resting spots in magic kingdom...

[mickeyluv'r]

Much depends on how you define, "place to rest."

I've seen kids laying down in some pretty odd places over the years. Ack!

If you search up images of the Tangled area in the Magic Kingdom.. you'll see a low wall. It isn't technically a bench, but folks sit on it all the time...and it is basically the same height as a bench. The parks are full of spots like that nowadays vs. what I'd call a true bench, but people sit in those spots all day long.

What we have found is that what really zaps energy is standing in one spot. If possible, you'll do better to avoid anything that has a half an hour wait or more.

As someone else said; a taxi or Uber ride might be an option, if MIL is willing. Or possibly having someone go back with her if your hotel isn't far.

Of the monorail hotels, if MIL wants quiet, Contemporary probably has the most quiet places to sit. It is a convention hotel. As long as there isn't a convention...there are multiple quiet couches tucked in the convention area. Wilderness Lodge also has comfy couches. But detouring to any place out of the parks takes some time.

Getting on a resort shuttle boat doesn't take very long, and typically the boat captains allow guests to ride as long as they wish. The resort boat launches also have some places to sit while you wait. they DO not run during bad weather.

 

[J'Adore Disney]

Under the big yellow tent at Fantasyland Story Book Circus ... and there is a charging station there too!!!!

 

[Lori74]

thank you so much for all of your suggestions! there are no mobility issues, her feet just hurt after a bit, and don't want her cranky! there are 13 of us and i'm sure we will all spit up and go go go. my family has only been to mk once for Halloween party and we only visited one side of the park, so I wasn't sure about tom sawyer island, if it was more quiet and low key, or if there's just no escaping crowds and noise for a moment. we rented a house not far from Disney, but I wasn't sure how much of a pain it would be to leave and come back. it will be in august and i'm sure incredibly busy. so my thoughts were, maybe riding the monorail for a bit, checking out a resort lobby for a bit of quiet. I've even thought of just getting a room so anyone in the family can go rest if they need to, but since check-ins aren't until 4, it seems kinda not worth it.

 

[Lori74]

these are my favorite spots
http://parksintransition.weebly.com/blog/top-places-to-recharge-at-magic-kingdom

thank you this is helpful!

 

[mzsarah10]

We also like to sit upstairs in Columbia Harbour House. Most people stay downstairs so the upstairs can be nice and quiet.

 

[Lori74]

that is a nice option, thank you

 

[ttintagel]

Just a word of caution about Columbia Harbour House: during busy times, they don't let you sit at a table unless you've already gotten your food from the counter. So, if you were thinking of just going in and sitting down when you're not there to eat (or if you are there to eat but you don't have your food yet), it may not be allowed depending on the crowd levels that day.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

August is a game changer. It's so incredibly hot and humid then that most of these suggestions will just result in your mother marinating in her own sweat while she's resting because they're outside. I'd have her take a break by boating over to the WL and then hanging out in the VWL common areas on the first floor. If her rest time is just sitting down to get off her feet, then I'd schedule trips to the Hall of Presidents and Philharmagic at strategic times.

FWIW, Tom Sawyers Island is my #1 resting spot in MK, with the empty circus tent being #2. But we typically go when the weather is milder and we don't need a break from the heat, just the walking and sensory overload.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Ah, added detail of August trip is important. We know August. Any time of year, weather can be variable. Typically for us, happy August trips requires afternoon breaks due to heat/rain. Day crowds vary, but after dark crowds are easy.

Also keep in mind...one year pm temps were so cool we opted for long pants. Other times, it is almost hard to breathe part of the day. Typically though, humidity goes up until the sky breaks loose. Storms can be pretty powerful, predicted every day, but are often rather short. WDW boats stop running during (threat of) thunder. Water tolerant, quality walking shoes are also smart- like Teva's or Keen.

Mostly we find afternoon breaks essential in August. We often swim or visit resorts.

WDW parks usually stay open late. After dark temps are super + low crowds.

Tom Sawyer Island is one of the more quiet parts of the park. It closes early. Much of it has uneven footing. (floating barrel bridge and tilted caves) It used to have a snack place called Aunt Polly's. It is gone, but tables and chairs were still there the last time we went there. That is one of the few places I recall on the island with seating. Also maybe some in the fort area. Part of why we don't go often is (waiting for the) raft ride is slow. It is cute old school WDW.

Afternoon visit to one of the monorail resorts (and/or WL) is great August option! Maybe late lunch? GF/CR/Poly/WL all have decent quick serve lunch, are fun to see, and have comfy lobby seating. Also if MIL wants extra break, it will be easy for her to get back to MK on her own. Monorail from GF to MK is less than 5minutes.

 

[gailinroch]

My favorite place to sit and relax are the 2 rocking chairs on the covered porch on the right side of Hall of Presidents. Shady, quiet and great for people watching.

 

[maxiesmom]

I used to think the "benchers" were crazy, complaining about a few benches disappearing ...

But now, the sad reality is now Town Hall square has no benches (ok, there are upstairs benches at the train station, and they haven't had the heart to remove the goofy statue sitting on a 2/3 of a bench by Tony's). It wasn't unusual for us to buy a popcorn, sit on a bench and enjoy the atmosphere by Town Hall before leaving... Now, it's not possible.

I guess that makes my 2014 Disneyland memory more special, because they still had benches.

Now, you feel lucky to find a backless concrete slab in Tomorrowland. Since those slabs are part of the hardscaping, they cannot be easily removed.

That is what they are doing more and more, putting in built in benches around landscaping.

 

[Lori74]

it sounds like having lunch and recharging at a nearby resort might be the way to go. i do like the idea of her being able to just hop on monorail or boat a couple of times throughout the day. sounds like a lot less hassle than driving back to house. i will make a list of all of your suggestions and let her know she has lots of options to rest and still not miss out too much on grandkids' first time at mk! thank you all so much for the great tips!