favorite things to do at DTD?

[mtemm]

we are heading to disneyland for 1 day in august. our orginal plan was to get up at the crack of dawn and drive from santa barbara (where we will be staying for a few days) to DL, visit the park that day/night. lightbulb moment last night...why not drive down the night before instead? I'd rather pull in to the hotel at night and not have to get up at 5 the next morning.

long story short, we changed our ressies and this is our plan. we'll probably have an early dinner in SB, but would still be up to do something at DTD once we arrive...thinking around 9-ish. just dh and I this trip.

any suggestions? any favorites? ones to skip?

 

[iceskatejen]

There aren't any "attractions" in DTD, just shops and restaurants (not that shopping and eating aren't fun). There is a movie theater. My fave thing is the World of Disney store and you can sure spend a lot of time (and money) in there. The bookstore near the movie theater has some Disney related books that you may not find elsewhere.

 

[funnygarcia]

If you have purchased multi day passes you would have free $10 pass to use at the arcade in ESPN Zone- MY DH and boys blew thru each of their cards within 45 minutes .. just long enough time for me to cope with the sensory overload and enough time to get the game action going. If you are into sports they have a cool screening room - dine or drinks and watch many TVs.

I like going to Rainforest Cafe to look at the deals to be found in the shop and for atmosphere while dining.

World of Disney store is a must do, tons of stuff to drool over and many are the same things in the shops inside DL.

Take a stroll further down to the DL hotel and walk around the Koi ponds, the trails under the waterfalls, play with the motorboat ships (pay for a token , drive remote controlled mini jungle cruise boats.. very cute!) and for a romantic moment...walk over to the rose garden and gazebo where they do Disney weddings.
Walk around the lobby of the Grand Californian- gorgeous! For a very nice elegant dinner go to the Napa Rose or for a more casual dining but very good food try Storytellers. Or have a drink/coffee in the Hearthstone Lounge near the fireplace.

 

[almostGoofy]

On the weekends, they have "street" entertainers; mostly musicians. I don't know how late they're out though.

 

[Al's Jasmine]

All those above ideas are all great. My husband and I like to grab a drink or two over at UVA BAR which is the outdoor bar in the middle of the shops and restaurants like Catals, Build-a-Bear, etc. The drinks are decent for what they are and the prices are what is to be expected. They serve appetizers as well if you want to nibble on something while you enjoy a beer or martini. It's great people watching too.

You may want to check with House of Blues and see if there is anything happening there the night you are coming. Sometimes they will have a live band or DJ playing music and you can go check them out. I'm not sure if you need tickets for that stuff or what, but you can check into it.

But definite fave is UVA bar for the people watching and booze factor lol

 

[mtemm]

thanks! I hadn't even thought about checking out the GC and the DLH. doh! odd because we love to resort hop when at wdw. I think we'll do that, just stroll and definitely take a look in the world of disney store and get things to bring home to the kids. HOB is a thought too.