A Walt Disney World trip is half sprint, half marathon, and downright exhausting. If you’re like me, the go-go-go and crowds get to you after a bit, and you need a quiet place to rest and catch your breath. Here are 6+ places that I have found around Walt Disney World Parks that allow you to do just that.
Magic Kingdom
One of my favorite places to rest is behind the Ye Ole Christmas Shop in Liberty Square, a little shaded area with benches. Sometimes there is a character meet and greet back here, we’ve seen Mary Poppins back here before, but even then, it’s still fairly quiet. There is also a nice spot with rocking chairs on the side of the Hall of Presidents.
If you head over to Tomorrowland, down to the right of the Speedway, you’ll find an old smoking spot with benches from back when Disney allowed smoking in the parks. This makes another great area to rest. Also, if you head over to Crystal Arts on Main Street, sit back on the street, which is a nice quiet location with benches and tables. Perfect for sitting, people-watching, and having a quick snack from the Main Street Bakery.
Magic Kingdom also has a few rides and attractions that make good resting spots – The People Mover in Tomorrowland, The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square, The Liberty Square Riverboat, and The Magic Kingdom Train.
Epcot
The best places to stop and take a break in Epcot will be found in the World Showcase. My favorite spot is at the Japan Pavilion. Behind Katsura Grill (Japan’s Quick Service Restaurant) is a little garden with a waterfall and tables. It’s quiet and peaceful back in that area. Grab some sushi or a Kaki-Gori (shaved ice) and rest your feet for a bit.
Another quiet spot in the World Showcase to rest is the garden behind the Toy Shop in the UK Pavilion. This one is a little tricky, as they have live entertainment throughout the day. But if you can get here when nothing is happening, it’s the perfect spot to nibble on some British chocolates and rest for a bit.
Spaceship Earth is the best ride in Epcot to take a break. The boat ride in Mexico and any of the theater-style indoor shows throughout the World Showcase will also do.
Animal Kingdom
A friend showed me my favorite spot to take a break in Animal Kingdom during my last trip. I literally had no clue this spot existed until she showed me. Between Pandora and Africa (over by the Lion King Show) is a little walkway that connects the two. Because it’s not a main walkway, it’s quiet and tranquil. There isn’t any seating back here, so you’ll have to stand or sit on the ground, but the quiet is worth it.
Another spot I love in Animal Kingdom to sit and take a break is by the Flame Tree BBQ. Everyone raves about the food here, but I found it to be okay. The atmosphere totally makes up for it. You’ll want to get a table down by the water and away from the crowd. Grab a snack, the pulled pork nachos look amazing, and chill for a bit.
Na’vi River Journey is the perfect ride in Animal Kingdom to take a break. It’s short but relaxing and beautiful. The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical shows are two other places to take a break.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On my last few trips, I finally found a few places to rest at Hollywood Studios, but this park lacks rest spots.
Heading down Hollywood Blvd, right before Sunset Blvd, on your left side, there is a mint/aqua colored shop. You’ll take a left there and go around the back to the refreshment stand. FYI, this stand has frozen Jack and Coke and frozen Tito’s lemonade (SO GOOD). Across from the stand, you’ll find picnic tables with umbrellas. It’s quiet and shaded, and most of the time, no one is ever there. Then, just around the corner to the back of the same building, is an area with benches shaded by trees—another great spot to take a break.
As far as attractions go, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along is the best place to take a break. The Beauty and the Beast Stage Show, while outside, is a great place to sit for a bit. Also, don’t miss the new Little Mermaid Show or the new Villains Unfairly Ever After show, both of which look like great shows and a great break time.
Baby Care Centers
Baby Care Centers are located in all four parks and are the perfect place for parents of infants to take a break. The centers are open during regular park hours and include a private nursing room with rocking chairs, a unisex bathroom, changing tables, a feeding area with highchairs, a kitchen area with a microwave, oven, and sink, and a room with a TV, table, chairs, and sofa. In addition, there is also a shop that sells formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, OTC medications, sunscreen, juice, and clothes in case you need these items. The Baby Care Center is between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. At Epcot, it is located in the building that is set back right before you get to the World Showcase by Mexico. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it is located to your left as you enter the park. And at Animal Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is behind Creature Comforts.
Do you have a favorite place to rest and take a break in the parks?
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