Traipsing through the Disneyland Resort can be hectic, and sometimes you just need to get away from it all for a few minutes without leaving the park. If you are at the Disneyland Resort and want to take a break from rides but don't feel like simply sitting down to people watch or going to your hotel room, there are a few things you can do for fun that just take a short time.
Disneyland
You can visit the Disney Gallery. This is above Pirates of the Caribbean and is a great place to see some wonderful Disney artwork. You can spend a little time in here, or a lot; depending on how you feel when you go into the Gallery. Peruse the art hanging on the walls for a time or even look through the books and artwork for sale in the front room. For a nice out of the way spot to sit and get your bearings go to the courtyard in the Gallery which is well shaded and very cool. The children can run around and play for a few minutes while you reconnoiter and decide what to do next.
Attend a show at the Golden Horseshoe Stage where you can see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies or the Laughingstock Company do a fun stage show. These shows are approximately 30 minutes each and you can even grab a bite to eat here. Enjoy great music and multiple laughs to get you in a great frame of mind to tackle the queues for your favorite attractions again. Be sure to check your daily times guide for the schedule of shows.
You can also enjoy a quick show outside the Golden Horseshoe Stage for some fun comic relief. Again, check the times guide for performances.
Take a ride on the Mark Twain or the Columbia. Sure they are rides; but these are unlike any other attraction at the Disneyland Resort. Both ships provide you with a great view of Tom Sawyer Island in a very relaxing manner.
Go have a seat at the tables in Plaza Gardens. In the evenings there is dancing here. During the day there are often various musical performances from local musical groups and clubs. Here you can see anything from a high school band perform to a local dance company proudly showing what they can do. Check the daily times guide for a schedule of appearances.
Take a walk through the lobby of the Opera House. Enjoy the Disney memorabilia there and if you wish, enjoy the show. The Disneyland 50th Anniversary exhibit is currently running until mid January. This show is approximately 25 minutes long and features Donald Duck and Steve Martin to entertain you. The Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln show is 10-15 minutes and another very enjoyable show to take in for a quick breather.
Disney's California Adventure
If you are at Disney's California Adventure and need a change of pace you can take a tour of the Tortilla Factory. After most tours you get to taste test a fresh home made tortilla.
There is a Brother Bear show in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Here you sit on cement bleachers and enjoy the approximately 20 minute show. Be sure to check the times guide for show times. After the show the characters are available for hugs and autographs.
Sun Plaza is a hotbed of activity during the day at California Adventure. With many places to sit you can simply enjoy the moving water for a few minutes, or stick around for the next 'show'. There is often music, character greetings and general things to totally entertain you without your having to rush about.
Frequently there are little shows outside the Animation Building where you can see some of your favorite characters perform a short skit. Or go inside and simply sit down against the wall to watch the continuously run Disney cartoons appear on the walls above you.
These are just a few things to do to change the pace of your day while at the Disneyland Resort. Be sure to check your times guide for these and other things that you might enjoy doing to take a break.