Looking to Relax at Walt Disney World? Here are Our Favorite Spots

The hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World is always exciting, but let’s face it, sometimes you need a little break, a quiet spot to catch your breath before diving back into the fray.

Surprisingly, there are plenty of places in the parks )and resorts) to do just that…to sit back and relax in a small oasis of calm. Here are some of our favorites!

Tom Sawyer Island

Located in the Magic Kingdom, this frequently overlooked gem is a great place to take a break. You’ll have to take a short raft ride to reach it, but once you are there you can wander the trails winding their way around the island. There are benches and even a few rocking chairs. You’ll also get a chance to see Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Haunted Mansion, and the Liberty Square Riverboat from completely different vantage points…this is a great (and stress free!) way to get some amazing photos!

If you are traveling with youngsters, there is even playground equipment where they can get their crazies out while you kick up your feet. 

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

This suggestion comes with a small caveat. You might have to wait in a short line to get aboard, though more often than not this is a walk-on attraction (but the caveat is given nonetheless because there are occasions where the line can get a bit lengthy…particularly during special events! Even if that’s the case though the line usually goes by pretty quickly, because it is a continuously loading attraction).

Once you get through the line, prepare yourself for one of the greatest experiences in the Magic Kingdom. The vehicles take you on a laid-back tour of Tomorrowland at a nice, slow pace. You’ll get a sneak peek inside of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, as well as a view of the Progress City diorama, which can’t be seen anywhere else. And of course you can look for the classic Hidden Mickey on the belt buckle of the woman in the salon (a great one to point out to new HM hunters!)

For the ultimate relaxation experience, try to catch a ride on the TTA during the evening fireworks show. If things time out just right you’ll get an unforgettable of the fireworks filling the sky behind Cinderella Castle!

The Fez House

Hidden within the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, the Fez House is built to resemble a typical Moroccan home. The area is decorated with tiles that form gorgeous geometric designs, as well as some ornate wood accents. The fountain located within the courtyard is a replica of the Nejjarine Fountain found in the City of Fez.

The spot is almost always empty, so it’s guaranteed to be quiet. There are also several benches where you can sit down. 

Seating Outside Katsura Grill

The Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is full of gorgeous landscaping and architecture. If you are looking for a place to stop and rest your feet, the outdoor seating area for Katsura Grill is an ideal spot. This area is even more magical at night, when paper lanterns illuminate the area with a soft glow as a waterfall gently burbles in the background.

From there, you can see a beautiful koi pond. To make it even better, stop by Kabuki Cafe first and order yourself a Kakigori (fluffy shaved ice in a sweet syrup). Pro-tip: get it with the sweet milk topping. Grab a seat and enjoy.

When you are finished, stop inside the Bijutsu-kan Gallery located near the back of the pavilion for a brief look at Japan’s Kawaii culture. 

Maharajah Jungle Trek

While visiting Anandapur in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t just take a trek on Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids, make sure to spend some time meandering the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

According to the official backstory, it was once the hunting grounds for a wealthy maharajah. It was then transformed into an animal sanctuary. As you walk the area, you’ll also find evidence of British colonialism in some of the theming.

It is rarely crowded, and while there you can see tigers, Komodo dragons, flying foxes, lion-tailed macaques, and more. For animal lovers, it’s a paradise. For Hidden Mickey lovers, the beautifully detailed murals are filled with whimsical Mickeys…be sure to look in the clouds!

Seating at Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Located in the Harambe Village portion of Animal Kingdom, this is another hidden wonder. The seating for Tamu Tamu Refreshments is located within a walled-in courtyard just off Harambe Market. 

While the marketplace is often crowded with Guests, performers, and the sound of music, the outdoor seating area is often completely empty. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack or sit and have lunch before heading off for a trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, stop by the nearby Harambe Fruit Market first and order yourself the grilled corn on the cob with African spices. It will change your life. 

The Fountain on Grand Avenue

Hollywood Studios is a high-intensity park. From Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash to Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and even the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, it’s not exactly designed to be calming.

That said, there are still a few areas to chill.  A personal favorite is outside the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, in the Grand Avenue area. You can kick back on the edge of the fountain (with its lovely Miss Piggy centerpiece). 

If it’s a little too warm to sit outside, stroll over to PizzeRizzo. You can have a delicious slice of pizza while savoring the best air conditioning in the park.  

Echo Lake

Another restful spot in Hollywood Studios is Echo Lake. It’s impossible to miss. It’s the pond with the giant dinosaur in it.

There are benches around the water. When the sun is shining bright, and the humidity feels like you’ve been wrapped in a steaming blanket, you can pay a visit to Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream to buy yourself a frozen treat before scouting out a place to sit. If it’s a cool evening, stop by Epic Eats and get a Glimmer and Shimmer Funnel cake instead.

Arusha Rock

You don’t have to be staying at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy them. You can simply stop by and check out the lobby, gift shop, and grounds. 

Paying a visit to the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a can’t miss experience, especially if you are looking for a place to relax. You can walk out on Arusha Rock and see the animals grazing on the savannah. You can also find a place to rest around the Arusha Rock fire pit. At certain times of day, you can even listen to a storyteller while there.

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

Wilderness Lodge was designed to resemble the great hotels of America’s National Parks. Stepping inside, you’ll immediately be calmed by the warm lighting and comfortable decor. In fact, you’ll want to curl up on one of the couches and take a nap, or grab a seat in view of the enormous fireplace and let yourself rest your eyes.   

These are just a few of our favorite places to relax, give them a try next time you’re in the parks! You’ll be amazed at how relaxing the Most Magical Place on Earth can be!

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