How do you guys manage your time in the afternoons at DCA?

[Wilcojoe]

So we’re heading down the final stretch for our trip next week and I am struggling with one thing as I study the wait times on the app. The LL return times for DCA in the afternoon are so much further apart than at DL. I just don’t see how spending two afternoons and one morning (we have hoppers for 3 days) at DCA will be as enjoyable as DL, with such long breaks between LL times. Sure there are some standby rides we can do with manageable waits but not a whole lot.
What do you guys like to do at DCA while waiting between LL windows? It will be me, my wife and 2 boys (13 and 10) so anything Avengers will be enjoyed by the boys.

 

[Wedgeout]

Still have places like the Disney Jr dance party, Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy, and Sorcerers Workshop or just spend the time snacking, walking the stores, and watching the entertainment. I’d still be doing the other non LL rides too during that time.

 

[dieumeye]

Animation Academy.

Experiencing the various character shows at Avengers Campus.

Enjoy moving at a more leisurely pace instead of rushing to the next thing.

 

[shosh1530]

There are numerous small shows happening on Avenger's Campus that you can watch. On our last trip, we enjoyed hanging outside of Pym's for a bit and must watching it all. There is also the Redwook Creek Challenge, Animation Academy, and Mickey's Philharmagic. My 10 year old also enjoyed walking around and doing all the photo pass stuff.

Sounds like you'll be there during Food & Wine as well. I've never done that, but I believe there are some activities and of course food/drink booths.

But there is no rule that you have to hop just because you have a park hopper. Depending on how much you get done that first morning/afternoon, you could decide if you need more DCA time or if you just want focus your last day on DL. You can also do a shorter hop just for dining or one or two last rides you missed, but not stay the whole afternoon.

 

[DLgal]

I'd recommend the Redwood Creek challenge trail. It's really fun, but make sure everyone is wearing close toed athletic shoes. You can easily kill an hour in here.

If you are drinkers, try some of the various beers, Wine, or Mixed drinks around at the different counter service bars (Hollywood Lounge, Bayside Brews, Sonoma Terrace, Mendocino Terrace, Lamplight Lounge walk up outdoor seating, etc). We will frequently grab some drinks and sit at a table and just chill while we let the kids have some downtime on their phones playing games or watching videos. There are lots of really nice spots with tables to rest/recharge. If you don't drink, ice cream break at Ghirardelli.

Don't overlook the rides around the water. The Fun Wheel is a great time killer with awesome views, and if you are daring, ride a swinging gondola. Your boys will love the Silly Symphony Swings. The Golden Zephyr is fun for everyone as well. Not all the rides have LL. Don't forget about the ones that don't (like the other 2 rides in Carsland).

You can go into the Grand Californian from inside DCA just to look around/explore. Anyone can use that entrance. It's a really nice hotel with a great lobby.

You can enjoy the live music at Paradise Gardens or Carthay Circle area. There is always afternoon entertainment in these areas.

You can do a drawing class at the Animation Academy and check out the other activities in there.

There is quite a lot to "do" at DCA that doesn't include LL rides.

 

[Wilcojoe]

I'd recommend the Redwood Creek challenge trail. It's really fun, but make sure everyone is wearing close toed athletic shoes. You can easily kill an hour in here.

If you are drinkers, try some of the various beers, Wine, or Mixed drinks around at the different counter service bars (Hollywood Lounge, Bayside Brews, Sonoma Terrace, Mendocino Terrace, Lamplight Lounge walk up outdoor seating, etc). We will frequently grab some drinks and sit at a table and just chill while we let the kids have some downtime on their phones playing games or watching videos. There are lots of really nice spots with tables to rest/recharge. If you don't drink, ice cream break at Ghirardelli.

Don't overlook the rides around the water. The Fun Wheel is a great time killer with awesome views, and if you are daring, ride a swinging gondola. Your boys will love the Silly Symphony Swings. The Golden Zephyr is fun for everyone as well. Not all the rides have LL. Don't forget about the ones that don't (like the other 2 rides in Carsland).

You can go into the Grand Californian from inside DCA just to look around/explore. Anyone can use that entrance. It's a really nice hotel with a great lobby.

You can enjoy the live music at Paradise Gardens or Carthay Circle area. There is always afternoon entertainment in these areas.

You can do a drawing class at the Animation Academy and check out the other activities in there.

There is quite a lot to "do" at DCA that doesn't include LL rides.

This is awesome! And yes we are drinkers, so we will totally do that!

 

[Ladyslug]

Don't overlook the rides around the water. The Fun Wheel is a great time killer with awesome views, and if you are daring, ride a swinging gondola. Your boys will love the Silly Symphony Swings. The Golden Zephyr is fun for everyone as well. Not all the rides have LL. Don't forget about the ones that don't (like the other 2 rides in Carsland).

Agreed -- I could ride Mater all day. And the last time we were there we got drinks from Pym's Tasting Lab and hung out (standing up at a high top table with no chairs) across the way next to the Avengers Headquarters building. We sipped our drinks while watching Shang-Chi, Black Widow, Captain America, Loki, Thor, Gamora, Star-Lord, and the Dora Milaje pass by (and chat, and fight villains).

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I truly love DCA. I feel like you have to explore it a bit and go off the beaten path to really know and appreciate it. It’s so much more than rides.

 

[superdeluxe]

So we’re heading down the final stretch for our trip next week and I am struggling with one thing as I study the wait times on the app. The LL return times for DCA in the afternoon are so much further apart than at DL. I just don’t see how spending two afternoons and one morning (we have hoppers for 3 days) at DCA will be as enjoyable as DL, with such long breaks between LL times. Sure there are some standby rides we can do with manageable waits but not a whole lot.
What do you guys like to do at DCA while waiting between LL windows? It will be me, my wife and 2 boys (13 and 10) so anything Avengers will be enjoyed by the boys.

honestly we used the afternoon window between the park hopper switch for our midday rest/lunch/pool. And head back to the parks around 4:30pm

 

[Wilcojoe]

Tha

honestly we used the afternoon window between the park hopper switch for our midday rest/lunch/pool. And head back to the parks around 4:30pm

That’s our plan as well since we will be at the DLH. It’s just that this week crowd levels were around an 8 and the later afternoon and evening LL return lines were very far apart as I studied the app. I don’t expect next week to be much different. The Touring Plan crowd calendars are abysmal with their predictions. With the start of the Food and Wine festival, reopening of Splash and the Monorail and the last week of POTC before an extended closure, I am expecting our visit next week to be very busy.

 

[Pluto468]

Redwood Creek Challenge is great and so unlike anything else in the parks. My kids loved Animation academy.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I find DCA to actually be a great place to just hang out. Avenger's Campus is an amazing place to watch characters perform and interact. Of course, I'm also just happy grabbing some ice cream and watching Incredicoaster take off over and over again. There's all this movement and beauty in the little things.

 

[mouschievous]

I find DCA to actually be a great place to just hang out. Avenger's Campus is an amazing place to watch characters perform and interact. Of course, I'm also just happy grabbing some ice cream and watching Incredicoaster take off over and over again. There's all this movement and beauty in the little things.

That's what my FIL loves to do! He also is known to nap on the benches while people watching

 

[chezcurrie]

At 13 and 10 if your boys are responsible and you‘re comfortable they could also do standby for a repeat ride while you and your wife grab a tasting flight from one of the marketplace booths nearby and chill. My 12 year old felt super special when I let him ride Matterhorn by himself using single rider. He even held my hand that evening the entire walk out of the park, say what!?!

Also Sonoma Terrace is a nice spot for some downtime where you can grab some drinks and the boys can chill (on their devices if applicable). Definitely check out the Grand Californian. You can grab a bite at the grill or craftsman bar if you need a park break.

At your boys ages don’t forget about late night in the parks. Some of my best memories from our December trip (during a busy week) were when my eldest two and I closed down the park and hit every ride they wanted to ride again, save for ROTR.

Enjoy!!!

 

[superdeluxe]

Tha

That’s our plan as well since we will be at the DLH. It’s just that this week crowd levels were around an 8 and the later afternoon and evening LL return lines were very far apart as I studied the app. I don’t expect next week to be much different. The Touring Plan crowd calendars are abysmal with their predictions. With the start of the Food and Wine festival, reopening of Splash and the Monorail and the last week of POTC before an extended closure, I am expecting our visit next week to be very busy.

Oh yeah Tuesday had like a 5/6 on touring plans but it was PACKED. Like standby for guardians was 90 minutes. It was nuts

 

[Kit Jackson]

Depending on what your budget is, consider killing time at the California Food and Wine Festival. There are special food and drinks you can only get at the festival. There are also limited edition souvenirs, and fun artwork. Not sure if any of that would appeal to you and your boys, but it's a thought.

 

[pokee99]

I find DCA to actually be a great place to just hang out. Avenger's Campus is an amazing place to watch characters perform and interact. Of course, I'm also just happy grabbing some ice cream and watching Incredicoaster take off over and over again. There's all this movement and beauty in the little things.

There's something to be said for just enjoying the park environment. There's so much attention to detail all around you that likely goes unnoticed because of everyone being so focused on lines, orders, reservations, crowds, etc!

We arrive for our first day late afternoon at DCA this Saturday and we're just going to float around for several hours until closing. Hoping to get some late night standbys at both parks!

 

[Kit Jackson]

Maybe look online and see if there are fun scavenger hunts, hidden mickeys to search for, or details that most people don't see.