It’s no secret that a day at Disney can be an exhausting endeavor for the most well-rested, even those with boundless energy. As someone who is rarely, if ever, well-rested and most certainly does not have boundless energy, a day at Disney can present a challenge. To make the most of my time in the parks, rest breaks are a must (and sometimes involve naps)! Today, I’m sharing some of the best break spots I’ve discovered for a day spent in Magic Kingdom. Whether you’re looking for a break from the fast pace a Magic Kingdom day can bring, a spot to rest and recharge, or you need a quick nap but don’t want to head all the way back to your room, this list is for you!
Pathways around Cinderlla’s Castle
There are little spots to the side of and behind the castle that not only give nice views but also are tucked away with enough shrubbery to find some peace and quiet. Sometimes these are spots where in the past you’d have rare character sightings, but in my experience, they’re usually rather empty and are a great centrally located place to relax in Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Yes, this is a show and it can get pretty loud. Yes, there are the 4-D effects and you do get sprayed with water at one point. However, if you’re looking for a place to get out of the heat and take a break, Mickey’s Philharmagic is a perfect option. My family has used it this way for years! You can tune in or tune out. The line is also airconditioned so if you have to wait, you can do so in a darker space with AC in relative peace. I’ve seen people resting along the walls, using their backpacks as makeshift pillows while they wait for the previous show to end and to be let into the theatre, and it’s really not a bad idea. Because the line isn’t continuously moving for an attraction like Mickey’s Philharmagic, this is a rare opportunity to rest on the ground without worry of how soon you’re going to have to move.
Because it’s also technically an attraction, this is a great option for a break spot if you’re traveling in a group!
Frontierland Walkway
There are cutouts and benches conveniently placed alongside the water, set back from the parade route from just beyond the Haunted Mansion at Liberty Square all the way around to Frontierland. If the weather isn’t causing any trouble and you just need to get off your feet for a moment, this area is a great option when there isn’t a parade happening.
The Peoplemover
My love for the Peoplemover is so well-known to my friends and family that one of my best friends got me a “Meet Me at the Peoplemover” shirt a couple of years ago, that I wear with pride. I could go on for hours about how much I love this ride, but in short, here is why it’s one of the best places to rest in Magic Kingdom:
- it’s relatively quiet since you’re above the action
- the movement creates a breeze, perfect for if you’re looking for a bit of an escape from the Florida heat
- it’s easy to zone out, there’s nothing actively seeking to grab your attention if you don’t want there to be
- beautiful views of the castle
Need I say more?
The Grand Floridian
While technically the Grand Floridian isn’t in Magic Kingdom, it is a Magic Kingdom resort and it’s on the monorail, so access is fast and easy.
The lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian has three things that make it a perfect nap spot: comfy furniture abounds, there are wall outlets everywhere for charging up your devices, and there’s almost always live music that helps drown out the chatter of guests and lull you into a comfortable dream state – at least, that’s my experience. If you happen to go when the Christmas decorations are up, the holiday coziness can’t really be beat.
There you have it! 5 of the best rest spots in Magic Kingdom.
While things have changed in the way Disney operates with their COVID-19 regulations and designated relaxation spots, as guidelines change and travel becomes safer, these are five spots to keep in mind for your next Disney trip! What do you think the best rest spots in Magic Kingdom are? Let me know in the comments!
4 Comments
Philharmagic and the Peoplemover were definitely go to spots for me and my family as well! The dining area in between Tomorrowland and Main Street was also a great place to relax and get away from the crowds. I know the area has changed since the last time I was there, and I think the spot we used is only open for certain hours now. Another chill ride to unwind is Small World! Like Philharmagic, you can tune in or out and enjoy a nice boat ride. This also goes for the park train! It’s a great way to see the park without moving at all!
March 14, 2021 at 2:37 pmI agree about Small World! I didn’t even think of that one since my family usually hits it early before any breaks are needed, but the controlled climate is relaxing. I feel like it gets a bad reputation for the song, but I personally have no problems with it. The Purple Wall area right outside Tomorrowland used to be great for breaks too, before it became popular for photos! All of those little in between areas tend to have real hidden gems for rest breaks. Thank you for sharing!
March 14, 2021 at 3:15 pmThe pathways around Cinderella’s Castle were my go-to’s! This is such a useful post!
March 14, 2021 at 3:41 pmThey feel like an obvious option, since they clearly serve a purpose and make getting around the park so much faster, but I feel like the rest spaces and side areas as a whole are really underutilized!
March 18, 2021 at 10:24 pm