13 of the Best Places to Take a Mid Day Break in the Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World includes Main Street, USA, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland. From the moment you enter the Magic Kingdom until you leave, it is a day filled with exciting thrill rides, colorful parades, musical shows, and many other extraordinary attractions. At some point, your body says, “take a break!”, and it is very wise to listen and find a place to “reboot”. I have listed some out of the way places in the Magic Kingdom to escape the crowds for a short period of time, catch your breath, and prepare for the next phase of your adventure.

13. Tomorrowland — Right outside of “Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café”, there are plenty of outdoor tables and chairs which are covered with umbrellas, where you can put your feet up, get a cool drink or ice cream treat from a nearby vendor. There are also tables and chairs near the Tomorrowland Speedway, and from there you can watch the cars go by.

12. Fantasyland — Near “Peter Pan’s Flight” is a small seating area near Rapunzel’s Tower, which resembles a beautiful woodland scene right out of the Disney classic movie, “Tangled”. The small round tables are mounted on wooden barrels, and the stools are smaller barrels or tree stumps. The trees are decorated with lovely paper lanterns, which light up this cozy little area at night. Most importantly, just a few feet away are “Tangled”-themed restrooms. Not only is there a place to sit, but also a place to wash your hands, get a cool drink out of a water fountain, but also do some crowd watching.

11. Liberty Square — Liberty Belle Steamship — The “Liberty Belle” is an authentic replica of an old-fashioned steam-powered paddlewheel boat, which cruises the Rivers of America daily. Climb aboard, and enjoy a 20 minute ride around tom Sawyer’s Island, while viewing Frontierland shops and attractions.

10. Fantasyland — Dumbo’s Storybook Circus — This area of the New Fantasyland features several rides a little less thrilling, but loads of fun for younger children and parents alike. There are two fanciful flying Dumbo rides which are the main attractions of Dumbo’s Storybook Circus. There is also a play area called the Casey Jr. Soak & Splash, where the kids (and adults, if they dare), can run around some circus wagons filled with squirting monkeys, elephants, giraffes, etc. Warning: You will get wet, but in the heat of the day, it’s very refreshing. There are plenty of places to sit while you watch, or join in. Also, toward the back of Dumbo’s Circus, near the train station are plenty of umbrella-covered tables and chairs. It’s a good place to sit and watch the trains coming and going.

9. Tomorrowland – The Lunching Pad — Located near the entrance to the Peoplemover, this outdoor counter service eatery is a great place to chill out for a few moments. There are plenty of tables and stools, partly covered by the Peoplemover loading dock which protects you from the hot rays of the midday sun.

8. Fantasyland — The Friar’s Nook — This small counter service is a great place to sit down under umbrella-covered tables and watch the crowds go by. The view from here is fantastic, near the entrance to the New Fantasyland. Close your eyes for a quick minute and you will hear the screams coming from the Snow White Mine Train Ride, or the sounds of laugher coming from visitors to the “Winnie the Pooh” ride just around the corner. In fact, this is a good place to wait for your Fast Pass reservation.

7. Frontierland – Tom Sawyer’s Island – Aunt Polly’s—Catch a ride on a motorized raft over to Tom Sawyer’s Island, an oversized outdoor playground (barrel bridges, suspension bridges, caves, winding paths, an old fort to explore, and in one spot there are a couple of rocking chairs overlooking the river’s edge where you have an outstanding view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Keep walking and you will come upon Aunt Polly’s, a counter service snack stand, where you can get a cold drink, chips, fresh fruit, etc. There is limited seating, but this dining spot is not usually crowded, and it is seasonal, so even though it may be closed, you cans still take a break before you catch a raft back over to Frontierland.

6. Adventureland — Tortuga Tavern — Located just across from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” attraction, this is another seasonal dining option. However, there are several tables and chairs located in a covered outdoor area where you can rest for a few moments while watching all the people go by, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Fantasyland—Pinocchio’s Village Haus — Outside of this charming Pinocchio-themed restaurant, is an outdoor seating area, with plenty of chairs and umbrella-covered tables. Toward the back of the restaurant, where it is not as busy, is a great place to sit and relax for a few minutes, and right around the corner is the all important “restrooms”.

4. Liberty Square — Liberty Square Market — At this colonial style kiosk, you can buy some bottled water, other bottled beverages, sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob, fresh fruit, chips, etc. The location is right next to the “Hall of Presidents” attraction. There are tables and chairs where you can “take a load off” and enjoy the view of the “Rivers of America” and the steamship, “Liberty Belle” as it loads and unloads its passengers.

If you’re planning to go for a cruise on this authentic steamship, this is a good place to wait before a line starts forming.

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3. Adventureland — Aloha Isle Refreshments — Even though this refreshment stand is very popular, you can usually find an available table here, or just around the corner near the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, there are rounded, winding stone benches, many of which are in the shade. This is one excellent place to take a midday break, and I highly recommend enjoying a delicious Dole whip ice cream cup (pineapple and vanilla swirl),a refreshing pineapple Dole whip. These refreshments will bring a cool break from the heat of the day while you rest your feet and prepare for your next adventure.

2. Casey’s Corner—Main Street — Located at the end of Main Street near the hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle, this counter service restaurant is surrounded by numerous covered tables and chairs where you can take a quick break. The new hub area, the Main Street Plaza Gardens is also a great place to enjoy the view and relax for a few minutes and sit or lay on the grass and catch your breath. There are no lines here, just a place to unwind.

1. Tomorrowland—Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover — This is, in my opinion, the very best place to get away for a 10-minute break from the hustle and bustle of crowded walkways, the heat of the sun, and the long lines. At this attraction there is very seldom a long line, because a moving conveyor belt takes you to the loading dock, which is moving at the same speed as the ride vehicles. There is no stopping, just loading and unloading. Then you’re off on a leisurely, relaxing ride on tram style cars which glide along smoothly, taking you all around Tomorrowland, in and out of rides, shops, and attractions. This is a great opportunity to sit back, enjoy the breeze, the view, and the Tomorrowland sites and sounds, while you refresh your mind and your body. Believe me, you’ll be sorry when it’s time to disembark.

Well, there you have it, a list of my favorite places to take a mid day break in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. You are not required to purchase any food or beverage item from any counter service restaurant. If you brought your own approved snacks and beverages, find a bench, a table, or a rocking chair and enjoy yourself at this most magical place on earth!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

Photo courtesy of Silver Pin Studios