Your BEST non-ride ideas for the parks!

[Baxie8]

Hi..What are some of your BEST ideas for enjoying the 4 parks without waiting in lines and going on many rides? Maybe favorite places to sit and relax and enjoy the experience? I've read many non-park activities, but I love being inside and finding those new activities that just keep making it fresh and interesting every time I return. For example, in MK, finding one of those rocking chairs in Liberty Square near the gift shop, and snacking on the caramel popcorn. Thanks so much!

 

[SnackyStacky]

At Epcot, I LOVE getting a Margarita from Mexico, and just sitting and people watching - no one place in particular. Anyplace is good! I don't know if you consider it a ride or transportation, but I LOVE taking the friendship boats around the World Showcase lagoon. So peaceful and a great view of all the countries.

Although it costs money, the Keys to the Kingdom tour is great! Although it costs money, you don't have to wait in a line, and you get to learn some great things about the park, and visit a few backstage areas.

Although I'm not a huge MGM fan, getting some popcorn and sitting near the huge hat is great. You get to see kids meeting characters, and the faces of people as they get that first glimpse down Hollywood Blvd.

At Animal Kingdom, I could just sit and watch those howler monkeys for hours. There's also no lines on the walking trails. Take one of those and enjoy the animals, and people watch!

 

[wdwobsessed]

Finding a place near the enterance to the MK to sit and watch people's expressions change as they walk down Main Street and see the castle for the first time!

Riding the MK Train and the TTA (ok ... rides but not popular ones!)

Watching the kids play with the fountains at Epcot.

WDWO

 

[Simba's Mom]

Getting a sandwich at Pizzafari at AK and sitting out front. You're right by Discovery Island, people going to Camp Minnie Mickey, and people going to Africa. Great spot! Then, when you're done, go over in back of the ice cream cart to the Discovery Island Trails. Sitting on those benches in there, it feels like you're 100 miles away, but you can hear the AK music-it's neat!

 

[mmorizio]

We get a hot chocolate at the Fountain Cafe' in Epcot and watch the fountains. There's a 10 minute or so show every 1/2 hour.

 

[Stepman]

MK - Walking from Tomorrowland to Mickey's Toontown Fair taking the back entrance. There are some seats there where you have a great view of the train passing by.

Taking the TTA (of course there are no lines)

Epcot - Shopping around the countries

 

[tar heel]

Watch the street performers in Epcot. Pick up a schedule at the entrance, and make sure not to miss Imaginum in Italy, Le Mime Roland and A Chair Act in France, American Vibe and Vocies of Liberty in America and Off Kilter in Canada.

 

[ironz]

I'll second the margaritas at La Cantina, also just sitting in the piazza of the Italy section of Epcot at a little table.
Watching the Fountain at Epcot.

MK: grabbing a cookie or pastry and sitting at a table or on a bench on the little side street nearby...can watch people coming up Main Street.

AK: the Dawa Bar. 'nuff said

MGM: guess I need to discover one or use your suggestions, of course! I suppose the patio tables by the fruit market on the way to TOT would be a fun place to people watch.

 

[Deweysgirl]

Went there last week and loved it! Lots of things to explore. Bridges, hills, caves, tunnels and a fort. Everyone in our group enjoyed this from age 6 to 60!

 

[orvilleair]

MGM - Grab a bench along the main drag and listen to Mayor Witherspoon "tease" the park goers as they walk by. The mayor is there to publicize the parade, but he called out my daughter as she walked by in a Lilo costume. Gave her a sticker. He'll answer questions too.

SC

 

[MPLsDad]

MK - Playing checkers near the firehouse on Main Street
EPCOT - Norway Pavilion, getting a snack from the bakery and watching the children playing on the wooden ship.
The boat between DS and EPCOT!
Riding the air conditioned MONORAIL!

 

[Baxie8]

Thanks for all the ideas! Keep them coming....Ironz, if you like the Dawa Bar at AK, and you're looking for something comparable at MGM, drop in to the Tune-In Lounge, right next to Prime Time Cafe! Lots of TVs playing segments of old 50's TV shows, retro furniture, and a nice bar to relax at!

 

[Pluto14]

At MK...

My DH and I go into the building right after you come out of the railroad station that has a little movie theater that shows Steamboat Willy, I believe. Since it is somewhat dim in there, my DH stays there for a short "cat nap" while I go back outside and sit at one of my favorite places- the top of the train station. You go up the steps and right to the center of the balcolny. A perfect birds eye view to sit and stare straight at Cinderella's Castle. I took the most perfect picture of the castle and Main St. from up there, and it is now my screen saver! I sit for about 20 minutes, then go back in to the little theater to tell DH his cat nap is over.

It is a great "refresher" for both of us!

Pluto14