Anything outside of the Disney bubble worth checking out?

[mjallemand]

So unfortunately my prior plans have changed over the holidays, with my wife deciding that she didn't want to bother trying to cram Little Tokyo into a 3 to 4 hour window, and as such, we're headed straight to our hotel when we arrive on the morning of the 5th.

Since we won't be getting to the hotel until sometime after noon, there's no point in making it a park day, and as such we'll be looking for outside entertainment. We're probably going to explore the Disneyland hotels a bit, as I've always heard that there's some neat artwork and displays in there, but I'd like to stay out of Downtown Disney, as that's what we'll be doing on our last day before I board the shuttle back to LAX around 3PM.

Anything in the area that's worth checking out, that's either walkable or that we can get to via the ART bus, or, if necessary, something like Uber?

Edit: Also, while I'm here, did I royally eff up on picking my park days?

Our last (and only other) Disneyland trip was back in 2017 for our honeymoon. We arrived on Sunday, January 8th and flew back on Friday, January 13th with four park days in between. (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs) Crowds didn't seem miserable, but it also rained practically the entire time we were there, so that probably helped.

This year we're going for a shorter trip (3 park days) starting on Sunday the 6th, Monday the 7th, and Tuesday the 8th, with us flying back on the 9th. Our actual anniversary is on the 7th, so we wanted to be there for that day, but it's I just made the mistake of looking at a few "crowd calendars" and noticed that the 6th may be a cluster-cuss.

Unfortunately due to work schedules and other factors that was really our only option, and we're so close that we couldn't change dates at this point anyway.

 

[pblack]

The Anaheim Garden Walk is nearby (walking distance) and they have a variety of shops and restaurants. If you're a coffee drinker you could check out Roasting Water (they also offer teas/smoothies). There are quite a few in that general area so they are a quick/cheap Uber away. Plus depending on which one you choose there are stores you can wander around or a movie theatre you can check out. The Outlets at Orange would be a short Uber ride away.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

The 6th is probably going to be pretty crazy (maybe not if it’s pouring rain?), but if you’re there before the park opens and use Maxpass well, you’ll be fine.

I’d guess that Monday and Tuesday will be busier-than-normal at DCA, since they’ll still have Christmas stuff happening (and people trying to use up their Festival of Holidays vouchers), while DL won’t. Since they haven’t staggered the holidays ending like that before, hard to know.

Honestly, I might add a 4th day to your tickets and just go in on Saturday! It’s not that much to add a 4th day (and you’d likely end up spending money on Uber or outside activities anyway). You could catch the Frozen show, hit the Carthay lounge or something like that for drinks... sounds like a nice Saturday to me!

 

[ParkHopper1]

Noon arrival?...it is like only $25/ticket to upgrade from a 3 day to 4 day.

I would be heading into the parks! Go spend more time doing the lesser know things and sights that most people pass over on the rush of their E-Ticket marathons.

Noting outside of the parks that is worth saving the $25 for IMO!

 

[DLgal]

Saturday will be the least crowded day of your trip due to blackouts still in effect for Signature and lower APs and going in at noon still gets you 12 hours of park time. Add a day and go to the parks. If you are definitely NOT interested in that plan, make a reservation at a Downtown Disney restaurant (there are so many that are so good). Or, go bowling at Splitsville. If you are into trains, the Muzeo in Anaheim has a Holiday Train exhibit with a special Disney exhibit this year as well.It's not far from the parks (but not walkable) and admission is only about $8.

 

[DLgal]

Duplicate post.

 

[mjallemand]

The 6th is probably going to be pretty crazy (maybe not if it’s pouring rain?), but if you’re there before the park opens and use Maxpass well, you’ll be fine.

Darn. I know that there isn't really a slow period at any Disney parks these days but I'm worried it's going to be overcrowded.

 

[mjallemand]

Just queried the wife, 4th day is out, so I'll poke around the ART website and see where it can bring us.

 

[DLgal]

Just queried the wife, 4th day is out, so I'll poke around the ART website and see where it can bring us.

Do you like unique food? Try the Anaheim Packing House. There is also a good brewery next door if you like beer. It's close to the parks. Maybe a 5-10 minute Uber/Lyft ride away.

 

[cruisehopeful]

You could Uber/Lyft to Knott's Berry Farm.

To me, everything in the area is kind of boring. Are you flying in somewhere? There might be something to do between the airport and the hotel. Saturdays are generally busy in all public places, but would likely be your best Disneyland day.

 

[felice]

+1 for the Outlets at Orange, available via the ART bus system. There can usually be some decent deals on clothing available, just depends on the stores and what they are doing at the time.

 

[WonkaKid]

If you feel like going into Hollywood, UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade on Franklin, not Sunset)) performs world-class improv Mondays at 7:00, Fridays at 8:00 and Saturdays at 7:00. Cheap and an absolute blast. I go at least there times a week. Parking is easy and there are a few good places to eat in the neighborhood.

 

[WonkaKid]

If you feel like going into Hollywood, UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade on Franklin, not Sunset)) performs world-class improv Mondays at 7:00, Fridays at 8:00 and Saturdays at 7:00. Cheap and an absolute blast. I go at least there times a week. Parking is easy and there are a few good places to eat in the neighborhood.

 

[rentayenta]

Not sure where you live but if its inland, I'd head to the coast since a 4th day is off the table. Long Beach has some great shopping, the aquarium, fun restaurants; same with Huntington Beach. Seal Beach is neat too. I actually prefer the little eclectic shops in Seal v HB.

I find the Garden Walk boring especially if you are already spending a partial day in DTD.

If you feel like going into Hollywood, UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade on Franklin, not Sunset)) performs world-class improv Mondays at 7:00, Fridays at 8:00 and Saturdays at 7:00. Cheap and an absolute blast. I go at least there times a week. Parking is easy and there are a few good places to eat in the neighborhood.

Thanks! We will check this out. Do we need reservations?

 

[wingednike]

The Kevin and Jody Polynesian/Tiki pop up exhibit will be at Pop Comics during your visit. That comic book store is probably an 8 minute Uber drive from the resort and is also near the Anaheim Packing House mentioned by DLGal

 

[Howry]

Your going to spend more money trying to entertain yourself elsewhere then you would adding an extra day to your ticket to disneyland in my opinion. Not sure why your wife would nix that...

Not to mention the park is open late that night.

 

[WonkaKid]

Thanks! We will check this out. Do we need reservations?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, all shows are pre-sold on their website (https://franklin.ucbtheatre.com/schedule). Some of the more popular ones (Bangarang!, for example) often sell out days in advance. But if you enjoy improv comedy, there's no better place in the world for it. And I say that as a native Chicagoan.

 

[DharmaLou]

love, love, love the Packing House. Also, Golden Road Brewery.