What To Do While Your Group Rides Coasters

If you’re not a roller coaster fan, visiting the park with family and friends can feel intimidating. You might find yourself spending a lot of time patiently waiting outside of an attraction while your loved ones get their adrenaline fix. But you don’t have to waste your time; there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself while you wait for a thrill ride to end.

DISNEYLAND

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Things to See:

• Flags of the Revolutionary War – When you first walk into Frontierland, turn around and look at the fort walls. See all those flags? Each represents an original Revolutionary War banner.
• Golden Horseshoe – Periodic live entertainment throughout the day. Even if you don’t catch a show, this theater is beautiful and a great place to rest your feet.
• Petrified Tree – By the water, you’ll see a huge stump. This is a real petrified tree, estimated to be 55-70 MILLION years old.

Snacks & Bathrooms

• Rancho del Zocalo – Mexican food, snacks, & desserts
• Stagedoor Café – Standard theme park fare
• Nearest Bathroom – Rancho del Zocalo (small, if crowded, use the Adventureland entrance bathroom)

Indiana Jones Adventure

Things to See:

• The Little Man of Disneyland – Look at the giant tree right next to the Indiana Jones sign. On the side facing the ride, you’ll see a tiny leprechaun house built right into the tree.
• Tarzan’s Treehouse – While you wait out your party’s adventure, climb up into the treehouse. You’ll get some beautiful views of the park, and rediscover the story of Tarzan.

Snacks & Bathrooms

• Bengal Barbecue – Savory snacks like skewers, breadsticks, and Jungle Julep
• Nearest Bathroom – by the Adventureland entrance

Mad Tea Party & Matterhorn Bobsleds

Things to See:

• Evil Queen – If you’re standing in line for Peter Pan (or just looking up at the Snow White’s Scary Adventures entrance), look up at the window. Ever 20-30 seconds, the curtains move and you’ll see Snow White’s Evil stepmother, glaring out at the crowds.
• Hidden Path to Fantasyland – If you stop by the Fantasy Faire (courtyard where you meet the princesses), you’ll see a pathway that goes to the left of the castle. Follow this pathway for amazing views of the castle, with the Matterhorn mountain in the background (and no people in them!). This path will take you right underneath the castle and into the main part of Fantasyland.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – A classic attraction that tells the story of Sleeping Beauty.
• White Rabbit’s Cottage – Next to Alice in Wonderland, you’ll see a small home with a thatched roof. Look closely at the door and you’ll see it’s the White Rabbit’s cottage!

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Edelweiss Snacks – Limited selection of snacks & frozen drinks
• Nearest Bathroom – Alice bathrooms, down the walkway to the left of the attraction

Space Mountain & Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Things to See:

• Original Astro Jets – Inside the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters gift shop, by the door, you’ll see a shelf that looks like a rocket. This was an original ride vehicle for the Astro Orbitor, the giant spinning ride at the front of Tomorrowland.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Tomorrowland Terrace (currently overlay as Galactic Grill) – Savory snacks and a few dessert options
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – Larger meals, but center kiosk has desserts and smaller snacks
• Nearest Bathroom – Down walkway used for Space Mountain exit, or by Tomorrowland railroad station

Splash Mountain

Things to See:

• Critter Country Cottages – Check out the cottages along the little river next to Winnie the Pooh. There’s also one in a tree!
• Hidden Walkway – Start at the Harbour Galley patio. You’ll see some steps and a tiny pathway. Follow this pathway, and you’ll have an amazing view of Splash Mountain, and the perfect angle to snap a picture of the kids immediately after they make the big drop.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Pooh Corner – Great selection of homemade sweets & packaged Disney snacks
• Nearest Bathroom – lower level of the Hungry Bear Restaurant patio

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Goofy’s Sky School, Incredicoaster, Mickey’s Fun Wheel

Things to See:

• Boardwalk games – Try your hand at classic boardwalk games along the pier.
• Paradise Gardens – this is a huge patio next to Goofy’s Sky School. They usually have live music, and tons of shady places to sit and relax.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta – larger meals, or just a dessert
• Paradise Garden Grill – Kebobs, sides, and drinks
• Nearest Bathroom – in the back corner of the gardens, next to Goofy’s Sky School, or behind King Triton’s Carousel

Grizzly River Run & Soarin’ Around the World

Things to See:

• Painted Ladies – Follow the pathway to the right of the River Run entrance. You’ll see a street paying tribute to San Francisco’s Painted Ladies Victorian houses.
• The Pelton Wheel – On the same pathway, you’ll see a giant timber mill, and a plaque explaining the history of its wheel.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – A peaceful place to walk around and see some real redwoods! Explore the tree house, enter the spirit cave, or participate in a camp show.
• The Steam Donkey – See the giant engine next to the River Rapids entrance? That’s a real steam engine, and a plaque will explain its backstory.
• Waterfall Walkway – There is a viewing area behind the entrance to the River Run. Here, you’ll get beautiful views of waterfalls, and the perfect angle to snap a photo of the big drop at the end.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Smokejumpers Grill – sandwiches or burgers, or just get a side of fries
• Nearest Bathroom – across the walkway from Soarin’ Around the World

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Things to See:

• Disney Animation – Go inside this building, and you’ll be in a huge lounge with screens showing classic Disney scenes. You can hang out in here, or walk down the ramp, through the Sorcerer’s workshop, and into Beast’s Library from Beauty and the Beast. Inside the library, you can use enchanted books to find out which Disney character you are most like.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Award Wieners – Gourmet hot dogs
• Fairfax Market – Healthier options like veggie cups, chips, drinks
• Schmoozies – Frozen drinks & smoothies
• Nearest Bathroom – next to Off the Page

Radiator Springs Racers

Things to See:

• Ornament Valley – Walk down the path between Ramone’s and Flo’s, toward the Radiator Springs Racers track. You’ll see a huge viewing area, with signs explaining some of the landscape.

Snacks & Bathrooms:

• Cozy Cone Motel – Savory snacks, vodka lemonades, ice cream
• Fillmore’s Taste-In – Healthier options like veggie cups, drinks
• Flo’s V8 Café – larger meals, sides a la carte, desserts
• Nearest Bathroom – to the right of Flo’s V8 Cafe