Most people don’t think of Walt Disney World as a place of relaxation. To many, it is symbolic of the fast-paced, highly-regimented, hurry-up-and-wait style trip that leads many to need a vacation from their vacation. And, yes, if you have limited time at the World in which to see everything you want to, it can certainly be stressful.
However, it doesn’t need to be. There isn’t some kind of intrinsic stress-inducing quality to Walt Disney World. In fact, it can be one of the most relaxing places in the world if you have the time and space to unwind.
Here are a few places at Walt Disney World that are perfect for this kind of relaxation — locations that encourage you to put the phone away, grab a place to sit, and just watch the world go by.
The Oasis at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Image: ThemeParkTourist
Disney’s Animal Kingdom begins with a kind of magic trick. The park was designed by genius imagineer Joe Rohde to evoke the sense of adventure humanity found in communing with the animal kingdom, and that sense of adventure is baked into the entrance of the park.
Rather than filtering through a cinematic entrance way like in the Magic Kingdom, or proceeding toward a massive sculpture like in Epcot, guests entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom are presented with a choice. They must choose one of a handful of different pathways which lie in front of them — all cutting through a green patch of jungle.
Because of this, guests might think they’re forging a trail themselves — moving past animals and horticulture before finally stumbling upon the great Tree of Life on the other side. I say this is a magic trick because, of course, it is only the illusion of choice: all of the trails lead to the same place.
But while everyone else rushes by to get to Flight of Passage or Expedition: Everest, take a moment to find a quiet jut out from one of the trails in the Oasis. You’ll be greeted with incredible wildlife, charming music, and a feeling of communing with nature that you cannot find many other places in the country.
Katsura Grill at Japan in Epcot
Image: marada, Flickr (license)
For whatever reason, Katsura Grill is never crowded at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. Perhaps it’s due to its somewhat removed location, or maybe it’s just not as thrilling as the Mitsukoshi Department Store on the other side of the pavilion. No matter the cause, the result is one of Epcot’s most quiet places to sit, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the World Showcase.
The outdoor dining deck is a particularly great spot to sit and unwind — or, if you’re feeling particularly relaxed, it’s a great place to read.
The area is immaculately designed and seating is never hard to come by. And, if you hold out all day, it’s a pretty great place to watch Illuminations from too.
Liberty Square Riverboat
Image: aloha75, Flickr (license)
Over at the Magic Kingdom, the best places to relax tend to be on the attractions themselves if you can believe it. The Liberty Square Riverboat, above all, provides the best place to escape the hustle and bustle of the theme park itself.
Its scenic trip around the Rivers of America — complete with a cheesy narration from “Samuel Clemens” — gives guests a different angle upon which they can view the Magic Kingdom, and its slow pace necessitates a bit of a mental break.
The back portion of the trip, when the ship is entirely behind Tom Sawyer Island, is particularly relaxing as it is pretty far removed from the action of the Magic Kingdom.
Aunt Polly’s
Image: aloha75, Flickr (license)
Of course, just next to the riverboat is another great spot to find some zen: Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island.
Because guests have to take a raft from the mainland to Tom Sawyer Island, it tends not to have too many crowds to begin with. When you add in the fact that guests tend to accumulate in the central areas like Fort Longhorn and the caves, the outskirts of the island can feel downright remote.
Aunt Polly’s is a restaurant on the edge of the island that only operates seasonally, and for this reason, it provides one of the best escapes in the Magic Kingdom. Plus, with views of Liberty Square and Frontierland just across the river, it’s hard to beat spending some time relaxing and people watching there.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)
But the most zen attraction of all lives across the park in Tomorrowland — the namesake Tomorrowland Transit Authority.
The TTA is one of those things in life that is impossible to explain until you experience it yourself. No matter how intricately you explain its appeal to someone who’s never ridden it, it simply won’t make sense until they ride it themselves.
From the cushioned, lap bar-less vehicles to the quick pace and charming narration, there’s just something about this ride that is Disney at its most relaxing. It’s the perfect length, never overstaying its welcome but also not feeling like it was too short. In all, no one feels more stressed when they get off the TTA — that’s a good thing.
The walkway from Disney Springs to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Image: jasonpratt, Flickr (license)
The parks are amazing, but if you’re really looking to relax on your Disney vacation, you’ll need to take a day to explore the many resort hotels on property. They all have their spots, but of course, some are a bit more relaxing than others.
One great spot is very close to one of the busiest and most stressful places on Walt Disney World property, ironically — the pathway between Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Few people traverse that route, with most either taking a bus or ride-share — but for those that do, they’re greeted with incredible views of the beautiful Disney Springs, and some of Walt Disney World’s best vistas. The lack of people tends to make it feel like a kind of window onto Disney World from another, more relaxing dimension.
The walkways at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Image: princessashley, Flickr (license)
Similarly, the walkways at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort provide a removed-from-the-action feeling as well, particularly in the early morning before the park day truly starts.
The layout of the resort tends to make most guests filter toward Centerville, but the outer areas — as well as some of the more out of the way spots on Caribbean Cay — can feel like your own piece of tropical paradise.
And, there are plenty of benches upon which you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee to greet the day in peace.
Fort Wilderness’ walking trails
Image: christiantlambert, Flickr (license)
This is one of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World — and not one of those oft-talked about not-so-secret secrets you see on tacky YouTube videos. It’s something that you’d be surprised how many Disney superfans are completely in the dark about.
That is, there are incredible hiking and nature trails located within Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.
Some of the trails take you deep into the campground’s forest background, while others allow you to walk alongside gorgeous Bay Lake — with views of the Contemporary Resort and Space Mountain across the way.
Furthermore, they’re totally open to the public — so they’re easy for you to get to. But, you’ll be the only person there, making it your own wooden escape.
The Polynesian Village Resort beach
Image: Dakota Gardner
But if you want the ultimate in Disney relaxation, the original Disney resort is the place for you. Specifically, the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Now, there are a lot of beaches around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Polynesian has quite a few of those beaches itself. If you truly want to escape the crowds and find your own pocket of Florida zen, walk along the lakeside path in the direction of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Keep going past Luau Cove, and you’ll find a relatively quiet, empty stretch of beach with plenty of space to stretch out.
Make yourself at home, bring a book, and enjoy the sounds of boats passing — but little else. That is, unless you stick around until the evening, at which point you’ll have one of the best views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks anywhere outside the park.
And, nothing says zen more than a gorgeous fireworks show on your vacation, right?
