(Perhaps only) APs...spending only a few hours in the park

[George Lucas on a Bench]

We constantly do this. Due to schedules and Spring Break crowds, I haven't done a full day trip in some time. I'm a huge fan of Sunday nights at DL. My ideal evening takes place entirely in New Orleans Square, which I still consider to be the finest area created in Disney history. Have dinner at French Market, ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean and watch Fantasmic. Done. Perfect DL visit, only experiencing a fraction of what DLR offers, yet I don't really need anything else. I can't think of a better way to spend a few hours.

Do you do short day or evening trips? Stop by after work? What are your rituals? Do you have a favorite bench? Do you show up and skip the rides, have a meal and just soak in the atmosphere?

 

[seahawk7]

Yes if I was lucky enough to live in Anaheim or Orlando I would do these things and often.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

We usually roll in mid-afternoon and hang until we can't take it anymore. Always lots of time spent in NOS, Mansion is a must do on each visit. Once the 60th kicks off we'll shift toward the evening more so we can get lots of quality time in with Paint the Night.

 

[Mike K]

Having only attended Disneyland once in 2012 and returning in May with my lovely wife, I can say that Disneyland would probably be a weekly stop for me. @Endor Sightseer has right idea! New Orleans Square is a personal favorite area of mine too with The Haunted Mansion being one of my top attractions. Admittedly, I do enjoy Toontown quite a bit for the sheer fact that Roger Rabbit lives on there. In addition, I generally spent the start of everyday strolling through Adventureland so I imagine this trip will be no different, I just can't get enough of the atmosphere there.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I usually stop by early in the afternoon and leave in the evening. I spend most of my time in New Orleans Square, Frontierland, and Adventureland. If I do eat, it's a corn dog. A few years ago, I used to be able to go after school, but with my busy schedule, I haven't been able to go much at all. That'll change once I graduate in May.

 

[belle717]

I was an AP holder in college and went almost every Friday. We'd try to switch it up every time, going from DCA (this was back when it was DCA 1.0) to Disneyland. Sometimes we'd watch Fantasmic and/or fireworks. Usually the last stop would be Peter Pan, not sure why but it just became the thing we did to end the visit which was usually about 4-5 hours max. I loved it, but those were all nighttime visits and I ended up missing daytime hours at the park. For the past few years, I've only done once yearly visits and I appreciate the anticipation. Although this year will be probably be an AP year, which I'm pretty excited about.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I love Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, but I very rarely go on it for a variety of reasons. We never make it back there, the line is too long, Toontown is closed, etc. There's just never enough time. Man, I really want to go back on it!

Yes if I was lucky enough to live in Anaheim or Orlando I would do these things and often.

It's why I moved here.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It's been a minute since I've been on Roger.

 

[Figments Friend]

Yeah, the evenings bring a extra magical element to the Park experience.
I have a AP, and although i live quite a ways away from Disneyland i do enjoy the nighttime periods and can easily see myself visiting weekly if i lived closer.

Daytime is nice too, but the crowds of people and kids can wear on you.
Late hours are the best, when the Park empties out and the young families and small children have long left.
There is something quite wonderful about being 'alone' in Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street USA around midnight or 1am.
Ahhhhh......

 

[PacNWTigger]

I am always a fan of having dinner at the French Market, listening to the live music, and people watching while I eat. There is something so relaxing about it...I can't quite put my finger on it, but I sure am glad it's there!

 

[dweezil78]

Ah... I remember those days. Before having a kiddo we'd hop in for some fried chicken dinner at Plaza Inn, a ride on Pirates with some popcorn (you could never get away with this at WDW), and take in some fireworks.

 

[westie]

The wife and I are AP'ers but we live in the bay area so we come for days at a time. Like all last week. I was actually looking for a large sunglassed Endor Sightseer. The one thing we always do is to try something new. This time arround the wife drug me (kicking and screaming) to Alladin the Musical at DCA. I loved it. Its a must see. The crowds are horrible right now. The sun is baking. But its Disney and cold drinks are everywhere! Maybe next time ES!

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I haven't had the big Jackie O sunglasses since I lost them on Big Thunder Mountain last year.

We should have a WDWMagic DL meetup.

 

[Californian Elitist]

We should have a WDWMagic DL meetup.

YYYAASSSS. @GiveMeTheMusic and I were thinking of getting a group together for the 60th. I'm okay with hanging out earlier, as long as it's in May.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Let's do it.

 

[Miceberg]

I go often. If I have a rough day I work, I'll go for an hour or two to blow off steam. It's the perfect stress reliever and a great alternative to drinking.

 

[Sage of Time]

Not an AP for DL, but I have one for WDW. I've done this at both locations. It's wonderful. @Endor Sightseer's NOS plan sounds lovely.

 

[Mukta]

We constantly do this. Due to schedules and Spring Break crowds, I haven't done a full day trip in some time. I'm a huge fan of Sunday nights at DL. My ideal evening takes place entirely in New Orleans Square, which I still consider to be the finest area created in Disney history. Have dinner at French Market, ride The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean and watch Fantasmic. Done. Perfect DL visit, only experiencing a fraction of what DLR offers, yet I don't really need anything else. I can't think of a better way to spend a few hours.

Do you do short day or evening trips? Stop by after work? What are your rituals? Do you have a favorite bench? Do you show up and skip the rides, have a meal and just soak in the atmosphere?

I usually go on Tuesday nights after work. I get there around 5 pm and do whatever I am in the mood for. These days, my friends and I have been eating a nice dinner, riding a few rides and just hanging out in general. I go on a weekend once in a while to see the stuff that is closed at night like Mickey and the Magical Map.

 

[skimbob]

I live in Northern California so I don't get to go often. NOS is my favorite area as well. We will be at DL Sunday-Wednesday. I am looking forward to our trip.