Forever Magical
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"Steps in Time" at the Hyperion Theater -
another cool place
After we've exhausted our list of shows we'll visit the air conditioned attractions that don't require long waits or at least have shady, pleasant waiting areas. Here are some of my favorites at the Disneyland resort:
- Country Bear Playhouse - The queue is shady and rarely long. The theater itself is heavily air conditioned and the show is about 20 minutes so you have a chance to take a load off the feet, too, while enjoying the sights and sounds. The only drawback to this attraction is its location in the Park's farthest west side - Critter Country.
- The Enchanted Tiki Room - Located in Adventureland the Tiki Room's large seating area keeps the wait time down. The preshow area is shady and Dole pineapple spears and fresh juice are available if you need some refreshment before entering the show. The Tiki Room features birds and flowers singing a variety of tunes including the attraction's theme song “In the Tiki Ttiki Room”. The show lasts about 15 minutes and is air-conditioned.
- In New Orleans Square guests can avoid the summer heat with a tour of the Haunted Mansion. Be aware that the queue is not well shaded and can be quite hot so pay attention to the listed wait time. Once inside you can enjoy the air conditioned journey through the creepy mansion and its neighboring graveyard.
- Nearby is the Disney classic Pirates of the Caribbean, a 15-minute boat ride through the bayous of Louisiana and back in time to the period when pirates made trouble along the Southern coast. The attraction is air-conditioned and during the boat ride guests may get a bit wet.
- Over in Disney's California Adventure you can escape the heat in the Golden Dreams attraction. The attraction lasts about 15 minutes, is air-conditioned and features a film about the dreams that have been realized in California. The large Animation Courtyard also provides a respite from the warm California sun. In fact, guests can stay in the Courtyard as long as they like to cool down.
- Epcot offers lots of places to avoid the heat like the Living Seas pavilion, the Land pavilion, Innoventions East and West and other Future World Pavilions. I found it more difficult to find cool places at Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom except in eating location's like the Studios' Brown Derby and Animal Kingdom's Pizzafari.
- Back at Disneyland my favorite way to beat the heat - with the side benefit of avoiding the crowd - is to sit at a table just inside the Candy Palace. The cushy candy apple red seats are near enough to enjoy the Ragtime melodies of the Main Street Piano Player (usually Rod Miller) and there's a chilly air-conditioned breeze blowing by.
- Many consider "it's a small world" a great way to beat the heat but I'm not sure. Its queue isn't shaded and there is always the concern I will get the theme song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
There are many other attractions and locations that are great as well. What are your favorites? I'd love to hear your tips to beat the heat.
Discuss It
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-- Rebekah Moseley
Forever Magical: Rebekah's recollections on Disney events of the past - both distant and recent - proving that Disney will always remain forever magical.
-- Posted July 8, 2001