Blog Post,  Planning,  Tips

Top 7 Ways to Spend a Rest Day at Disney World!

Rest Day Disney World: Disney World is magical, exciting, happy, fun, wonderful, and so many other positive feelings rolled into one. For many, it’s what people call “Home.” But, Disney World can also be overwhelming, hectic, and a little crazy — especially when you have kids. Taking a break is always something I advise people to do when they are on their Disney vacation. Sometimes that is very hard to do. We might be thinking, “I spend all of my hard-earned money on this vacation. I am not going to spend it doing nothing.” And believe me, I get it! But I feel that if you don’t take a break in the middle of your trip, you and your family might end up feeling run down and tired. And that’s a waste too. You need a break from the heat, crowds, and all of that walking around. You don’t need to take a full day off. Maybe an afternoon one day is just what your family needs. Either way, a break is needed. Here are some ideas that you can do on your “rest day.”


1. Go For a Swim!

Nicole Ellington

So I am going with the most obvious rest-day activity first — spend time at the resort pool! No matter what level of resort that you stay at (value, moderate, or deluxe), the pools at Disney are amazing! We tend to stay at the Value Resorts because that’s what our budget allows, and we have had awesome times at the pools! I’m not a swimmer, but I love lounging around watching my son and husband have a blast in the pools! Also, most of the resort pool areas have activities going on during the day, whether that’s trivia or some sort of game. There is usually something for everyone to enjoy themselves!



2. Hanging Out at Your Resort for Your Rest Day while at Disney World!

Nicole Ellington

I have this one separate from the pools because there is soo much to do at the Disney Resorts! It really all depends on what resort you stay at, but they all generally have things going on during the day. All resorts also have playgrounds that are great for letting the kids run around while you sit down and relax in the shade drinking coffee out of your resort refillable mug. At night, a lot of the resorts will show a movie on a big inflatable screen as part of an activity Disney calls “Movies Under the Stars.” We have enjoyed doing this a few times; they’re a great way to unwind after a long day. Take a look at your resort. You will probably be surprised at all of the activities that they have for you and your family to enjoy. To take a peek at what activities some resorts have, click here to see my articles on the All-Star Resorts, Jen’s ‘Don’t Leave Your Resort’ articles, and Kim’s ‘BoardWalk’ article!


3. Visit Disney Springs

Nicole Ellington

There is something for everyone here! I am not your typical girl; I don’t enjoy shopping. But, I even have tons of fun at Disney Springs! You can usually find some sort of entertainment going on, whether its a singing group, or a band playing instruments. Also, there are tons of food options here! The kids will enjoy hanging out here because of the massive LEGO Store! My son could spend hours here and not get bored.



4. Explore Other Disney Resorts on Your Rest Day while at Disney world

@castleboundkim

Hop on the monorail and explore the three resorts on the monorail loop!  You can explore any resort that you want, but I find it easier on a rest day just to be able to hop on and off a monorail instead of transferring buses to visit other resorts. You do not have to be a guest at these resorts to explore them! Grab some coffee (you can use your refillable resort mug at any resort) and take a stroll through these amazing resorts!



5. Play a Game of Mini Golf

Did you know that Disney World has two places to visit to play mini-golf? The first, Fantasia Gardens, is home to two 18-hole mini-golf courses. You can find Fantasia Gardens at Disney’s Swan Resort in the Epcot area.

The second is Winter Summerland mini-golf at the Blizzard Beach Water Park. Enjoy some great Christmas theming in the Florida sunshine while you play two different 18-hole adventures.


6. Go for a Ride on a Pony!

@drennons_do_Disney

Do your kids love the outdoors and do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks? Then, let your kids ride a pony over at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort and Campground!  Note: Pony rides are offered from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Kids must be under 48 inches to ride and you must pay $8 in cash.  Not only are there pony rides, but you can also swim, fish, bike… plenty of options for those who love the great outdoors! Click here to read more from Jen about what fun activities Disney offers there!


7. Visit the Spa

@castleboundkim

Visiting the spa is not only a great way to escape the crowds of the park, but its also a great way to escape your kids! (I mean, come on. Us moms need a break, even at Disney!) Nothing says relaxation like a facial or a massage. Walt Disney World has some amazing spas throughout the resort! Click here to find out more info!


How do you spend your rest day Disney World? If you do, let me know in the comments what you do on your rest day! Tag me in your Disney photos at @DisneyDreamCo on Instagram or on Twitter. I would love to see them!

I'm a lover of all things Disney! I have an adorable son named Andy (after Toy Story), and an amazing hubby named Aaron. For my family and I, Disney isn’t just a hobby or someplace we casually go when on vacation, it's a way of life. We try to go back 'Home' twice a year. My hope for this blog is to help families navigate their crazy, magical times through Disney and reach their Disney Dream!

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