Experience the parks differently

[ArielRae]

I am trying to think of ways to experience the parks differently then the commando type I have been doing for my next solo trip. Like to slow down and do some new things that can help change my park experience. Not looking to do anything you pay extra for like tours.

Epcot: I plan on spending the morning doing some favorite rides. Then the afternoon with my big pin trading book at the pin trading station. I can really slow down and enjoy talking with and watching people. I don't stop and enjoy being in one spot.

Animal Kingdom: ?

Disney Hollywood Studios: ?

Magic Kingdom: ?

 

[rlovew]

In all the parks you can do the following-
1. look for where the garbage can, light fixtures, extra change and explore the area to see exactly where the music between lands changes and what they are using to help it do so more seemlessly (like a waterfall, ect).
2. look for hidden mickeys- there is at least 1 book out there.

In MK: Spend time doing the pirate quests

 

[monorailmom]

I always wish I had more time to slow down on Main St. USA. We were able to catch the glass blower at work once, but didn't stay long. It was nice to watch him work and chat a little bit. I also like watching the show kitchen at the Confectionary while they make the candy apples. I've never ridden the vehicles on Main St., but would if I had a day to take the time.

 

[Bektasmic]

I've always wanted to see an animal surgery at AK.

Love this thread. Still in commando mode, but I'm sure there will come a time where we can relax a bit. Filing away these ideas for someday

 

[karly05]

At DHS, I like doing the Animation Academy drawing class, and I swear next trip I am finally going to visit "One Man's Dream."

 

[luvdisney87]

This last trip my DD wasn't feeling 100% so she and I took it at a slower pace. It was really nice to get to "stop and smell the roses". Now while I would have rather had her feeling well it was nice to meander instead of rushing from one ride to the next.

 

[saintsfanshelly]

I second the Animation Academy stop. I have no artistic ability, but drew an amazing Mickey in his sorcerers hat.

 

[HopperFan]

Animal Kingdom, Africa. Enjoy the music of the band Burudika. Their stage is by the Dawa bar. Pull up a stool or chair, enjoy a cocktail or two, and if hungry Tamu Tamu right there has an awesome chicken salad meal.

 

[keahgirl8]

At DHS, I like doing the Animation Academy drawing class, and I swear next trip I am finally going to visit "One Man's Dream."

You have to do it. It is amazing. I wish we had it at Disneyland!

I love taking it slow. There are a few rides I have to do, but I like just wandering. I spent a lot of time in WS this trip. Taking the train in AK is fun too. I need to do that again next time.

 

[HopperFan]

Hollywood Studios, Lunch with an Imagineer at Brown Derby. DD and DS (adult kids) did in spring and loved it. DS said one of his favorite things he's done. He is doing it again in December. They only book about 10 people so hard to get but I have had no trouble finding single openings.

 

[Itinkso]

You have to do it. It is amazing. I wish we had it at Disneyland.

The Animation Academy is also in California Adventure.

Disneyland used to have Walt's office displayed and a show in the theater in the Town Square area.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

You have to do it. It is amazing. I wish we had it at Disneyland!

I love taking it slow. There are a few rides I have to do, but I like just wandering. I spent a lot of time in WS this trip. Taking the train in AK is fun too. I need to do that again next time.

We love doing this, plus you have a keepsake to take with you!
We like to go to Tom Sawyers Island and go up in the fort and shoot the trains coming out of the Thunder Mountain.

 

[keahgirl8]

The Animation Academy is also in California Adventure. Disneyland used to have Walt's office displayed and a show in the theater in the Town Square area.

Yes, Art of Animation is very cool!

They do show that video, but it is on a smaller screen before you go in to see Mr. Lincoln. They had it in the theater for the 50th.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I had already done about 10 solo trips before I had done the Animation Academy. It is fantastic!

One year, I got an ice cream sundae on Main Street around 10:30 am. There was absolutely no one sitting down at the tables at all. It seemed so peaceful and relaxing just to watch the people walk by.

 

[lovethattink]

There are so many hidden treasures around wdw. We've had to take it easy since 2010. We are at the parks frequently and still stumble across things that are new or we missed before.

 

[ladyjubilee]

In Animal Kingdom stop and talk to those clipboard people. AK does animal behavior research, so people record exactly what the animals are doing. We found several could explain nuances of behavior that really individualized the animals.

 

[disnut8]

Animal Kingdom - Rafiki's Planet Watch. The exhibits are great, you could, if there earlier enough, see a vet procedure or, if not, can talk to a Cast Member about the procedure that happened that day. Then, go out and pet some goats, sheep and hairy pigs.

Take a walk around the Tree of Life. There is a trail around there and so few people on it.

Sit at Flame Tree BBQ with a nice lunch and just look across the lake at Expedition Everest.

Magic Kingdom - take the railroad one full circle and try to listen to the narration. Don't use it for transportation but for what it meant to Walt Disney.

The Studios - not much help there with the changes going on but doing the singles rider line on Rock N Roller Coaster. You can't rush through that and I found myself grinning when I was cheering families of three and five and cursing families of even number of people.

 

[imprimouse]

I always wish I had more time to slow down on Main St. USA. We were able to catch the glass blower at work once, but didn't stay long. It was nice to watch him work and chat a little bit. I also like watching the show kitchen at the Confectionary while they make the candy apples. I've never ridden the vehicles on Main St., but would if I had a day to take the time.

where is the glass blower in MK? that's something i don't want to miss again!

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Do the Main Street Vehicles run all day? I seem to recall only seeing them in the morning.

 

[soniam]

Walt's Dream at DHS is really cool. It's a great place to spend time during a down pour. My husband and son really liked the Animation Academy and Magic of Disney Animation.

Riding the train is fun too. I also like to ride the monorails all around the world. Downtown Disney has a lot of browsing opportunities. You can also some of the lesser crowded rides and shows, like People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, Riverboat at MK, and Flights of Wonder at AK. Tom Sawyer Island always makes me feel like a kid again.