Everyone talks about taking a midday break at Walt Disney World, but that doesn’t always mean heading back to your hotel. If leaving the park feels like too much of a hassle, there are plenty of ways to slow things down without ever stepping outside the gates. Some of the best moments of the day happen when you pause, cool off, and take in the atmosphere at a gentler pace. Here are some ideas for your next trip!
Enjoy Longer Attractions
A great place to start is with longer attractions, especially when they mostly take place indoors. These rides and shows give you a chance to sit, relax, and escape the heat for a bit:
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority / PeopleMover – okay, this one is not fully indoors — but it’s nice and breezy!
EPCOT
- Spaceship Earth
- Living with the Land
- The American Adventure
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (mentioning here because while it is completely outdoors, Safaris is the longest attraction at Walt Disney World, coming in at over 30 minutes long!)
Relax in Shaded Areas
If you would rather stay off rides, finding a shaded corner can work just as well. Magic Kingdom has a few tucked away spots along the hub grass, and near the Tangled restrooms in Fantasyland. A dependable daytime spot is the Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant. Since this venue is currently open in the evenings for the fireworks dessert parties, it sits empty during the day with plenty of covered tables and chairs.
EPCOT is full of peaceful pockets off the main World Showcase walkway, especially around the back paths of the Morocco Pavilion, the gardens in the UK Pavilion, and the koi ponds in Japan.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has its own quiet corners, like the seating around Grand Avenue. Hey, a relaxed stop at Baseline Taphouse is always a good idea.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life Garden, Maharajah Jungle Trek, and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail offer shade, space, animal exhibits, and a slower pace that feels far removed from the crowds.
Book A Leisurely Lunch
A sit-down meal can also do wonders, especially if you pick the right spot. Reserving at less busy locations, like Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen or Liberty Tree Tavern give you a comfortable break without a lot of noise or rush.
In EPCOT, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria and San Angel Inn Restaurante offer a cool, shaded escape from the sun.
If you find yourself at Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, The Hollywood Brown Derby and Tiffins Restaurant are both great choices when you want to slow things down and recharge.
It doesn’t take much to turn the day around at Disney World! Sometimes 30 to 45 minutes of sitting, snacking, or enjoying a calm attraction is all it takes to reset everyone’s energy. While your family is trying to get onto the next big ride, remember: a good park day is about pacing yourself so you can actually enjoy where you are.
