How to Go Behind the Scenes at Disney World's Parks

Backstage and guided tours of Disney World parks are offered mostly on weekdays, and sometimes only two or three days a week. Many of them are closed to guests under 16, and most require separate admission to the appropriate park. No photography is allowed in backstage areas. Disney doesn't provide complete listings of times and costs on its Web site (you can find some listed by searching on "tours"), but you can get information and book them by calling 407-939-8687. General Walt Disney World information: 407-939-6244, http://www.disneyworld.com/ .

Here is a partial list of current tours and prices:

· Around the World at Epcot: Cruise the park on a Segway. $80.

· Backstage Magic (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios): A seven-hour look behind the scenes at each of three parks. $199.

· Backstage Safari (Animal Kingdom): Includes nonpublic animal facilities such as the veterinary hospital and elephant barn. $65.

· Behind the Seeds (Epcot): A closer look at the greenhouses and fish farm of the Living with the Land attraction. $12 adult, $10 child.

· Epcot DiveQuest (Living Seas): Scuba certification required to dive into a giant aquarium tank. $140.

· Dolphins in Depth (Epcot): Get knee-deep next to the dolphins of the Living Seas. $150.

· Epcot Seas Aqua Tours (Living Seas): Non-scuba-certified guests go into water with a tank of pressurized air good for surface swimming. $100.

· Gardens of the World (Epcot): Tour with an expert the landscaping of the World Showcase. $59.

· Keys to the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom): A backstage and onstage look at the history and philosophy of Disney's signature park. $58.

· The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains (Magic Kingdom): For train buffs, an inside look at how Disney locomotives are maintained and prepared for daily use. $40.

· Wild by Design (Animal Kingdom): A look at the art, architecture and design that gives this African-themed park its atmosphere. $58.

-- Steve Hendrix