If you’re an avid reader, you probably have a book with you at all times. And that includes your Walt Disney World vacation. Maybe you’re in the middle of a bestselling thriller you just can’t put down, or maybe you’ve developed a reading habit and want to keep it going. Or maybe you’re a bookworm at heart and just like the idea of reading a book at Disney World. Whatever the case, if you find yourself at Walt Disney World with a dreamy, far-off look and your nose stuck in a book, here are the best spots to read in the most magical place on earth.
1. At your resort
This first one might seem a little obvious, but the best place to curl up with a good book is your Walt Disney World Resort hotel! For avid readers, this is the ideal way to spend a resort day away from the parks. Bring your book to the pool and catch some rays while you read. Or go sit in the lobby and enjoy the ambiance while reading, especially if you’re staying somewhere luxurious like the Grand Floridian or the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
2. The Boardwalk
With plenty of benches and background noise, the Boardwalk is a great place to read. In fact, you can catch a ride on a boat and read a chapter on the water! For readers who like to sneak a few pages on the go, I recommend an easygoing riverboat more than bus, the Skyliner, or the Monorail, though these are all options as well for readers looking to read during transit. Just make sure you don’t miss your stop or get motion sickness on the bus! Besides the boat, the Boardwalk also offers beach access in front of the Beach Club Resort…perfect for reading!
3. Restaurants
With over 200 restaurants, bars, and even Starbucks cafes, Walt Disney World has plenty of options for readers looking to channel some main-character energy and read in a public place. My personal favorite is the top floor of the Columbia Harbor House in Magic Kingdom. Random, I know, but it’s quiet and has a great bathroom! Other reading nooks can be found in Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern, EPCOT‘s San Angel Inn, and the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios. If the weather is nice, you can also grab a snack from a quick service spot, find a table, and enjoy!
4. EPCOT pavilions
There’s more to the World Showcase pavilions than meets the eye. Many guests don’t venture too far into the pavilions, meaning there are plenty of spots to find a shady, quiet bench and finish that chapter. While areas like Mexico, Germany, and Norway are too crowded, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and China pavilions tend to be less crowded. You might even see literary-inspired characters like Mary Poppins, Jasmine, Alice, or Mulan walking around!
5. The Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse bench in Magic Kingdom
Okay, so this one is more of a photo op, but in theory, you could take a seat and read a bit next to these Disney icons. Typically found in the Town Square of Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom (but sometimes moved seasonally), this bench features a statue of Walt Disney’s brother Roy and Mickey’s main girl. Move closer to the castle, and you’ll find the famous Partners statue with Walt and Mickey. Again, in theory, you could read a few pages with Walt and Mickey as well, but Roy and Minnie’s bench undoubtedly has room for one more.
6. In front of Cinderella Castle
A must-do for bibliophiles, I highly recommend finding a nice spot of grass and reading a chapter or two with some of the best views in all of Walt Disney World. The courtyards in front of Casey’s Corner and the Plaza are particularly nice. While there are so many great options for reading at Walt Disney World–in line for your favorite ride, around Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios, or throughout Galaxy’s Edge, for example–nothing beats getting lost in a good book in sight of Cinderella Castle.
Hannah Jane Pearson is a Colorado-based freelancer and fiction writer. She is a former Walt Disney World cast member and Big Thunder Mountain enthusiast.