several Behind the Seeds tours per day, and you can usually book them same-day. That’s what we did, and that’s what I’d recommend. Going this route also enables you to squeeze the tour into your schedule on the fly, rather than planning around it months in advance.

Sarah had wanted to take this tour for a while. Given that it was only around $15 with our discount (back when we did it) and only lasts about an hour to an hour and half, I could offer little reason to resist. While I love Living with the Land (it’s one of My 10 Favorite Attractions at Walt Disney World ), my interest in a more thorough explanation of what goes on behind the scenes in the pavilion was very low.

In this post we’ll take a look at some photos from the tour, thoughts on whether it lived up to my expectations, and whether it was worth the money…

Despite that, I loved the Behind the Seeds tour. It was interesting without being dry and pedantic and balanced the practical applications of these techniques at home (something that doesn’t interest me at all–actually, it scares me, as Sarah trying to utilize some of these techniques likely means more work for me!) with the broader scientific studies and theory behind some of what is being done at The Land.

As mentioned, I know very little about gardening (and science, for that matter), so I have no idea if the experimental techniques utilized in The Land are still experimental, or if they were experimental in 1992. In either case, it was fascinating and new to me.

I’m not sure that a botanist or alligatorologist would find the tour quite as interesting. For all I know, it might actually be quite superficial to someone actually involved in these fields.

To the casual theme park guest, though, the Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour is outstanding. The tour is engaging rather than a typical lecture, as guests are allowed to touch things, release bugs, and sample foods, and our tour guide was great. On that note, a word of caution; the tour guide is pretty make or break for Behind the Seeds.

Our tour guide was exceptional. She had extensive knowledge of the different areas of the greenhouses, was articulate, personable, and wasn’t afraid to admit when she didn’t know the answer to a question (which was rare). I much prefer that than someone making up an answer that sounds good.

She was a college student in the Professional Intern program (not College Program) who was relatively new at Epcot, and obviously was enthusiastic about what she was doing. As we finished our tour, we passed another group with a tour guide who seemed less articulate than ours.

Had we taken the next tour, the tone of this review might be totally different. But we didn’t, so it’s not. Others have reported very negative experiences thanks to disinterested tour guides , which is something to keep in mind when considering this tour.

The content of the tour was interesting and kept my attention. If you have wondered whether this is an appropriate tour to hold the interest of your child, the fact that it kept my interest might be a good litmus test. Normally my eyes glaze over and my mind begins to wander at the first mention of things like “horticulture” or “hyproponics.”

Not the case here, as the tone was light enough that it kept my attention throughout.

As much as I joke about being disinterested in horticulture, it’s probably more a matter of disinterest in hands-on gardening. Like most guests, I really enjoy the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and this is about as close as there is to a backstage tour of that event.

Speaking of which, Disney, if you’re reading this, I’d jump at the chance to go behind the scenes of the prep work that goes into the Flower & Garden Festival. Touring the places where the topiaries are grown and crafted sounds like it’d be really cool. I’m sure it couldn’t be a year-round tour, but it could be a fun D23 special event.

In any case, Behind the Scenes definitely catered to the part of me that loves “edutainment.” Critics contend that little remains of the EPCOT Center that opened in 1982. They claim that Journey into Imagination is now the antithesis of imagination. The Living Seas aren’t nearly as alive now that cartoon characters inhabit some of their waters.

World of Motion and Horizons are gone, replaced by thrill rides. Wonders of Life (not a 1982 attraction, but still…) is now the Wonders Retreat, a seldom used home for hard-ticket events during Food & Wine Festival and Flower & Garden Festival. Spaceship Earth now wants guests to “thank the Phoenicians” and play with touchscreens.

While I disagree with much of this (and think many changes were necessary to hold the interest of contemporary guests), I think it’s unquestionable that Epcot has captured the spirit of “edutainment” with the Behind the Seeds tour. Resist as I might, I found myself accidentally learning while having loads of fun on this tour.

Going in, I fully expected it to be nothing more than an opportunity to take some cool photos while Sarah learned about gardening techniques. I was shocked to enjoy this tour so much.

Overall, we’ve since done a number of special events and other tours, and I still think Behind the Seeds is one of the best ‘hidden gems’ of Epcot. Even though the price of the tour has increased since we did it, I continue to believe that this is among the best ways to spend ~$25 at Epcot. Even if your hobbies include deforestation, littering, and casual animal sacrifice, there’s a good change you’ll enjoy Behind the Seeds. It’s that engaging, and it’s fun to go behind the scenes on a Walt Disney World attraction. It gives you a different perspective on the parks, and is something that’s truly cool to experience.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree or disagree with our take on the Behind the Scenes at Epcot tour? Have you gone backstage at Epcot or any other Walt Disney World park before? Have you done a different tour? If so, what did you think? Hearing your feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts or questions below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

My dad retired a few years as a grower and I have just stumbled across this tour! We are visiting from the Uk in April and I’m going to book this as a surprise….he will actually love it! Great write up x

We did this tour in 2015 with extended family and loved it. When we went this last year at Christmas time. We did it a second time at the kids insistence. They loved it so much they wanted to do it again. It is well worth the money. I recommend it to anyone of almost every age. I am not sure most under 1st graders would like it.

My husband and I will be down at Disney the week of Labor Day and we are looking into doing this tour…..we were planning on trying to do the tour on the 7th but due to seminars we are attending for Food & Wine Festival we would only be available for either the very first tour or the very last tour….in your opinion which one would you suggest?

Very last. Use your morning time doing as many attractions as possible before the waits get long.

“Speaking of which, Disney, if you’re reading this, I’d jump at the chance to go behind the scenes of the prep work that goes into the Flower & Garden Festival.”

As a next-best-thing-to-it, we spent a *long* time watching great footage of festival prep in the “Wonders of Life” building, complete with lots of commentary from key players involved in everything from planning to planting. Fascinating.

Yeah, watching videos like that is what has made me more intrigued by the setup of Flower & Garden Festival! 🙂

I have seen people taking the tour when I’ve been on the land before in the past. After reading this article I think I’m going to have to take it myself. Thanks for the article!

Can someone in a wheelchair easily attend this tour?

I’m not entirely sure, but I think so. I don’t recall any stairs or anything that would preclude it. I’d check with Disney if I were you.

Have you done any other tour reviews? I was curious about “The Keys to the Kingdom” tour as well if there was one for behind the scenes in “The Seas with Finding Nemo”. Also this is about a different post on here, but your post I saw this morning about saving $2500+ on a deluxe trip may have allowed me to go with my girlfriend this year, where I plan to propose to her under “Wishes”. Thank you so much!

Sorry, but we haven’t done the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Heard great things, though!

I have been reading your blog for few days now. I was curious if tours like this offer sign language intpreters. My husband and I have gone to Disney World and have been eyeing this specific tour for a while. Next year, we will take our daughter for her first trip to The Happiest Place on the Earth! :).

Thanks for the informative review. I have reservations for the tour tommorrow. Not a gardening guy myself, but I was interested in seeing this area a little closer. I was worried pictures would be prohibited but the pics you posted tell me that will not be an issue.

I will post my thoughts of the tour after.

Thanks again!

Did the tour today. It was great! Our guide, Melissa was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, so I guess we got one of the good ones. I highly recommend the tour.

hubby and i went on behind the seeds for my bday at the end of december. we both loved it! our tour leader was fun and knowledgeable. i only wish that the tour could last longer! i highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys ‘living with the land’.

Thanks for posting this…I never realized how inexpensive this tour was. We broke the bank recently on the Wild Africa Trek (same week you guys were there I think)…and I’ve been looking for alternative, tour experiences that aren’t too, too expensive. This fits the bill (no pun intended). 😀

Wild Africa Trek looks awesome, but it’s a little too pricey for us at this point! Was it as awesome as it looks?

It was awesome, I do think it should be at least $50 cheaper than it was though. They said a portion of the price of it goes to their Wildlife Conservation Fund, so…I am going to hope that was around $50 (prob not) and pat myself on the back for helping African Elephants. 😀

My wife and I took this tour in December and really enjoyed it. You can’t beat the price. I believe that our tour guide was the lady in your picture wearing the blue booties and pruning the hanging pumpkins. She was a U of F grad (Go Gators!) with a degree in entomology. Very knowledgeable and informative. If you enjoy “Living with the Land” at all, I highly recommend this tour.

My husband and I went on the Behind the Seeds tour back in September and had a fantastic time. It helped that there were exactly 0 other people on the tour, so we had the wonderful tour guide all to ourselves. Neither of us gardens or has much interest in plants, but we still found this tour fascinating. In fact, it was one of the major highlights of the trip for my husband.

It was a highlight for us, too. Sarah likes gardening, so it appealed to her more, but I had fun with it, too!

Thank you for posting – my family goes on Soarin’, leaving me to wander about, and I’ve wanted to go on this tour for a couple of years now… it’s a definite that I will this summer! Thanks again for the awesome photos! 🙂

Maybe the rest of your family can go on Soarin’ twice and you can take the tour?! Definitely do it!

Thanks for the review and pictures. I am planning on doing this on our December trip.

We did BTS back in 2009 and loved it. It was cheap for a Disney tour, we had an wonderful guide and it was interesting. Now we feel all smug when we ride Living with the Land 🙂

Thanks for reviewing this tour! I’m considering it for our May trip. I would describe myself a lot like you did yourself (glazed over eyes, wandering mind), so the fact that you were so enthusiastic encourages me.

My mind wandered a fair amount, but it was still a lot of fun!

I’m so glad you two had wonderful Behind the Seeds experience! I hear nothing but good things about this tour, which gives me comfort that my apathetic guide was a one off. I normally leave tours filled with excitement, but my Behind the Seeds tour left me seething with anger. I have plans to re-review it in the future, but until then – I’m very encouraged by all the other positive feedback.

Did you take this tour recently? Jan-Feb? I rode Livin’ with the Land recently and saw both this guide leading a tour with that same woman attending to the pumpkins with her booties on. I remember thinking how rare it is for me to see someone attending to the plants, and of course I’m always checking out the tour groups.

Thanks for sharing the great review and wonderful photos (as always)!

We did this tour last Sunday. I’d definitely revisit Behind the Seeds if I were you. On the upside, at least for your “bad” tour, you only wasted $15-18. That’s better than having a bad Keys to the Kingdom tour or something like that!

Thanks for the review. I have been eyeing this tour for some time. I think it was Like $10 a person when I was looking at it but it is still a bargain for a tour. Very insightful review. Kudos!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Behind the Seeds

Walt Disney World® Resort

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

Age Interest

Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Additional Information - Opens Dialog

Behind the Scenes

Explore the future of agriculture during this up-close and personal backstage walking tour of The Land Pavilion.

See, Do, Learn, Grow!

• Learn about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.
• Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
• Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics—look, Ma, no soil!

How to Book

Make reservations online or via the My Disney Experience app . Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Learn when advance reservations can be made .

Know Before You Go

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.
• You’ll be on your feet for the whole hour of this walking tour. With that in mind, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Riding Living with the Land prior to the tour will give you a preview of what to expect. Please be aware that the tour highlights listed above are subject to change.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour at the lower level of The Land Pavilion near the attraction exit.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in this tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

View All Times

Monday, April 29, 2024

Use CoBrowse to Share Your Screen?

Even as the Disney Cast Member guides you around our site, they will be unable to access or view any files or information on your device or anything you type.

To stop the session, click the X in the screen-sharing window at any time. You can remain on the phone with the Cast Member.

Enter the code provided by the Cast Member and Accept to get started.

Invalid code. Please reenter

Not on the Phone with a Cast Member?

Epcot Behind the Seeds Tour Review

Posted on Last updated: September 27, 2023

Tours at Disney World are a great way to “plus” your vacation if you’ve been to the parks many times.

To get a feel for what to expect on a Disney World tour, I took the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot last month.

Read on to learn all about what to expect on this tour and my overall impressions!

The Behind the Seeds tour gives a “backstage” tour of the greenhouses found in the Land pavilion in Epcot’s Future World.

You see these greenhouses on the Living with the Land boat ride and I have been fascinated with them since I was a kid!

Behind the Seeds Tour Times

The tour is offered every day of the week and many times throughout the day. Here is a recent schedule of times the tour is offered:

I registered for the tour 60 days in advance by booking online through Disney’s Enchanting Extras .

I paid for the tour with my Chase Disney Visa to get a 15% discount – click here to learn about this and other perks of having the Chase Disney Visa card in your wallet.  

The total for the Behind the Seeds tour with my discount was $29.75 (regular price is $35).

I checked in at the meeting place for the tour, the Soarin’ desk inside the Land pavilion, 15 minutes prior to the tour and was given a nametag.

Our tour guide met our group of about eight people soon after and whisked us backstage to begin the tour!

I have to go on Living With the Land every time I’m at Epcot, so getting to experience the attraction backstage was a huge treat.

There were several hidden (and not-so-hidden) Mickeys throughout the backstage area, so you never forgot you were at Disney!

We visited four greenhouses and the fish farm during the tour while Brian explained some of the techniques used at the facility.

I think anyone with an interest in the natural sciences or gardening would be fascinated with the content.

I was amazed at how much I learned in this 60-minute tour. I

really appreciated the pace, which was brisk without feeling rushed. The time passed quickly and I was surprised when an hour had already passed.

I also loved the sensory experience of the tour-  not only did we see and listen, but we also touched, smelled, and even tasted!

There were two little ones on our tour (roughly ages one and six) and they did great. I plan on taking my daughter when she is old enough to understand more of the science, maybe around age nine or ten.

Overall, I was blown away by the quality of the Behind the Seeds tour – I felt like it was worth at least double what I paid! If this tour is any indication, expect to get a great deal of education and entertainment on Disney World tours.

Any questions about this tour or tour in general at Disney World? Please leave a comment below or join the discussion over at The Budget Mouse private Facebook group !

Review: Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot’s Living with the Land

Behind the Seeds, a backstage tour of Living with the Land at Epcot, focuses on the science of a fan-favorite Disney World attraction.

Basic Info for Behind the Seeds

Behind the Seeds is a one-hour guided tour backstage at Epcot. Attendees learn about the real-life horticulture and nutrition grown inside The Land Pavilion in the World Nature area of the park, specifically along the route of the Living with the Land boat ride. Along the way, guests get to touch, taste, and even feed some of the organisms that grow here.

Behind the Seeds is one of many backstage tours at Walt Disney World Resort. These experiences are branded under Disney’s Enchanted Extras Collection, a catch-all term for tours, private PhotoPass sessions, and other structured, guided add-ons to a Disney World vacation.

Backstage at Living with the Land

Behind the Seeds is the only tour at Disney World to focus on one specific ride. Given the fandom that Living with the Land commands online within the theme park community, many guests may enjoy the opportunity to not only learn more about the attraction, but to simply spend an extended period of time in its calming atmosphere.

Much of Behind the Seeds takes place in walkways adjacent to the ride path of Living with the Land. You may have seen tour groups shuffling through from your boat while onboard the ride.

Because of this proximity — being a “backstage” tour that largely takes place in a guest area — photography is allowed during Behind the Seeds (whereas most Disney tours have a strict no-photos policy). A few minutes into the tour, I realized the unique vantage point we had of many plants and structures I’d never seen so up-close before. Why was my camera in my backpack?! I promptly retrieved it, and spent much of the remainder of the tour snapping pictures. If you enjoy taking photos inside Disney theme parks, Behind the Seeds offers the unique opportunity to practice photography of a familiar space from uncommon angles. I loved taking advantage of this when I realized I could.

You’ll Enjoy Behind the Seeds If …

Behind the Seeds feels a bit like a science class field trip. It’s educational and hands-on in a space that’s not a classroom. If that sounds fun to you, you’ll enjoy this tour. If that sounds boring to you, your hour might be better spent elsewhere in Epcot.

Guests with interests in horticulture, farming, health, or bugs will be over the moon during Behind the Seeds. At the same time, one needn’t be an expert in any of these subjects to enjoy the tour. The information on the tour is presented in a clear, accessible, and fun way.

Visitors with fond memories of 1980s Epcot may also find Behind the Seeds particularly special. Although Living with the Land has changed slightly over the decades, the attraction remains largely the same overall experience that debuted with Epcot in 1982. Incidentally, our tour guide told us much of the attraction’s backstage systems have remained stuck in the ’80s, too. More on that in a moment.

Fun Facts We Learned

Some fascinating tidbits we learned during Behind the Scenes:

• While it’s true that food grown inside The Land Pavilion is harvested for guest consumption at Disney World restaurants, the ratio of this supply is very small compared to the resort’s total inventory of fruits and vegetables.
• Chefs at Disney World restaurants can request specific items be grown in The Land Pavilion for specialty dishes or new menu items. The most frequent “customers” are the chefs at Tiffin’s (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park) and curators of corporate events onsite.
• Only cast members with special clearance can enter the areas closest to the plants throughout Living with the Land. Anyone without certification is not allowed — including Imagineers. For this reason, the attraction’s horticulturalists are responsible for seasonal theming elements, like the lights during the holidays or the storybook gardens during springtime. Typically these décor-driven tasks would fall to Imagineers instead.

Is Behind the Seeds Worth It?

Behind the Seeds costs $39-$45, depending on the date (same price for all guests regardless of age). This price does not include park admission to Epcot, which is required.

While the bottom line might seem more economical compared to other Disney tours , the proportion of cost-vs.-time is more expensive than some of them. Behind the Seeds is roughly $40 for one hour. In contrast, Keys to the Kingdom (the tour of Magic Kingdom Park and its “underground” Utilidors) is $129-$149 for five hours.

For longtime Disney World visitors looking for something new to experience, Behind the Seeds is an excellent choice to see something you know through a completely new lens. First-time guests or those expecting a look into the history of Epcot and the inner workings of Disney storytelling would probably enjoy a different tour more.

Our tour guide said that much of the technology at work within The Land Pavilion’s real-life application was revolutionary when Epcot opened, but it’s almost all outdated by today’s industry standards. Therefore, seeing it all up close could be either fascinating or depressing, depending on your point of view.

How to Book

Behind the Seeds embarks on a new tour every hour, on the half-hour, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Guests staying onsite at a hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection can book their spot for Behind the Seeds beginning at 6 a.m. (eastern time) 60 days prior to check-in day. Other guests can reserve a tour up to 60 days before their intended tour date.

Book online here , or call (407) 939-7529. Disney Vacation Club members can call (800) 800-9800. Guests can also reserve Behind the Seeds in the My Disney Experience app. Disney accepts walk-ups too, if space is available; you can check by visiting the desk near the ride entrance to Living with the Land.

While some Disney tours require an age minimum somewhere in the teens, Behind the Seeds is available to any guest age 3 and up (though guests under age 18 need an adult present with them). That being said, it’s hard to imagine a three-year-old enjoying Behind the Seeds. As stated earlier, the vibe is very “science class field trip” and therefore probably best enjoyed by guests ages 8 and up.

Other Epcot Tours

As an alternative to Behind the Scenes (or in addition to it!), Epcot junkies can take a deep dive, literally, during DiveQuest or Dolphins in Depth , two programs offered with Epcot Seas Adventures within The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

The former Undiscovered Future World tour is no longer offered.

Living with the Land Ride-Through POV Video

We leave you with this, a full ride-through video, so that you may truly be living with the land.

If you’re interested in visiting Walt Disney World Resort, we recommend Mouse Fan Travel for a free, no obligation quote and free help throughout your trip.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the Attractions Magazine e-mail newsletter!

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• Food + Snacks
• Disney Restaurants
• Trip Planning

Epcot Behind the Seeds Tour Review (2024)

Last updated on Mar 5, 2024 by Adam Bryan . This post may contain affiliate links.

If you love Living with the Land but still want to get even more behind the scenes details about what goes on in the Land Pavilion, then the Behind the Seeds Tour in Epcot is the way to go.

I’ve been eyeing this tour for years and finally decided to go and book it once and for all, and all I can say is that I was not disappointed.

Behind the Seeds Review

How to book the tour, is it worth it.

Before we get started, here’s what you should expect on your tour:

• 1 hour walking tour of the fish farm and 4 greenhouses
• Sample of one of the grown fruits and vegetables
• Learn about the tastes in plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics

And now, here’s a quick review and video of my most recent experience on the tour.

You check in at this desk right near the entrance of Soarin’ .

You then grab an earpiece with your tour guide and head backstage.

Our tour guide was pretty knowledgeable and gave us some pretty detailed information about the greenhouses as a whole.

During this portion you’ll walk through all four greenhouses and learn about the growing techniques as well as get a free sample of one of the vegetables to eat.

It was pretty cool to get up close with all this tech that you kinda “blow by” during Living with the Land.

I got too excited and forgot to take a picture but it was a cucumber that was grown in the greenhouse.

We then got to see the older plant there, the Black Pepper tree with Mickey Ears and got a photo.

After that we got to feed some fish, which was pretty cool.

Overall, it was a pretty cool tour that actually went by pretty quick.

The Behind the Seeds tour costs $39 to $45 per person (not including tax)

To book a Behind the Seeds Tour, you can check for availability on the Disney World website here .

Although advance reservations are highly recommended, there is always a slim possibility to book a tour at the check-in desk near the Soarin’ entrance.

If you’re someone that enjoys behind the scenes tours or has an affinity for horticulture, then you’ll definitely enjoy this tour.

It’s not the craziest most fun tour out there, but it is a cool experience to try at least once, especially if you’ve been to Disney World countless times and want to find something new to help keep the magic fresh.

More Travel Planning

About Adam Bryan

Hey what's up, I'm Adam, founder of Urban Tastebud Disney and I spend most of my days eating (and researching, but mostly eating) around Disney Parks to create useful travel planning content that will help you maximize your time and money at Disney.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

EPCOT Behind the Seeds Tour Returns to Disney World This October

by Timothy Moore | Aug 16, 2022 | EPCOT , Walt Disney World News , WDW Blog

The famous EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour is back starting Oct. 2, 2022. Scroll on for details.

When Walt Disney World reopened following its brief closure for COVID-19 in 2020, many of its beloved experiences, like character meet-and-greets and backstage tours, were put on pause. Slowly, Disney has been bringing back some of these special experiences. The latest to get the greenlight? The beloved (and cheap!) EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour.

The EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour officially returns Oct. 2, 2022 , with ticket sales starting on Aug. 16, 2022.

What Is the EPCOT Behind the Seeds Tour?

EPCOT’s Behind the Seeds tour gives guests a unique opportunity to tour The Land Pavilion on foot . Guests can regularly tour the pavilion by boat on Living with the Land , but this attraction doesn’t offer the exclusive encounters of the special tour.

EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour. Photo by Brett Svenson

During the Behind the Seeds tour, guests encounter the fish farm and four greenhouses , learning about everything from hydroponics to fish farming. Guests even get to check out the massive fruits and vegetables that EPCOT is famous for growing.

How Much Does Behind the Seeds Tour Cost?

Behind the Seeds costs $35 per person , plus tax. This was the cost of the tour before the COVID-19 closure; Disney has not yet clarified if the cost will go up upon reopening.

For $35 per person, you’ll see some cool behind the scenes stuff you won’t see from the boat on Living with the Land. Photo by Brett Svenson

You will also need theme park admission and an EPCOT Park Pass Reservation for the day of your scheduled tour.

How Long Is Behind the Seeds?

The EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour lasts approximately 1 hour , so it doesn’t cut in much to your day at EPCOT. On some days, you might stand in line longer to ride Living with the Land.

Keep in mind that this is a walking tour, so you will be on your feet for a full hour.

How Old Do You Have to Be for Behind the Seeds?

Disney says that Behind the Seeds is appropriate for preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults .

The EPCOT Behind the Seeds tour is ideal for all ages. Photo by Brett Svenson

Where Is Behind the Seeds?

Find the Behind the Seeds tour in EPCOT over at The Land Pavilion, within World Nature . If you’ve ridden Living with the Land, you’ll recognize the setting of this tour quite well.

Behind the Seeds is returning to The Land Pavilion at EPCOT. Photo by Rich Ramos

Other Returning EPCOT Experiences

Behind the Seeds is just one of several iconic EPCOT experiences set to return just in time for EPCOT’s 40th anniversary. We also look forward to the return of these experiences at The Seas Pavilion:

• EPCOT Seas Adventure – DiveQuest
• EPCOT Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth

Latest Posts

10 Big Changes Happening This Summer at Disney World

Big thunder mountain railroad: 5 facts you need to know, how to get cinderella’s royal table reservations: tips and tricks from a disney world pro, starbucks at disney world: a complete guide, is cinderella’s royal table worth the big cost in disney world, 4 underrated restaurants at disney world hotels, posts by timothy moore, authored by timothy moore.

Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100. Dismiss

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, behind the seeds tour epcot’s land pavilion.

By Jack Spence

Complete Photo Gallery

I’m sure that many of you have ridden Living with the Land at Epcot’s Land pavilion many times. And if you’ve gotten off this attraction and said to yourself, “That was nice, but it sure wasn’t Test Track”, then you might want to skip this review. But if you’ve been impressed with the information presented on this 13 minute journey through the future of farming, then read on.

Disney offers a behind the scenes tour of the Living with the Land attraction called Behind the Seeds . This excursion takes small groups of between 10-15 guests backstage with a knowledgeable guide and presents a more in-depth look at the wonders of this attraction. Tours are 45 minutes in length

I arrived at the Land Pavilion around 11:45 and signed up for the 12:45 tour. I was told to return to the sign-up desk five minutes before the tour. I then enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Sunshine Seasons food court . Upon returning, I was given a peel-off name tag featuring a Disney character. After a quick head-count, the group headed off to a door located behind the Soarin’ Fastpass area. Finally, the din of the Land Pavilion was behind us and we could now hear our tour guide, Linda.

Our first stop was in the “bug room” (my title, not theirs). Here we were told how Disney breeds “good” bugs to be released into the greenhouse to eat the “bad” bugs. We were also shown a short video graphically showing bugs laying eggs, destroying plants, and eating one another. I found it interesting, but if you’re squeamish about insects, you might want to focus your attention on other things in the room.

We were also given small, plastic magnifying glasses to look at “dust” on the side of a flower pot. In actuality, it wasn’t dust at all, but extremely small insects that could be seen moving when viewed up close. Creepy.

Our guide then asked for three volunteers as she eyed the children in the group. Two eagerly raised their hands and a third was reluctantly recruited by her parents. Each child was given a small vial that contained several Lady Beetles (I call ’em Lady Bugs). The kids were told that later in the tour they would be releasing these insects out into the greenhouse to eat bad bugs.

The next stop on the tour was inside the greenhouse. The first thing I must tell you is that along one entire wall of the greenhouse is a floor to ceiling radiator (my word, not theirs). Here, water trickles down Teflon coated corrugated cardboard while fans blow cool air through it. This is how Disney air conditions the greenhouse and regulates the moisture in the air. I tell you this because during the majority of the tour you walk next to this cooling wall – a very pleasant experience in an otherwise warm and humid environment.

Each of the growing methods that are talked about on the actual attraction are explained in more detail on this tour. Plus, here you have the opportunity to ask questions.

At another stop Linda gave each of us a couple of slices of cucumbers that were grown here. I was amazed at how many people don’t like cucumber and declined. We were also shown the molds that they use to make Mickey Mouse shaped cucumbers and pumpkins. We were also given a handout that explains how to turn an aquarium into a Hydroponic Gro-Tank.

When we reached the Aquaculture tanks, the children were offered the opportunity to feed the fish. They seemed to get a kick out of this. When they were finished, Linda encouraged them to use the antibacterial hand solution that was readily available.

At this point the tour was pretty-much over. From here we turned around and retraced our steps back to the starting point.

I found it interesting and I did learn some things that are never presented on the Living with the Land attraction. But for me, I was more interested in (and distracted by) the “back stage” aspects of the tour than the information being presented. But then, I hire a gardener to mow and fertilize my yard because I have a “brown” thumb.

This tour also made me appreciate what an excellent job the Living with the Land attraction does at presenting a lot of information while on a very short boat ride. The Behind the Seeds tour really doesn’t present any new topics, it just expands on what you’ve already been told before.

I would never recommend this tour to a first-time visitor to Epcot. Unless you had unlimited time, there are too many other things to see and do before signing up for this tour.

If you’ve been to Epcot a number of times and have an interest in gardening, then by all means, take the tour. You won’t be disappointed. But if the Living with the Land attraction has already answered all of your questions about innovative farming, well, you might want to think twice before signing up.

Behind the Seeds costs $39-$45 . Discounts are available for AAA, DVC members, annual passholders, and active military.

Reservations can be made up to a year in advance by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687) or you can make same-day reservations by stopping by the sign-up desk located on the lower level of the Land Pavilion, next to the entrance to Soarin’. Tours start every 45 minutes between 10:30am – 4:30pm.

Follow us on Social!

Trending now.

Looking for this popular Disney LEGO set? You can now find it at Costco!

Something brand new is coming to Universal Orlando and we've got the details!

We found the next t-shirt for the EPCOT-loving Disney dad in your life!

We talk about Disney tips all the time, but this is the FIRST time we're...

We apologize for ruining your day in advance, but if we have to know these...

We bet we'll be seeing a LOT of people in these new Amazon shirts in...

We've got a WARNING about Hollywood Studios one day this summer!

Tomorrow, April 29th marks a big day for Universal Orlando fanatics, as they make a...

Universal just announced the opening date for the new DreamWorks land!

While several attractions around Disney World will remain closed this week, one closed restaurant is...

Check out aerial photos that show the latest construction progress on Universal's new hotel featuring...

We found your perfect Hollywood Studios tee.

We bet you didn't know about this Disney Springs discount!

You can enter to win a FREE Disney Loungefly for a limited time!

We dined at one of the most exclusive spots in Disney World, and we've got...

The Bay Lake Tower is about embark upon a massive refurbishment.

Here are some Disney household items on sale right now from Amazon!

We've got some bad news about a popular Disneyland ride.

Disney has brought their theme parks into Disney+ in a whole new way.

We are headed to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival to try two new...

Shop the Disney Store | AllEars® Merchandise | Shop Amazon | Press Room | Contact Us

Read more About us or Advertise with us . We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our privacy policy and terms of use .

Copyright ©1996-2024 AllEarsNet, LLC, All Rights Reserved. AllEars.Net, AllEars® Newsletter and any other properties owned by AllEarsNet, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All Disney artwork, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc. or, its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com

Behind the Seeds

• Preschoolers

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

See, Do, Learn, Grow!

• Learn about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.
• Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
• Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics—look, Ma, no soil!

Know Before You Go

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.
• You’ll be on your feet for the whole hour of this walking tour. With that in mind, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Riding Living with the Land prior to the tour will give you a preview of what to expect. Please be aware that the tour highlights listed above are subject to change.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour at the lower level of The Land Pavilion near the attraction exit.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in this tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for behind the seeds.

Behind the Seeds

Walt Disney World® Resort

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

Age Interest

Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Additional Information - Opens Dialog

Behind the Scenes

Explore the future of agriculture during this up-close and personal backstage walking tour of The Land Pavilion.

See, Do, Learn, Grow!

• Learn about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.
• Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
• Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics—look, Ma, no soil!

How to Book

Make reservations online or via the My Disney Experience app . Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Learn when advance reservations can be made .

Know Before You Go

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.
• You’ll be on your feet for the whole hour of this walking tour. With that in mind, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Riding Living with the Land prior to the tour will give you a preview of what to expect. Please be aware that the tour highlights listed above are subject to change.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour at the lower level of The Land Pavilion near the attraction exit.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in this tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

View All Times

Monday, April 29, 2024

Use CoBrowse to Share Your Screen?

Even as the Disney Cast Member guides you around our site, they will be unable to access or view any files or information on your device or anything you type.

To stop the session, click the X in the screen-sharing window at any time. You can remain on the phone with the Cast Member.

Enter the code provided by the Cast Member and Accept to get started.

Invalid code. Please reenter

Not on the Phone with a Cast Member?

Join Our Mailing List

• Date Calculator
• Annual Events
• Vacation Planning
• Vacation Packages
• Money Saving Tips
• Disney Genie
• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon
• Disney Springs
• Restaurants
• Dining Packages
• Dining Tips
• Resort Guides
• Resort Tips
• Planning Tips
• Ship Guides
• Things to Do
• Cruise destinations
• Dining Options
• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure
• Downtown Disney
• Universal Studios
• Islands of Adventure
• Volcano Bay
• Theme Parks

Backstage Tours and Experiences • Walt Disney World

Want to experience a different side of the Walt Disney World Resort? A variety of unique Backstage Tours and Experiences are available. Reservations are required for most tours. Unless noted otherwise, tours can be reserved 60 days in advance with a credit card. Full payment is due at the time of booking . Cancellation must occur 48 hours in advance so you avoid forfeiting the entire price of your tour. Park admission is also required for most, but not all tours. A photo ID will usually be required when checking in. Many tours have a small number of guests touring each day, so book early to get the date you desire. Photographs are prohibited in backstage areas. Use the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for reservations, unless otherwise noted.

Magic Kingdom Tours   Epcot Tours   Animal Kingdom Tours Disney Springs   Multi-Park Tours   Resort Tours

Magic Kingdom Backstage Tours and Experiences

Disney’s keys to the kingdom tour.

Highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and also provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park. Includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions, plus a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. Guests will be provided with Disney issued listening devices.

Days & Times: 4 tours daily at 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:30 am

Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours

Price Range: $129-$149 per person, plus tax; includes lunch at Pecos Bill.

Park Admission: Required but not included

Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Also, cameras, video equipment and cell phones may not be used throughout the duration of this tour. Photography is prohibited during the tour–even in the park.

Starting Location: Report to Town Square Theater 15 minutes prior. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.

Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)

To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.

EPCOT Backstage Tours and Experiences

Epcot dive quest.

Description: A unique scuba diving experience inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank at the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in EPCOT theme park. Scuba-certified Guests can swim with over 2,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays and sharks. All diving equipment is provided. Please bring a swim suit and, if you wish, bring your own dive mask, particularly if you have a prescription mask.

Days & Times: Daily at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Duration: 3 hours, of which 40 minutes are underwater

Price Range: $229-$249 per person, plus tax

Park Admission: Not Required (or included)

Restrictions: All Guests must be SCUBA-certified and 10 years of age or older to participate. However, guests 10 to 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years of age or older). You will need to provide proof of certification, such as a C-card or verification from a certifying agency.

Starting Location: Report to EPCOT Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance 15 minutes prior

To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website.

Dolphins in Depth

Guests can learn about and get up close with a school of dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friend s Pavilion. First, talk to the expert trainers and researchers who work with dolphins every day. The tour concludes with a very special opportunity for an up-close interaction with a dolphin which is also perfect for pictures. Although not required, please bring a bathing suit if you wish to enter the water. You do not need to swim or be scuba certified to enjoy this program. This experience is limited to 8 participants a day.

Days & Times: Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 am

Duration: 2 hours

Price Range: $209 per person, plus tax

Restrictions: Guests must be 48″ tall, however guests under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian along with them on the tour.

Starting Location: Report to EPCOT Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance at 9:30 am

Behind the Seeds at EPCOT

See the future of agriculture in greenhouses and labs, release lady bugs and also learn the advanced and often experimental techniques used to grow hydroponic crops with little or no soil. You can preview this tour on the Living with the Land attraction. If you like what you see as your boat cruises through the greenhouse, you will love the this tour. Due to the backstage locations visited on this tour, videotaping is allowed. Read a first-hand report about this tour on our blog . See a special souvenir you can take home from this tour!

Days & Times: Daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, departing every 60 minutes.

Duration: 1 hour

Price Range: $39-$45 per Guest (ages 3+), plus tax

Restrictions: Ages 3 and up however children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

Starting Location: Report to the tour desk on the lower level of the Land pavilion (near Soarin’) prior to your tour. Walking tour is indoors.

Animal Kingdom Park Backstage Tours and Experiences

Wild africa trek.

Wild Africa Trek is an immersive experience offering a unique opportunity to enjoy unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve while experiencing with intriguing African wildlife. While trained guides lead, begin in the Safi River valley where expedition harnesses allow for crossing precarious rope bridges. Enjoy up-close views of Nile hippos and crocodiles. Continue along the edge of an African savannah, and board a specialized vehicle for an exclusive safari, including a stop at a private safari camp. Guests will use a wireless headset in order to hear the guide at all times. Cameras and video cameras are allowed if securely fastened to the vest but no backpacks are allowed. Lockers will be available for Guest to leave their personal belongings while on the tour. A portion of the Tour price is also donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

Days & Times: Daily at select times during the morning and early afternoon. 12 spaces are available each tour, so reserve your spot early. Approximate times are 8:45 am, 10:15 am, 11:45 am, and 12:30 pm.

Duration: 3 hours

Price Range: $219-$229 per person, plus tax; includes African-inspired snack and photographs

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up (however under 18 must be accompanied by an adult); Weight restrictions between 45 lbs – 300 lbs apply with harness gear on; Minimum Height 48″/122 cm. Guests will be required to step on scale prior to harness issue. Also, certain body shapes may prevent the safety harness from fitting properly. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots required due to the rugged terrain on the tour. No flip-flops will be allowed.

Everyone will wear safety equipment that is issued on the tour. Wild Africa Trek is an outdoor physical journey requiring stamina, surefootedness and comfort with heights. Guests should also be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate due to the requirements of the tour. There are no bathroom breaks for 2 hours. Waivers must be completed at check in for all participants.

Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs. Basically, the first 90 minutes is spent with a guide on the Pangani Trail with information, photos and possible special happenings. Guests on the restricted tour then join the regular tour on the Safari Truck and continue to do the remainder of the regular Tour. The price is the same for either version of the tour.

Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.

Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%) (all discounts might not be available for all tours)

Caring for Giants Tour

Get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and learn what it takes to care for them.

During this tour, you’ll meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of the African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants. In addition, African cultural representatives will share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of wild populations. During the tour, Guests will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away. You’ll have the opportunity to be closer to the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.

This is primarily an outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Days & Times: Daily from 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm

Duration:  approximately 1 hour

Price Range: $39 per person plus tax

Park Admission:  Required but not included

Restrictions: Ages 4 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).

Starting Location:  Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.

Up Close with Rhinos Tour

Get ready for your close-up with the white rhinoceros. In this guided adventure, the rhinos’ keepers will take you backstage to meet these massive creatures as few people ever do. As your guides introduce you to the park’s white rhinos, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Days & Times: Daily at 11:00 a.m.

Price Range: $49 per person plus tax

Savor the Savanna

Excite all your senses with a private tour and experience, starting with a secluded overlook of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, including a sampling of African-inspired cuisine and drink.

Days & Times: Daily at 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm

Duration: approximately 2 hour

Price Range: $189-$199 per person plus tax

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).

Disney Springs Tours

Drawn to life page to stage signature experience.

Enjoy even more magic at Drawn to Life with the Page to Stage Signature Experience. Go behind the scenes of this one-of-a-kind collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation. You’ll watch the performance from your premium seat location with a non-alcoholic beverage and a snack of your choice. Afterwards, your host will take you on a guided backstage tour for an up close and personal look at show props, stagecraft, costumes, and more. This experience includes the chance to meet a Drawn to Life performer and capture a photo, and you’ll take home a unique souvenir keepsake. Tickets are subject to taxes and fees. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Subject to availability.

Days & Times: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday – Available only on late performances

Price Range: $258 per person plus tax

Park Admission: No park admission needed. Price includes ticket to Drawn to Life.

Starting Location: Check in with your host upon arrival.

Discounts: None at this time.

To Reserve: Visit the Cirque du Soleil ticket page .

Multi-Park Backstage Tours and Experiences

Vip guided tour services.

VIP Tour Services offers personalized tours for up to 10 guests looking for the perfect Walt Disney World Resort vacation. During a VIP tour, from the moment you arrive your personal VIP guide is there to take care of everything—from creating your ideal itinerary to getting you the best seats in the house for live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars. During your time with your guide, your focus is only on enjoying the experience.

Days & Times: Anytime of day, 7 hours prior to park closing.

Duration: Minimum of 7 hours or more

Price Range: $450 to $900 per hour, plus tax (depending upon time of year and whether guest is staying at a Disney resort or non-Disney resort hotel). Private transportation is available during the tour at an additional cost. Hefty cancellation fees apply (equivalent to 2-hours at the booked rate).

Location: Available for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot

To Reserve: Call (407) 560-4033 up to 60 days in advance. Must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance.

Resort Backstage Tours and Experiences

Wilderness back trail (segway) adventure.

See the the stunning surroundings of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort along back wooded trails on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. Various terrains are encountered such as sand and wood chip paths as well as various wildlife. Training is provided before tour and helmets are provided. Mid-tour there is also a stop at the Tri-Circle D Ranch. Also, guests should bring cameras. Class size is limited to 10 guests, so book early to ensure availability.

Days & Times: Tues – Sat at 8:30 am . No Disney transportation is provided for the 8:30 am tour.

Price Range: $90-$99 per person, plus tax; includes bottled water.

Park Admission: Not Required

Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian also required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and also those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions. Helmets provided and required. Flip-flops, sandals or rocker/exercise-type shoes (e.g., Skechers Shape-Ups) will not be permitted as these are not compatible with the Segway.

Starting Location: Report to Meadows Bike Barn in Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground 15 minutes prior. Tour is both indoors & outdoors.

Discounts: DVC (15%), Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Description:  During your safari, join an Animal Programs cast member on an hour-long safari of the Sunset Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Through the use of night vision goggles, guests will see the animals while enjoying resort in a whole new way.

Days & Times: Daily at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm

Price Range: $75.65-$89 per person.

Park Admission: Not applicable

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up.

Starting Location: Kidani Village

** Walt Disney World Backstage Tours and Experiences are subject to change. **

Privacy Overview

• Facebook Group

Chip and Company

The BEST in Disney and More!

Review: Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot

I am definitely a foodie, and I like to know where my food comes from. I’m a big believer in supporting farms and sustainable practices. Have you ever wondered where the food you eat at Epcot comes from? Well, chances are if you are enjoying either fresh fish or vegetables at Epcot, those items came from one of Disney’s greenhouses or fish farms. The Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot takes guests behind the scenes of these areas, which can also be glimpsed during the Living with the Land attraction.

Alright, let me break this down a little bit.

Living with the Land , located in The Land Pavilion of Futureworld, is a slow moving boat ride, which is part dark ride and part greenhouse tour. The focus of the ride is on agriculture, especially new technology to make agriculture more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Behind the Seeds Tour offers guests the unique opportunity to take a closer look at the Walt Disney World greenhouses and animal farming. During a one hour tour, your tour guide will take you behind the scenes to visit the fish farm where you can participate in a feeding time, you can see American alligators up close, release ladybugs into the greenhouse, view gigantic fruits, vegetables, and unusual crops from around the world, and discover the latest plant growing techniques.

How much does this insider look cost? It is super affordable! For only $20.00 per person, you are able to experience all of this, plus get some great photo opportunities.

Check-in for the tour is at the help desk, right in between Soarin’ and Living with the Land. I highly suggest taking the opportunity to ride Living with the Land right before your tour so you have some basic knowledge of what you will be learning more about. Living with the Land rarely has a long wait time, but consider booking a FastPass+ for this attraction just in case.

Once your tour party is gathered, you tour guide will take you behind the scenes and into the greenhouses. This tour definitely puts all of your senses to work! Obviously, you are surrounded by the smells of the greenhouse crops and can see the interesting plants and produce. You are also given the opportunity to touch certain plants, and taste some of the fresh produce grown there. On our tour, we had the chance to taste fresh cucumber.

The most interesting thing that we learned about during our tour was Magical Fruit. No, this doesn’t just mean fruit grown at Disney World! Magical Fruit, when eaten, causes your taste receptors to switch so that whatever you eat, whether it is a piece of pork or a carrot, tastes like sugar. The effect, is of course (and regrettably), temporary. Although, we did not get to try Magical Fruit, we definitely still talk about it.

After we finished with the greenhouses, we made our way into the fish farming area. American alligators are raised here, as well as tilapia. Our guide provided us with some feeding pellets and we were able to throw them into the tilapia tank and watch a true feeding frenzy.

Then, we traveled back through the greenhouses where our guide pointed out even more interesting crops and farming techniques. And you can bet, if there are greenhouses at Disney, there are Mickey shaped fruits and vegetables!

At the very end of the tour, our guide invited us to take an exclusive photo with a Mickey shaped pepper tree – a photo that can only be taken during this tour.

I did get my insider knowledge of where my food comes from that I was craving. However, I would say that this tour is aimed more towards those interested in farming, agriculture, and horticulture. The tour is designed for all ages, but I think that anyone younger than 10 would probably be a little bored at times.

I do think that this tour offers a great value for guests who are interested in taking a close look at behind the scenes areas of Disney, and I can guarantee that you will learn something new during your one-hour tour.

If you are thinking about taking part in the Behind the Seeds Tour, make sure to book your reservations in advance. For your touring schedule, I suggest riding Living with the Land, then taking the tour, and then having lunch at Sunshine Seasons . Sunshine Seasons is the Quick Service dining location in The Land pavilion and serves up many of the fresh items that you will have learned about on the tour. I highly recommend the fish tacos!

Have you ever done the Behind the Seeds Tour? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on,  Facebook , Instagram , and Youtube . Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

Written by:

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends 18,194 Posts

Related posts.

Soundtrack for EPCOT Luminous: The Symphony of Us is Out Now on your Favorite Streaming Service

Decorative Panels Removed From NBA Experience at Disney Springs

Gamecocks Coach & Staff Celebrate National Championship at Walt Disney World

One thought on “ review: behind the seeds tour at epcot ”.

I did this tour many years ago when it was free, had a great time!

Comments are closed.

Shop the Latest Disney Items

New Mickey and Minnie Mouse Americana Loungefly Ear Headband Now At The Disney Store!

New Retro Tomorrowland Ear Headband At Magic Kingdom!

New Minnie Mouse UK Pavilion Dooney And Bourke Bag And Ears!

New Figment Merch To Spark Your Style!

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

ALERT! A NEW Behind-the-Scenes Tour Is Coming to Disney World

By Brian Delpozo Leave a Comment

A BRAND NEW exclusive backstage experience is coming to Disney Springs .  

Drawn to Life

Cirque du Soleil has a had a presence at Walt Disney World since the show La Nouba – complete with custom-built theater – opened in the area then known as Downtown Disney in 1998. That show ran for 19 years before closing on New Year’s Eve 2017. Its replacement show, the COVID-delayed Disney Animation-based Drawn to Life, premiered just under four years later in November of 2021.

Disney and Cirque du Soleil recently announced a brand new behind-the-scenes experience for Drawn to Life. The Page to Stage Signature Experience will offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the show and its facilities, as well as a meet and greet with a Cirque artist, all timed around a Drawn to Life performance.  

Prior to the show, those who purchase the tour will meet up with their Page to Stage host and select “concessions of their choice” – including a souvenir popcorn bucket – before viewing Drawn to Life from premium seating.  

©Cirque Du Soleil

Following the show, tour guests will meet with some of the show’s talented artists for photos and Q&A, then take a backstage tour of the Drawn to Life theater, including the “opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the show’s intricate costumes and one-of-a-kind props.” The tour concludes with guests receiving a Drawn to Life gift bag, as well as a discount on purchases made at the theater’s Cirque du Soleil store.

The Cirque store

Tickets for the Page to Stage Experience cost $285 for adults and $225 for children , which includes premium seating for a Drawn to Life performance and is “inclusive of taxes and fees.” Those who want to experience the tour should be warned that space is limited, to nine guests per performance, and is only offered following the second performance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Kevin Hargrove, the Company Manager of Drawn to Life, said of the tour, “We’re thrilled to invite guests backstage for an exclusive look at the intricate workings of Cirque du Soleil’s captivating production, Drawn to Life. By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees will gain a special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney Animation to life.”

  This new behind-the-scenes experience will allow guests a window in the craftsmanship and talent that goes into every performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life. Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney Springs updates!

REVIEW: The Disney Springs Meal That Literally SHOCKED Two Disney Food Experts

Join the dfb newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox click here to subscribe, we know disney. you can, too..

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Have you seen Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life? Let us know in the comments below.  

TRENDING NOW

This new line of Disney merch is not only affordable but ADORABLE. And truly, that...

This is NOT A DRILL! Disney just announced a NEW opening timeline for Tiana's Bayou...

We've got a bit of a transportation problem in Disney World right now.

We've got a warning about Disney World crowds one weekend in May!

Here's why we think it's going to be a busy summer in Disney World.

You're heading to Disney World soon and don't know if you should pack these things?...

Check out all the menu changes in Disney World this week.

These houses near Disney World will be in our dreams later, we just know it.

Things at a popular Disney Springs restaurant are about to get even BETTER.

Universal Orlando just announced the opening date for the brand new DreamWorks Land!

Let's head to Disney Port Orleans Resort -- French Quarter for some bites and drinks...

THIS is why everyone asks for the BACK row of this popular EPCOT coaster.

Let's talk about the unforgivable changes that Disney made!

We've never seen THIS pop up on our Disney+ screens before!

Heading to Animal Kingdom later this year? These are the dates we DON'T recommend!

We're sharing an important rope dropping TIP for EPCOT!

Things can get awkward on rides, y'all.

Score a deal SOON on Disney gift cards.

On May 1st, we'll once again see a Disney World restaurant reopen but NOT as...

Calling all Disney tiki mug collectors! There are four NEW mugs available online now, and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

Disney World | Cirque du Soleil adds behind-the-scenes option…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Entertainment
• Theater and Arts
• Things to Do
• Restaurants, Food & Drink

Breaking News

Disney world | orange deputies arrest ‘potential serial killer’ in slayings of two women, things to do, theme parks, disney world, disney world | cirque du soleil adds behind-the-scenes option at disney springs.

Cirque du Soleil is adding a behind-the-scenes tour for “Drawn to Life,” the theatrical production at Disney Springs . The new “Page to Stage Signature Experience” will include exclusive access before and after select shows.

Participants will receive a backstage tour, an artist meet-and-greet, premium show seating, a “Drawn to Life” gift bag, a souvenir popcorn bucket, personalized check-in and other benefits. There will be a limit of nine guests per experience.

The post-performance tour will include an under-the-stage tour and looks at the show’s costumes and props.

“By showcasing the work of our talented artists and skilled technical team, attendees will gain a special insight into the magic that brings this collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney animation to life,” Kevin Hargrove, company manager of “Drawn to Life,” said in a news release.

Disney sets August start date for Epcot Food & Wine fest

“Page to Stage” will be offered after the second performance on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting May 4. “Drawn to Life” is performed Wednesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The new experience costs $285 ($225 for ages 3-9). Tickets are now on sale through December.

Disney-Cirque’s ‘Drawn to Life,’ Epcot’s Broadway stars and fireworks: New, but improved? | Commentary

“Drawn to Life” debuted at Disney Springs in late 2021, taking over the stage that had been home to “La Nouba” for 19 years.  The new show’s story is inspired by Disney animators and has famed characters incorporated into the presentation in a Cirque du Soleil way.

For tickets or more information, go to cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life .

Email me at [email protected] . Threads account: @dbevil . X account: @themeparks . Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters .

More in Disney World

Disney World | Star sighting: Champion coach Dawn Staley at Disney World

Pictures: 1900 Park Fare reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Tourism | disney world’s fire department gets rebranded.

Disney World | Star sighting: Hayley and Derek Hough at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• THE BAD BATCH
• THE ACOLYTE
• THE HIGH REPUBLIC
• QUIZZES + POLLS
• BOOKS + COMICS
• THIS WEEK! IN STAR WARS
• The Bad Batch
• The Acolyte
• The Mandalorian
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Games + Apps
• VR + Immersive
• ALL DATABANK
• THE DISNEY BUNDLE

ALL OF YOUR STAR WARS FAVORITES NOW STREAMING ON DISNEY+

• Behind the Scenes
• Books + Comics
• Characters + Histories
• Disney Parks
• Fans + Community
• Force For Change
• Forces of Destiny
• Galaxy of Adventures
• In Pop Culture
• LEGO Star Wars
• Merchandise
• Obi-Wan Kenobi
• Quizzes + Polls
• Star Wars Celebration
• Star Wars Day
• Star Wars Rebels
• Star Wars Resistance
• The Book of Boba Fett
• The Clone Wars
• The Force Awakens
• The High Republic
• The Last Jedi
• The Rise of Skywalker
• The Star Wars Show

{:title=>"Disney Parks", :url=>"https://www.starwars.com/news/category/disney-parks"} {:title=>"Ahsoka", :url=>"https://www.starwars.com/news/category/ahsoka"}

Behind the scenes of the latest star tours - the adventures continue update.

Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald gives StarWars.com a peek behind the curtain of the latest updates to the beloved Disney Parks attraction.

As Lando Calrissian once said, “You truly belong here with us among the clouds…of purrgil .”

OK, we may have added that last bit. Lately, some travelers aboard the Star Tours - The Adventures Continue Starspeeder have been finding themselves sailing through the air above Seatos , a new destination where a pod of purrgil puts you smack in the middle of a moment inspired by the Ahsoka series, now streaming on Disney+.

Associate Editor Kristin Baver is the author of Star Wars: 100 Objects and other books, host of This Week! In Star Wars , and an all-around sci-fi nerd who always has just one more question in an inexhaustible list of curiosities. Sometimes she blurts out “It’s a trap!” even when it’s not. Follow her on Instagram @KristinBaver .

Related Stories

Bad batch declassified: 5 highlights from “flash strike”.

April 25, 2024

Bad Batch Declassified: 5 Highlights from “Into the Breach”

April 18, 2024

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Kicks Off Tonight

April 16, 2024

Bad Batch Declassified: 5 Highlights from “Juggernaut”

April 11, 2024

Quiz: Which Star Wars Creature Would Make the Perfect Pet?

Season of the force is here.

April 5, 2024

Join Forces with Sabine Wren at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Reveal

Bad batch declassified: 5 highlights from “point of no return”.

April 4, 2024

TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Behind the Seeds

• Preschoolers

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

See, Do, Learn, Grow!

• Learn about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish and freshwater shrimp in our fish farm.
• Behold gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world.
• Discover the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics—look, Ma, no soil!

Know Before You Go

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.
• You’ll be on your feet for the whole hour of this walking tour. With that in mind, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
• Riding Living with the Land prior to the tour will give you a preview of what to expect. Please be aware that the tour highlights listed above are subject to change.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour at the lower level of The Land Pavilion near the attraction exit.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 3 years of age to participate in this tour.
• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for behind the seeds.

EPCOT Becoming: Inside the Transformation