Go Behind the Scenes: The Behind The Seeds Tour at EPCOT
- Danielle
- 10 minutes ago
- 5 min read
If you've ever ridden Living with the Land at EPCOT and found yourself wishing you could get a closer look at those incredible greenhouses, I have great news for you. The Behind The Seeds Tour offers an exclusive, up-close experience that takes you beyond what regular guests see – and it's one of the best-kept secrets at Walt Disney World.
What Is the Behind The Seeds Tour?
The Behind The Seeds Tour is a one-hour walking tour that gives you behind-the-scenes access to the agricultural areas of The Land Pavilion. While most guests glide past on boats during the Living with the Land attraction, tour participants get to walk directly into the greenhouses and growing facilities, learning about the innovative techniques Disney uses to grow food sustainably.
My Experience on the Tour
Earlier this year, Danny and I had the opportunity to experience this tour firsthand, and I can't recommend it enough. Our tour guide, Rachel, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the work being done in these facilities. From the moment we stepped into the greenhouses, we were immersed in a world of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The Mimosa Pudica (Stanley)
One of the most memorable moments was encountering the mimosa pudica, also known as the "sensitive plant." Rachel demonstrated how the leaves actually retract when you touch them – it was absolutely mesmerizing! It's these little interactive moments that make the tour so special, especially if you're visiting with curious kids or fellow plant enthusiasts.
Hidden Mickeys Everywhere!
True to Disney form, even the Behind The Seeds Tour includes hidden Mickeys! Keep your eyes peeled throughout the greenhouses – Rachel pointed out several clever Mickey formations hidden among the plants and growing areas. It adds an extra layer of fun to the experience and reminds you that even in the most educational settings, Disney magic is always present.
Spice Challenge: Smell and Guess
One of the most fun and interactive parts of the tour was the spice challenge! Rachel had us smell various spices and herbs grown throughout the greenhouses and test our knowledge by guessing what they were. It's harder than you think when you're relying solely on your sense of smell! This hands-on activity really engages all your senses and gives you a new appreciation for the variety of plants being cultivated. It's also a great reminder that EPCOT's greenhouses aren't just growing typical fruits and vegetables – they're cultivating a diverse array of herbs and spices as well.
Hydroponics and Growing Innovation
Throughout the tour, we learned about hydroponics, the revolutionary method of growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions. Seeing these systems up close gave us an appreciation for how Disney is pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture. The tour guides explain how these techniques maximize growing space and resources while producing incredibly healthy plants.
Plant Tissue Cultures
We also got an inside look at how they establish plant tissue cultures – essentially growing new plants from tiny samples in a laboratory setting. I was so fascinated by this process that I purchased several gifts for friends and family from these very cultures! It's a unique souvenir that keeps on growing.
Fresh Tastings
One of the unexpected perks of the tour? We got to taste a cucumber grown right there in the greenhouse. The flavor was incredibly fresh and crisp – you could truly taste the difference that comes from freshly harvested, sustainably grown produce. What makes this even more special is knowing that many of the fruits and vegetables grown in these greenhouses actually supply EPCOT's restaurants. It's the ultimate farm-to-table experience!
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
During the tour, we learned about biological control and IPM – Integrated Pest Management – which is a sustainable approach to controlling pests while minimizing environmental impact. Rather than relying heavily on chemicals, Disney uses natural predators, careful monitoring, and strategic interventions. The team at EPCOT is committed to not just growing food, but doing it responsibly and sustainably.
Is the Behind The Seeds Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! Here's why I think this tour is a must-do:
For Families: Kids are fascinated by the hands-on demonstrations and interactive elements like the sensitive plant. It's educational without feeling like a classroom.
For Foodies: Learning about where restaurant ingredients come from adds a whole new dimension to your EPCOT dining experiences.
For Science Enthusiasts: The tour offers genuine insights into agricultural innovation and sustainability that you won't find anywhere else in the parks.
For Repeat Visitors: If you've done EPCOT dozens of times, this tour offers a completely fresh perspective and access to areas most guests never see.
Practical Information
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: The tour is reasonably priced (check the current rate on the Walt Disney World website as prices may change). We paid less than $50 for each ticket.
Age Requirement: All ages are welcome, though the content is best appreciated by guests who can walk comfortably for an hour
Booking: Reservations are recommended and can be made in advance or sometimes on the day of your visit at the tour desk in The Land Pavilion
Group Size: Tours are kept relatively small, which allows for a more intimate experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions
Tips for Your Tour
Book in advance: These tours can fill up, especially during peak seasons
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be walking and standing throughout the hour
Bring your curiosity: Don't be shy about asking questions – the tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable
Consider the time of day: Morning tours can be particularly pleasant as the greenhouses are naturally cooler
Budget extra time: You may want to explore The Land Pavilion more after your tour
Shadow tour pic :)
Final Thoughts
The Behind The Seeds Tour gave us a whole new appreciation for the innovation and dedication happening behind the scenes at EPCOT. It's a reminder that Disney magic isn't just about characters and attractions – it's also about pushing boundaries, embracing sustainability, and creating experiences that educate and inspire.
If you're visiting EPCOT and want to discover something truly special beyond the typical park experience, add the Behind The Seeds Tour to your itinerary. Whether you're a Disney veteran or a first-time visitor, this tour offers a unique perspective that will enhance your appreciation for everything EPCOT has to offer.
Have you experienced the Behind The Seeds Tour? I'd love to hear about your favorite moments! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to ask me any questions about planning your magical Disney vacation.
Ready to plan your EPCOT adventure? Check out my other guides and tips on AskTheMouse.com to make the most of your visit!
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