has anyone tried an "afternoon break" in a resort lobby???

Maybe during the day?? We're talking dinner time, and chairs are available all over - not hard to come by at all - everyone seems to still be at the parks or moved on after being outside. There are tons of outside tables and chairs outside on the extensive grounds of the POLY.


The only pool that I saw the tables were all taken was at SAB. Thee was not enough for the folks who were trying to have lunch, and every lounge chair was filled as well. Every other resort we have stayed at, the pool bar area has plenty of open tables and chairs. The two snack shacks at the GF advertise as CS restaurants, so I imagine thatpeople are welcomed to sit and relax there. I did not notice the loungers by the pools, but I had lunch a few times at the shacks and cocktails there as well on my last stay, and never once needed to look for an ipen space, there was plenty.
 
Maybe during the day?? We're talking dinner time, and chairs are available all over - not hard to come by at all - everyone seems to still be at the parks or moved on after being outside. There are tons of outside tables and chairs outside on the extensive grounds of the POLY.
pool hopping is not allowed, except for sister resorts(example. port orleans french quarter and port orleans riverside) and certain pools for DVC members. pool hopping includes use of the pool and the surrounding deck, table with umbrellas, loungers,e tc.
while there are no "rules" as to who can use, peruse, sit in, etc. the lobbys of all the disney resorts, shop, eat in the restaurants, there ARE rules regarding pool hopping. sorry, it just isn't allowed in the pool areas.
 
The only pool that I saw the tables were all taken was at SAB. Thee was not enough for the folks who were trying to have lunch, and every lounge chair was filled as well. Every other resort we have stayed at, the pool bar area has plenty of open tables and chairs. The two snack shacks at the GF advertise as CS restaurants, so I imagine thatpeople are welcomed to sit and relax there. I did not notice the loungers by the pools, but I had lunch a few times at the shacks and cocktails there as well on my last stay, and never once needed to look for an ipen space, there was plenty.

I've actually been part of a group who was sitting at the (empty)poolside CS area at GF (by the Alice in Wonderland themed pool) kicked out by management because we were not guests. Nevermind that the group had purchased and eaten dinner at the CS location and was just chilling afterwards...again wile the seating area was empty. And no, we didn't challenge the judgment call or complain higher up...simply made a mental note that the GF is off our must-stay-at list.
 
Last edited:

I've actually been part of a group who was sitting at the (empty)poolside CS area at GF (by the Alice in Wonderland themed pool) kicked out by management because we were not guests. Nevermind that the group had purchased and eaten dinner at the CS location and was just chilling afterwards...again wile the seating area was empty. And no, we didn't challenge the judgment call or complain higher up...simply made a mental note that the GF is off our must-stay-at list.

Well that's not good! I am sorry to hear that, and think that stinks!
 
Personally, I would take the resort monorail to my favorite, the Polynesian. They are doing some construction there, but a lot of it is complete now and the main lobby should be good to go. I absolutely love the ambience there with the South Seas theming--would be very relaxing. I think the CR is a little too sterile for me, but it is closer--you can walk there from the MK entrance. The GF is a little too grand for me to feel relaxing. Just my two cents; take them for what they're worth!
 
/
When traveling down a week and a half ago it was just me and the kids on a very very early flight. DH was traveling from across the country later in the evening. I did not get any sleep the night before. After checking in I told DD and her boyfriend both who were 18 walk to MK with the rest of the kids and meet me at the bus for the Beach club because we had reservation for lunch at Beaches and Cream. I desperately needed a bit of freshening....well whatever you can manage in a public restroom anyway. After lunch I set them loose in Epcot with DS while I walked around world showcase with the little ones. Well I wound up back at Beaches in the lobby with two little ones asleep in the stroller and me on a comfy chair charging my phone and crashed....HARD. I wasn't planning on sleeping but it was so comfy and quiet and I was just plain beat.
 
When traveling down a week and a half ago it was just me and the kids on a very very early flight. DH was traveling from across the country later in the evening. I did not get any sleep the night before. After checking in I told DD and her boyfriend both who were 18 walk to MK with the rest of the kids and meet me at the bus for the Beach club because we had reservation for lunch at Beaches and Cream. I desperately needed a bit of freshening....well whatever you can manage in a public restroom anyway. After lunch I set them loose in Epcot with DS while I walked around world showcase with the little ones. Well I wound up back at Beaches in the lobby with two little ones asleep in the stroller and me on a comfy chair charging my phone and crashed....HARD. I wasn't planning on sleeping but it was so comfy and quiet and I was just plain beat.
Good for you! :thumbsup2
But you found it quiet in the lobby? :confused:
 
My DH and I took a break in the Swan. We desperately needed A/C after a round of mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens. We chilled out on some very comfy couches right by the entrance to Il Mulino. Nobody questioned us. It was very quiet.
 
Good for you! :thumbsup2
But you found it quiet in the lobby? :confused:
LOL Well compared to my home on any given day I guess I found it quiet. :teeth:

It was such a long day. The reason I found myself back there in the first place is because I accidentally left my phone in Beaches and Cream and didn't realize until I reached test track. So I basically circled a good amount of Epcot. I had no intentions of crashing was startled when I awoke. I guess some people on here think I was completely inappropriate for falling asleep.

I finally went back to CR it took forever for our room to be ready. Naturally it was in the garden wing the farthest away from the main building and naturally my magic band would not open the door. I sank down to the floor and sat there waiting for someone else to eventually arrive because I was too tired to move and walk back. People were so nice. Some wonderful kind ladies in the room across from us gave me a bottle of water a box of crackers and minnie mouse ears for the girls. Another woman came and offered help and to walk back to the lobby for me when DH finally arrived.

As to the OP's question I see nothing wrong with you going to one of the monorail resorts and relaxing on a chair or sofa and having your 8yr old rest with their head resting on your shoulder or lap. I honestly can not believe anyone would notice or be offending if they saw someone with a child doing this. Although I have found my kids when they reached about that age impossible to get to relax at all midday. Disney is the only place that would wear my DS out (non stop action from birth until he hit 13 this year) but even he would take until usually EMH in the evening after DH crashed back at the room. However all kids are very different. My older 2 could go and go at night then beg to swim (when you could go into the pool after 11pm without life guards) my little ones rarely make it to the fireworks and we don't even make rope drop.
 
Hi o sage DISers!

Wondering if anyone has tried an "afternoon break" in one of the monorail resorts (or WL) lobbies during a looong day at MK?

We are off-site and it's not practical for us to leave the bubble and try to get back.

Trying for RD (me, DH, DD8.5) but would also like to catch the evening shows. Is catching a drink/snack/snooze on one of those comfy-looking couches do-able or frowned upon? Thanks for the input!



Best place to have a break for the MK is the Community hall in bay lake tower. You are supposed to be a DVC member to get in there, and we are, but they don't ever check. I suppose after I post this there will be an influx of people and maybe that will make them start checking but right now my kids love it in there and its almost always close to empty
 
What about taking a break on the monorail itself. It has AC and runs in an endless loop. In the middle of the day when the monorail is not crowded and the seats are not in high demand, I think it would be nice, like sleeping in the car.
 
I recommend heading over to the Wilderness Lodge via the ferry. The ferry ride itself is really relaxing and scenic. The Wilderness Lodge is so beautiful and tranquil, it's really ideal for relaxing. They even have a creek in the lobby so you can hear the water. There's a fireplace too.

Alternately, try the Poly. You can have a snack at Captain Cook's (they have dole whips!).
 
What about taking a break on the monorail itself. It has AC and runs in an endless loop. In the middle of the day when the monorail is not crowded and the seats are not in high demand, I think it would be nice, like sleeping in the car.
We did that once from the MK. Took it to the TTC then took the Epcot one. Then back to the MK. It was a nice break.
 
I've actually been part of a group who was sitting at the (empty)poolside CS area at GF (by the Alice in Wonderland themed pool) kicked out by management because we were not guests. Nevermind that the group had purchased and eaten dinner at the CS location and was just chilling afterwards...again wile the seating area was empty. And no, we didn't challenge the judgment call or complain higher up...simply made a mental note that the GF is off our must-stay-at list.

. when we stayed there in APril (not spring break time) the parks weren't crowded, but the 2 poosl were. I've found at most resorts the tables get swooped up fast, even at dinnertime. Im surprised though that a CM approached you and asked you to leave. esp. with it being empty/ the entire time we were there and at the Luna pool at boardwalk no one ever approached us (or anyone, that I could see) only the beach club pool has wristbands (so far) . but now they are starting to gate all the pools. maybe the CM heard you talking? (hint; if pool hopping don't talk about it ;) )
as long as I can get a table with an umbrella at my pool, I don't care who else is there, really...
 
I agree, an almost 9 yr old napping on a couch is a bit much, quiet time relaxing is one thing, stretched out on a couch in a public area is another, just don't be annoyed if the toddler taking a break also is yelling and running while around...understand its a long day if you plan to stay all day, just take it slow, rest, but don't expect a family napping place.
 
My honest opinion is that you know your kids and your family the best. If they can't go from the morning to the evening, then plan to go back to your hotel in the afternoon, take a shower, or go to the pool, take a nap, have something to eat, kick back, waTch some tv and truly relax. I'm sorry but a quick snooze at a resort lobby with people checking in and out, laying on furniture not quite designed for napping does not sound relaxing enough. Or start later in the day or end the day earlier. It's a vacation!
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top