I love visiting the parks at Walt Disney World. After all, they are the primary reason that most people make the trek to Orlando.
While the parks are great fun, sometimes it is also a good idea to take a break from them.
Of course, if your vacation is only three days long, you might not have much time for breaks away from the parks. Go commando and see everything you can. You can rest when you get home!
If you have the luxury of a longer vacation, you can plan some time away from the parks. One of my favorite tips is to take a break during the hottest part of the afternoon to get away from the crowds and the intense sun. Taking a nap is a great option, but if you are looking for something a bit more active, here are some great options:
1 – Enjoy Disney Transportation
Half the fun is getting there. At Disney World, there are plenty of ways to “get there,” even if that just means going for a round trip. Consider taking a boat ride from Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Boardwalk. Once at the Boardwalk you can enjoy the shops and restaurants. In the same way, take a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. It’s a great way to get some breathing room and a chance to escape the crushing crowds. Consider riding the monorail and grabbing a lunch or dinner at one of the resort hotels.
2 – Play Mini-Golf
Who doesn’t like mini-golf? At Disney World you can play at two different mini-golf locations. The Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course is located in the shadow of the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. It offers two different 18-hole courses: a family-friendly version with the dancing hippos and hardworking mops you would expect in a Fantasia-themed location, and a more challenging course with holes up to 100 feet in length. The Winter Summerland course is a bit more out of the way, located (appropriately) near Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check out the two different 18-hole courses, one themed for summer and one themed for winter. Both include appearances by Santa.
3 – Splash In A Water Park
Perhaps nothing helps you cool off better from the hot Florida sun than a dip in the pool. Why settle for just a pool when you are at Disney World? Disney offers two huge water parks. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach you can enjoy calm fun like the Cross Country Creek (aka lazy river) or a thrilling adventure like the 120 foot drop of Summit Plummet. Over at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, located just across the street from Disney Springs, you can also cool off with water rides that range from tame to terrifying.
4 – Shop Or Dine In Disney Springs
There is always something new and fun to check out at Disney Springs – from the changing parade of shops to the low-key entertainment options. Disney Springs is a fun way to spend an afternoon or an evening. However, beware that parking at Disney Springs is difficult as the transformation to Disney Springs takes place. Plan ahead.
5 – Visit The Resort Hotels
Whether you enjoy architecture or dining, shopping or relaxing, the Disney resort hotels have you covered. Take a break from the crowds and get away to themed worlds as varied as the South Seas (as in Disney’s Polynesian Resort), the great Northwest (as in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), or the future (as in Disney’s Contemporary Resort). The grounds of each resort are beautiful, and it is fun to just wander.
Do you taking a mid-day break from the parks, or go go go?