Quiet spots to relax in and around Disneyland?

[Apetersen]

We are visiting the parks on Weds May 1st and flying home late Saturday May 4th. We will arrive before opening on Weds so we will have 3 solid park days before Saturday. Likely 2 in DL and 1 in DCA.

I purchased a 4 day park pass so that we could enjoy the parks that last day. My son is 8 years old and the night before we are staying up to watch Fantasmic and the fireworks so I imagine we will get to bed late and not want to get up too early.

So my question is since we will no longer have a hotel to retreat back to and relax at in the afternoon what are the options for quiet somewhat relaxing places in and around disneyland? Do any area hotels allow day passes for pool use? Are there quiet places we can retreat too when the crowds are too much? I know Saturdays tend to be busy even in May. Our shuttle won't be picking us up until 6:00 pm.

Any suggestions are VERY appreciated!!

Thanks so much!
Anna

 

[stitchy626]

The Animation Building in DCA is my most favorite spot to sit back and relax in. I pull up a piece of carpet and get lost in the music for a long long time. It's magical to sit there and watch the "music videos" animated clips. It's also a great place to "chill out" when the summer days get a little toasty.

 

[AZlady]

The Animation Building in DCA is my most favorite spot to sit back and relax in. I pull up a piece of carpet and get lost in the music for a long long time. It's magical to sit there and watch the "music videos" animated clips. It's also a great place to "chill out" when the summer days get a little toasty.

I agree!

 

[DarthMole]

Inside DL the two most relaxing experiences I've had were a trip around the park on the railroad and just sitting on a bench on Tom Sawyer's Island.

I doubt any hotels allow day use of their facilities.

For me, if it were my last day, and I had a shuttle/plane exit from the area, I'd be going all out and not worrying about relaxing. You can relax at 6 pm on the shuttle or at the airport before your flight or on your flight. Sure, sleep in and go to the park a bit later than normal but don't waste those last moments with down time. Just my $0.02.

We have a long drive on day 5 of our trip and I'm debating between 4 & 5 day hoppers currently. My practical side is saying 4 day and we just get out of dodge on the last day for an easier trip. But another part of me is saying go for the 5th day and if the drive is too much we stop for the night on the way to our next destination. If I had a flight, we'd be hitting the 5th day hard.

 

[Nonsuch]

The Grand Californian lobby can be very nice, but is often quite busy. There are also chairs on several floors overlooking the lobby.

 

[Disney Dreams]

The above are some great ones. Here's a few more:

• A ride around the river on the Mark Twain
• A ride on the train going full circle (a few times?)
• The backside of the Hungry Bear restaurant patio (overlooks the water, nice, relaxing)
• Public areas at the Grand Californian and the grounds there

- Dreams

 

[Apetersen]

So I was just poking around on the site for the Disneyland and Grand Californian hotels and I noticed they had private pool cabanas. I thought for sure they would be limited to hotel guests but decided to call on a whim...

Well some to find out even non-hotel guests can rent a private pool cabana at either hotel! We could get one from 2pm to 6pm for only $ 110.00. Considering we will likely never pony up the money to actually stay at either of those hotels I think this would be an awesome way to spend the afternoon before we leave! I am SO excited.

Now I need a new thread on which private pool cabana in to pick, DLH or GC and if it would be worth the experience. I am totally leaning toward yes

 

[jason41483]

DL

• Big Thunder Ranch
• Hungry Bear Restaurant (patio)
• Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
• Main St. Cinema
• Disney Gallery
• Disneyland Railroad
  

DCA

• Pacific Warf
• I'm not sure if it's still there (it was last September) but in DCA near the Muppets 3D there was a big open dance hall with characters where kids can dance with them and parents/family can sit on the sidelines

Downtown Disney

• Lego Store
• ESPN Zone (games upstairs)
• Ride Makerz
• See a movie at the AMC! (2 hours relaxing time guaranteed!)

 

[lana772]

The Animation Building in DCA is my most favorite spot to sit back and relax in. I pull up a piece of carpet and get lost in the music for a long long time. It's magical to sit there and watch the "music videos" animated clips. It's also a great place to "chill out" when the summer days get a little toasty.

Yes this. Sorcerer's Workshop and The Beast Library.
In DL I like the area by Pooh's corner and the (hidden) dining area behind Harbor Galley.

 

[larina]

So I was just poking around on the site for the Disneyland and Grand Californian hotels and I noticed they had private pool cabanas. I thought for sure they would be limited to hotel guests but decided to call on a whim...

Well some to find out even non-hotel guests can rent a private pool cabana at either hotel! We could get one from 2pm to 6pm for only $ 110.00. Considering we will likely never pony up the money to actually stay at either of those hotels I think this would be an awesome way to spend the afternoon before we leave! I am SO excited.

Now I need a new thread on which private pool cabana in to pick, DLH or GC and if it would be worth the experience. I am totally leaning toward yes

Where did you get this information? I want to call the exact place/person you did and pay today to secure one. I have always been told cabanas are for the guests of that particular hotel only, so this is exciting news.

 

[DarthMole]

So I was just poking around on the site for the Disneyland and Grand Californian hotels and I noticed they had private pool cabanas. I thought for sure they would be limited to hotel guests but decided to call on a whim...

Well some to find out even non-hotel guests can rent a private pool cabana at either hotel! We could get one from 2pm to 6pm for only $ 110.00. Considering we will likely never pony up the money to actually stay at either of those hotels I think this would be an awesome way to spend the afternoon before we leave! I am SO excited.

Now I need a new thread on which private pool cabana in to pick, DLH or GC and if it would be worth the experience. I am totally leaning toward yes

To be perfectly honest... this sounds like a pretty good idea. I'd pick the DLH with an 8 year old if it were me.

As for the idea that anyone can rent a cabana, considering the obscene prices they charge for the rooms at these hotels, I anticipate there will be some complaints to Disney corporate. So much for exclusive access to the pool areas at these resort hotels.

 

[larina]

...As for the idea that anyone can rent a cabana, considering the obscene prices they charge for the rooms at these hotels, I anticipate there will be some complaints to Disney corporate. So much for exclusive access to the pool areas at these resort hotels.

That's why we're all so skeptical. It just doesn't make sense, especially not at those rates. If it is true, I'm reserving for one for a future trip.

 

[tdhickey]

DCA - between Flo's and RSR there is a bunch of benches you can sit in and watch the cars go by, really cool at night! Also great place to enjoy a Ghiradelli Sunday