How You Can Actually Find REST in Disney World
I recently went on a kid-free vacation to Disney World and had so much fun, but as all of you mom's know, the majority of the time I was just thinking about how much my kids would've enjoyed being there! I missed them so much and missed seeing their reactions to all the "new" (or returned) things Disney has to offer. But this trip also gave me a new perspective for mom's who are more apprehensive about bringing their kids and I tried to think of ideas as my park days progressed on things to do in the park for families who need a moment of quiet without the hassle of leaving the park. SO, this blog post was inspired by that perspective and by my sister-in-law (who went with me) that discovered these locations with me!
PLACES OF PEACE AND REST IN MAGIC KINGDOM
1. Tom Sawyer Island- located in Frontierland. This small island is only accessible by a log raft and only open from 11:00am-4:30pm (check the app for updated times). The island is very secluded from the rest of the park and has plenty of shade, seating, and quiet activities for anyone needing a break from the park crowds. There are narrow passages and caves that your child will love but you may be uncomfortable if you're not good with tight places. The island is pretty safely guarded so kids won't be jumping into the water and has room to let them roam without worrying that they're going to wander off into a crowd. This is a great place to take a nap, bring your lunch, and wave to the Mark Twain Riverboat as it circles the island. There are also 2 restrooms on the island so you don't have to worry about any accidents while relaxing!
2. The Alley on Main Street- located on the right hand side of Main Street (when looking at castle). When I was there a few weeks ago, the craziness of the fireworks was pretty overstimulating for us and we needed to escape to eat our dinner and get away from the crowds to recharge. My sister-in-law went to the alley and saved us a bench but there was hardly anyone else down there! We ate our corn dogs in the gorgeous yellow lights of Main Street and felt recharged enough to face the crowds when leaving the park after the fireworks. There were also some benches further down the alley from us that would make the perfect naptime, nursing, escape, picnic spot that should be shaded all day long.
3. Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant- located in Tomorrowland. I'm not sure if this restaurant is undergoing some COVID changes, but the past few times I've been, there was hardly anyone there. Its fenced off from the crowds and the food there was great! You also get a great view of the castle while you relax.
4. Back Alley by The Hall of Presidents- located in Liberty Square. This is a small little area hidden away from the main walkway through Liberty Square. I'm not really sure what the purpose of this area is but we've used this area for a picnic and a quiet area to take a breather! There's some space for the kids to run around and play a small game of tag or a quiet place to rest in the stroller. There isn't seating so it's not super comfortable for adults, but it is quiet!
5. Storybook Circus & Big Top Souvenirs- located in Fantasyland. To the far back left of the Circus area is an outdoor seating area and a cute little place to let the littles run around. Also, the inside of Big Top Souvenirs has indoor seating, snacks and souvenirs to escape the heat and crowds. Space is limited however.
6. Enchanted Tales with Belle- located in Fantasyland. There is a quiet outdoor area with space for strollers and seating if you need a quick rest. This location seems to get pretty busy but I included it if you needed a quick rest or retreat from the crazy crowds in Fantasyland.
ATTRACTIONS OR RIDES FOR REST IN MAGIC KINGDOM
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress- located in Tomorrowland. I love this ride because it was written by Walt Disney himself so I don't usually find myself nodding off in here, but it's the perfect 15 minutes of quiet, air-conditioning, and being seated if you find yourself in need of a power nap. The wait time is usually extremely short since it seats so many people which is why it's at the top of my list!
The PeopleMover located in Tomorrowland. This is a ride that moves at a steady pace and lasts about 5 minutes. I love it so much and it actually goes into some pretty dark areas so you can get a quick little power nap. It's also higher in the air so the crowds are out of sight, out of mind! You also get great views (if you're not napping) of the castle! I once had my 2 year old fall asleep and I've seen lots of mom's taking advantage of the quiet to nurse their babes. The wait time gets pretty long though so just keep an eye out on the app.
It's A Small World- located in Fantasyland. IF you don't mind the song and the wait, this is the longest ride indoors (perfect for air-conditioning and escaping any bad weather) and relaxing enough to get a few minutes of rest in.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor- located in Tomorrowland. Another indoors attraction that is super cute. This is on my list not completely as a solution to "peace and quiet" but more for air-conditioned, comfy chairs and something to really entertain your kids! CAUTION- if you nod off, the show MAY MAKE FUN OF YOU. There's your warning ;]
TIPS FOR EXTRA REST
My first tip is to find a resort that is closest and/or has the easiest transportation options (the monorail resorts) that you can get to whenever you need to for rest and quiet. Finding a resort that is close and has the easiest transportation is for convenience and so you don't waste time in your day waiting for transportation instead of being in the parks or resting in your room. Sometimes, just getting to and from the resorts on other transportation options (the shuttles.... ughhh) can take over an hour!
Have a strategy for your park days! There are soooooo many benefits to strategizing your Disney days and you can read a more detailed blog here (pre Genie+). If you want to have a day that is more relaxing and allows for more quiet time because of special needs or just preferences, then strategize and prioritize your day in a way that accommodates that. Example- Pick a few rides that you definitely *have* to ride and just focus on riding them instead of running around the park trying to ride everything.
If you need more quiet time, but don't or can't leave the park, make dining reservations for your meals so you have that time away from the crowds.
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