Hey everyone, Chrissa here! Today, we’re going behind the scenes of the Land Pavilion in EPCOT with the Behind the Seeds Tour. If you are looking for a fun add-on experience while visiting EPCOT, this guide will go over all the details of this fascinating tour to help you decide if it’s a good choice for you and your family.
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What is the Behind the Seeds Tour at EPCOT?
The Behind the Seeds Tour is a one-hour walking tour that takes you backstage to see the greenhouses and fish farms that are part of the Living with the Land ride. This tour is perfect for anyone that enjoys the Living with the Land boat ride and have an interest in gardening or natural sciences.
Who is the Behind The Seeds Tour Suitable for?
The Behind the Seeds Tour is suitable for guests of all ages, especially if you're interested in the gardening, horticulture, or simply enjoy the Living with the Land ride and are curious about how Disney maintains their incredible gardens.
How Much Does the Behind The Seeds Tour Cost?
You can book the Behind the Seeds tour online or through the app, and the price varies by date. At the time of filming, the price for our tour ranged between $39 and $45 per person.
Do You Need Park Tickets to Enjoy The Behind the Scenes Tour?
Yes, since the tour is located within Epcot, so you'll need theme park tickets. Also, the tour is an add-on experience, and is not included in the price of admission.
How to Check-In for the Behind the Seeds Tour
When it’s time for your tour, you'll check in at the desk located near the entrance to Soarin’. Then, you’ll receive a lanyard and meet the rest of the group and tour guide. Our group had about 12 people, so you can expect a similar size.
What Do You See on the Behind the Seeds Tour?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Lab
The tour starts at the IPM Lab, where you learn about common garden pests and how Disney horticulturists manage them using natural methods like ladybugs and parasitoid wasps.
Biotechnology Lab
Next, you’ll look through the window of the Biotechnology Research Lab for Crop Improvement. Here, they develop innovative growing techniques, such as creating dwarf plants for use aboard the International Space Station. You can also purchase “Mickey’s Mini Gardens” plants at the check-in desk.
Creative Greenhouse
In the Creative Greenhouse, you’ll see unusual growing techniques and learn about hydroponics, where plants grow in soilless mediums. Highlights include brussel sprouts hanging from rods and Stanley, the touch-sensitive mimosa pudica.
Main Production Greenhouse
In the Main Production Greenhouse, you’ll learn about nutrient solutions and high-density growing techniques. Highlights include microgreens, tomato trees, and Mickey-shaped vegetables.
Temperate Greenhouse
In the Temperate Greenhouse, you’ll learn about eggplants, drip irrigation systems, and the difference between male and female plants. You’ll also see massive Winter Melons and Carolina reaper peppers.
Aquacell
The Aquacell houses aquaponics tanks with various fish, including freshwater shrimp and tilapia, which you can feed.
Tropics Greenhouse
The final greenhouse, the Tropics Greenhouse, features tropical fruits like bananas, star fruit, and jackfruit. Here, you’ll see the famous Black Pepper Mickey, the oldest plant in the greenhouses, and have a chance to get your picture taken with it.
Can you take photos during the Behind the Seeds Tour?
Absolutely! In fact, the Behinds the Seeds Tour is the only backstage tour where Disney doesn't mind you taking as many photos as you want.
Tips and Tricks for the Behind the Seeds Tour
Who Will Enjoy the Tour? This tour is great for anyone who enjoys the Living with the Land boat ride or has an interest in gardening or natural sciences. It’s also a budget-friendly behind-the-scenes tour in the park.
Best Time to Take the Tour: It’s only an hour long, so it won’t take up much of your day. I recommend taking a ride on the Living with the Land boat ride before the tour to give you a good preview of what to expect.
Theme Park Admission: Theme park admission and reservations are required and are not included in the price of the tour.
Booking: The tours do book up, so if you’re interested and need to have a specific day, book your tour as soon as possible.
Want to Make Your Own Hydroponic System at Home?
On your way out, you’ll get a chance to take a Hydroponic Gro-Tank sheet to learn how you can create your own hydroponic gro-tank at home. You can also purchase one of the Mickey’s Mini Garden plants at the check-in desk.
If you're looking for a fun and educational add-on to your day at Epcot, the Behind the Seeds Tour is a fantastic choice. This unique experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovative agricultural practices used at Disney World’s Living with the Land pavilion. From seeing up-close the sustainable farming techniques to learning about the future of food production. This tour is perfect for guests of all ages. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply curious about how Disney grows its magical produce, the Behind the Seeds Tour provides a memorable and enriching experience that will enhance your visit to Epcot.
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