What's Your Favorite Thing To Do Off The Beaten Path?

[consultant]

Headed to Disneyland next week. This will be our family's 8th time there in the past 30 years. A lot to some, not a lot to the local Annual Passholders I guess.

This trip is not centered around Disneyland. We have a 3-day park hopper pass and are in no rush to make sure we see/do everything since we've been there before (as recent as 2 years ago.) My kids are 10 and 12 years-old now.

I'd like to hear from fellow Disneyland Veterans what your favorite things to do there (and in CA Adventure) that are off the beaten-path. Meaning throw out all the main rides and attractions.

An example might be having a contest to see who can spot the most hidden Mickeys? Or, when tired, just hopping on the train for a few loops around the park. Or, going into the Blue Bayou at the least busy time (3-4 PM?) and just getting a couple appetizers to share as oppose to blowing a couple hundred dollars on a meal (will they even let you do that?) Or, browsing through the Disney Gallery. (I haven't gone there since it moved.)

Anything else?

 

[JollyHoliday23]

I like eating/relaxing at Hungry Bear by the water. Late afternoon after "lunch time". It's pretty and quiet. Sitting and people watching either on the hub or around Main Street. I also enjoy watching character interactions with little kids. It reminds me of when I was little and some kids first meetings are priceless! At California Adventure I enjoy the wharf area...although I haven't been since all the construction so I don't really know how different DCA is. Overall just enjoying the atmosphere and carefree time in my happy place. Have a great trip!

 

[CrazyDuck]

We stay at GCH and sometimes while everyone is taking a nap DD and I will go down to the monorail and just ride around a few times. Monorail rides are supposed to be only 1 way trips so depending on the CM (and wether or not its busy or not) you may have to get off and get back on (most times not though)...

 

[blackjackdelta]

I love to just ride the train and people watch as they get on and off. Helps me to relax, I do not get to ride trains that much these days.

Jack

 

[Halloweenqueen]

We love to sit inside the Mr. Lincoln building. So much to see and explore. They also have a wonderful film with Steve Martin and the history of DL. The CMs will try to direct you towards the theater when it opens, but you can always wait for the next show.

Same goes for the Art of Animation Building. A great place to relax and people watch.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I have to second the Lincoln "building" GREAT stuff! Last time we were there we (all adults) did Autopia and laughed the ENTIRE time, it was great!

The Animation stuff at DCA is awesome too!

Hit up some shows!!!

 

[Midnightred]

We loved riding the firetruck from the castle back to the entrance. The boys rang the bell and got stickers with a Disney firetruck emblem on it!

Midnightred

 

[consultant]

We loved riding the firetruck from the castle back to the entrance. The boys rang the bell and got stickers with a Disney firetruck emblem on it!

Midnightred

All great suggestions! I especially like the fire truck one. I've been to Disneyland too many times to see families trying TOO HARD to do it all. I realize for many this is a once or twice in a lifetime trip so they want to milk it for all it's worth. The cost these days is almost a put off even for the biggest DLR officiandos (and collector) like me. I wish there was more land so the could enlarge everything by 50% making it so you could truly get "lost in the park". What Walt created is still truly amazing after all these years. Especially for first-timers and little ones. Wish I could live in the park for brief stints.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I have a few scavenger hunts (written 2 years ago). If you want copies so you have something a bit different to do, just PM me with your email address and I'll send them to you right away.