10 Ways to Relax After a Busy Day In the Park

Walt Disney World vacations are awesome but jam packed. Sometimes even the biggest Disney Fanatic needs to unwind after a day of attraction hopping. We are here to share some ideas for ways to slow down and relax after a day in the parks. Take note of which tip s you want to try on your next Disney vacation!

Around the Resort

1. Watch a Classic Disney Film

If you are looking to hit the sack early, flip on the resort channel guide to find out which Disney films are playing that evening. The resort channels have Disney bedtime stories each evening as well as classic Disney films playing. Order some pizza or room service through your resort app or room phone and you have all the components of a cozy and relaxing night in!

2. Night Time Pool Relaxation

Hitting the pool after dark is a great way to decompress and cool off. Bonus points for not having to slather on the sunscreen for a night swim! Evening visits to the pool mean more deck chairs up for grabs, and time to snag a drink or snack at the pool bar before turning in for the night.

3. Hotel Cocktails

Speaking of drinks, evening is the perfect time to sip cocktails at your resort. Ask the bartender about specialty drinks that are unique to your resort, or get out of your comfort zone and try a new drink. If you are looking for a change of scenery hop on Disney transportation to a different resort to enjoy their bars. Tambu Lounge at Polynesian Village Resort and Victoria Falls Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge are two of my favorite Disney bars that have great cocktails, wines and delicious appetizers for a lite bite to eat.

4. Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars

All Disney Resorts offer movies under the stars (weather permitting) in the evening. The daily resort schedule printed and posted in the lobby will detail the movie start times and film selection each night. It’s hard to get more magical than watching your favorite Disney film at a Walt Disney World Resort. Save cash by bringing some microwave popcorn from home and dashing into the quick service cafeteria to pop it in the microwave near the drink stations.

5. Campfire or Game Room Time

Some Disney resorts even have an evening campfire for guests to enjoy. Take a look at the resort activity schedule at check in to see if your resort offers this fun evening activity. S’mores kits are available for purchase at most Disney resorts that host a campfire gathering. If your resort does not have campfires at night or if weather is not cooperating, hit the arcade for videogames, air hockey and other fun.

Out and About

6. Hit a Resort for Evening Views

If you want a low key evening and a change of scenery, consider resort hopping to explore other parts of the property. Nighttime views of the Animal Kingdom Lodge animals on the savanna, a Disney BoardWalk moonlit stroll or firework views over Bay Lake from the Grand Floridian are all great ways to enjoy time on the property in a low key way. Shopping, snacking, drinking or exploring other resorts are so much fun and offer a great opportunity for you to brainstorm your plans and resort home for your next Walt Disney World vacation!

7. Wander Disney Springs

Disney Springs is even more beautiful at night! Sure you can hit the bars and night spots at Disney Springs, but grabbing an ice cream at Ghirardelli and browsing shops is a great option too. Street entertainers, bands and singers set the perfect backdrop to linger and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. Head toward the Marketplace to relax on a bench near the carousel and take in the twinkling lights in the trees overhead.

8. Park People Watch

Nothing beats finding a beautiful spot to post up and people watch in a Disney Park. With an endless supply of sweets to taste, find a pastry, ice cream or other Disney dessert to enjoy while you rest. Riding relaxing attractions like Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover or the Magic Kingdom Railroad are also great ways to unwind and take in beautiful evening park views.

9. Ferry Riding and Monorail Cruising

Enjoy the parks aglow with lights without ever having to walk through the gates. Relaxing from a ferry boat on Bay Lake or on the monorail is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Disney property and Cinderella Castle without entering the park. Hop a Friendship to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the beauty of the Disney BoardWalk at night.

10. Late Table Service Dinner

End your day with an incredible meal at a table service restaurant. Sometimes snagging late reservations can be easier, particularly for the most popular restaurants. Some Disney restaurants seat guests as late as 9PM, so wind down your day with a great meal!

$7.96 with discount
$7.96 with discount
$10.36 with discount