The word ‘relaxing’ isn’t typically what most people think of when they picture a Disney World vacation. Yes, you will be walking a lot, yes you will be in lines, and yes there will be high-stress moments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax. Hopefully the following list will help you learn some ways that you can take a step back from the pressure and enjoy the “vacation” aspect of your trip to Walt Disney World.
10. Play Mini Golf
There’s nothing like a game or two of mini golf to take a break from the parks, while still staying busy. There are two locations in Disney World with two game options to play at each location. You can play at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens, located across the Swan Reserve hotel or you can get in the festive spirit with a game at Disney’s Winter Summerland, located outside of Blizzard Beach water park. Admission is included as an option under the Water Park Fun & More ticket if you plan on going prior to 4pm. Note that it can get pretty hot in the middle of the day, as shade is limited.
9. Campfire!
After a long day out and about Walt Disney World, spend the night by one of the many campfires that Disney hosts at their resorts. Depending on the location, you can enjoy campfire stories, sing-alongs, and free marshmallows as you relax by the fire. These are often followed by screenings of various Disney movies under the stars. Make sure you check your resort’s activity calendar to determine when these events will take place.
8. Ride the Magic Kingdom Train
I hesitate to write this because it seems like the Magic Kingdom Train will never wrap around the park again, but there are definitely signs that we’re reaching the end of this long, long closure. When it does return, make sure you take the time out of your Magic Kingdom day to hop aboard the train and travel around the perimeter of the park. With multiple stops around the park, you’re never too far from a station. Feel free to take multiple trips around the park as well. This is a great option for a guest waiting for others to ride a particular ride, or as a way to allow your younger ones to rest and maybe even nap.
7. Watch Fireworks from Outside the Parks!
While I highly recommend that everyone watches the various fireworks shows from inside the parks at least once, there are less stressful options. Many Walt Disney World resorts offer partial viewing of the different fireworks shows. Catch parts of Epcot’s fireworks from Boardwalk, Coronado Springs or Riviera, and catch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian resort. While you won’t get perfect views of the shows, these options are much more peaceful and you’re not stuck in a crowd of thousands of people following the show.
6. Stroll Along the World Showcase
One of the main draws of Epcot is the World Showcase. Where else do you get to explore 11 different countries within one day? Make sure you set a good chunk of your Epcot time to exploring the nooks of each pavilion. There are so many hidden treasures and most of all, the experience allows you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Grab a snack, grab a drink, browse a shop, or simply take in the ambience as you enjoy what makes Epcot truly Epcot.
5. Step Back and Enjoy your Surroundings
Speaking of taking in the ambience, I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to do on your trip. You’re going to feel a lot of pressure to keep running from attraction to attraction, in an attempt to not miss out on anything during your very expensive trip, but doing so will end up overwhelming you and it will take away a lot of the “magic” that Disney World offers. Grab a treat and take in the views, slow down and appreciate the details, watch a street performer, there are so many unplanned for things to enjoy throughout your trip that will create long-lasting memories.
4. Go on a Safari
What’s more relaxing that being taken on a trip throughout an African savannah? While you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, head on over to Kilimanjaro Safaris and search for over 30 different animal species across this 110 acre savannah. For a better chance of seeing the animals in an active state, go to the safari first thing in the morning. You’ll also see the animals very active when there is overcast or if there is light rain; the animals tend to hide and sleep when it’s too hot out. If you want to see even more animals, go on one of the walking trails around Animal Kingdom and you can even head to Animal Kingdom Lodge to view more animals on the three savannahs at that resort.
3. Visit a Lounge
Tired from walking all day and want to enjoy a relaxing dining experience, but you didn’t make any restaurant reservations? No worries. There are plenty of lounges located around property that will offer you the reprieve you’re looking for. The great thing about the lounges is that a lot of them offer a wide range of food options. For an even more relaxed experience, check-out some of the great lounges at the resorts; many of these are within walking distance of one of the parks, so no matter where you are on a specific day, you should have plenty of options.
2. Spend a Day at your Resort
While you may want to be on-the-go everyday of your vacation, taking a day to relax at your resort will provide you with many benefits. Not only do you get to enjoy the great amenities that Disney World resorts offer, but taking a day off will allow you to recharge and regain the energy you need to enjoy the rest of the trip. Even if you think you’ll be able to power through your whole trip without taking a break, waking up at 6am, walking 15-20 thousand steps a day, and getting to bed late for a week in a row will make you sick. Take a day and wake up late, enjoy the pool, grab a meal, and just take it easy. You can always visit Disney Springs later in the day if you can’t handle spending the whole day relaxing.
1. Get to the Parks Very Early
Yes, I know, waking up extremely early doesn’t sound very relaxing, but hear me out. If you get to the parks before rope-drop (when a park opens), the park will be way less crowded than it will be later in the day. You’ll be able to enjoy much shorter wait-times for attractions, and you’ll also be able to enjoy a peaceful walk throughout the parks without people occupying every square foot of space. Getting to the park early will allow you to accomplish many items on your to-do list in a much shorter period of time. This will allow you to take a break in the afternoon- when the crowds are the busiest and the weather is the hottest- and then come back later in the evening to continue your day. For those who really hate early mornings, try staying at the parks late at night for another way to enjoy the parks with lighter crowds.
Wish for Magic 