Overlooked Disney Gems/things to do

[Had2stopLurking]

Ours is the Flag Retreat. We make sure to attend it daily. It is truly wonderful to watch (especially when you have a lot of vets/current military surrounding the flagpole when their division is called out).

If you've never attended, I highly recommend it. Especially on the weekends, as it gets a larger crowd.

Anyone have any other hidden gems?

 

[IBLarsen]

One of our favorite things is to sit and listen to the Disneyland Band. Our first trip we happened to be walking by as they were setting up, so we sat down to watch and my dd (3) just danced and danced to the music. That day not many people stopped to listen to the music, but for us it was a nice break and we just really soaked up the atmosphere. Not something I would have planned to do, but I'm sure glad we did and will plan to do so from now on.

 

[thmar]

We love the serenity of Snow White's wishing well.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Musical chairs with the Mad Hatter and Alice (and sometimes Peter Pan) at Coke Corner - my DD loves doing this!

Also, the Animation Academy - lots of cool stuff to do there.

 

[FlameGirl]

Also, the Animation Academy - lots of cool stuff to do there.

Totally agree...last time we were there, my daughter and I did the drawing lesson four times in a row. Such a nice way to take a break from the crowds and recharge.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Enjoy magic tricks being performed up close and for a small number of guests in the Magic Shop.

I truly have spent hours at DL and never left Main Street.

- Dreams

 

[jlmarr]

During summer (till about mid-August) the All American College Band plays at DL. It's a band assembled each summer from top players from marching bands around the country. At each performance they make it a point to introduce each player and announce what school they're from. Some great music, Disney and otherwise, e.g. Tower of Power, Chicago, and Earth Wind & Fire.

 

[jimreuter]

Don't miss Farley The Fiddler. He plays on the front porch of the Davy Crockett Pioneer Mercantile (on the left as you enter Frontierland). He is usually there Monday - Friday, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30.

 

[Podgieree]

We love the serenity of Snow White's wishing well.

I'm with you! I love it. So many times I have felt that I have a little part of the park all to myself. Ahhhh......

 

[S. S. Columbia]

We love the serenity of Snow White's wishing well.

Me too.

I like to drop a few coins in Snow White's wishing well, and see Snow White's grotto (link).

 

[jlmarr]

Don't forget the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. It was gone for so long people might have forgotten about it.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Ours is the Flag Retreat. We make sure to attend it daily. It is truly wonderful to watch (especially when you have a lot of vets/current military surrounding the flagpole when their division is called out).

If you've never attended, I highly recommend it. Especially on the weekends, as it gets a larger crowd.

Anyone have any other hidden gems?

Totally agree with you. I well up with tears every time I watch and listen to it. For some reason my DD10 doesn't like it (I think it's the standing around) so most of the time when we are walking by and it's time to start, we hurry by. But, if we come into the plaza when it's already started we always stop, stand, and watch.

I like to watch DD10 playing in the Redwood Creek Challenge-she loves it (especially the Smoke Jumpers) and it's a nice break in the day. Also, I enjoy sitting and waiting for her to come of off GRR listening to the hillybilly band (when I don't ride with her). Single rider line doesn't take too long.

Second Animation Courtyard. Love the drawing class and sometimes just sitting on the benches while the Disney music and animation swirls around you. Really great on hot or rainy days.

Ditto Snow White Grotto-great photo location as well.

Pirate's Lair. Loved it as Tom Sawyer's Island and love the changes they made. Fun place for the kids to burn off some energy.

 

[thmar]

Don't forget the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. It was gone for so long people might have forgotten about it.

Oh yes, the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthough is another great place. I love the new additions. I also definately agree with Dizneydaz, Tom Sawyer's Island Pirate Liar is a must. Also do not miss "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" ...AWESOME!!

 

[Ride Junkie]

What / where is the flag retreat? I'm embarrassed to say that I've been going to Disneyland since around 1975 (I'm in CA) and have never even heard of this! How could I have missed it all these years?

 

[DLtorgo]

The daily time is on the schedule they give with the map. It is when they retire the flag for the evening. The band is there and they honor any vetrans present. It is right by the flagpole right at the entrance past the tunnel.

 

[l’amore bella]

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure is a hidden gem in my opinion. You really feel like you're in a national park.

 

[DizMe]

Port wine & chocolate tasting at DCA!! So fun!!

 

[WheresTheLove]

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure is a hidden gem in my opinion. You really feel like you're in a national park.

Port wine & chocolate tasting at DCA!! So fun!!

I've never checked out either of these things, but I'm marking it down on my list of things to do for my next trip!

 

[jlmarr]

The Toy Story Zoetrope in DCA's Animation Building. Amazing demonstration of animation, in (real) 3D!

 

[DizMe]

The Toy Story Zoetrope in DCA's Animation Building. Amazing demonstration of animation, in (real) 3D!

Oh, yeah!! That's one of my favorites, too.