DCA Tips and Advice

[talie95]

Hello everyone. We will be heading to DLR in Oct. for 3 1/2 days. Our last multi day trip was last Oct. but only for 2 1/2 days so we spent most of our time at DL and only a couple hours at DCA to see Monsters Inc. and spend some time at Bug's Land. We have AP's but when we go for only one day it's always been at DL so we know DL very well but are almost strangers to DCA. This year we have time to spend a whole day at DCA and are just wondering about any tips or advice anyone has (from dining to when to go on certain rides, attractions we shouldn't miss, etc.). Anyway, any and all suggestions would be appreciated!!

Also wanted to add, we are going to try to see Aladdin at DCA on Sunday as that will probably be the only day it will be showing while we're there. So how far before the show should we get in line and about how long is the show itself?

 

[negiacian]

Sounds like you have young kids in which case make sure you hit the Redwood Trail area. Kids go wild and parents sit in the shade. It is just over from Grizley River Run.

I went and got a fast pass at park opening, rode it at around midday, now nice and cool! Went and sat around in the shade at Redwood while the kids went and climbed on all sorts of stuff.

 

[talie95]

Thanks! When I was looking through the attractions I definitely figured we'd have to stop there. But are us "big kids" allowed in there too or only the kids? My daughters are 5yo and 2yo and I know my older one would be fine but I'm not sure the little one will go without me or dh (I can't even get her to go into the McDonald's plaything by herself!) Thanks again!!

 

[biolabetty]

When my kids were a little younger, they really enjoyed Playhouse Disney. We got there about 30 minutes before showtime and tried to get seats on the floor on the center section, front. If you don't want to sit on the floor with them, they have bench seating around the walls of the room.

 

[DLR29]

There's a ton to do for kids. In Hollywood Pictures Backlot, don't miss Turtle Talk w/ Crush, an interactive show where the kids can talk to the Crush from Finding Nemo. Also there's the Monster's Inc. ride, which you've already done. MuppetVision is funny and not a scary 3D film like It's Tough to be a Bug or HISTA.

RCCT is a great place for the kids to blow off steam. There are lookout towers, slides, climbing walls, caves, streams, and a tire zipline for the more adventurous, but I think there's a height requirement, though I don't know what. You're 5 year old might even like Soarin, which has a 40" height requirement. It's gentle, but it does go up high.

A Bug's Land has great rides, but you have already explored that area, so I don't need to go into the details there.

On Paradise Pier, the kids will like King Triton's Carousel, Jumpin Jellyfish, Golden Zephyr, and maybe even Sun Wheel (rocking or non-rocking) if they're daring.

For the adults, there are tons of Single rider lines that minimize the waits at popular attractions. Screamin, Maliboomer, Mulholland Madness, GRR, and Soarin. This and FP and Baby Swap all will allow you to ride some bigger rides while not making the kids wait long.

 

[PirateFish989]

Hello!

I would recommend eating at the Farmer's Market in "A Bug's Land." I was at DL and DCA in May with my mom, her friend and her friend's 10 year old daughter and we had lunch at the Farmer's Market. The food was good and had meal options that children would like (they have chicken strips and fries, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other kids meals, as well as salads) and there was a small play area for children (or adults ) near the picnic tables that are available.

Also, I'm not sure if your girls like Disney princesses or not, but there is a store in Hollywood Backlots (across from Turtle Talk w/ Crush, I believe) that has a lot of fun princess stuff as well as other fun Disney merchandise geared for children. I always enjoy looking in the stores. You never know what you'll find and just have to have.

Just some suggestions. Hope that you have a great time and get to enjoy all that DCA has to offer.

 

[CalGal]

Also wanted to add, we are going to try to see Aladdin at DCA on Sunday as that will probably be the only day it will be showing while we're there. So how far before the show should we get in line and about how long is the show itself?

The Hyperion Theater is huge, so it's sometimes possible to get a seat without getting in line too early, but I typically shoot for a good 30 minutes before showtime. I believe the show runs about 45 minutes. Be sure to hit the restrooms before you go, since there are no restrooms in the theater. Also, I wouldn't wait until the last show, just in case some technical glitch causes a cancellation (it happened to me 15 minutes into the performance the first time I went). This is an excellent show; you won't want to miss it!