You’ve heard it suggested before; “Plan some down time away from the parks.” Often, a break in your day is suggested by visiting your resort pool or taking a nap. Or if you’re taking an entire day off from the parks, you may be planning on a monorail ride, a meal at another resort, some shopping at Downtown Disney or trying out other free things to do. But have you ever let your kids play on the resort playground? They’re almost always empty! This is a great way to let your kids run off some steam, while you sit nearby and watch peacefully. Think about it, you may have just pushed them in a stroller for an entire day, and they barely did any walking themselves! Turn that scenario around! Let them run around on a playground, while you do the sitting!
On our most recent trip to Walt Disney World, we had two “non-park” days. The first thing we did after eating breakfast was head to a playground! We stayed at the Yacht Club which doesn’t have a playground of its own anymore, so we walked over to the Swan & Dolphin hotels. They have a nice playground with 2 slides, and it’s all in the sand! There was only one other child playing while my two kids ran around. My kids loved this change of scenery. They weren’t strapped into a stroller, there weren’t any loud noises from nearby attractions, and they didn’t experience visual stimulation overload with a “sea of people” swarming around them. They loved being outdoors and feeling free! And I enjoyed it too!
The playgrounds inside the theme parks can be so crowded! I usually don’t let my kids play on them in fear of “losing one” in the chaotic mix of kids. The resort playgrounds are quiet, entertaining for kids, and free to use! From what I’ve heard, the two best resort playgrounds on Disney Property can be found at Coronado Springs Resort and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Next time you’re in Disney World, check out a Resort Playground with your kids!
In addition to writing for Chip & Co., Terri also writes for her blog Walt Disney World Hints. You can follow WDW Hints on Facebook too!
Related articles
- Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World (chipandco.com)
- Resort Hopping – Taking the Monorail Express (chipandco.com)
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I agree they all seem out in the open in the direct sunlight
My only complaint is that the playgrounds at Disney resorts should be bigger and better and have some SHADED areas – I don’t know any small child who can use most playgrounds I have been to because they are out in the open with no trees or constructed shading. it’s too hot and the sun is too direct most of the year for them to play for long. I can’t believe Disney would not make their playgrounds more friendly for children and comfortable for adults to watch their children! My personal choice for best playgrounds are Port Orleans Riverside since they have natural tree shade and surroundings and Coronado Springs.