Things to do at DLR outside of the parks

[TLPL]

Hi all,

I need some advise from you local expert. We are from the East Coast, and we are planning a trip to DLR in October, we will be arriving on a Sunday mid-morning, staying at PPH. We will meet up with some old friends and we are planning to have a character meal together (lunch I am guessing). We aren't planning to go into the park that day. We will be with our DS9, and my friend's sons are 6 and 3.

What do you suggest we should do for that non-park day? I want to stay around the resort. I know we can swim at the hotel pool and shop in DTD, watch firework from the hotel roof top.. but that's about it.
What else is there to enjoy? Is there a children's playground on site? We are so used to WDW, not sure what to do for a non-park day in DLR.

Please help!! Thanks so much!

 

[Girimama33]

There is no playground at the resorts or in DTD.
The hotel character meals do not really offer lunch. Surf's Up at PPH and Storyteller's at GCH is breakfast only until about 11:30 - 12:00. Goofy's Kitchen at DLH offers Brunch till about 2ish...that may be your best bet.
Your friends may or may not be able to use the pool at PPH. During busy times, the CM's may check for room keys for everyone entering (everyone would need one). Again, they may not, but there is no way to know for sure.
Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot to do in the area other than going to a movie at the AMC, eating and shopping.

 

[TLPL]

There is no playground at the resorts or in DTD.
The hotel character meals do not really offer lunch. Surf's Up at PPH and Storyteller's at GCH is breakfast only until about 11:30 - 12:00. Goofy's Kitchen at DLH offers Brunch till about 2ish...that may be your best bet.
Your friends may or may not be able to use the pool at PPH. During busy times, the CM's may check for room keys for everyone entering (everyone would need one). Again, they may not, but there is no way to know for sure.
Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot to do in the area other than going to a movie at the AMC, eating and shopping.

No playground!?!? Oh no.
I don't think my friends will stay long after the meal. I was thinking more for ourselves what to do for the rest of the day.
I am sure we will won't be able to stay up late that night, so probably not worth going to the park. That was why I thought we should have a relaxing non-park day.
Are there any mini- golf or other kid stuffs within walking distant? Or should I just get an extra park day for that day?

 

[Aladora]

No playground!?!? Oh no.
I don't think my friends will stay long after the meal. I was thinking more for ourselves what to do for the rest of the day.
I am sure we will won't be able to stay up late that night, so probably not worth going to the park. That was why I thought we should have a relaxing non-park day.
Are there any mini- golf or other kid stuffs within walking distant? Or should I just get an extra park day for that day?

It's not within walking distance but within a short taxi ride is the Discovery Cube

 

[valiamo]

Spend some time in Downtown Disney, and see the shops. There are loads of restaurants and shopping in the area and it will be fun afternoon. The AMC is also a good idea.

Rain Forest Cafe may be a good idea for your lunch. It is a fun environment.

There is not much within walking distance from the resort, you are located in a residential area of sorts. You can take th ART bus to other locations around the park.

 

[SMD]

There's an arcade of sorts at ESPN Zone and a movie theater. There's also Build-A-Bear and Ridemakerz. You might be better off going to mini golf or some other activity first, then doing Goofy's Kitchen for dinner.

 

[TLPL]

There's an arcade of sorts at ESPN Zone and a movie theater. There's also Build-A-Bear and Ridemakerz. You might be better off going to mini golf or some other activity first, then doing Goofy's Kitchen for dinner.

Is ESPN zone like Dave & Buster's?

 

[Geemo]

The LEGO store in DTD is as close to a kids play area as you're going to get.
When we have stayed on-site the hotels have had a list of events for the week.
PPH has a viewing deck for the fireworks in the evening.

The GCH had story time by the fireplace each evening. Plus kiddie rocking chairs around a TV playing Disney cartoons.
We haven't stayed at PPH in a real long time, I'm not sure what they offer.

 

[4Siamese]

In the evenings at PPH they set up a mini movie theater in the pool area, so that may be an option.

 

[SMD]

Is ESPN zone like Dave & Buster's?

Yes, but it's almost all sports games and very few give tickets. There's a Dave & Buster's at The Outlets at Orange. It would be about a 10-15 minute cab ride.

 

[TLPL]

Sounds like there aren't as much choices for recreation in the resort outside of the parks.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There actually are many choices, but most require a car. The suggestion above for the Discovery Cube is a good one. There is always the beach. Shopping malls: Irvine Spectrum, South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, Block at Orange, outlets at the Citadel, etc. There is a big park on State College between Ball and Lincoln. If you really want to stay around the resort, try contacting (phone or email) the concierge at PPH to ask what they recommend. They may have some good suggestions.

 

[Disney Kidd]

I believe there is a shuttle that takes you to south coast plaza.

 

[taniahappy]

Gardenwalk http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/

 

[4Siamese]

I believe there is a shuttle that takes you to south coast plaza.

Very good mall to go to. We head there every trip for a half day of shopping. Stores run the spectrum from ultra high end to normal stores for people like me lol.

 

[Geemo]

I believe there is a shuttle that takes you to south coast plaza.

How often does the shuttle run?
Is there a contact number to call to arrange a shuttle ride?

Sounds like a nice break from the parks.

Geemo

 

[Disney Kidd]

How often does the shuttle run?
Is there a contact number to call to arrange a shuttle ride?

Sounds like a nice break from the parks.

Geemo

The cost is $10 roundtrip for adults, under 17 is free. It picks up from a lot of Anaheim resorts, including the Disneyland hotels, three times a day - around 9, 11, and 2. Here's where you can find the info, including a phone number: http://www.southcoastplaza.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/38297_15-ShuttleBusSched_Web_REV.pdf