Disney World-Segway Tours - a great experience for baby boomers (andeven older)!

Disney World Segway Tours

The Fear

My husband and I had been to Walt Disney World seven times, going on average every two to three years while our son was growing up. Our eighth trip, taken just last year with our 27-year- old son and daughter-in-law, was a little different. Because we had been to Disney World so many times, our son wanted to do a couple of "Behind-the- Scenes" tours. I wasn't sure I was up to one of them that he suggested.

The "Around the World at Epcot on a Segway" tour certainly sounded exciting. Who hasn't wanted to try one of these futuristic means of transportation? They looked like great fun. But my husband was 58 and I was a year younger. Although we're both in good shape, neither one of us is particularly athletic. And I've never considered myself to be very co-ordinated.

But I decided to go online and find out more about the tour. One of my first stops was at the AllEars.Net site where I found (at present time) 50 reviews, with a 9.9 average rating and recommended by 100% of the reviewers. This sounded like something not to be missed!

As I began reading the reviews, I found mention of other people in their 50's (and even a few in their 60's) who had done this and not only survived but who would gladly do it again. This was certainly encouraging. But the clincher for me came when I read a posting from a woman who had done this with her mother, aged 70, and aunt who was 77 years old! I figured that if these two adventuresome ladies were able to do this, then certainly my husband and I should be willing to give it a try. So I immediately signed us all up.

The Experience

Although the tour is given at 4 times during the day, I requested the second time slot of the day (8:30 a.m.) Since it was going to be on the last day of our vacation, I reasoned that we would be dragging by then and wasn't sure we could make the earlier 7:45 time. Note: plan on taking a taxi if you're taking one of the early tours and don't have your own transportation. The busses and monorails may not be operating at that time in the morning.

The parking attendant told us we were too early to enter, but when we informed her that we were scheduled for the Segway tour, she let us right in and told us where to go. You enter the park itself through the entrance for the Norway Princess Storybook breakfast (where they have your name), and then go to Guest Relations, located to the left of Spaceship Earth.

You'll need to sign a waiver (I guess accidents could happen -- but don't let this stop you. It turned out to be a very safe experience). Your tour guide will then take you to the indoor Segway training area room, located in the Innoventions Building.

Here's where you'll learn about safety and get some basic practice. You'll start with a brief introduction to the Segway and its history, followed by a quick video. Then you'll select a helmet and a Segway. At this point I was starting to get really nervous. I really was not sure I could do this.

Fortunately, our tour guide put us at ease, and worked with us individually and in a group. We learned how to mount and dismount, and how to work with the machine (which is constantly moving) to balance ourselves. It really was not hard. There were seven of us in our group, and none of us had ever been on a Segway before. And I noticed that even though my husband and I were the oldest ones there (but by possibly only a couple of years -- the other couple who were there with their son looked to be about in their early 50's), we were doing just as well as everyone else. In spite of my fears, it turned out to be pretty easy.

Admittedly, we were all a little shaky at first. But we quickly got over that. Our confidence grew even more as we practice going forward, backwards, stopping, turning, weaving around cones, going up and down ramps, and moving in a group. It was so much fun, I forgot to be nervous. After training for maybe half an hour, we were ready to venture outside.

Our first stop was to use the restrooms (a good idea). And then we were off to the World Showcase area. Since it doesn't open until 11 a.m., we had the place to ourselves (other than a few workers getting the place ready for the day, artists painting at their canvases, and a few fishermen out on a pontoon on the lake). Since I had only visited EPCOT when it was packed with tourists, this was a real thrill.

We visited several pavilions, weaving ourselves among the columns in Italy and the fountains and wares of Morocco. My favorite spot was when we traveled around the gardens and ponds behind the Japanese pavilion. Our tour guides provided interesting information along the way. And finally, we were able to just do some free-style riding on our own near Italy. We practiced our spins and turns, and went as fast as we could (which was only about 6 miles per hour). Our guides took pictures for us of the four of us poised on our Segways against a backdrop of Spaceship Earth in the background.

Much too soon, we had to head back to our starting place. By then there were people in the park. Fortunately, the cast members prepared the way for us and stopped other tourists at intersections so we could make our way easily (without running anyone over). This turned out to be a lot of fun. People was pointing, and saying things like "I want to do that!". We certainly felt special!

I will admit though that spending that much time standing up and controlling the Segway's balance by flexing muscles you weren't even aware you had can take its toll. I did so well with everything -- until my final dismount. I bumped lightly into the wall; I think I was a little stiff by that point. But fortunately no harm was done to the wall, the Segway or me -- just my pride. But even that minor mishap did not dampen my thrill at having done this. (And I had read about much younger people having similar "accidents", so age was definitely not a factor)!

I had also been a little concerned for both my daughter-in-law and myself, because both of us had had foot surgeries, and would experience pain when doing a lot of walking. Others had reported foot and leg pain, recommending that you try this tour on the last day of your vacation. But I was just fine with no side-effects within an hour. So if I could handle this, I really believe anyone can -- don't let your age stop you! It's not as hard as you might think. And out of all our trips to Disney World, this is the experience I treasure most. It really was the most amazing, fun, and wonderful thing I've ever done at Disney World and is not to be missed! I can't wait till our next trip. I'll definitely do it again -- I don't care how old I am!

The Basics:

Reservations: (407) WDW-TOUR Cost: $105.44, subject to change. (Discounts may be available for Triple A (Diamond) or Disney Vacation Club members, Annual Passholders, Disney Visa Cardholders, and Disney Cast Members.... be sure to ask). Note: You'll also need to pay for park admission. Times: 7:45, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 a.m. (Arrive 15 minutes early) Each tour lasts two hours. Ages: The minimum is 16. You'll be glad to know there is no upper limit! Weight: You must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds. Other Segway experiences are available: A 3-hour behind the scenes Future World Tour, and a 2-hour Fort Wilderness tour. (Both of these are done on an off-road style of Segway)

Tips:

Book the earliest tour you can. Next time I would definitely go with the 7:45 a.m. time. Then we won't have to deal with the crowds at all. But be aware you might need to provide your own transportation or take a taxi if the Disney Transportation is not running that early. (Also -- you cannot enter through the International Gateway; so even if you're staying at one of the Epcot hotels, you'll need to have your own transportation to get to the main entrance for Future World). Bring photo ID - it may be required. Don't forget your camera. Wear sturdy shoes! Be aware that this can eat up a chunk of your prime early morning park touring time. By the time you get out,, some of the lines for the attractions might be rather long. Try to pick a day that is not a busy one. (Definitely don't go when on a day when there is early or late entry -- those tend to be the busiest). Or if do pick a busy day at Epcot, but have a Park Hopper ticket, switch to a less busy park after your Segway tour. Plan for the weather -- it might be chilly. Even if it's rainy, you might still be able to tour. You can choose to do just the indoor part; and if it's not raining heavily, you may be able to do the outside portion as well. You'll get a refund for all or part of the tour, depending on how much you choose to do. And finally -- don't let your age stop you! It doesn't matter one bit. And we baby boomers always were a bit adventuresome anyway!

Linda S. Jones has a Master's Degree in Library Science and has worked as a librarian for over 20 years. Her passion is helping people connect with the up-to-date, reliable online information they need to know to get their questions answered or problems solved. She's also been a regular visitor at Disney World since 1988 and enjoys sharing with others what she's learned over the years to help make their own visits memorable and hassle-free.

The Segway Tours at Walt Disney World are a wonderful special activity

Segway Tours At Walt Disney World

Segway Tours experiences at Walt Disney World include:

• Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour


• Simply Segway Tour


• The Wilderness Back Trail Segway Tour


• Adventure at Fort Wilderness Segway Tour


• The Nature-Inspired Design Segway Tour

Segway Tour World at Epcot

It is $99 per person (all prices listed in this article are subject to change), with several start times for the two-hour tour beginning at 7:45 am (also 8:30, 9:00 and 9:30 am). Epcot opens at 9:00 am, so with a reservation your name will be on the list to be let into the Park early, at the main gate not the International Gateway.

Park Admission is required, plus it's an outdoor event so weather could change your plans. You will wear a helmet of course. And although a Segway Tours can travel more than 10 mph, the machines have regulators that limit you to about 5 mph on Disney property. The limit per class is 10, and normally two cast members accompany you, one to guide and the other to watch you and run interference (traffic control).

You must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100-250 pounds. You should get there at least 15 minutes early. There are two parts to the tour, first some instruction on riding the Segway Personal Transporter. You learn to stand, move forward, back, stop, go uphill, downhill and turn around. Once you get going, you take a trip around Epcot World Showcase Segway Tour. Traveling single file along the Promenade, you will get see and travel around several of the international pavilions along the way. You do get to stop for a rest, riding around and photos; and you will use a headset.

It's not as hard to navigate a Segway Personal Transporter as you might think; it is actually pretty easy once you become familiar with it and adjust to the slight movement that reacts instantaneously. Lean in and go forward, lean back to go backwards, and straighten up to stop. The handle bars or "LeanSteer Frame" work as you expect, taking you left and right. It's just that you need to control your body, not easy for the first few minutes. But it does feel natural, safe and instinctive after a while. Simply, you will love it and want to ride more.

Simply Segway Tour

There is also a Simply Segway experience offered at Epcot and it is designed for those guests who may not want or have time for a longer tour. This one-hour program includes a Segway product overview, training, and indoor riding at Innoventions in Epcot on a pre-determined course Again guest limited, the cost of $35.00 per person for an 11:30 am start-time (except Tuesdays). And Park admission is required as well.

Segway Tour Trail Adventure

Next is the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure that some believe is even better than the Epcot program, mostly due to the wide open spaces of Fort Wilderness. And although the Segway X2 model used here is an off-road vehicle, you still follow a trail and don't get to wonder off too far. If you haven't traveled the full length of Fort Wilderness, make sure you ask directions since the map is not enough.

You can tell that the deep treads in the tires and higher ground clearance will hold the road better at an outdoor park and wooded area that is Fort Wilderness. You will likely see some wildlife, but mostly lots of trees and campsites. There's a long stretch of ride following the shores of Bay Lake which is very nice, and you get to stop, rest and take some pictures.

The latest information is that Disney offers this two-hour adventure twice a day from Tuesday to Saturday at 8:30 and 11:30 am, for a cost of $85.00 per person. It is recommended you take the early ride during the warm weather. It does get hot and humid in Florida. Schedules and prices change, so use the contact information below.

This is also a two-person led guided tour that hits many sites including parts of Wilderness Lodge and the Tri-Circle-D Ranch where you stop to greet the horses. It's also a place to take a break, drink some water and hit the head. The guide is a lot of fun to listen to, who would tell stories, some even true. You get a digital head set, just like with Epcot's adventure, so you can hear what is being said.

Segway Tour Nature Design

There is also a Nature-Inspired Design Segway Tour. This is from the official announcement: Discover the wonder of nature-inspired design as you glide through land, sea and air at Epcot®. This 3-hour backstage tour allows you to experience the symbiotic relationship between nature and the nature-inspired designs incorporated into Epcot® pavilions and attractions. Glide over California on Soarin'?, tour the greenhouses at The Land pavilion, explore The Seas with Nemo & Friends® and visit Life Support scientists to learn how technology helps us maintain a better balance with nature.

After completing a required product overview and training, you will be equipped with a helmet and a Segway® Personal Transporter X-2 to experience this unique off-road tour. Epcot® Cast Member scientists share how their work environments are inspired by nature's own design and how they use evolving technologies to maintain a balance with the world around them. After experiencing "air, land and sea" you will have the opportunity to ride your Segway® X-2 in a designated off-road backstage area at Epcot®.

This program starts are 8:15 am, and runs on different days depending on the season, so in the spring or summer it could three or fours days a week and in the fall only two. The cost today is $124 per person.

There are clear differences between the Epcot and Fort Wilderness rides. First, of course, there is difference in terrains. There aren't as many obstructions as in Epcot and the roadways/sidewalks at Fort Wilderness are less traveled. There is also a difference in vehicles, with the Segway X2 used in Fort Wilderness having wider wheels and greater stabilization that might be expected when riding off-road. It's also a longer experience on the Segway at Fort Wilderness, because the training period is much shorter, even for the inexperienced rider. This is likely because of the wide open spaces and there is less of a chance you can run into somebody or something (literally) as opposed to Epcot. Also as a result, you do seem to (if not really) travel faster at Fort Wilderness.

How it works: The Segway Human Transporter works through technology called dynamic stabilization that is similar to a person's own sense of balance. People use their inner ear, eyes, muscles, and a brain to keep their body balanced. The Segway uses solid-state gyroscopes, tilt sensors, high-speed microprocessors (10 on board, equal to three times the power of a typical PC), and powerful electric motors to keep its balance. Working together these dynamic stabilization components sense the user's center of gravity, instantaneously assess the information and make adjustments to the Segway at one hundred times per second. Thus, the Segway balances itself whether moving, carrying a heavy load, maneuvering in tight spaces, or standing still.

Segway Tour Rules

At minimum you must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100-250 pounds, but there are other qualifications such as not allowing pregnant moms or some persons with special needs to ride. The whole issue of Segway use, particularly by persons with a disability has been a subject of lawsuits, but Walt Disney World has featured the Segway since 2002, right after it was first introduced publicly. Guests can call 407/WDW-TOUR for more information or reservations. And it is highly advisable to make a reservation well in advance for any of the Segway experiences. There is also a Segway display at Innoventions includes interactive stations and demonstrations by cast members on how the product works.

 

Be aware that you are standing the full length of the tour and your legs could get tired. Even your feet will feel a little strange after finishing your ride, especially at Fort Wilderness. If you are under 18, parent/guardian permission is needed. But there is also a liability release to sign. Plus a reward for making it through your experience - a special pin, one each for Epcot and Wilderness.

There are discounts available for travel club, credit card or special Disney membership holders. Anyone can ride (if you meet the minimum qualifications), and beginners are welcome. Park Admission is required for Epcot, plus for the outdoor events weather could change your plans. You will wear a helmet of course. And although a Segway can travel more than 10 mph, the machines have regulators that limit you to about 5 mph on Disney property. The limit per class is 10, and normally two cast members accompany you, one to guide and the other to watch you and run interference (traffic control).