Must Do's in DCA?

[idratherbeinwdw]

I was at DCA in 2002 and now I am going back next month. Much has been added since 2002. What attractions would you consider "must do"s" at this point in time? (BTW I am not a coaster person.)

One thing I am particularly interested in hearing opinions on is the Aladdin Musical. I do like musicals, very much so. But I only have 2 1/2 days actually touring time and I want to spend most of it at Disneyland, not DCA. (If I was going on my own I would stay in CA longer, but this is a birthday gift from a friend, and that's all the time she has). Is it worth it to invest the time it takes for this show? It's 40 minutes long and the tour guides say get there 20 minutes early.

In addition to the Aladdin opinions, all general recommendations positive and negative regarding what to do/see at DCA would be greatly appreciated. I sort of wanted to keep the DCA portion down to half a day, but the more I read the more I think that might not be possible. Gracias!

[newjerseynick]

I was at DCA in 2002 and now I am going back next month. Much has been added since 2002. What attractions would you consider "must do"s" at this point in time? (BTW I am not a coaster person.)

One thing I am particularly interested in hearing opinions on is the Aladdin Musical. I do like musicals, very much so. But I only have 2 1/2 days actually touring time and I want to spend most of it at Disneyland, not DCA. (If I was going on my own I would stay in CA longer, but this is a birthday gift from a friend, and that's all the time she has). Is it worth it to invest the time it takes for this show? It's 40 minutes long and the tour guides say get there 20 minutes early.

In addition to the Aladdin opinions, all general recommendations positive and negative regarding what to do/see at DCA would be greatly appreciated. I sort of wanted to keep the DCA portion down to half a day, but the more I read the more I think that might not be possible. Gracias!

That Aladdin show is very good, Broadway quality. I enjoyed that more than the Little Mermaid Broadway show as a matter of fact.

Hmm, what else? If you only want to spend 1/2 a day there, I'd say just do the stuff you can't do in WDW.

Nick

[AFMom]

Aladdin is well worth the time! It's a great show - sit about 10 rows from the front - amazing.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks Nick and Kristy.

What did you two think of the Submarine Voyage? The unofficial guide says it's darn near impossible to ride without a huge wait. Is it worth the wait, and if so, any tips on how to avoid the line? UG says to ride 15 mins before a parade or fireworks show--to cut the line down to a "mere" 40 minutes! Yikes!

[newjerseynick]

Thanks Nick and Kristy.

What did you two think of the Submarine Voyage? The unofficial guide says it's darn near impossible to ride without a huge wait. Is it worth the wait, and if so, any tips on how to avoid the line? UG says to ride 15 mins before a parade or fireworks show--to cut the line down to a "mere" 40 minutes! Yikes!

If you go to it at rope drop, it's not too bad. We waited maybe 10-15 minutes tops, and that's only because we didn't sprint, we only fast walked!
It's really a neat ride, we did it on both trips. But I wouldn't wait for 40 minutes for any ride, to be honest.

Nick

[shell045]

Love Aladdin!!

I waited 20 minutes on line for the Nemo Submarines and the line didn't move one inch. I'd go there at rope drop or not at all.

[DisneyGeek]

What did you two think of the Submarine Voyage?

The ride is OK; DW remembers boarding it but not the ride itself! Think 20k leagues vehicle going through the show @ The Seas w/ Nemo & Friends and you'll be about right. I liked it, but I don't think it was worth more than a 30 minute wait tops. I think that is what it took for us to get on, but it varried wildly thoughout the day.

I wish I could have seen Aladdin; it was being refurbed when we went in Nov. '08...

[idratherbeinwdw]

I appreciate the help everyone! Based on what your description(s) I will go to Nemo's voyage at rope drop. If the line is too long I'll skip it. Thanks for helping me figure this out.

[DVC Mike]

Thanks Nick and Kristy.

What did you two think of the Submarine Voyage? The unofficial guide says it's darn near impossible to ride without a huge wait. Is it worth the wait, and if so, any tips on how to avoid the line? UG says to ride 15 mins before a parade or fireworks show--to cut the line down to a "mere" 40 minutes! Yikes!

I rode the Finding Nemo submarine 3 times -- all three times right at the rope drop. It was amazing how quickly that line grew! I really enjoyed it.