3. Boardwalk’s Belle Vue Lounge Balcony
This is one of those locations that you would swear nobody knows about. I’ve never had to share this space with other people (other than my husband and/or friends) and have many a time enjoyed a drink or two while looking over the Boardwalk’s beautiful and meticulously landscaped courtyard. This often overlooked lounge which is tucked away down the hall from Boardwalk’s Main Lobby rarely sees a crowd.
It’s a quiet and charming retreat and a perfect place to sneak away should you need some solace. They are open for a continental breakfast from 6:30am to 11:00am and the lounge (with full bar) operates from 5pm to 12am. Grab a refreshing drink to wet your whistle and kick back on the outdoor patio for some true R&R with a great view.
4. Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Beach and Trails
The forest awaits you at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, beckoning you to put on your walking shoes and explore. The truly neat thing about this resort is that it seems so far removed from the often chaotic pace of the Disney Parks, when in actuality it’s a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom. Among these tree-lined trails and paths is a cozy remoteness, tricking your mind into believing that you aren’t actually in the midst of one of the most visited tourist locations in the world. During the afternoon, the white sandy beach near the boat launch is typically incredibly quiet and void of people.
The peaceful lapping of the beautiful Bay Lake is all you’ll need to slip into a deep state of relaxation (and lucky for you, there are plenty of lounge chairs available to do so). If being on your feet and exploring is more your “nature,” then head towards the trail that connects Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge Resort. This paved path is woodsy and wonderfully secluded, except for the frolicking wildlife that naturally resides in the surrounding forest.
5. Magic Kingdom Walkway Connecting Storybook Circus to Space Mountain
It’s often all too easy to follow right along with the crowds of park goers, taking the most obvious, wide open routes set before you to get from point A to point B. Heeding the poetic words of Robert Frost we’d learn, however, that taking the road less traveled sometimes makes all the difference. If you do a bit of exploring at the Magic Kingdom—or examine the detailed park map—you’d find a paved path that snakes behind the Tomorrowland Speedway track, connecting Storybook Circus to the Space Mountain building that houses the arcade.
This path is quiet and typically sees few park goers as it is somewhat hidden from plain sight. There are plenty of things to observe along this route, from the Steam Train to the Contemporary Resort to the beautiful landscaping that follows this walkway. You can enter from New Fantasyland between Goofy’s Barnstormer and the Railroad Station or enter from the side of Space Mountain.