What to do NOT in the park...

[DbleTheFun]

We are heading to California as our starting point to a mexican cruise, and decided to go in 2 days early and use our DVC points for a quick stay at the GC. We booked a concierge room, and get in mid day Friday, and need to head off to Long Beach for our cruise on Sunday morning.

Based on the fact we are going to only have 1 complete "Free Day" and it falls on the Saturday, over Labour Day Weekend... we have decided to stay clear of the parks for the day (We are back at WDW the first week of December), but we still want to enjoy ourselves. What do you suggest?

We thought we would do Goofy's Kitchen on Friday night... so our twin boys (Aged 2) will get to see some of their "old friends" again... and we will watch the fireworks from the concierge lounge in the hotel.

Are there other Disney Restaurants that we can visit for character meals that aren't in the parks (Requiring admission tickets) or is that it? We will head over to DTD, since this is a favorite thing to do when we are in WDW... but what else? Will the hotel's ammenities (Ie: Pool) keep us busy enough to enjoy ourselves, or will we be bored? We arent bothering to rent a car, and are just getting a driver to and from LAX/Hotel/Cruise Port, so we cant exactly go for a nice drive and enjoy Southern California. Does the hotel offer shuttles to nearby shopping?

HELP!! Afraid we will be bored without heading to the park for the day, but dont want to deal with the insane crowds that will surely be there on the last long weekend of the summer!

Suggestions anyone? (It has been since the '70s since I have been to Disneyland last... so I have no idea what is around to do!)

 

[ballarinamom]

There are two character breakfasts at the other two hotels. GCH has Storytellers which has the bears from Brother Bear, Baloo, Meeko from Pocahantas and Chip and Dale. You can choose either buffet or ala cart. They do a follow the leader thing.
Paradise Peir has Lilo and Stitch with Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, Lilo and Stitch. They also give you a choice of buffet or ala carte. There is Hula lessons and conga lines.
They are both just breakfast. We do both when we go. I prefer Lilo and Stitch. I would suggest you go there for breakfast as you head to the peir.
DTD is right there outside of the GCH. There is enough to browse after dinner.
We cruise alot and do Disney alot. There is enough to do right there as to not wear you or your kids out before you board.
HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Disneylvrforever]

The only other character meals are during breakfast: Chip & Dale's @ the GCH and Lilo & Stitch's @ PPH, but I believe you will be arriving later in the day.
I'm not sure if your kids would be interested in playing the games @ ESPNZone bc I've never been to that part of the restaurant, but that's something to consider. They also have storytelling at the fireplace in the lobby during certain times at the GCH.