The Disneyland No Rides/No Queues/No Stress Anti-Touring Plan

[S. S. Columbia]

Seth Kubersky from the Unofficial Guide posted the following onto Twitter.

He calls it "The Disneyland No Rides/No Queues/No Stress Anti-Touring Plan."

He's planning to include it in the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2013.

This is a welcome departure for the Unofficial Guide. They're usually very "Rush Rush Rush."

Here's the sneak peak.

Last week, I posted a comparison of Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train, suggesting
that most guests will only include one or the other on their touring plan. That elicited feedback from a reader
(ok, Tom Bricker) decrying the concept of choosing between two great attractions in the name of “efficiency.”

I happen to agree. I believe that the best judge of how good an experience you had at Disneyland can’t be counted
in the number of attractions you ride. That’s why I’m adding a new “No Rides/No Queues/No Stress Anti-Touring
Plan” to the 2013 edition of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland.

The following is a sneak peak of my introduction to this new tour, which flies in the face of our famous time-saving
plans, but may appeal to other guests of a more laid-back nature:

Most of our readers are interested in touring plans get them through as many attractions as possible
in the most efficient manner. But, like the authors, some you may have siblings, spouses, or other companions
who are congenitally opposed to queuing for anything clanking or claustrophobic. What can Disney do to
occupy your Aunt Gertie, who is dead-set against standing in a line, or sitting in anything with a lap bar?

At almost any other theme park, you would be out of luck. But Disneyland Park is one of the few places where you
can experience a full day of entertainment without getting on a ride faster than the railroad, and without waiting
more than fifteen minutes or so, even during the busiest season.

Yes, you can get your money’s worth at Disneyland without sprinting to Space Mountain or spinning in a teacup.
You just have to adjust your expectation of what constitutes an attraction. (There are a handful of sedate
activities available at Disney California Adventure, like Disney Animation, the winery, and the bakery tour,
but not enough to justify a full-price pass.)

Since this “anti-plan” is designed to eliminate stress, there is no strict order to follow the steps in, nor instructions to
arrive before rope drop (though it doesn’t hurt). Simply tour the park as your feet take you, skipping any suggested
experiences that don’t interest you. If there is more than a 15 to 20 minute wait for anything you want to do, simply
move along and check back later. Most importantly, take a break after four or five hours and leave the park for a
nap, meal, or swim. The key is to take your time and (literally) stop to smell the roses.

- Seth Kubersky (Part 1 of 4) (April 23, 2012)

Earlier this week, I introduced Part 1 of our new Disneyland touring plan that aims to take the stress of
standing in lines or sitting on rides out of the equation. Though it may not be many guests’ idea of a day in a
theme park, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a full day of low-impact fun at Disneyland without experiencing
any of the attractions most people associate with a visit.

Here is the first part of the plan. It focuses on Main Street USA, a land most guests hurry through, but which holds
the lion’s share of the park’s stress-free entertainment.

Main Street USA

• Ride one of the vintage vehicles up Main Street to the hub, then take a different one back.
  
• Look at the memorabilia in the Main Street train station, then ride the rails for a round trip or two around the park.
  
• Explore the Disney Gallery’s rotating art exhibit inside the old Bank of Main Street.
  
• See Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, arriving early enough to see the Steve Martin pre-show and examine the lobby’s
  historical Disneyland models.
  
• Check out the Emporium’s animated window displays, and the elevated manequine vignettes inside.
  
• Watch the classic short films inside the Main Street Cinema.
  
• Grab a cup of coffee from the Market House, and save your receipt for free same-day refills. Snoop on the antique party
  line telephones, then sit outside at a table on Center Street, listening to the amusing sounds emanating from the windows above.
  
• Put some spare change in the primitive 3-D movie viewers in the Penny Arcade.
  
• Watch the chefs in the candy store whip up a batch of sweets.
  
• Catch a performance or three of the Dapper Dans, Main Street Marching band, or Coke Corner ragtime pianist. The daily flag
  retreat ceremony is not to be missed.
  
• Try to identify the names of Disney Legends and Imagineers honored on Main Street’s windows.
• Stop and watch some artisans work, like the silhouette cutters, glass sculptors, and watch painters.
  
• Ask the prestidigitators at the Magic Shop to demonstrate some tricks for you, and stare at the creepy optical illusion
  in the window.
  
• Sit in the chairs on the porch, on the right side of the street next to the silhouette shop.
  
• Take a picture with the Partners statue in the central hub, and appreciate the surrounding flora and fauna.

- Seth Kubersky (Part 2 of 4) (April 26, 2012)

Earlier, I introduced Part 1 and Part 2 of our new Disneyland touring plan that aims to take the stress of standing
in lines or sitting on rides out of the equation. Though it may not be many guests’ idea of a day in a theme park,
it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a full day of low-impact fun at Disneyland without experiencing any of the attractions
most people associate with a visit.

Here is the next part of the plan. It focuses on the west side of the park, which features some of Disneyland’s most
inviting corners to hide from the crowds.

Adventureland

• See the Enchanted Tiki Room, arriving in time to buy a Dole Whip and watch the preshow video.
• Jungle Cruise is gentle fun if the line isn’t long.
• If stairs aren’t an issue, climb Tarzan’s Treehouse, or at least enter through the exit and watch the kids going wild
  on the playground.
• Consider walking through the Indiana Jones queue at least once, even if you aren’t interested in riding; it’s an
  impressive (if exhausting) example of scenic design. When the wait is posted over 15 minutes, get a Fastpass to
  skip the boring exterior line. Before you climb the stairs near the loading bay, you can simply tell a cast member
  that you want to exit. If you are brave but impatient, Indy’s single rider line often has little to no wait.

New Orleans Square

• Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean both move guests through quickly even on busy days, and neither
  is likely to disturb any but the most delicate constitutions.
  
• Seek out the jazz and pirate bands that play in the area.
  
• Poke around the lovingly detailed alleyways around the Pirates of the Caribbean exit.
  
• Sit outside at Cafe Orleans with a plate of pommes frites and watch the crowds go by.

Critter Country

• Stand on the bridge near Splash Mountain and watch riders take the plunge. If you dare to get damp, the single
  rider wait is usually bearable.
• Feed the ducks from the porch behind the Hungry Bear restaurant.

Frontierland

• Take a raft to Tom Sawyer Island and explore the fort and caves (watch your head!).
• Sail on the Sailing Ship Columbia, Mark Twain, or both. You can usually step on board just before departure time
  without standing in line, or board early for the best seat at the top front.
• Don’t miss Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe. Show up early to grab a box seat and some chili.
  If the Billys have the day off, the Laughing Stock comics are a fun diversion.
• Get to know the pigmy goats, pardoned turkeys, and other animals at the Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo, and
  explore the decor inside Miss Chris’s cabin.
• Look for the petrified tree that was an anniversary gift from Walt to his wife; she donated it to the park. Also try to
  spot the jumping fish and railroad tunnel remains from Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, across from Big
  Thunder Mountain.
• Pump some quarters into the Frontierland shooting gallery.
• Walk through the Rancho del Zocalo patio, especially when decorated for Dia de Los Muertos.

- Seth Kubersky (Part 3 of 4) (April 30, 2012)

By now, you’ve hopefully seen Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of our new Disneyland touring plan that aims to
take the stress of standing in lines or sitting on rides out of the equation. Though it may not be many guests’
idea of a day in a theme park, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a full day of low-impact fun at Disneyland without
experiencing any of the attractions most people associate with a visit. Here is the final part of the plan. It
focuses on the east side of the park. Despite the density of rides between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, you
can still find plenty of queue-free pastimes.

Fantasyland

• Walk up the stairs to see the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough, or watch the alternative experience video.
• Toss a wish into Snow White’s well that's near the castle, and gaze at her grotto of handcrafted sculptures.
• Cruise the Storybook Land canals or it’s a small world if the lines are short.
• Try on some mouse ears in the Mad Hatter chapeau shop.
• Take a break with a vendor treat (like an ear of corn) on the benches at the old motor boat dock across from the Matterhorn.
• Stick your head in the Fantasy Faire* if a show is scheduled, but don’t bother with the massive queue to meet a princess. (* coming in 2013)
• The elevated mall near it’s a small world is a convenient spot to stand for the parade or video projection show.

Mickey’s Toontown

• Play with the interactive doodads dotted around the building facades.
• Take a tour of Mickey and Minnie’s homes, but bail on the meet & greet if the line is out the door.
• Walk though the cleverly decorated children’s playgrounds, being wary of bouncing babes.

Tomorrowland

• Take the monorail to Downtown Disney for a bite or a drink, then return (remember your park ticket!).
• Watch young padawans battle Sith Lords on Tomorrowland Terrace in the Jedi Training Academy show. Check the schedule for other entertainment on this stage.
• Explore both levels of the Innoventions building, leaving time to take in the Asimo robot demonstration upstairs.
• Experience Captain EO if you can endure the rock-concert volume. Ask for a non-moving seat in the back to avoid bouncing.
• The line for Buzz Lightyear moves swiftly, and almost everyone of all ages loves it.
• Browse the unique Star Wars merchandise in Star Traders with a life-sized X-Wing overhead.
• Search for imaginatively groomed edible plants along the Tomorrowland walkways.

That concludes this Disneyland anti-touring plan. Did you find it helpful? What else do you think should be included? What other parks
do you think could sustain a similar plan? Please let us know in the comments!

- Seth Kubersky (Part 4 of 4) (May 7, 2012)

Here are the four (4) original posts that were posted on Twitter:

http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...sno-queuesno-stress-anti-touring-plan-part-1/

http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...sno-queuesno-stress-anti-touring-plan-part-2/

http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...sno-queuesno-stress-anti-touring-plan-part-3/

http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...-4/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

HTH

 

[MrsPinup]

We never stand in lines posted as being over 20 minutes That is why they make fast passes...

 

[mysteriouspnai]

Thank you for this post! DBF did most of this on our photo-intensive day. While strolling around DL, take time to ask strolling photopass photographers if they wouldn't mind taking your picture. If there's no line, chances are they're bored and will give you more pictures than normal!

 

[MissMichigan]

What a nifty idea! So many of the things he's pointing out are often overlooked.

 

[Corpsebride]

I absolutely love this thread. Quite a few times we will go for dinner, ride HM and POTC , watch Fantasmic! and then go home. There is so much to see that has little to do with rides. When we really don't feel like walking, we will take Monorail to the Train, get off at NOS, and do our thing there, Hop back on the train, to Tomorrowland, and Monorail back to DTD , then walk to the car in DTD parking if we weren't staying long. We call it Disney Commuting lol! We do love all the nooks, like the Court Des Anges in NOS,~ The Court of Angels, the benches back in the area where you book the tours, near City Hall, it is so quiet and beautiful. The area on TSI near the dock , where you can sit and watch the MTRB go by. Ahhh , cant wait to go back...

 

[Karenann*]

I like a lot of these ideas for when you arrive late in the day (first day in) and just want to experience that magic and be in the parks before your first full day of touring.

 

[lalasmama]

I was at DLR over the weekend. Friday, I got there at 3pm, ate lunch, and rode rode rode every ride in sight. I got to the hotel before the fireworks, and prepared for an early morning. Then I did MM Saturday morning, and stayed until they forced me to leave at some point after midnight (how rude! LOL). I managed to hit every open ride except for 3 in 2 days, riding multiple rides several times. By the time Sunday rolled around, I was in the mood to just chill. Chill at DL, of course, but chill all the same. I think I rode 4-5 rides from opening until I left at 6pm. Otherwise, I just walked around. Marveled at queue themes, watched people get soaked on GRR, watched kids meet their favorite characters, enjoyed tasty treats. Sat down in places I'd never paid attention to on my previous park days. I spent time chatting with other people-watchers. I looked around for penny-presses.

While Saturday holds a special "fun" space in my heart, I have to admit that I enjoyed my chill day just as much.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Welcome to a huge percentage of my Disneyland visits. And I can assure you I have seen details throughout the Park that any FastPass-plotting-ride-scheduling itinerary will never ever include. The magic is truly in the details.

Yes, I truly have spent 3 hours on Main Street, packed full of things to do.

- Dreams

 

[nannyz]

Thank you for doing this. Your ideas will be great for my husband, who can't ride the rides much anymore due to health issues.
We have always enjoyed sitting and watching -- especially the children.
One time we watch a group of children who all had Down's Syndrome. Their joy and happiness brought tears to our eyes. Mr. Disney would have been thrilled.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Grab a cup of coffee from the Market House, and save your receipt for free same-day refills.

he had me till this one...now i cannot trust his judgement

 

[wbl2745]

Oh! I could add so much to the list! I really like Disneyland by myself so I can just take my time doing what I want without someone pushing to do something else. I posted the following on the blog.

Underneath the Hungry Bear Restaurant is another seating area. Walk past all of the tables to a path that eventually leads to some stairs to the upstairs eating and ordering area. Before you get to the stairs there’s a wall you can sit on, or just grab one of the chairs. From here you get a fantastic view of the boats on the Rivers of America. But if you’re lucky you can see some of the Disneyland cats. I think there’s a feeding station nearby so I almost always find at least one cat there. It is a nice respite from the park and usually cool and quiet.

Behind the Fowler’s Harbor is a short path that that leads to the fruit cart by Splash Mountain. From the path you can see the Splash Mountain logs as they make the turn after the splash down. It is fun to watch people’s expressions. It is also a little off the beaten path and another quiet place to enjoy some mango slices from the fruit stand.

From Frontierland, right by the petrified tree, look toward New Orleans Square and notice that you can see the tops of sailing ship masts! These are intended to be the tops of the ships in Pirates of the Caribbean.

In the Rancho del Zocalo seating area, one part of it is right next to the Big Thunder Mountain tracks. It is fun to sit there and see the people as they end their ride.​

 

[dzny12]

just a few points.
1 the former boat loading area across from the matterhorn is a smoking area not a good place to eat
2. market house coffee is horrible (even with free refills yuck)
3. does steve martin still have a film in great moments with mr. lincoln? (i havent seen this show in over 20 years)
the best advice is the backwalk area near fowlers harbor is very quiet even on busy days.
whats the deal with the "ships masts" i have never noticed this before and will def look next time

 

[sweethannah]

I absolutely love these touringplans.

We are traveling (Fall) with my 75 year old mom and while she traveled with us to DL last year I'm hoping to take it a little slower this time.

Even if we don't commit to a whole day of the No Stress Plan I can glean enough to plan a leisurely afternoon or morning here and there.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... does steve martin still have a film in great moments with mr. lincoln? ...

Yes, since October '09 they've been showing the 50th anniversary film starring Steve Martin on a widescreen in the Main Street Opera House.

Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

"Disney Gallery Reopens" - MP's Weekly Update (October 5 - 11, 2009)
http://www.mouseplanet.com/9004/Disneyland_Resort_Update#news3

 

[S. S. Columbia]

Bump

 

[MizzFran17]

Since Hubby and I have opposite work days off, I've been taking the kids (4 and 2) by myself to DL. Because most of the big rides with height restrictions are off limits to us, we also do the opposite of what the crowds do, and I so agree that you still get your money's worth. We've done about half of this list and it is always a fun day, plus so much less stress! I can't wait to check off the rest of this list!

 

[BlackFlowerGirl]

We get in on a Sunday afternoon on a long haul flight. I think this may be a great way to spend our first half day at Disneyland recovering from the jet lag.

I definitly want to start off with a train ride around the park. Sounds a great way to enjoy Disneyland without the stress of waiting around for rides in the hot afternoon sun.