Hidden gems in DCA? Tell me your favorites!

[GatorChris]

If you hit Cars Land right at dusk, they play some old 50s/60s music and turn the lights on. That's pretty cool when it happens.

If you're into old classic Disney, you can often catch Oswald near the entrance for photos.

Just walking/being in the area that's Soarin' and Grizzly River Run is like being in a national park. Same with Redwood Creek Challenge. 10 years from now, it'll be even more beautiful with the large trees growing there. Assuming the zombie apocalypse hasn't happened by then.

 

[Niltiac]

Ursula's Grotto is gone and is now a meet and great or at least it was last November. I have not seen that since 2005. But the books are in the library to see what kind of Princess you are or Prince I am sure. Animation Academy is great I love my pictures I have drawn, turtle talk with crush is a ton of fun even without Littles. I also enjoy Mickey'so fun wheel, you can get the non swinging gondola and get great pictures of the park and surrounding area.

Ursula's lair has been closed for a while, maybe about a year? But it was definitely open in late 2014, so I'm not sure if it's permanently closed or just undergoing a really slow upgrade. It doesn't seem to be a high priority. I wonder why they closed it in the first place.

I believe the meet and greet is in the area outside animation academy, not in Ursula's lair. At least that's how it was the last time I checked (which was admittedly a while ago) - the doorway to Ursula's was just blocked off altogether and as far as I know the space wasn't being used for anything. I suppose it might be a backstage/prep area for the meet and greet.

 

[Daisybelle]

We love Buena Vista street. The shops are fun and we love Red Trolley show. We also love DCA right after park opening. The Paradise Pier area is so quiet and empty and its nice to walk around and enjoy a quiet start to the day. And we head to Carsland frequently. It's delightful to sit in Flo's and have breakfast facing Radiator Springs. Man I can't wait until our trip!! Each trip we love DCA more and more and spend more time there.

 

[julesann]

Hmmmm so much I love about DCA. I think everyone has covered it: my favorites are: drawing at Animation Academy; late lunch at Cove Bar and the Lobster Nachos; Carthay Circle and a WOC dinner; Turtle Talk; Monsters Inc., Bug's Life; GRR; and Soarin'; I also enjoy walking through side entrance into GCH and enjoying the piano in the gorgeous main room -- perhaps with a cocktail from the Hearthstone. Breakfast at FLo's and watching RSR and timing it so you are at Carsland when the neon lights dance on.

 

[janae7]

These are really awesome tips everyone, thank you so much!