Non-Ride Experiences in both parks?

[JJ2017]

I'm leaning towards no MP for our first half day in the parks. Won't arrive until 2:00 or 3:00 and it will be Easter Sunday. We will having a dining package for F! that night. We will also use this day to apply for DAS pass and maybe set up some rides with that.

On our last trip to WDW, kids loved doing some non-ride things at MK (such as Tom Sawyer's Island).

Can you guys help me build a list of those types of experiences at DLR?

Tom Sawyers Island
Tree House
Tiki Room
Shows/Parades.....(???)
Philharmagic (exactly the same as WDW?)
Crockett Canoes (what is this?)
Easter Egg Hunt
Blue vs Green Milk
Creature Scavenger Hunt
DCA Food and Wine Events - maybe the Jr. Chef
Meet and Greets?
Any rides have typically low wait times no matter what the crowds are like?

Thanks!

 

[katyringo]

Winnie the pooh usually has a low wait time and littler mermaid in DCA. Also some of the cars land rides (Not racers).

 

[JJ2017]

I just researched a couple more: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Animation Academy (how does this one work? Ok for a 7 and 9 year old?))

 

[cruisehopeful]

Any rides have typically low wait times no matter what the crowds are like?

Even the least ridden rides can get really long wait times on super crowded days. Those are the days when we will ride any of the Main Street vehicles, Pinocchio, walk through Toontown, Tarzan's Treehouse in DL and stuff like Jumping Jellyfish in DCA. Little Mermaid has only had a really long line once when I've been there. It was about a 45 minute wait, which is unbelievably long for that ride. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is one of my favorite rides in DCA and the rare times it has a 40 minute wait, I sometimes wait for it.

I just researched a couple more: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Animation Academy (how does this one work? Ok for a 7 and 9 year old?))

Both are very suitable for those ages. Redwood Creek is enjoyable to walk through at any age and I think would be very fun for 7 and 9 year olds. Animation Academy has several areas to go through and some of the more popular ones will be backed up, but it's definitely a good option for a day when ride lines are too long.

You really won't have time to do all the stuff arriving that late on Easter. I'd prioritize the top 3 things you want to do and just have everything else as a back up. Since you are going to watch Fantasmic that night, I'd probably just plan to spend time in Disneyland.

Davey Crocketts canoes are something that I've always enjoyed, but usually my family refuses to go on it with me. You row around Tom Sawyer's island. It can be very fun, but if you get someone who isn't as coordinated in front of you, they may scoop up water and spill it on you - not on purpose, but it has happened to me before. It's physical work. I think that's the main reason no one in my family wants to do it.

 

[BrianL]

I'll make a list and add details where needed for Non-Ride Attractions.

Disneyland:
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln / Disney Gallery
Main Street Cinema
Tarzan's Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
Shooting Exposition - I think it still takes quarters only so have cash. There should be change machines.
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island - You do have to take the rafts over to this. It's a little different than the WDW one
Royal Theater Storytelling - They do two different shows alternating throughout the day and sometimes music at night here
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough - actual story scenes from Sleeping Beauty - is cool and never crowded
Donald's Boat - Play Area
Mickey & The Magical Map - stage show and in my opinion a can't miss. It has live-miked singers. I love it!
Star Wars Launch Bay - in Tomorrowland - more of a behind the scenes of the movies with meet & greets too

Magic Happens Parade (should be running when you go)
Fantasmic!
Fireworks (I don't know which show will be running at that time - Mix Magic I think is current)

DCA:
Magic of Disney Animation Building:
Animation Academy - this is a drawing class where they teach you to draw one character. It is perfectly appropriate for a 7 & 9 year old. They will give you paper and you can take your art home. There is a board with the characters for each class you can check if you want something specific.

Sorceror's Workshop - This is an exhibit on animation with zoetropes you can play with and some other stuff.
Turtle Take with Crush - Just like at WDW - interactive show.

Disney Junior Dance Party - Show
Mickey's Philharmagic - similar to WDW show but different theater and smaller screen
Frozen: Live at the Hyperion - Great Broadway-esque show!
Bakery Tour - not much of a tour but they give free samples of sourdough bread and it smells amazing!
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - Outdoors themed play area with trails and such

 

[Disney Lvr of Old]

I just researched a couple more: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Animation Academy (how does this one work? Ok for a 7 and 9 year old?))

Animation Academy is wonderful! There are several things to do there. There is an art class where they show you how to draw a character. They post daily who's being drawn in what time slot. There's Beast's library with an interactive display. A section to make a moving cartoon, meet and greet with Frozen and Turtle talk with Crush. My 11yo DS was hesitant the first time we did the character drawing but loved it so much we ended up back there every day of our trip when we wanted to rest. The pictures are free and a great souvenir.

 

[tink89]

In DCA I would do Animation Academy, Philarmagic, Turtle talk, Redwood creek challenge, and squeeze in any low wait time rides.

In DL on our half days i normally just like to walk around each land and take our time exploring in the stores and places like Tom Sawyer, Toon town, the castle, Launch bay. I we see any low wait time rides we get on them or if we see any paper FP we get it too.

 

[JJ2017]

Ah, so I didn't realize there were things to do inside the Animation building. I'll start to research a bit more.

These lists are SO helpful. Wow - thought we'd blow through the parks in a day or so. So much more to do! Maybe we will spend all of Easter Sunday there. Just not sure how the family we are visiting will feel about us bailing on them. Hm.........................

 

[JJ2017]

In DCA I would do Animation Academy, Philarmagic, Turtle talk, Redwood creek challenge, and squeeze in any low wait time rides.

In DL on our half days i normally just like to walk around each land and take our time exploring in the stores and places like Tom Sawyer, Toon town, the castle, Launch bay. I we see any low wait time rides we get on them or if we see any paper FP we get it too.

ha - i've been so focused with the decision of getting MP or not for that first 1/2 day, that i totally forgot that pulling FPs is still a thing. i've never done that before so i'll have to research how that works.

 

[BrianL]

Ah, so I didn't realize there were things to do inside the Animation building. I'll start to research a bit more.

These lists are SO helpful. Wow - thought we'd blow through the parks in a day or so. So much more to do! Maybe we will spend all of Easter Sunday there. Just not sure how the family we are visiting will feel about us bailing on them. Hm.........................

Oh, there is lots to do. DLR has almost as many attractions in 2 parks as WDW has in 4 - everything is just a bit more compact though. Maybe you can see if the people you are visiting want to make a day of it.

 

[JJ2017]

Oh, there is lots to do. DLR has almost as many attractions in 2 parks as WDW has in 4 - everything is just a bit more compact though. Maybe you can see if the people you are visiting want to make a day of it.

oh i'm trying to get them to come! i'd LOVE to see my little 1 1/2 year old niece see disney for the first time. they live 20 minutes away and have NO DESIRE!!!!!

 

[BrianL]

oh i'm trying to get them to come! i'd LOVE to see my little 1 1/2 year old niece see disney for the first time. they live 20 minutes away and have NO DESIRE!!!!!

 

[crystal1313]

My kids are 11 and 10 and LOVE Redwood Creek challenge trail. They played for over two hours last trip in November. =)

 

[tink89]

ha - i've been so focused with the decision of getting MP or not for that first 1/2 day, that i totally forgot that pulling FPs is still a thing. i've never done that before so i'll have to research how that works.

In-Park FASTPASS Distribution Points
You can utilize FASTPASS Distribution points near the entrances of select attractions and entertainment at both parks. FASTPASS selections are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed.

How to Use

1. Look for the Disney FASTPASS Distribution sign near participating attractions or entertainment.
2. Check the return time displayed on this sign.
   • If the return time works for you, insert your valid theme park admission ticket or Annual Passport into the FASTPASS machine.
   • The machine will generate a FASTPASS reminder with your arrival window.
3. When you arrive at the FASTPASS entrance, make sure to scan the same theme park admission ticket or Annual Passport used to make the FASTPASS selection.
4. Access attractions with minimal wait times and enjoy entertainment within a reserved viewing area.

 

[LilyJC]

Another vote for Mickey and the Magical Map! It’s definitely one of our favorite shows, and we love to grab a baked potato from Troubadour Tavern (only open on days the show runs: Friday-Monday).

 

[JJ2017]

In-Park FASTPASS Distribution Points
You can utilize FASTPASS Distribution points near the entrances of select attractions and entertainment at both parks. FASTPASS selections are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed.

How to Use

1. Look for the Disney FASTPASS Distribution sign near participating attractions or entertainment.
2. Check the return time displayed on this sign.
   • If the return time works for you, insert your valid theme park admission ticket or Annual Passport into the FASTPASS machine.
   • The machine will generate a FASTPASS reminder with your arrival window.
3. When you arrive at the FASTPASS entrance, make sure to scan the same theme park admission ticket or Annual Passport used to make the FASTPASS selection.
4. Access attractions with minimal wait times and enjoy entertainment within a reserved viewing area.

Thanks! So is it good advice to first check the app to see what the return times are? Then head over to that attraction to pull the FP?

 

[James G]

I just researched a couple more: Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and Animation Academy (how does this one work? Ok for a 7 and 9 year old?))

These are both perfect for a 7 & 9 year old.

 

[crystal1313]

We like to grab Dole whips at Tropical hideaway and try to get a table where we can people watch (Usually near the exit to Tiki Room.)

 

[SeattleTink]

The dueling piano show at the Golden Horseshoe Review looks like lots of fun!

 

[Raech]

The pirate fortune booth and the Gypsy one are free one a day for 3 days ( do both in same day even) with the Disneyland play app.