It's likely that you've seen a lot of people, myself included, drone on and on about the importance of arriving at the parks early. This is certainly true, but it can seem like no matter what your afternoon surely must be prone to long lines and hours in the hot California sun. Rest assured, that it certainly not the case! There are many things that are best done in the afternoon at Disneyland when many lines are at their longest - but you won't be in them! Here's what we like to do in the middle of the day.
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Attractions & Shows
Believe it or not, there are actually some attractions that don't have terrible lines even when the park has reached its busiest point of the day. That doesn't mean there isn't some wait, but usually minimal and less than 20 minutes easily.
MAIN STREET, USA
ADVENTURELAND
FRONTIERLAND
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FANTASYLAND
TOMORROWLAND
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There are also many fabulous shows you can enjoy that take place in the afternoon:
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The Laughing Stock Co.
- Mickey's Soundsational Parade
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Storytelling at the Royal Theatre
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Mickey & the Magical Map
- Dapper Dans
Shopping
While everyone else is on rides, you can take advantage of the relatively empty stores and get your souvenir shopping in. We don't often shop any other time of day and we tend to find fewer people in the shops which is a definite plus! If you're worried about lugging along all those bags with you the rest of the day, you can arrange to pick them up near the front gates on your way out instead. It's just as handy as getting a locker but it's free! For those staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels you can also have them send your purchases to your hotel to pick up later - a definite perk. If you choose either delivery method, just let the CM know at checkout and they'll give you a simple form to fill out and direct you how to pick up your goodies later.
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Eat
Some days we purposefully choose to eat at odd times of day, like a late lunch or early dinner. When we go someplace with reservations it makes getting a table easier because no one else wants to eat then, but even if we go to a quick-service location there's another reason to eat then. If you eat at a different time then you'll be going on rides while most other people are trying to break for food and eating while they're on rides! It cuts down on your wait times.
A less obvious perk is the fact that you'll probably end up eating fewer meals and will be less likely to overeat - a definite danger at Disneyland!
A less obvious perk is the fact that you'll probably end up eating fewer meals and will be less likely to overeat - a definite danger at Disneyland!
Relax
Hopefully you've been in the parks since the beginning of the day and have already ridden a lot of your favourite rides. By the afternoon you'll likely be exhausted so it becomes a great time to take a load off and relax. There are some places to unwind inside Disneyland so you don't have to walk far if you don't want to.
It's not uncommon for us to use the afternoons to go back the hotel and either chill by the pool (or play in the pool, as the case often is) or simply take a small nap. Feel free to spend an hour or two if you need to because you can get reenergized and hit the park like crazy once you're done. |
Stock Up on FastPasses
Always, and I mean always, ALWAYS check on FastPass times before you do anything else. FastPasses are your FREE window of opportunity to cut your waits dramatically. When the afternoon arrives, it's not uncommon for distribution times to be several hours down the road, but that's okay because now you've got a whole list of activities to keep you busy until your return window! You won't need to wait more than two hours before you can make your next selection - less if you choose to purchase MaxPass!
No matter what you choose, there are plenty of ways to keep your afternoons busy and productive regardless of the long wait times!
No matter what you choose, there are plenty of ways to keep your afternoons busy and productive regardless of the long wait times!