During our WDW trips, we stick to the “Pirates Code”: “He who falls behind, gets left behind”. This drives home the point that it’s everyone’s vacation (particularly when we’re in our grand gathering) and we need to maintain a pace that’s good for everyone. If the kids had their choice, they would run back and forth between point A and point B all day long and if the adults had their choice, we’d be in a nice air conditioned ride all day long. When it’s been a long day in the parks for everyone and the meltdown is looming overhead the Pirates Code keeps us all going.
That being said, even pirates need a break and I’ve come to find some of my favorite moments in the parks are the quiet nooks and crannies you can find and nestle away for a few minutes.
Here are my top 5 suggestions for a break in the Magic Kingdom:
1. The nook on the right hand side (heading toward the castle) of Main Street U.S.A. Before you enter the crystal shop, you’ll usually see a cart with an artists who’s doing silhouettes, behind him there is a nice little area where you can sometimes find shade and a seat. If you listen carefully you can hear someone getting voice lessons from the room upstairs!
2. Between the Astro Orbiter and Space Mountain there is a nice spot along a fence where you can watch the Tomorrowland Speedway, and it’s a great place to wait for family members who are riding the Orbiter, or Space Mountain. I find this spot much more relaxing than the noisy overcrowded food court which is nearby enough to grab a snack or a beverage while you wait!
3. The Briar Patch gift shop near Splash Mountain-It’s one of the smaller gift shops in the parks but I love the theming and the two rocking chairs that are inside (which are often occupied). It’s also indoors and nice and cool in there, and there is rarely a line at the cash register if you need to make a purchase.
4. The benches by Pirates of the Caribbean-as you make your way from Frontierland into Adventureland you’ll see the Pirate’s of the Caribbean gift shop, and you’ll also see a shady area with some benches. This is far enough away from the bathrooms to be considered fresh air, but close enough to wait for family members who are shopping, on the ride, or using the facilities. You can often watch hair braiding and ring making from that spot as well.
5. With all the Fantasyland expansion there isn’t too much quiet to be found there, not to mention it’s where you’ll find the most concentrated group of mini-dreamers (and therefore the most noise!) One of my favorite spots has always been by Cinderella’s fountain and down the walkway by the castle (it just so happens to lead you straight to Sleepy Hollow…might as well grab a funnel cake while you’re there!) it’s a shady spot where you’ll find a bench or two and you might even have a run in with a Princess. It’s also an unobstructed view of the castle.
Those are some of my favorite quiet places in the Magic Kingdom, where are yours?
