Break from long day at Magic Kingdom

[XAVIER]

Hi.
We are staying at the WDW Dolphin and plan to have a full day at the Magic Kingdom from early entry up to the closing fireworks.
However with two young kids in the group we would like to take a couple of hours break when it gets too hot mid afternoon.
Is it feasible to get back to the Dolphin for an hour or so?
Or is it possible to visit one of the closer hotels just to cool down, have a quiet drink…. and maybe use the pool?

 

[Three cats]

You could definitely visit another resort but wouldn’t be able to use their pool.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Guests are never allowed to use any pools except the resort they are staying at.

 

[XAVIER]

Ok, good to know.
But you can visit the bars , restaurants at the Poly say?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Yes,if you walk or take Disney transportation.

 

[XAVIER]

Can you use the pool bars?

 

[Karalee402]

You can definitely order from the pool bars! We love staying at the Dolphin, and it's not too terribly far if you want to take the bus back or even get an Uber/Lyft to take you back a bit more quickly. A few hours at the pool is always nice! But, if you want to save the travel time, it's so nice to spend some time around the monorail resorts. Grab a drink at a pool bar or a dole whip from Pineapple Lanai.

 

[XAVIER]

As there are 8 of us (6 quiet adults and 2 well behaved but slightly noisy kids) I think the Poly may be a good option for a break (and a cool beer!)
Any opinions on whether the Contemporary would be better for the kids? (Aged 6 and 7)

 

[Anna131517]

I think a 6 and 7 year old are going to have trouble doing park open to close. Mine couldn’t do that. Maybe if they’re petite and fit in strollers. I think you’d be better off taking a 3-4 he break in the middle of the day to go back to the room, eat, maybe watch a limbus, then head back. But if you want to try it, you could eat lunch at the contemporary (we like Steakhouse 71) and so some shopping, wander around to see the artwork. Or you could check out a character meal at Grand Floridian or Polynesian and wander around those resorts. I wouldn’t do Chef Mickeys because that’s not relaxing! I would pick a sit down restaurant and try to have a long meal so everyone really does sit and rest.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Should you be looking for an easier and straight run transport to a MK region hotel don’t forget WL. Great bar by the lake and seating at Geyser Pt.
Just a boat ride away.

 

[jo-jo]

How about one adult takes the two kids back to hotel using uber for a few hours rest and uber back? Other adults can hang out at bar/ lobby somewhere for a few hours. Does everyone need to go back? My grandkids can get up at 6 and not go to bed until 10. Going to a resort to cool down would just mean more stuff to explore, not going to see in a chair for an hour.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

I agree with jo-jo about trying to get young kids to sit still while the adults chill at a bar. They're going to see a fun looking pool and want to dive in. They're going to want to explore the resort you're visiting. The one thing that they won't do is rest!

If heading back to the hotel is not an option then consider doing a sit down meal at mid-day. Buffets are great for kids because they get fed quickly. A character meal at Crystal Palace would keep them engaged while the adults eat and cool off for a while.

 

[XAVIER]

Should you be looking for an easier and straight run transport to a MK region hotel don’t forget WL. Great bar by the lake and seating at Geyser Pt.
Just a boat ride away.

Never thought of WL.
Is the lake bar right where the boat lands? And is that a bit of a beach nearby?

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Never thought of WL.
Is the lake bar right where the boat lands? And is that a bit of a beach nearby?

Geyser Point is near the boat dock. There is no beach at WL. Just an FYI. Geyser Point is outdoors but covered. So it is still going to be hot/humid but you will be out of the sun.

 

[lanejudy]

Can you use the pool bars?

If the pool bar has an outside the gate access -- which I think many do.

I would consider how easily the kids will entertain themselves while the adults sit to enjoy a beverage, especially if the pool is within view. Personally, I'd either Uber back to Dolphin for the pool or do a resort bar that is NOT near a pool. Kids that age are not going to be happy watching a pool that they cannot use, especially if overly hot from being in the parks all morning.

 

[sponica]

My sister went last summer and did EE through fireworks, they left in the middle of the day to go back to their resort and it worked for them. Depending on how young the kids are, I'm not sure if relaxing at a lounge at a different hotel will necessarily be *relaxing* for everyone.

 

[Anthony1971]

We use to plan a longer midday TS if we were at a park all day if we did not go back to the resort. I can no longer speak for anything in MK as it has been a while since we ate there for various reasons... WL (Whispering Canyon) has a reasonably prices TS that has lunch/Breakfast until 2 that will entertain kids. You will need reservation these days. They have a nice lobby everyone is free to sit in as well before/after eating.

 

[MomDoc_99]

Our last trip we really enjoyed having lunch at the Grand Floridian Cafe on our EE to Fireworks day. We enjoyed the food, it was quiet and relaxed and cool, and we spent a little time in the lobby afterwards, then returned to the park. DGDs 4 and 6 made it through the fireworks!

 

[anniemae]

We enjoyed the Contemporary for a break. Lots of places to sit and relax. We would have a meal at the Wave, but I believe it's something els now.

 

[Robber Baron]

Many say making a trip back to your resort is some long arduous process. It isn't.

Just grab a bus back and relax for a couple hours in the afternoon. We do it all the time. We always do rope drop and head back to the resort mid day for a swim and some relaxation.

Taking 8 people to a resort that isn't yours and just wandering around isn't the restful break you think it might be.