10 Ways To Take A Midday Break While In The Parks At Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World can wear you out! Even the heartiest individual will be tired by the middle of the afternoon. The heat, the crowds, and the miles of walking are enough to make anyone need a break. Add in the fact that sleep is a rare commodity on a Disney vacation and you will probably feel like you’re ready to drop. The ideal situation would be to head back to the hotel for a nap, but that will cut precious time out of your day. Tickets are expensive and you don’t want to waste one moment.

Another solution is to take a short break while you are in the park. While you may not totally recharge, you will be able to conserve your energy for a few minutes. These simple break suggestions will allow you a few moments in the middle of the day to breathe, which will help you to make the most of the rest of your day.

10) Enjoy a Cold Drink

Sometimes a cold drink is all that is needed to revive you. Water works wonders, as does frozen lemonade. A cold drink will help you to stay hydrated and will give you an energy boost. The drink will help you to cool off as well, which might be all that you need to face the second half of your day.  If you’re trying to regain some energy you might want to stay away from the frozen margaritas, which will have the opposite effect.

9) Take the Standby Line and Notice the Details

Standing in line does not need to drain you. There is so much hurrying from one ride to another while in a Disney park, too often we do not notice the details. Some of the queue lines are incredible, especially for the newer rides. Take notice of the seashells in the pathway for Journey of the Little Mermaid, or listen to C-3PO as he rambles before you board Star Tours. Enjoy the line instead of complaining about it and welcome the break that waiting offers.

8) Meet a Character

If you’ve been rushing around all morning you might not have taken the time to get any character pictures. When you’re looking for an afternoon break get into one of the lines, especially if the character greeting is indoors. You’ll still be doing “something Disney” and you might end up with some treasured photos as well.

7) Browse in a Shop

There are shops around almost every corner in the four theme parks. What better way to take a break in the afternoon than to go into one and look around? You do not even need to look for anything in particular or buy anything, just enjoy the air conditioning for a few minutes. While you’re there, try on a few hats or maybe try to get ideas for the perfect souvenir for Aunt Bertha back home. Browsing can be a lot of fun because there are so many different items available. You might want to stop in a general gift shop, which has a little bit of everything, or visit a place like Sid Cahuenga’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see one of a kind items. No matter which shop you end up in, you’ll welcome a break from the craziness of the day.

6) Plan a Late Lunch or an Early Dinner

The time of day that you have your meals can make a huge difference if you are getting worn out. If you decide to have either a late lunch or an early dinner you will have an opportunity to sit down for a while! You will need the food to refuel so that you’ll be able to face the rest of the afternoon and the evening. If you eat at a non-traditional time the restaurant will be less crowded, so you will not have to wait as long. Enjoy your meal, don’t eat it quickly so that you can hit the rides again. Take a few extra minutes and relax.

5) Find a Shady Bench

There are benches and covered tables all over the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Use them! Find a bench that is in the shade and sit down for a few minutes. Spend some time people watching; guests and cast members from all over the world will walk right by you so listen for different accents and languages. If you have a water bottle with you take a good, long drink from it, and just stay off your feet for a few minutes.

4) Watch the Extra Entertainment

Everyone knows about the most popular Walt Disney Wold rides and shows, but there is plenty of entertainment that you might not know about that offers a great break in the middle of the day. Listen and sing along with Dapper Dans on Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, or be stunned by the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats at Epcot. Take a look at your Times Guide when you enter the park and see when and where the extra entertainment will be. You can take a break and have a great time as well.

3) Grab a Snack

Sometimes a snack is exactly what is needed to rev up your day. Dole Whip will cool you off and it tastes great. A Mickey pretzel will fill you up until your dinner reservation. Fresh fruit is sold in the parks, it is healthy and delicious. A quick snack won’t keep you off of the thrill rides and it will give you the energy needed to face another long line.

2) Ride a Slow Ride

The slow rides are the perfect way to take a break while you are not really taking a break. After all, you will be riding something, isn’t that why you’re at Walt Disney World? While you may not want to ride something that goes on for super long, you will enjoy your break no matter which slow ride you decide to try. Get recharged and ready for what’s next.

1) Watch a Show

The shows offer some of the best break opportunities around! You will be able to sit down for a while and you will be entertained as well. Some of the live shows are outdoors but covered, others are indoors and air conditioned. Check your Times Guide to see when and where the shows are, then pick what will best fit into your schedule. Give yourself a little extra time so that you can get a seat. Remember that other guests want an afternoon break as well, the shows will sometimes reach capacity.