Disney World is referred to as the “most magical place on earth” and for better or for worse, lots and lots of people have caught onto this idea.

That means that a trip to Disney World also means dealing with A LOT of crowds and a lot of chaos. As an introvert that can seem less than appealing. However, I think all the positives far outweigh the negatives, and introverts can have an amazing time at Disney World (especially if you know the best places to hide!).

As an introvert myself, I know it can be overwhelming at Disney World. There comes a point in the day when I have exhausted all my dealing with people abilities, and I need to find a good hiding spot. Luckily, there are quite a few wonderful hiding spots throughout Disney World. I am going to let you in on some of my favorite hiding spaces while I am at Disney World. These places help give you a break from the chaotic crowds and hectic activity that is often happening at Disney.

I don’t want this post to seem scary and that your whole trip will involve running from hiding spot to hiding spot. Disney World is one of my happy places and you can have SO much fun at Disney World as an introvert. It is just always good to know where you can go if you are needing to recharge your social battery. 

Starting off at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom is probably one of my favorite parks for a more low-key day. I always feel like this park is more laid-back and my introvert self loves that. However, I can still end up needing some space to myself. One of my favorite recommendations is hoping on the Wildlife Express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While you may want to avoid this during very busy times, usually you can grab a spot on the train that is at least a few feet from others and Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers some great relaxation spaces.

You can also take a walk on an animal trail in Animal Kingdom. These trails take you past a wide variety of animal exhibits and the pathways are usually less crowded than the rest of the park. Plus, I think people end up focused on the animals and it tends to be a bit quieter on the trails. Check out all three of the trails: Discovery Island Trails, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Maharajah Jungle Trek. You can take your time and grab a seat so you can really get some good decompressing time.

I am saving one of the best places for last. I also highly recommend stopping by Flame Tree Barbecue. Especially if you head here outside of peak mealtimes, you will find a large swath of seating available. Seating is separated into buildings and there is A LOT. This is one of my favorite places when I want to sit down for a bit and be in a serene setting. You can even choose a table that overlooks the water for relaxation with a view!

Next up, let’s head over to EPCOT! I also have a couple of favorite spots here, starting with The Seas Pavilion. You will find The Seas Pavilion next to the entrance for The Seas with Nemo & Friends. No need to ride the ride unless you want to, just head to the left side (if you are facing the ride entrance) and you will end up inside The Seas Pavilion. In here you can admire lots of sea life and get a break from some of the crowds outside.

You can also head right next door to the Land Pavilion and take a seat in the seating area for Sunshine Seasons. This quick-service restaurant has a plethora of seats available, and I try to scope out the one that is least surrounded by other people. The high ceilings also seem to help make it quieter while you are also enjoying the AC. While you are here, you can also take a ride on Living with the Land. This ride is slow-moving and, in my opinion, very relaxing. As long as you don’t end up on a boat with a rowdy group, it is also a quiet journey.

Lastly in EPCOT is the seating area in the Japan Pavilion. You can find this seating area next to Katsura Grill. The seating area overlooks gorgeous plants and a gurgling koi pond. Sometimes this seating area can get a bit crowded, but you can also enjoy a short walk through the area to get a quick break from the crowds.

Now, let’s head over to Magic Kingdom! My absolute favorite place to hide out in Magic Kingdom is Columbia Harbour House. You can also grab something to eat (like their amazing hushpuppies) or you can just make your way up the stairs to an introvert’s dream space. The second floor is full of seating and lots of people don’t even realize it is there. Once again, make sure you make a strategic seat selection, but this area is wonderful.

I also really enjoy taking a break in the grass by Cinderella Castle. It is not quite as out of the way of people as some of my other spots, but I think it provides just the right amount of buffer from the chaos of Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, it has a pretty great view! Avoid this location when parades, show, or fireworks are about to happen, but otherwise I have usually found that the grassy areas are mostly empty.

Two of my other favorite spots in Magic Kingdom are the People Mover. You get a ride and some relaxation time! As well as Tom Sawyer Island. Tom Sawyer Island is lovely, although you will need to take a boat ride to get there. However, you can almost always find a quiet spot to recharge.

Finally, let’s head over to Hollywood Studios! My first recommendation is Star Wars Launch Bay. Not only does it have ah-mazing air conditioning, but it usually has limited crowds. There is a relaxing courtyard when you first walk in, or you can find your favorite spot inside the building.

I also recommend taking a stroll to the Muppets area of Hollywood Studios. When you see Pizzerizzo, keep walking and you will end up in a fairly deserted area of the park. When Muppets Vision 3D lets out there will be a lot of people, but otherwise, this is another of my favorite places to hide out. You can also stop by Walt Disney Presents for a quiet and air-conditioned spot to recharge. And you can even learn about Walt Disney will you are there!

We have gone over all the parks, but I also have a final recommendation if you are needing a recharge. When I start feeling really overwhelmed and my hiding spots in the parks just won’t cut it, I head over to a resort. While not necessarily the most convenient journey, it pays off big time!

Find your nearest Disney World Transportation option and head over to a resort. Resorts are usually MUCH quieter than the parks are during the day, and I can almost guarantee you can find a quiet and relaxing spot to recharge. Some of my favorite resorts to hide at include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Port Orleans resorts, and Disney’s Grand Floridian, but you can also just choose the easiest resort to get to!

I hope some of these hiding spots will come in handy during your Disney World trip. Make sure you take care of yourself and leave time for relaxing while you are at Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for even more Disney World tips and tricks!

Check out some of the worst places to go in Disney World if you hate crowds!

Where are your favorite places to hide in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!