Tell Me About DCA

[bouncy54]

I've been to this park a couple of times, but have never spent a whole day there. The plan is to visit DCA on Monday, August 31st. Park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If we're up to it, we'll hop over to DL after DCA closes.

BTW: We have 5-day park hoppers so should be able to fit a whole day at DCA...right? Our vacation dates are Sat. Aug 31st - we go home Sunday, Sept. 6th.

So..Are there any small attractions at DCA that people tend to miss? I know about the Tortilla Factory (haven't ever been there) but not much else. Do you really get a free tortilla?

I caught a glimpse of a street act the last time we were there..they were singing "My Girl" A capella. Would love to see their entire act. Are they on the schedule? Does anyone know their name? Are there any other little surprises like them in the park?

We plan on seeing Aladdin on the day we arrive...Saturday, August 29th. We've never been to this show because the schedule kept changing on us the last time we were there and and so missed out on it. We've never seen Crush or Toy Mania either so there will be some new experiences for us.

Any hints & suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks..

 

[PinkBudgie]

Don't miss the Pixar Play parade! And the Monsters Inc ride is sort of out of the way, but full of cute details. Not to be missed. Visit the rest of the Animation building where Crush is. See the Zoetrope there. (Hope I spelled that right! )

Whitewater Snacks is in the CGH and is very near the park entrance to the hotel. Just turn left at the end of the hall. I think you get the most bang for your buck there and it is always very uncrowded and peaceful there. It is a great place to have lunch.

Have your picture taken with Mater and L.McQueen and also in a bag of fish on the pier.

 

[bouncy54]

PinkBudgie: A Bag Of Fish on the pier?

 

[DangerMouse]

I agree with Pink about Animation Studios and WWS.

Personally, I love the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area. It's got lots of ropes/nets and things to climb on for the kids, and gives the parents a chance to rest in the shade and listen to the awesome music they pipe in back there. Also, I believe PUSH the trashcan hangs out back in that area. He is always so much fun to interact with.

I like to check with the attendant at the door of the tortilla factory to see what kind of tortillas are being made. We only go in for the tour ("Maseca!") and free tortilla if they are making flour.

Have fun!

 

[blue donkey]

Have you read HydroGuy's tips in the stickies? His tips are just FAB! If you want, you could go to DCA in the afternoons when its most crowded at DL like he recommends (especially since you're going over labor day weekend). You'd definitely be able to fit all of DCA in the course of 5 days, even with just the afternoon hours.

I like Heimlich's Chew-Chew Train. It's hokey but so cute! And yes, you do get a free tortilla at the end of the factory. Plus, if it's your b-day, they'll give you a whole bag. They also give you a small sample of sourdough bread at Boudin's but the presentation isn't as interesting, IMO. Yes, definitely go to TSMM. it. It's my fav with Soaring a close 2nd.

Sorry I don't know about the singers but the CM seem to always to be able find out for you, just by talking on their communicators. It's somehow connects them to the wealth of knowledge .

 

[bouncy54]

DangerMouse: We only have one youngster going with us...my 6yo grandson, but he'll be with his Mom & Dad. Don't plan on doing any babysitting this time. Time for hubby & me to enjoy ourselves.

Re: Tortilla Factory - they make different kinds of tortillas? Is it just the luck of the draw what kind they're making and which kind they give a sample?

Do you know if that street group who sings A cappela is still at DCA?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

PinkBudgie: A Bag Of Fish on the pier?

Here is the bag of fish :

 

[Albort]

FYI, starting August 25th, the Pixar Play Parade will only go from Sunshine Plaza Gate --> Mission Tortilla Gate.

Please plan your trips accordingly...

 

[PinkBudgie]

Here is the bag of fish :

Yep, that's the one! I should have said a net. Anyway, you have to take a picture there!

On a side note- we noticed the tide goes up and down at that spot. We were watching the Electrical parade from the railing there and some ducks were sitting on the rocks. We noticed the water level rising and the ducks had to find somewhere else to sleep because the rocks soon were underwater!

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

On a side note- we noticed the tide goes up and down at that spot. We were watching the Electrical parade from the railing there and some ducks were sitting on the rocks. We noticed the water level rising and the ducks had to find somewhere else to sleep because the rocks soon were underwater!

Those little touches are what make me want to go back to DLR again, and again, and again. And again. I hadn't heard of this one before and now I want to linger and watch it myself.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Those little touches are what make me want to go back to DLR again, and again, and again. And again. I hadn't heard of this one before and now I want to linger and watch it myself.

Now all they need are the sealions!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

FYI, starting August 25th, the Pixar Play Parade will only go from Sunshine Plaza Gate --> Mission Tortilla Gate.

Please plan your trips accordingly...

Does that mean it won't go by WCT?

 

[Albort]

Does that mean it won't go by WCT?

whats WCT?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

whats WCT?

Wine Country Trattoria.

 

[DangerMouse]

whats WCT?

Wine Country Trattoria.

WCT is before the Mission Tortilla Factory, so I'm sure the parade will still pass right by.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

From the map it looks like Wine country trattoria is just past the turn to the Mission Tortilla facory when coming from sunshine plaza. But it's hard to tell, I'm not familiar with DCA enough to know for sure. But need to know if my ressies are pointless or not.

 

[Albort]

Wine Country Trattoria.

WCT is before the Mission Tortilla Factory, so I'm sure the parade will still pass right by.

well, just a small part of it will be seen... :| but it wont pass entirely...

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

well, just a small part of it will be seen... :| but it wont pass entirely...

That's what I was afraid of....I guess I can just cancel and find seating the old fashion way...THANKS!! At least I know now, and not mid-meal.

 

[pixiewings71]

I don't get the whole "let's spend 1 day in DCA" thing, we have APs and EVERY trip we go to both parks.....why wouldn't you hop every day? DL gets really crowded, DCA not as much, DCA has great rides that you'll want to do more than once, just hop, the parks are sooooooooooooooooo close to each that it's really not a big deal at all. JMHO

Our faves are ToT, Soarin', TSMM, Screamin' and the Aladdin show, we also love the Animation Academy. Have a great time!!