How to make the most out of DCA

[RunnerMom71]

Knick Knack is the store! My sister confirmed she got a custom poster of Ratatouille

 

[Kit Jackson]

Apologies because I know this is slightly off topic, but since we were talking about the custom art at Knick Knack I thought I'd mention that through the other gate at Disneyland, Off the Page offers the same service. It is the same process for the custom sketch. If you want a sketch at DCA, Knick Knack is the place to go. If you're in Disneyland for the day, Off the Page is the other place.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Apologies because I know this is slightly off topic, but since we were talking about the custom art at Knick Knack I thought I'd mention that through the other gate at Disneyland, Off the Page offers the same service. It is the same process for the custom sketch. If you want a sketch at DCA, Knick Knack is the place to go. If you're in Disneyland for the day, Off the Page is the other place.

Off the Page is also at DCA.

I think you can get them at Disneyana on the DL side.

 

[wisheruponstars]

Off the Page is also at DCA.

I think you can get them at Disneyana on the DL side.

Oh I love off the page. Like 3 years ago when I went they had these beautiful little boxes of scenes from Disney movies. And they would light up too, I think. My favorite was a beauty and the beast one, where it was the moment they were dancing. I'm not sure if they have these anymore, but they also had sketches too, and they had someone who could create a custom sketch as well.
I've never tried knick knacks but from what I'm hearing it's the same

 

[BayGirl22]

We always fill a full day at DCA, and usually go back for a second time. Even if your kids are teenagers they probably grew up i the Cars era and Carsland is so immersive it can't be missed. Like others said, do Racers, but also do Maters. We like to eat at Flo's cafe and watch racers for breakfast or dinner/drinks, although I think the menu is a bit light right now so check that in advance.
Of course Avengers campus. On Pixar Pier the Incredicoaster is worth going to, and I think everyone likes Toy Story, its like playing a video game. Grizly River Run and Soarin. There's a whole outdoor trail over there that could be a fun place to rest, if they are the outdoorsy types.
No shortage of things to do even though the park seems smaller.

 

[wisheruponstars]

We always fill a full day at DCA, and usually go back for a second time. Even if your kids are teenagers they probably grew up i the Cars era and Carsland is so immersive it can't be missed. Like others said, do Racers, but also do Maters. We like to eat at Flo's cafe and watch racers for breakfast or dinner/drinks, although I think the menu is a bit light right now so check that in advance.
Of course Avengers campus. On Pixar Pier the Incredicoaster is worth going to, and I think everyone likes Toy Story, its like playing a video game. Grizly River Run and Soarin. There's a whole outdoor trail over there that could be a fun place to rest, if they are the outdoorsy types.
No shortage of things to do even though the park seems smaller.

So Flo's is pretty good for breakfast? I have to admit I've never eaten breakfast at any amusement park I've been too, we usually try and eat before we leave the house. But everyone is suggesting we try and get there for rope drop so we might have to do breakfast there.

Is there any Starbucks coffee? I know there's one in Downtown Disney but I was hoping there was one in the park.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Is there any Starbucks coffee? I know there's one in Downtown Disney but I was hoping there was one in the park.

In DCA, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street (near the front of the park)
In Disneyland Park, Market House (on Main Street)

While not named Starbucks, these locations are licensed by Starbucks and are basically Starbucks.

 

[gelatoni fan]

So Flo's is pretty good for breakfast? I have to admit I've never eaten breakfast at any amusement park I've been too, we usually try and eat before we leave the house. But everyone is suggesting we try and get there for rope drop so we might have to do breakfast there.

Is there any Starbucks coffee? I know there's one in Downtown Disney but I was hoping there was one in the park.

I think breakfast at Flo's is OK but not too special. I'm not sure if it's open for breakfast right now. Avengers Campus is right next to Cars Land so you could consider breakfast at Pym's. I've only had lunch there but the food quality is pretty good. I tried breakfast at the Schawarma stand in Avengers Campus and was not impressed with it.

There is Starbucks at the place where Buena Vista Street turns into Grizzly Peak area (on the right as you walk into the park).

 

[cruisehopeful]

So Flo's is pretty good for breakfast? I have to admit I've never eaten breakfast at any amusement park I've been too, we usually try and eat before we leave the house.

Flos is not currently serving breakfast. Back when they did, I ate there a couple times and didn't see the attraction. Maybe it's the atmosphere, but to me the breakfast was a very small step up from a fast food breakfast.

 

[BayGirl22]

I don't think Flo's breakfast is earth shattering, its more about the atmosphere. We would do rope drop, ride RSR and the other 2 Carsland rides, then mobile order breakfast from Flo's and eat while taking a rest. It was fast food breakfast level but not "bad".
Now I'm hearing the Shwarma cart in Avengers campus serves breakfasts well as Pyms, so you could do the same thing by wandering over there right after your rope drop rides.
Here's a good video by Ryno - in fact I'd check out most of the recent DIS reviews of DL, they are a lot of fun IMO.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Flos is not currently serving breakfast. Back when they did, I ate there a couple times and didn't see the attraction. Maybe it's the atmosphere, but to me the breakfast was a very small step up from a fast food breakfast.

Agreed. The atmosphere is gorgeous, but the breakfast is very meh. The eggs are most certainly powdered, which is a huge deal breaker for me. Although, I'm usually not very hungry in the morning so I'm pretty happy with just a coffee and protein bar until I can get an early lunch (after multiple attractions)!

 

[wisheruponstars]

So is there other places people would recommend for breakfast? I doesn't have to be sit down, I'm fine with grabbing something quick and eating in line? Has anyone tried breakfast at Pym's?

 

[BayGirl22]

So is there other places people would recommend for breakfast? I doesn't have to be sit down, I'm fine with grabbing something quick and eating in line? Has anyone tried breakfast at Pym's?

The two videos I posted above cover breakfast at Pyms and Shwarma cart.

 

[tjcrabb]

I love having dinner at Lamplight Lounge overlooking Pixar Pier or of course Carthay Circle.

What a fabulous idea. Lamplight Lounge would be beautiful at night.

Oh I love off the page. Like 3 years ago when I went they had these beautiful little boxes of scenes from Disney movies. And they would light up too, I think. My favorite was a beauty and the beast one, where it was the moment they were dancing. I'm not sure if they have these anymore, but they also had sketches too, and they had someone who could create a custom sketch as well.
I've never tried knick knacks but from what I'm hearing it's the same

I think you are talking about Gallery of Light by Bob Olszewski. They are absolutely amazing. I would love to own all of the HM ones and more.
http://www.olszewskistudios.com/GalleryofLight.php

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I love DCA. I’m excited to explore Avengers Campus as I haven’t been there yet. My usual route through DCA is Incredicoaster first, then wherever my whim takes me. Definately RSR day and night, as well as Incredicoaster day and night. Guardians at least twice. Sh-boom is lovely. I love to find good food and fun photo ops too. Soarin is a nice break from the heat as is Ariel. My teenagers love all the things though.

I’m so excited to explore AC when I go next month.

 

[cruisehopeful]

So is there other places people would recommend for breakfast? I doesn't have to be sit down, I'm fine with grabbing something quick and eating in line? Has anyone tried breakfast at Pym's?

For a grab and go breakfast, I go to Starbucks (Fiddler, Fiffer and Practical Cafe). Also, the various fruit carts/corners often have fruit, hummus, hard boiled eggs and chips.

 

[wisheruponstars]

I'm going to DCA tomorrow. Any last minute tips??

 

[twodogs]

Check out Cozy Cones, which has different "cone" food stands with things from popcorn, to Mac and Cheese (our FAVE), to ice cream cones to churros. Something for all! My kids also love to get a sundae or other treat at Ghiradelli's. There is also a snow cone type of place in the gift shop right where you enter the line for RSR if they are into that.

My teens LOVE the animation academy for a nice cool off break.

All the ride advice above it spot-on, and make a special note of the recommendation for Single Rider at RSR. The kids may want to all ride together the first time (which is hopefully right at rope drop for you) but then will immediately want to ride it 10 more times (and the line will be 60 minutes!). So if they don't mind splitting up, they can do SR and it is often zero wait at all!

My teens like the french toast at Pym's if you are still looking for breakfast. Make sure you Mobile Order any time you can for food or even just drinks, saves tons of time!

Have fun!!!

 

[wisheruponstars]

The animation academy is that where they have a drawing lesson? I think someone mentioned that the post which characters they're going to draw, right?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

The animation academy is that where they have a drawing lesson? I think someone mentioned that the post which characters they're going to draw, right?

Yeah, there’s a schedule. It’s usually inside the building on the left (from where you enter). A few times lately, it’s been outside, which is nice, but it was back inside on Sunday. We drew Lightning McQueen, who was new!