Where to take a break IN the parks??

[DreadpiratK]

We are going the first two weeks in Sept., with kids ages 7,9,11. We had been walking every day to get in shape for 'Disney' (really just to get in shape, but Disney was a good motivator) untill my son, who has more enthusiasm than coordination, broke his foot last month (three bones at once) Of course now we haven't walked in 5 weeks and September is rapidly approaching. Since we are staying off site, and the parks close fairly early that time of year, we don't want to go back during the day, but our DD especially needs her rest and turns into a terror when she is over tired!

Where are there good places inside the parks to take breaks? I know that many of the shows are in air-conditioned theaters, and work well as a break, but they also keep the kids excited, and don't really provide any rest.

Does anyone have any favorite places you like to sit for a while in the parks? I know when I was a kid we used to get on the 'People Mover' and just stay on for a while to rest. I guess it's called something else now.



inkbounc inkbounc

 

[ShariB]

The Hall of Presidents in MK and American Adventure in Epcot have always been fave resting places for me although not intentionally . I just can't seem to stay awake during them and I've tried several times. I can't imagine they would keep kids awake because they are too exciting. Before I get torched, I think they are very well done shows but the combo of padded seats, cool air and the dark are just too much for me every time and this has been true for all my kids too.

 

[Barb D]

I second Hall of Presidents, but I think it will still be closed in September for rehab. Sigh...I was going to use that as a place to get my toddler started on a nap. (She'll go to sleep just about anywhere if she's tired enough, but dark and relative quiet help.)

The Liberty Belle steamboat is another quiet, relaxing place in MK.

I can't think of a whole lot of good places in MGM. I'll be watching this thread. The best thing I can think of is the Beauty and the Beast show. Little Mermaid may be better, come to think of it, because it's in the A/C.

 

[bobcat]

MK - Tomorrowland transit authority (old people mover), Tom Sawyers island

Epcot - my 6 yo DS likes to fall asleep in the American Adventure!

MGM - can't think of any here. I've seen many families grab a stoop on NY street and take a break.

AK - haven't spent enough time here yet to know.


You could also hop on the monorail and take a cool ride in the afternoon. Even stop off at a resort and find a spot to lounge.

 

[kiddisney]

hi - we've been many times during shortened hours and needed rests for either children or grandparents who were beat and found a couple of places to help you out -

in mk - looking at the castle - there's a path on the left side from the walkway to the castle entrance - there's benches to take a break on - and you can see the parade from there

in epcot at the canadian pavillion there's the back area which is quiet and you can take a snack back there and relax

also in epcot at the chinese pavillion you can sit inside before the show - it's cool and relaxing and a great break from walking (though you have to stand in the movie - but you can rest as long as you want before the show)

kiddisney

 

[Synonymous]

Also at MK- if you take a right turn just after the Ice Cream shop on Main Street, there is an area away from the street with lots of places to sit down, where it's relatively quiet.

In Epcot, try the gardens behind the UK buildings.

In AK, the train to Conservation Station (or whatever they call it now) is nice, and the station itself is very low intensity.

At MGM, if you get to Indiana Jones as soon as they start letting people in, you can sit in the shade for quite awhile.

Tom

 

[Poohmom]

Hi!

I found the perfect spot at MK - very quiet. Behind the Christmas Gift shop. There are several trees, a walkway and benches. It's outside, so no airconditioning, but very peaceful. My dd napped there in stroller while dh took the older kids to the haunted house.

Have a great trip!!

 

[pnelson]

How about just sitting on the train for a few loops around the MK? Then you won't be forced to get up and move until you're ready. Also, you could take a couple of loops on the monorail!!! But when my son needed a break but didn't want to go back to the hotel, we would just ride around on the train at MK until we felt rested.

 

[wdw4us2]

The area behind the Christmas store in Liberty Square in the MK is now used for character greetings. It's not nearly as peaceful as it used to be!

 

[catwho]

I'm presuming that your dd will be needing a wheelchair for some or all of her trip to WDW? This may be a benefit unto itself. If she is on crutches then it will slow everyone down and she will end up with very sore arms by the end of the day. With a wheelchair (which you can rent on site, not sure if you need a doctor's note or anything - can't imagine you would) she might not get tired out as easily. Others have mentioned some great ideas about resting areas. I second the monorail. Take it all the way around to Epcot and back. It is a beautiful ride and if you go during the slow times you might be able to ride up front (just ask) It is cool, pretty and has put our son to sleep on more than one ocassion!

Any of the shows are good ideas as well as some of the pavillions in World Showcase. O Canada, Wonders of China (isn't that the name?) The show at the American Pavillion. Also, see what shows are going on around the parks: music, dance, acrobatics. If you've never sat around for one of Off Kilter's shows, it is well worth it (although get there early for a seat under the umberellas!) You can find out more about Off Kilter at www.offkilter.net Great Celtic Rock band! Also take a boat ride across the Lagoon at Epcot.

In AK, there is the Lion King Show (very good!) and Pocahontas Show as well as Tarzan Rocks (is that still playing?). A quiet stroll through any of the trails in Africa or Asia is good for just some "down time." And you can always take the trail that runs around the Tree just to look at all the wonderful creatures in the trunk!

I haven't been to MGM yet, so I can't help you there. We are going next time.

Hope you have a wonderful time!