I find it funny how many people think Walt Disney World is the last place anyone should go to relax. Every theme park has its chaotic moments but when you strategically know how and when to navigate the parks as well as what to do once you’re there, you just might experience one of the most blissful theme park visits ever.
When to go is one of the most important factors to consider first. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, timing your visit makes a world of difference. Locals have this down to a science but sometimes traffic or unpredictable central Florida summer weather may affect your plans.
Avoiding major holidays, peak seasons like Spring Break, summer and events like cheer tournaments increases your chances of smaller crowds and shorter ride wait times. Avoiding weekend visits is another strategy that works depending on when you visit.
Many people have no choice but to plan trips around major holidays and peak seasons but if your schedule is flexible then schedule your visits accordingly for the greatest benefit.
Locals often enjoy quiet evenings at WDW, especially during the week after work. I can attest this strategy works. I visited Animal Kingdom earlier this summer around 4:30pm. That left only 90 minutes to spare before park close. Lucky for me all three rides I wanted to do had short wait times, each 15 minutes or less.
Check out the details from that visit to Animal Kingdom here.
It’s typical of me to come up with atypical ideas of what a relaxing day at Walt Disney World looks like but I’d rather save those ideas for another post. My thought process is anything but typical. For now I’ll keep it predictable – I mean simple and focus on ideas that fall into a more “traditional” sense of relaxation.
~ MAGIC KINGDOM ~
Main Street Plaza Gardens
Magic Kingdom may be the busiest park in all of WDW but there are certain rides and pockets around the park where you can actually sit back and relax. One spot in particular is Main Street Plaza Gardens.
Located at the end of Main Street between Cinderella’s Castle and the roundabout this grassy, open area is bordered by low ornamental fencing, landscaping and offers a fantastic view of the castle. You can find a nice spot to spread out right on the grass, people watch and take in the sights, sounds and Disney magic all around.
Timing is everything so you have to be strategic to find a spot to chill. I’ve seen it less busy during the early to mid morning hours, especially right before and during the mid morning parade on Main Street.
Main Street Plaza Gardens is also a great place to capture cute photos. You can take your own or take advantage of the multiple nearby Disney Photo Pass locations.
Peoplemover
This ride is always a must do when I visit Magic Kingdom. For me it puts the R in relaxation. It’s an elevated, open air mass transit vehicle that takes you around Tomorrowland, offering views inside other attractions like Space Mountain. Moving at six mph, this ten minute ride is the perfect way to literally put your feet up, sit back, relax and recharge after a long, grueling day in the parks. By theme park standards ten minutes on a ride is an eternity so take full advantage of this luxury.
Peoplemover is super popular yet often has short wait times so if you ever catch it at 10 minutes or less, jump on it immediately and do back to back rides when possible – thank me later.
~ EPCOT ~
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is EPCOT’s crown jewel. It’s the first thing you see even before entering the park. This slow, omnimover dark ride takes you on a narrated adventure through time from the past to the present. The theme explores the history of communication, its origins, advancements and impact around the world.
Most Spaceship Earth fans would agree it’s one of the most relaxing rides at Epcot. I’ve taken so many refreshing cat naps on this ride that I can’t keep count. I highly recommend this ride as a way to cool off, kick back and recharge after a long day of walking World Showcase.
As with most popular WDW rides, wait times may vary depending on the day, time of day or season etc so keep that in mind if you plan to ride Spaceship Earth on your next visit to EPCOT.
Soarin’
Soarin’ Around the World is a screen based flight simulator dark ride that takes you soaring over familiar landmarks and locations around the world. The experience is backed by sound effects and a music track that changes with each location.
Not only do you see each breath taking destination, you can smell it, making the experience even more realistic and memorable.
Trust me, don’t skip this one if you’ve never done it before. There’s something so pleasant and relaxing about the feeling of flying which is why Soarin’ is a must do WDW attraction.
Living with the Land
This is another EPCOT must do ride that offers relaxation and educational, slow paced fun. This family friendly boat ride takes you on a journey through multiple ecosystems including Disney’s own working greenhouses, showcasing mankind’s efforts to develop sustainable farming and agricultural practices.
Riding Living with the Land, Soarin’ and Spaceship Earth is almost therapeutic, like a spa day. You can’t go wrong at EPCOT with a ride lineup like this.
Both Soarin’ and Living with the Land are located inside The Land Pavilion. If you’re planning a visit to EPCOT this year you should know that the regular Soarin’ Around the World has been replaced with Soarin’ Across America. This new version of Soarin’ premiered on May 26 of this year in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. No end date has been set for this version so expect it to remain for the foreseeable future.
The Spice Road Table
The first time I tried The Spice Road Table in EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion I knew I picked a winner. If you enjoy eating delicious Mediterranean food al fresco overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon, add this restaurant to your short list.
They offer small plates, entrees and a variety of beverages. Everything I ordered was packed with flavor. The mint iced tea is my favorite drink and it’s ridiculously refreshing. The Spice Road Table Bread Service, Spicy Shrimp and Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves are my go to order items at the moment but I plan on switching it up for a change next time I visit.
Every time I dine here it’s an amazing experience. Service is fast and friendly and the food is chef’s kiss. Dining al fresco with stunning views does wonders for the nervous system. You’ll leave with a full belly feeling relaxed and refreshed.
~ ANIMAL KINGDOM ~
Flight of Passage
Pandora is a beautifully designed section of Animal Kingdom themed after the blockbuster movie Avatar. Here you’ll find the popular screen based flying simulation attraction called Avatar Flight of Passage.
If you’re familiar with the movie you should remember the beauty of the alien land, Pandora. Disney did a fantastic job recreating the lush and exotic landscape to scale, not just in the queue but throughout the entire land. It’s like walking though a mystical forest and that feeling is maintained from the queue entrance and continues through the attraction’s exterior exit leading into the gift shop.
The interior queue is just as grand, full of detail and color. It’s also one of the longest queues of any WDW attraction and I wouldn’t recommend this ride on a busy day. I’ve seen wait times upwards of 135 minutes and there’s nothing relaxing about that.
Most people would consider Flight of Passage a thrill ride but to me it’s more relaxing than thrilling. The onscreen scenery is just a vibrant and beautiful as the exterior queue which is why this attraction is a must see when visiting Animal Kingdom.
Na’vi River Journey
Also located in Pandora, Na’vi River Journey is a slow paced, dark boat ride that traverses through the vibrant, mystical rainforest of Pandora.
Prepare yourself for a peaceful, awe inspiring experience. Na’vi River Journey is a feast for the senses which is why it’s one of my favorite relaxing WDW attractions.
Disney Skyliner
It still surprises me how many people avoid the Disney Skyliner. I can’t get enough of it and if I could I would use it exclusively to park hop between all four WDW parks.
The Disney Skyliner is the ultimate Walt Disney World way to relax. It’s my favorite way to park hop between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. You get to enjoy killer 360° views and a steady breeze from inside a roomy gondola, suspended 30-60 ft above the treetops while moving at a comfortable 11 mph.
If you’re lucky enough to get a gondola to yourself you can really sprawl out, get comfortable and take it all in. Feel free to capture all the selfies and content that you want, just do it while remaining in your seat.
I purposely didn’t include Hollywood Studios. As much as I enjoy the park I don’t find anything there relaxing. This is why I’d choose to park at Hollywood Studios then take the Disney Skyliner to Epcot instead.
A chill and relaxing Walt Disney World experience is definitely possible but it takes a little strategic planning and compromise. Share your thoughts and let me know what your relaxing Walt Disney World visit looks like.
Mo Goes | The Blog 