"Atmosphere Entertainment" etc

[BriannaRuth]

We've never made much of an effort to see the "Atmosphere Entertainment," etc., mainly just happening upon them, but with the recent cancellations of some of the shows, etc., I may try to seek some out this trip. Do you have any you really like to see? Some of these I've done myself, but keeping them on the list in case anyone else might have an interest.

On the musical entertainment, such as Five and Dime, etc., if anyone has tips on the best place to be to see them (shady seating area they walk by, etc.), that would also be appreciated.

We won't really be looking for the kid-focused ones because no kids this trip. If anyone can comment on how any of these are for adults without kids, that would be great as well!

This is what's currently listed for late July for "Atmosphere Entertainment":

DCA:
Avengers Assemble!
Citizens of Buena Vista Street
Five & Dime
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!
Operation: Playtime! - featuring the Green Army Patrol
Paradise Garden Bandstand
The Amazing Spider-Man!
Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje

DL:
Disneyland Band at "it's a small world" Promenade/Castle/Frontierland/Main Street
Flag Retreat Ceremony
Jambalaya Jazz
Main Street Piano Player
Pearly Band at Castle Courtyard/Small World
Pixar Pals Playtime Party
The Bootstrappers
The Dapper Dans
The Straw Hatters


Then there are these, listed with Attractions and Entertainment, although I'm not seeing them specifically on the schedule:
DCA:
Animation Academy
Avengers Headquarters
Bakery Tour
Club Pixar (don't know if this normally has shows or not, but there's nothing listed on the schedule)
Disney Junior Dance Party
Paradise Garden Bandstand
Red Car Trolley
Turtle Talk with Crush - How is this for adults?


DL:
Ancient Sanctum
Fantasy Faire (not on the schedule, is it still going on?)
Main Street Vehicles - know what these are but haven't ever done one
Mickey's Philharmagic
StarWars - Datapad and Batuu Bounty Hunters - How are these for adults if you're not a super fan?
Storytelling at the Royal Theater

Finally, is there such as thing as a "Trolley Tour," or would that just be taking the trolley around all the stops in DCA? I have in my notes: "Take this at night, it's fun and most people never do it." Not sure where that came from.

 

[BriannaRuth]

My own comments on a couple of these:

Storytelling at the Royal Theater - We just happened to be sitting near Maurice's having a treat when this came one one day. No kids with us, but we really enjoyed it! They were doing Beauty ad the Beast and it was really funny.

Animation Academy - Never tried this until our last visit to the parks because I can't draw worth a dang and I was afraid I'd embarrass myself. But it was great! Highly recommend. I came home with something that actually looked like Stitch with zero embarrassment.

 

[xApril]

We've never made much of an effort to see the "Atmosphere Entertainment," etc., mainly just happening upon them, but with the recent cancellations of some of the shows, etc., I may try to seek some out this trip. Do you have any you really like to see? Some of these I've done myself, but keeping them on the list in case anyone else might have an interest.

On the musical entertainment, such as Five and Dime, etc., if anyone has tips on the best place to be to see them (shady seating area they walk by, etc.), that would also be appreciated.

We won't really be looking for the kid-focused ones because no kids this trip. If anyone can comment on how any of these are for adults without kids, that would be great as well!

This is what's currently listed for late July for "Atmosphere Entertainment":

DCA:
Avengers Assemble! We’ve watched from Pyms before which is shaded. Usually once you’ve seen it, it’s the same every time though they’ve changed superheroes that assist in the show from when I initially saw it. I enjoy it as an adult and a marvel fan.
Citizens of Buena Vista Street - This is just characters that you can interact with on Buena Vista Street. Either you going up to them, or them to you. I can’t remember her exact name, but if you get the mail person, ask for a telegram!
Five & Dime - this past trip was our first trip catching them so based off what I’ve seen, sometimes they don’t park their vehicle they ride in on?? But they usually perform on the stage in Carthay Circle area so you could grab a bench there. I enjoyed this as well but I’m a big live music fan.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! - I feel this is more of a marvel fan/kid show personally, it’s cute but the one at WDW was a stronger show since it had singing. It is fun though since you’re really close to the characters and they interact with you. I like to catch it when in line for Guardians Mission Breakout if I can, it helps pass the time and I can avoid dancing I am not sure if you could see them from the Hyperion seating by the shawarma food booth.
Operation: Playtime! - featuring the Green Army Patrol - this is a cute show in the essence of jammitors. It’s not really for me but we enjoyed it when we saw it. I think they move around based on time of year and what’s going on so can’t comment on shade and seating.
Paradise Garden Bandstand - I don’t think we’ve ever seen this. Is this just bands performing by the restaurant? If so, plenty of seating.
The Amazing Spider-Man! Very quick 5 mins, usually depending on time of day it’s in the shade so it’s not bad but there isn’t much in way of seating so you can arrive right before and catch it. Front row gets some Spider-Man interaction depending on where you stand but otherwise you’re good wherever
Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje - a great show if you love marvel. We enjoyed it the times we’ve seen it, just an every few trips for us or from a distance. It’s usually in the sun when we’re there. You can usually see it from Pym’s since they are usually facing it but there may be people blocking since they’re mostly on the ground.

DL:
Disneyland Band at "it's a small world" Promenade/Castle/Frontierland/Main Street - we love the Disneyland band!! Main Street has some built in places you can sit but they do have choreo that you’ll miss if you’re sitting
Flag Retreat Ceremony - being a WDW girlie, I love the Disneyland’s flag ceremony. Disney World’s is about 5 mins long. This one is not to be missed! Usually one side of benches is in the shade unless you’re there when daylight savings isn’t an enemy. June was rough.
Jambalaya Jazz - can’t comment too much on this. I’ve seen them here and there over the years and know they move. The last I really saw them was on the French market stage and that’s now Tiana’s. They are good though!
Main Street Piano Player - love the piano player and if you time it right, you’ll catch them with mad hatter and Alice which is always fun. There’s tables and chairs whether right at refreshment corner or at jolly holiday, a little further away.
Pearly Band at Castle Courtyard/Small World - we love when they’re at the castle. Usually Mary and Bert pop in! Just another Disneyland treat.
Pixar Pals Playtime Party - they have a really catchy song they play in there right now but otherwise it’s mostly them teaching everyone how to dance but you get some good character interactions with them dancing in the crowd. There’s also tons of photos ops and characters meeting in different spots in the theater. Definitely a must if you like Pixar! Lots of seating if you aren’t wanting to meet characters but your family does.
The Bootstrappers - honestly so fun! Didn’t really stop for them until the last two trips. They also move around and are sometimes on the sailing ship Columbia. I believe their 1130 set is on the ship so that may be the only chance for seating depending on where they play. Otherwise, New Orleans Square they play around is pretty sparse for seating but it’s usually shaded.
The Dapper Dans - the main reason for our visits. We love them and I always say don’t miss them! Depending on when you see them, ask when their chime set is if you didn’t catch it. Right now they’re doing a Pixar medley during their chimes at 215 and 615. It’s 7 minutes long and so fun!
The Straw Hatters - another quintessential Disneyland experience. They have lots of character interactions in the morning with Mickey, Donald etc. lots of last day memories for us being sad and then cheered up because strawhatters had the characters dancing while they play. They’re on Main Street so depending on where they’re at you can try to find a bench but it’s a bit sparse sometimes.


Then there are these, listed with Attractions and Entertainment, although I'm not seeing them specifically on the schedule:
DCA:
Animation Academy - even if you don’t do the drawing (which is so fun- go inside early in the day and see the schedule so you can plan when you may want to go back!), it’s so peaceful in there to just sit, recharge, and listen to the music and take in the visuals. A favorite of ours.
Avengers Headquarters - I had to Google but basically the superheroes come out sometimes around the land and occasionally “on top” aka on Avengers HQ and they can wave at you. This is where the avengers assemble show takes place. So you can just walk through and look up and see if there’s someone to take a photo of or wave at.
Bakery Tour - you can go in and see their bread bakery process and get a sample of bread. I haven’t done it in years now.
Club Pixar (don't know if this normally has shows or not, but there's nothing listed on the schedule) - they had shows but it got cancelled. Some photo ops and some games now.
Disney Junior Dance Party - have only seen WDW’s version but it’s a cute show if you like Disney Junior. Usually the kids have to sit on the ground and there’s a few benches for adults in the back. I’d check to see if it’s in the same here but that’s how it is in WDW.
Paradise Garden Bandstand - see above
Red Car Trolley - a fun relaxing transport from front of park to Guardians, or to Animation Academy or you can take it to the front
Turtle Talk with Crush - How is this for adults? I think it’s cute to see what the kids ask and how Crush responds!


DL:
Ancient Sanctum - unfortunately the show just got cancelled for now. If anything is there, it will be just meet and greets.
Fantasy Faire (not on the schedule, is it still going on?) this is what they identify the “area” as so this is where you go to get to meet the princesses
Main Street Vehicles - know what these are but haven't ever done one - lots of different choices and the CMs that run them are so kind to talk to!
Mickey's Philharmagic - a fun show and a good way to get out of the weather. I’ve not done it here but I know it’s the same as WDW.
StarWars - Datapad and Batuu Bounty Hunters - How are these for adults if you're not a super fan? I haven’t done these so can’t comment.
Storytelling at the Royal Theater - our second favorite thing after the Dapper Dans. There’s a tangled and beauty and the beast show and they both have plenty of fun corny jokes riddled in to keep the adults entertained. It’s in the shade and has seating, no back support though. Some of the showtimes fill up quick so sometimes you’ll need to arrive early. It’s open air so you can watch from the back standing.

Finally, is there such as thing as a "Trolley Tour," or would that just be taking the trolley around all the stops in DCA? I have in my notes: "Take this at night, it's fun and most people never do it." Not sure where that came from.

I added my comments in bold

 

[Tinkaboo]

Well, Club Pixar is empty now except for some ridiculous picnic games.
Ancient Sanctum is empty since they sent Dr.Strange off to another universe.

Avengers Assemble is good but same show each time, or pretty much, participants change depending on who is around. Sometimes it’s Cap, sometimes Black Panther, always Black Widow, she’s kinda the star.

Dance Off is a hoot, again, same show basically each time…sometimesStar-Lord is alone, sometimes Gamora, if you’re lucky Mantis.

The Avengers and Loki are very engaging to talk with so don’t hesitate to say hello.

Oh…and don’t miss Spider-Man…his opening stunt is AMAZING!!!! (No spoilers, please!)

 

[BriannaRuth]

I added my comments in bold

Wow, thank you for the detailed reply! Some great tips there. You must be an AP holder.

 

[BriannaRuth]

The Avengers and Loki are very engaging to talk with so don’t hesitate to say hello.

Oh…and don’t miss Spider-Man…his opening stunt is AMAZING!!!! (No spoilers, please!)

I've never been one to go up and talk to characters that aren't in a meet and greet area, but I'm thinking I need to on this trip. If I can only get up the nerve to speak to Snow White's evil queen ... she looks so intimidating but I've seen TikToks of her being kind to littles.

Saw the Spider Man show last time we were there, but we just caught the end of it from a distance. Hoping to be in the right place at the right time on this trip!

 

[xApril]

Wow, thank you for the detailed reply! Some great tips there. You must be an AP holder.

Of course! I love talking about entertainment and sharing my knowledge with people. I actually am all the way on the other coast but we go often enough that we might as well be AP

I've never been one to go up and talk to characters that aren't in a meet and greet area, but I'm thinking I need to on this trip. If I can only get up the nerve to speak to Snow White's evil queen ... she looks so intimidating but I've seen TikToks of her being kind to littles.

Saw the Spider Man show last time we were there, but we just caught the end of it from a distance. Hoping to be in the right place at the right time on this trip!

I find that most times, the characters lead the conversations pretty well! I am pretty awkward with strangers but they usually do a good job of gauging the interaction and guiding it with some type of topic and then leading it to the eventual photo. You can bring something up if you’ve got it, but they’re great at being ready out of the gate.

 

[gardenrooms]

I've always enjoyed the groups they have at the Paradise Gardens Bandstand. I guess the Mariachi Divas must have moved on, the but group I heard in April, while we were eating lunch, was very good. Seating was hard to come by in the shade this trip for our group of 6 (we all went off in different directions looking, and I found a spot right next to the bandstand) but in the past there has been plenty. Nice spot to sit and recharge/eat/drink.

 

[pennym]

Don't miss Crush, he's really fun and it's so clever!