Disney World can be very overwhelming.

It’s not a pleasant truth, but it’s the truth nonetheless. Disney World is huge, it takes a decent amount of planning, and there are usually a lot of people in the parks. We have tips and guides to help you with all of this, but sometimes you can just find yourself feeling very anxious while in the parks, specifically in Magic Kingdom due to the crowds. So, we have a list of some places that we’d recommend checking out if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just need a breather for a few minutes while you’re in the park.

Chill Attractions

There are a lot of attractions in Magic Kingdom, and some are WAY more chill than the others. If you’re feeling anxious, you probably shouldn’t check out Space Mountain for a long wait in cramped quarters and a fast ride through the dark (but hey, if it works for you, it works!). We’re talking about the attractions that usually have very low wait times and give you the opportunity to sit back and relax for a decent amount of time.

These attractions include the shows like Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and Country Bear Jamboree. These shows/attractions usually have very minimal wait times comparatively, and once you’re inside, you can just sit back and watch the show in the air conditioning.

We’d suggest picking the attraction that will be the most calming to you, so if you think you’d get overstimulated during the Enchanted Tiki Room, for example, maybe don’t pick that one. All of these rides will get you out of the heat and the sun and away from huge crowds. The shows can also be a great distraction if you need to shift your focus!

Another great option is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This is more of a ride than the others, as it will cart you around over the top of Tomorrowland and through some of the attractions. If you’re not sharing a compartment with others, you can totally put your feet up, too!

There will be moments when you move through almost pitch blackness in the rides, which can be relaxing for some, and maybe not so much for others. Just keep in mind this whole ride is not air conditioned, you’ll only get that when you’re inside the buildings, but you move along at a decent pace to get a breeze.

The Planning Tips You Need to Know About Before Your Next Disney World Trip

Somewhat Hidden Areas

There are a couple spots in Magic Kingdom that are more off the beaten path, but they’re not entirely hidden. These are spots that COULD have some people in them, but when they don’t, they’re great for you to take a breather. The first one is over on Center Street!

This street is off of Main Street, U.S.A. and it’s just like a little side street that doesn’t lead to anywhere. There are some tables and chairs over here that you can relax at if they’re available. If Main Street is feeling super crowded, this is a nice spot to hang out and people watch or just to relax for a little while until you’re ready to brave the crowds again. You can find it right between Crystal Arts and Uptown Jewelers, on the right side of the street if you’re walking into the park!

Another place that’s kind of tucked away is near the Gazebo in Liberty Square. It’s right before you get to Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe if you’re entering the land from The Hub (the main area where the castle is!). During events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this is usually where characters like Santa Claus will meet and greet, so this tip only applies during normal park hours if a character meet and greet isn’t happening there.

But, when it’s not crowded over here, it can be a nice spot to catch your breath or just hang out for a few minutes!

7 TERRIBLE Things We Recommend in Disney World

Relaxing Restaurant Spots

Magic Kingdom has a lot of restaurants, with some getting more crowded than others. But, there are a few relaxing spaces in a handful of the popular spots! First up, we’d suggest checking out the upstairs of Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square. Many people don’t know there’s an upstairs in here where you can eat. It’s a lot more secluded and you can even get some nice views of Liberty Square.

Next, we have the very back dining room of Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland. This is on the side of the restaurant that’s closer to Pirates of the Caribbean/Adventureland. This room usually isn’t too crowded and should give you a nice escape from the heat!

Another great place is in Skipper Canteen in Adventureland. This is a table service restaurant so you do usually need a reservation, but you can always ask the hosts if there’s any availability or check the walk-up list on My Disney Experience. And, when you go to eat, request the S.E.A. room instead of the main dining room. It’s smaller, quieter, and more secluded so you can have a more relaxing experience.

Finally, we want to mention Tomorrowland Terrace! This restaurant is on your right when you’re walking into Tomorrowland from The Hub and it’s not currently operating as a restaurant. The space is being used for some of the evening dessert parties in the park, so during the day, it pretty much empty! This area is covered, there are a TON of tables, and it has a great view of Cinderella Castle.

Make sure to check it out next time you need somewhere to sit down for a while!

10 Not-So-Magical Truths in Disney World

A Nearby Island

Did you know that there’s an island in Magic Kingdom? Yep — Tom Sawyer’s Island! It’s right over in Frontierland and you can get to it on a small raft that runs to and from the shore regularly. This island is a great place to explore if you want something a little more off the beaten path in Magic Kingdom, but it’s also a nice spot to relax!

Since you have to take a boat to get over to the island, it’s usually not very crowded with guests. You can hang out at Aunt Polly’s, which is usually closed as a restaurant but does have some covered seating you can utilize!

There are a TON of trees and shade over here, as well as some nice places to sit and hang out away from it all. It’s also a great spot to let your kids run around and burn off some energy while you rest!

10 Disney World Restaurants Every First-Timer Should Have on Their List!

A Calm Spot with a View

The last place we want to talk about is right in the heart of it all — The Hub. This might seem like a weird suggestion since this is usually one of the busiest places in the park, but hear us out. The streets of The Hub are usually busy, but not necessarily the grassy areas in front of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant.

These grassy spots aren’t ideal if it’s super hot out and you want to get away from the sun, but if the weather is pleasant and there aren’t a lot of people around, sit or lay down on the grass and chill for a bit! You’ll get some amazing views of Cinderella Castle, while still being able to relax and not fight the crowds.

For more on Disney World, check out 10 spots in Disney World that will be UNRECOGNIZABLE in a few years, 7 strange facts about Disney World meet-and-greets, and 15 cheap but filling Disney World snacks for when you’re ballin’ on a budget.

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news, tips, and updates.

Your Ultimate 1-Day Plan For Magic Kingdom

Where is your favorite place to escape from the crowds in Magic Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!