What do you do when it's crowded

[scrapshappen]

We (my DH and 2 DS (7&9) and I) are arriving in Anaheim in the early afternoon on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I know it will be crowded that day and we will have missed out on early morning touring. We have six-day passes (we purchased them before they stopped selling them) so we'll have plenty of time when it's a little less crowded and five mornings as guests at the GC. It happens to be my birthday that day (a milestone one at that) so I really wanted to spend it at Disneyland. We have dinner reservations and already have a plan to camp out to watch Fantasmic that night.

Which leads me to my question: what are some things you like to do in Disneyland when it is very crowded? What areas of the park should we avoid?

 

[HydroGuy]

Crowded days and late arrivals are days you want to look for things to do in which you are not behind all the early arrivers.

So means...

1. Dining - make a dining res for a must do restaurant

2. Tours - if you are into tours that is a good day to do one in the afternoon

3. Shows and Parades - Bunch of choices here including Fantasmic, WOC, fireworks, Aladdin, SoundSational - plus the secondary shows like Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, Mad T Party, Abe Lincoln, Voices of Liberty

4. Rides that do not get crowded

- Tiki Room
- Captain Eo
- DLRR
- POTC and HM (fast loaders and lines usually move)
- Disney Animation and Turtle Talk
- ITTBAB

5. Rides with FP still available late day

- BTMRR
- ToT
- Soarin Over CA usually
- California Screamin
- RR

6. Shopping

7. Cruising - just take in the parks slowly and look around and smell the roses

 

[DharmaLou]

I just enjoy being in the park, having a snack like a chocolate covered banana and people watching and staying out of the way.

 

[LuckyRabbit]

We just got back, and while it was only busy on Friday (a little) and Saturday (like a slow lava flow of humanity) here are my tips for getting a way from the crowds:

DCA:

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail - My 9 year old girl loved this area, and with the surrounding trees you feel separate from the rest of the park. Lots of paths on ground and over head, and several "challenges" to try out, as well as benches and low rock walls for sitting. It was also a cooler area out of the sun (if it happens to be hot).

Mad Tea Party area in the day time - We headed back that way just to look around and found an area of oversized red, purple, and pink plastic armchairs, ottomans, and coffee tables. Perfect oasis for chilling in the sun or shade as you prefer. We just rested our feet, but saw two families having picnics.

DL:

Innovations - I had low expectations as I had not read any raves about this place, but we had a blast. Several of the hands-on computer based experiences we did at epcot (your future, energy city) plus several others, and the chance to play a variety of disney video games (awsome if you don't own those gaming sytems). Downstairs is the Dream Home. Don't miss the interactive table, and notice that each room has a wall panel that lets you change the lighting and photos/music. We spent about an hour in there on two different days.

Hop on the train - You might have to wait more than 10 minutes if the first train is full, but once you get on you can take a full tour, rest your feet, and watch the crowds from a distance.