Nine Relaxing Spots at Walt Disney World
Sometimes, we all need a break, especially at a Disney theme park.
A visit involves a lot of walking and many crowd encounters. Plus, you’re probably traveling with others and could use some Me Time.
Believe it or not, Disney provides many opportunities to stop and catch your breath.
Here are nine of the most relaxing spots at Walt Disney World.
Beach Walks at the Polynesian
I love all the tranquil spots I’m about to discuss, but I’m starting with a favorite.
The theming at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort plays up the premise that you’ve traveled to the South Seas.
Yes, you’ve escaped your home life for a while and traveled to a beachfront resort.
As part of that theming, Disney built an actual beach at the Polynesian.
Whenever you want to relax, head here – or stay here! – and walk across the beach.
Shoes are optional, but I must admit that I usually leave mine on. This sand tends to be hot since it gets plenty of direct sunlight.
Boat Rides to Disney Springs
Have you ever noticed the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa?
These octagonal villas possess dazzling architecture, and you can watch them as you sail by on a boat from Disney’s Port Orleans resorts!
Along with Disney’s Old Key West Resort, these three hotels all operate boat transportation to and from Disney Springs. And it’s magical!
For 15 minutes, you’ll do nothing but admire the sights like those Treehouse Villas.
You’ll also enjoy your best opportunity to study the landscape at Disney Springs. Imagineers have truly outdone themselves with the flowers here.
Plus, you can appreciate the architecture of the buildings that comprise Disney Springs. I try to take a boat ride at least every other day at Disney.
Cocktails at Three Bridges
You’ll find Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Specifically, you’ll locate it in the water.
Yes, Disney constructed a restaurant right in the middle of the lake here.
The Villa del Lago section provides plenty of serenity on its own. However, you’ll appreciate it the most while you’re nurturing a beverage.
You can sit on the deck of the restaurant and admire the view of the water. The covered, open-air area provides an ideal setting for drinks with friends.
Plus, the beach patio furniture will relax you even more as it manipulates your senses into believing you’re eating waterfront…which you technically are!
Fireworks in the Sky
You’ll need to eat at California Grill or Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera to take advantage of this one.
Well, you could technically do it as a member of the Disney Vacation Club, too, but that’s a bit obscure for most.
I’m speaking of watching Disney’s fireworks presentations from 10+ stories in the air.
For decades now, California Grill has hosted fireworks viewings for Magic Kingdom.
When you dine at the restaurant, your table may include a view of Cinderella Castle, the location of the nightly fireworks presentation.
If your seat doesn’t provide this view, you can stand on the deck and watch as Happily Ever After… plays.
Topolino’s Terrace arrived pretty recently, and it steals ideas from the best.
This rooftop restaurant offers views of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When the weather’s nice, you can watch either park’s nighttime presentation. It’s the perfect capper to a Disney day!
Gondola Rides at Night
There’s something about Disney that makes it more magical at night.
I realize that you may not experience this much, especially if you’re a parent with small children.
Still, I’d strongly encourage you to take a gondola ride at night during your visit.
The Disney Skyliner operates until well after Epcot and Hollywood Studios close.
So, you’ll have no problem getting to a gondola. Just visit one of these two parks and stay until twilight arrives.
Then, board the Disney Skyliner and ride around for a couple of stops. You’ll get to see parts of Disney from above, and the nighttime lights are dazzling!
Hanging in the Lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge
If you see me sitting in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, one thing’s for sure. I’m asleep.
This place and the next entry represent my two go-to catnap spots at Walt Disney World. I find both of them that relaxing by nature.
The welcoming architecture at Animal Kingdom Lodge belies the massive nature of the building’s interior.
You can sit here and admire the incredible architecture and authentic African items on display.
Then, you can shut your eyes and embrace the soothing nature of this lobby. It’s like nowhere else at Disney in terms of serenity.
Living with the Land
All roads at Future World lead to The Land pavilion. Well, close enough.
This place is simple to find, residing a few hundred feet past Spaceship Earth.
The appeal of The Land stems from Soarin’, one of the E-ticket attractions at EPCOT.
However, I ride something else more often. I’m hopelessly addicted to Living with the Land, a boat ride through darkness.
Okay, only a couple of minutes of the ride occur in the dark, but I frequently fall asleep before reaching the bright section.
I’m being serious, but I’m also belying my passion for the lab that comprises the second half of this attraction.
Disney scientists are solving world hunger in this building, and they’ll let you watch from the boat!
(You have to stay awake long enough to appreciate it, though. And that’s not easy.)
Listening to the Piano at Grand Floridian
You’ve heard by now that the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra no longer works for Disney.
As such, you wouldn’t expect to hear music at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa anymore.
Well, I’m happy to tell you that’s not the case. Disney still employs a pianist in the hotel lobby.
Now, the hours vary, which means you’ll need to pay attention to the schedule here before visiting.
However, as long as you arrive at the right time, you can sit in the lobby and listen to a piano recital featuring many beloved Disney tunes.
Moving with the People
Sometimes, when you’re in the parks, you need a break. Unfortunately, you’re on the wrong side to exit quickly. So, you feel stuck.
Longtime Disney fans know that some rides work as well as an escape and come with an added benefit. You’re still at the park when you’re done!
That saves you a lot of steps in walking in and out of the park. Plus, you add to your ride total.
I’ve only mentioned one other park ride thus far because I believe two of them tower above the rest in this category. And Living with the Land is relatively close to the entrance.
So, your best bet for this idea is the pride of Tomorrowland. I’m speaking of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover!
When you board this tram, you’ll take a slow ride through Disney history, coming face to face with the original model for Progress City.
Then, you’ll watch other highlights from Tomorrowland, including a unique view of Space Mountain.
More importantly, you’ll get off your feet for 10 minutes. Also, since the line is usually short, you can ride again if you’re still fatigued.
Okay, that’s my nine suggestions for places to relax at Walt Disney World. Which ones do you think I missed?
Feature Image Rights: Disney