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. 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.
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On our early summer visit last year, we finally checked out TSI. We saw river otters playing in the water around the island. You can see nature in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the parks if you just relax and take in the scenery. People watching can be interesting, too.
Fort Wilderness. Sit on the porch in a rocking chair. Sit on the beach. take a hayride. go to the singalong (late) and watch an outdoor movie. Rent a golf cart, and ride around to check out how the RVers decorate their “homes”. And best of all – Trails end has THE BEST pulled pork. In the Magic Kingdom – TTA. Twice if they’ll let you. And there used to be a little museum like area behind Tony’s Restaurant – or near there anyway – always empty. You can’t sit and relax, but you can get out of the crowd for a few, and see some cool stuff too.
I soooo like going to Tom Sawyer Island to “hide out” sitting in a rocker on the porch with your snack in hand is honestly the best place. We have gone out of our way just to do that!
Okay, the baby care centers are out for us. The Wedway People Mover is nice to ride on and get away from all the crowds. We enjoy doing that and taking a break. We also love to get on the Ferry Boat that goes from the MK to the TTC. That is a nice break. We go in the fall most of the time so it isn’t busy. We even caught the MK fireworks on it one time and we had the boar almost to ourselves. It was great.
Okay, the baby care centers are out for us. The Wedway People Mover is nice to ride on and get away from all the crowds. We enjoy doing that and taking a break. We also love to get on the Ferry Boat that goes from the MK to the TTC. That is a nice break. We go in the fall most of the time so it isn’t busy. We even caught the MK fireworks on it one time and we had the boar almost to ourselves. It was great.
I love to relax on the TTA as well. I have gone into the first aid station a couple of times when I was near overheating and since they were empty I sat in the quiet & cool and rested while drinking water.
I love to relax on the TTA as well. I have gone into the first aid station a couple of times when I was near overheating and since they were empty I sat in the quiet & cool and rested while drinking water.
I love to relax on the TTA as well. I have gone into the first aid station a couple of times when I was near overheating and since they were empty I sat in the quiet & cool and rested while drinking water.
Thanks for the library info at Animal Kingdom Lodge…I will have to try it out on the next trip!
Thanks for the library info at Animal Kingdom Lodge…I will have to try it out on the next trip!
We like Fort Wilderness. We went over for lunch from the MK & then just relaxed outside before heading back to finish the evening at MK. We also like to have high tea at the Garden View Tea Room. Nice place for the women & girls to get away from the men & boys in the group.
Another great place to relax id to go to POFQ or POR and hop on the boat to DTD. I love that ride. It is so relaxing.
Don’t forget the people mover. Great place to close your eyes and take a breather.
I also like the rocking chairs in front of the frontierland trading post! Its a great place to relax, people watch, and pin trade!
There are some rockers in front of Tony’s that can be nice to sit and relax in when there aren’t any parades going on. I’ve also found the lobby of Shades of Green to be very nice to relax in, and it’s a nice resort to visit, too.
My main place to take a load off my feet is the old Swan Boat pavillion. It’s even quiet enough to make a phone call! There are tables and chairs should you need to eat and benches, too. It’s great during a summer rain, too. The other place I like to sit is in one of the rockers outside the Mercantile in Frontierland. It’s shady there and it’s a nice place to people watch, too. Grins!
My main place to take a load off my feet is the old Swan Boat pavillion. It’s even quiet enough to make a phone call! There are tables and chairs should you need to eat and benches, too. It’s great during a summer rain, too. The other place I like to sit is in one of the rockers outside the Mercantile in Frontierland. It’s shady there and it’s a nice place to people watch, too. Grins!
My main place to take a load off my feet is the old Swan Boat pavillion. It’s even quiet enough to make a phone call! There are tables and chairs should you need to eat and benches, too. It’s great during a summer rain, too. The other place I like to sit is in one of the rockers outside the Mercantile in Frontierland. It’s shady there and it’s a nice place to people watch, too. Grins!
Sorry Chris but ever since my last trip and getting stuck in the carousel of progress for 30 mins and hearing “A Great Big Beautiful tomorrow” over and over again for that 30 mins I can’t exatly call that relaxing.
The TTA at MK is also a great place to sit and relax
Couldn’t agree more with Tom Sawyer’s Island! On our first trip to Disney, our girls were 4 & 6. We must have spent at least an hour there, exploring and enjoying the break from the crowds. It was wonderful and the girls didn’t want to leave!