As much as I love Disney World, I sometimes need a little break from the frenzy of the parks. Here are my favorite places to hide out and get away from it all and just unplug. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone, okay?
1. Tom Sawyer Island. This underrated spot is full of quiet, cool spots to lounge around or explore. If the Magic Kingdom gets too crowded, hop on a raft and head over. You can even bring a snack from the “mainland” and find a little spot with a chair and watch the world go by on the other side of the river.
2. Baby Care Centers. Okay, this one is tough because you need a baby (under 3-ish) to use these centers, located in all four parks, but if you’ve got a tot in tow, they can be more than just a place where you can change your baby. There’s a quiet area where she can eat (highchairs are provided) and toddle around safely while you enjoy the cool air conditioning and quiet.
3. The Library at Kidani Village. The library at Kidani Village, part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is one of the most private public areas on property. I’m not sure why it’s called a library–it doesn’t have any books. But it does have a beautiful fireplace and comfy couches where you can sit and enjoy a book or just look out on the Savanna. I visited here during my trip in December, and hated to leave. Best of all, it’s almost always empty.
4. The Carousel of Progress. This is one of my favorite attractions, but it’s also a great place to decompress; even little kids snuggle in and relax for a bit. The familiarity of the scenes, the music and the narration all add to the experience. It’s a must-do on every trip.
5. The lobby of the Grand Floridian. Now, I know that the Grand Floridian isn’t what most of you think of when you think “relaxing.” You probably think it’s formal and stuffy. Well I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. It’s Disney, so it can’t be stuffy and even though the resort itself appears to be quite formal, it’s actually just as welcoming as any other Disney resort. Next time you’re in the Magic Kingdom and you need a quick break, hop on the monorail and head on over. Have a snack or a quick lunch and just relax and take it all in. The lobby is cool, the surroundings are beautiful, right up to the soaring ceiling. I promise you that you won’t feel uncomfortable just stopping by for a quick visit. Then just get on the boat and head back to the park.
For more check out this article Finding peace and quiet at Walt Disney World!
Where are some of you favorite places to hide out? Let me know in the comment box below.
Related articles
- Fall or Christmas holidays…when is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? (pics.chipandco.com)
- Taking your teen to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
Wilderness Lodge – some of the upper floors have little nooks near the balcony with seating and one even has a fireplace. Very peaceful and relaxing!
Waterfront at Fort Wilderness, just about any non-theme pool but especially at the DVC resorts, Tomorrow Land Transit Authority because you can ride it as many times as you want without getting off, chairs at the bottom of the stairs at Boardwalk, and any restaurant that has intimate-type seating like The Garden Grille or Coral Reef.
I agree with you about the Grand Floridian, it is very comfortable and relaxing inside and not at all stuffy. The day we visited there was a pianist playing on the grand piano there in the lobby and I saw they had a place just upstairs for a band/chamber music which I assume plays later in the day. Mom and I sat and relaxed for a while and we felt right at home there. Loved it!
The wilderness resort lobby is so relaxing, sit by the little bridge and enjoy the quiet peaceful atmosphere. The little side path along the castle, we were there mid day and no one was around, we sat and just relaxed. The benches in the shade under the trees by Liberty Sq. The bench on the bridge leading to Tomorrowland was a great place to sit and people watch. The arcade at the exit of Space Mountain. No one was in there! I sat and rested in the a/c in the massage chairs undisturbed for 15 minutes while the kids played next to me on arcade games. Animal Kingdom has a pavilion just off the path across from Flights of wonder that is covered and has fans, and tables and chairs. We grabbed frozen slushy drinks at the upcountry stand and sat in the shade with the fan blowing a lovely breeze. You are right on the water and can see the bridge, so you know when the parade is about to come around the corner! Hollywood studios, the benches across from Toy Story that are right near the fun coke bottle that spritzes every so often. Epcot- where can’t you sit and relax there? Just go over in to the World Showcase and pick a bench with a view!