They call it the Vacation Capital of the World. You don’t get that sort of a nickname without big crowds. But we have secret spots to get away from it all!
Being at Walt Disney World can be a tremendous joy for the families that love it. Yet even while there, some people can feel overwhelmed by the crowd levels, by the noises, by the stimulations. And so it’s nice to know that there are still some quiet places in the Walt Disney World parks where you can reliably find a quiet, calm spot to rest and relax. This guide is especially important for families who have members that find sensory breaks important (think those who are perhaps on the autism spectrum). Here are the top two spots in each Disney World Park where you can get away from it all!
Animal Kingdom
Rivers of Light Bleachers
They were previously used for Rivers of Light and then Kite Tails. Now, the bleachers sit empty. And though they’re sometime blocked off from use, the top level of the bleachers seldom are prohibited from guest access. That means if you’re ever in need of a rest from the hustle and bustle of crowd-life, just take your group to a shaded area in a now largely-abandoned seating area.
Path Between Africa and Pandora
Hollywood Studios
Muppetvision 3-D Outside Queue
This one was suggested by WDW Pro and is actually the inspiration for the article. Hollywood Studios is a small and crowded park. You might think there is almost nowhere that will feel empty. And yet, right next to Galaxy’s Edge is a place that is almost guaranteed to give you respite. The outside queue area for Muppetvision 3-D is essentially never used, has fans, has soft music, is covered from the sun, and will let you finally find a way away from the throngs of guests. We highly recommend!
Tower of Terror Terrace
It is sometimes used for weddings and other special events, but that’s actually quite rare. Instead, the back areas of the Tower of Terror, including the Terrace, and especially near Fantasmic, are usually empty. Best of all, not only are they empty, but the ambiance is beautiful! If you have a fussy child that needs to run and play without strangers all around, consider this your future oasis.
Epcot
Journey Into Imagination Side Access
This time we’re focusing on a private spot that also has easy restroom access. Journey Into Imagination isn’t a popular area in Epcot, that’s for sure. But if you take a right as you arrive at the area, you’ll find that there’s also a large walkway area that is almost always abandoned. It’s so abandoned that there’s a restroom area you probably didn’t know exists. And there’s even a pay phone still sitting on the wall. It’s an area that time forgot… and so did all the other families at the park.
Mission Space Playground
You need to get out of the heat and your small child just wants to play. It’s time to visit the most hidden playground in all the Disney Parks. Simply enter into the post-attraction exit area of Mission Space (located on the left side of the façade. Though this won’t help you get away from noise, it’s largely empty between groups exiting the ride. And since Mission Space really isn’t intended for small children, your child will have a huge playground area almost entirely to themselves.
Magic Kingdom
Town Square Theater Gardens
You probably wouldn’t believe just anyone if they told you there’s a quiet place in Main Street USA. Yet, if you know where to look, there absolutely is a place for you to people watch without having to bump shoulders. If you face the Town Square Theater just as you enter the park, you’ll notice an awning and gardens to the right of the building. Head in that direction and you’ll find a nice shaded area that almost nobody really goes to. There’s soft music pumped into the covering, so it’s quite paradisical.
Storybook Circus Back Tent
Is there a storm coming later in the afternoon? There’s no where better to ride out the rain than the most hidden tent in Storybook Circus. With no train and Pete’s under refurbishment, you can pretty much count on this being one spot in Magic Kingdom devoid of other tourists!
So what do you think? Do you have any other hidden areas at Disney World we missed? Let us know in the comments below! And, as always, keep reading That Park Place for all the latest news that should be fun!
