Disneyland Tours

Few Disneyland visitors know that they can take a guided tour. They're not well-advertised, and it's hard to find information about them even if you know they exist. However, you may find one of them to be just the thing for your Disneyland vacation.

Good things are seldom free. Each tour charges a fee in addition to your admission, which must be valid for the day you take the tour.

To avoid disappointment, it's best to reserve up to 30 days in advance at 714-781-4400.

Behind the Scenes at Disneyland and in Hollywood

Adventures by Disney's Backstage Magic tour is a six-day, five-night ramble behind the scenes at film studios, Disney Imagineering and the two California theme parks, venturing into places not normally open to the public. Read our review to find out more about it.

Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour

Designed for the Disney-lover, this 3.5-hour, fact-and-trivia-filled tour reveals how Walt Disney's vision became a reality. In three and a half hours, tour participants ride the Disneyland Railroad; visit the Enchanted Tiki Room (the park's first animatronic attraction), peek inside exclusive Club 33's lobby and a have a private lunch on the Disney Gallery patio, originally designed as Roy and Walt Disney's private apartment. Tour guests also receive "A Walk in Walt's Footsteps" souvenir pin.

I took this tour in 2001, and I'm still amazing (or boring) my friends and acquaintances with all the interesting things I learned on it. If you want to learn about the man and history behind the park, this tour is highly recommended.

Cost as of January, 2009: $59 per person

This tour is limited to 15 guests per tour, and is not recommended for small children, who may become bored.

Welcome to Disneyland Tour

Get a 2.5-hour overview of both parks, learn how to use the FASTPASS system (and get two bonus passes) and get priority seating at selected restaurants.

Cost as of January, 2009: $25 per person

Discover the Magic Tour

Interact and work with Disney characters while hunting for hidden treasure and dodging dastardly villains during a 2.5-hour tour, offered most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This fun-for-the-whole-family tour includes a snack and souvenir gift. It's recommended for kids between 3 and 9, strollers are not recommended and if the young'uns are under 18, an adult has to come along, too.

Cost as of January, 2009: $59 for the first two tickets, $49 for each additional ticket purchased at the same time

Cruzin' California Adventure

Get into California Adventure before the park opens to the public and cruise around on a Segway Personal Transporter. You'll get a tour pin and a souvenir photo. This is the one tour that doesn't require you to hold an admission ticket, but if you don't have one, you'll be escorted out of the park at the end of your tour.

Cost as of January, 2008: $99 per person

Seasonal Disneyland Tours

Check the Disneyland website for seasonal tours, such the "Holiday Time" tour which often runs from mid-November through early January. It usually includes a chance to explore all the holiday traditions and decorations along with express boarding for "it's a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday and reserved seating for "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade.