Heavy Crowds - Favorite Afternoon Activities?

[wmjeffer]

Hi everyone! We're heading to Disney in a couple weeks and based on our experience last November and the crowds so far this fall, we're expecting heavy crowds. We tried to do too much last year and it didn't work for our group (especially having a toddler!). So this year we're trying to tour well in the mornings and then play it by ear and relax in the afternoons, then heading back to our condo in the evenings (rushing back and forth several times a day didn't work well for us!).

What are your favorite afternoon activities to beat the crowds in each park, other than attractions? Places/activities to slow down and really enjoy the atmosphere would be especially helpful!

 

[PSUGuy]

In Oct 2015 during F&W we avoided WS on Sat due to crowds we did another park in the AM then we did a surry bike ride on the Board Walk then hit Raglan Road for dinner. Last week we hit th pool in the afternoon then on to Raglan.

Bill From PA

 

[holden]

You could explore Disney Springs, visit some resorts (Poly and GF are my favorite to explore), or walk along the Boardwalk. Afternoon Tea at GF is wonderful (if you could get the toddler to nap in the stroller). The trails at AK are slow paced too.

 

[NashvilleMama]

I think the OP means what to do while staying in the park when it's crowded if I'm understanding...I don't have any suggestions yet as we're in the same boat for next month! I do think we'll slip off to Tom Sawyer's Island when it gets crazy so my kids can run around for awhile.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Just riding the monorail is always good. The glass shop on Main Street has a workshop in the very back. It's enjoyable to watch them make the ornaments, vases, etc.

 

[wmjeffer]

I think the OP means what to do while staying in the park when it's crowded if I'm understanding...I don't have any suggestions yet as we're in the same boat for next month! I do think we'll slip off to Tom Sawyer's Island when it gets crazy so my kids can run around for awhile.

Yes, you're right, my post may have been a little confusing! I was looking for activities to relax inside the parks

 

[NashvilleMama]

Yes, you're right, my post may have been a little confusing! I was looking for activities to relax inside the parks

Looks like from our tickers we'll be there the same weekend!

 

[hiroMYhero]

The second level of the MK train station has seats where you can people watch and view the parade.

In DHS, there are some benches in Launch Bay. After the lunch rush, you can sit in Backlot Express and watch Jedi Training from the nicely air conditioned setting.

You can stroll around Innoventions in Epcot and they have added seating in some areas.

In AK, it was so hot and humid last month I ended up watching FotLK 3 times while waiting for my CM friend who was working an event in another park. The Nomad Lounge, adjacent to Tiffins, is very nice and not crowded.

 

[Delilah1310]

We like to do our shopping on the busy afternoons ... or maybe watch a show, something that has large capacity - I'm thinking like Indiana Jones show at HS

 

[gatorlisa]

MK: The PeopleMover is usually not much of a wait. I know it's an attraction, but it is a nice way to relax, rest the feet, and get a bird's eye view and enjoy the atmosphere of Tomorrowland. The train around the MK is another fun relaxing thing to do if there's not a huge wait at the stop you want to use to board. I second the suggestion of the glass shop on Main Street. Stopped there in January and watched a glass blower work on a couple of Disney themed vases/bowls. He was happy to talk to guests and answer any questions people had. I am fascinated by glass blowing, so I could have spent lots of time there just watching him work.

AK: Enjoying the different animal exhibits is a good way to spend some time without having to stand in line waiting.

Epcot: Wandering through World Showcase...though I'm not sure how enjoyable that would be for kids.

HS: Again, I know they are attractions, but there are several shows here that are fun to watch and a good way to relax. And you don't necessarily have to stand in a long line to see the show. For example, I often roll up to the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular just before the show starts and always get a seat. It's not usually in a prime spot, but I have a spot to sit and relax and the show keeps me entertained. Pulling up a bench on Sunset Blvd and watching some of the street performers can be fun.

And of course, I can amuse myself easily by wandering through shops, but not everyone finds that entertaining.

 

[Praying Colonel]

If we're staying in a park in the afternoon we're doing our shopping then or doing attractions which have little to no wait. For example, in EP we're in WS shopping and seeing O Canada, Impressions de France, American Adventure, etc. In MK it's CoP, TTA, Philharmagic, Tiki Birds, HoP, Riverboat, WDRR, shopping on Main Street, etc.

 

[gorkt]

I am also going early November and I am also anticipating heavier crowds. I am planning to head to Disney Springs if it gets too crowded, or maybe rent a boat/bike or swim at my resort. Another option, if you want to stay in a park, is to tweak your ADRS to eat a late lunch during the most crowded park times, like 1-3pm.

 

[wmjeffer]

I am also going early November and I am also anticipating heavier crowds. I am planning to head to Disney Springs if it gets too crowded, or maybe rent a boat/bike or swim at my resort. Another option, if you want to stay in a park, is to tweak your ADRS to eat a late lunch during the most crowded park times, like 1-3pm.

I would totally do the late lunch ADR thing if we didn't have my toddler! Messing up her mealtimes is a no-go! lol

 

[Grand Admiral]

Pirates Adventure in MK is really neat, and gives the kids some treasure to seek. DS loved doing that today.

 

[biondagirl]

At Magic Kingdom, to chill for a bit we go on Carousel of Progress, Laugh Factory and the People Mover. The Tiki room is a nice place to cool of and relax, too. I know they are attractions, but they usually aren't overally crowded.

I love walking around the world at Epcot. For quiet time, we hang out in the UK. It's fun if there is a band playing. It's beautiful wandering around Canada, too.

We don't have a chill spot at DHS. At AK, a show is always nice to catch.

 

[kittyab]

There is Agent P in Epcot and the Sorcerers at Magic Kingdom.

 

[VACamm]

Magic Kingdom
Carousel of Progress
Tiki Room
Hall of Presidents
Country Bear Jamboree
Ferry Boat
Tom Sawyers Island
Mickeys Philharmagic

EPCOT
Ellens Energy Adventure
World Showcase
Figment Ride
Pixar Shorts
American Adventure

Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo Show
Pangini Walk
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Festival of the Lion King

Hollywood Studios
Muppet Show
Beauty and the Beast Show

 

[Disneymom8181]

You mentioned having a toddler. At Magic Kingdom, my sons have liked doing the Steamboat as well as Mickeys Philharmagic.

At both Epcot and Magic Kingdom, they have also both liked playing in the kids water play areas. I pack extra clothes and/or swim suit/swim diaper, because if my kids see a water play area, they want to join in. It may or may not be warm enough in November, but letting little ones play in the water can be a nice break for adults too!

 

[lynzi2004]

Not in the park but not too far from the Magic Kingdom is Fort Wilderness. There is a whole playground area not far from the boat launch. We have a 4 and 3 year old and they loved playing while we just sat and chilled for a bit. There is also a restaurant there where you could order some nachos and a soda. Also, close to there is the stables where they keep the horses and things. You can take a boat there directly from MK.