Top 5 Ways to Rest During Your Theme Park Vacation

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Nicole Newfield

Mahtomedi, MN
Magic Coordinator & Travel Specialist

Walking down Main Street with the scent of Magic in the air...is there anything better?!  Let me help get you into that moment and so many more, where your days are full of fun and memories to last a lifetime!  I love planning and will design an i...

Ah, the thrills of a theme park vacation will surely lead to joy and memories for your family! But alongside the adrenaline and excitement, the moments of rest and relaxation will be equally valued by your travel party and will help to sustain you! Here are my Top 5 Ways to Rest During Your Theme Park Vacation:


1) Resort Break After Lunch (at your own resort or visit a different one!): Maybe you are at Disney's Animal Kingdom and you grab a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge, eat a delicious quick service lunch, and relax in the lobby in the air-conditioning! You could also hop on the monorail from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and be at one of the monorail resorts in no-time to do the same. Or take the quick walk over to the Contemporary from Magic Kingdom and lunch in the Contempo Cafe, shop, and relax on the couches near the convention center. A break at your own resort is always a treat as well! Maybe you are staying at one of the Disney Skyliner resorts and after lunch at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, you can hop on the Skyliner to swim or rest in your room. During our Universal Orlando trip this past Fall, we loved how convenient it was to take a quick water taxi back to our Portofino Bay Resort for some rest after lunch each day! A mid-day pool break is so fun and kids especially really cherish their pool time. You will love kicking back and grabbing a drink from the pool bar.  


2) Time in the A/C: Now this might be during a resort break as we've talked about. You might grab a drink from Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel or at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort. Take a cool break on transportation by doing a loop on the monorail or hop on the Disney Skyliner. If you are not visiting the nearby resorts along the way, just sit back and relax as you enjoy the ride. Hop on the train at Magic Kingdom or Disneyland (though not air conditioned it is shaded and breezy). Have lunch in the park with indoor seating to provide A/C. You might consider a table service reservation so you can dwell in the coolness for a nice relaxed meal. Remember films or other indoor attractions, particularly during the mid-day heat. Try to do attractions with outdoor lines during mornings and evenings.  


3) Evening Pool Time: Now of course night-time spectaculars are amazing and you will want to experience these but saving some evenings for time to swim can definitely be important as well! My family always looks forward to these evenings and I love lounging by the pool.  


4) Date Night! So once you have teens, this can be a fun way to grab some rest as adults. Plan a night where kids are showering up and watching a movie in the room and the 2 of you can go visit a restaurant, lounge, or bar at your resort. We love this tradition! If you have younger kids, check out the Kid's Nite Out babysitting service at Walt Disney World resorts!


5) The Break Day: Taking a day to rest and relax at your resort can be just what everyone needs after a few park days. Kick up those feet and enjoy free time exploring the resort, napping, swimming, shopping, etc. You might enjoy a dinner reservation at places like Disney Springs or at Universal's Citywalk.


I hope you have enjoyed diving into these ideas for how to grab some needed rest during your theme park vacation! What is your favorite tip?!

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