The final piece in the “Places to Relax” series visits some of the best places for downtime around the Walt Disney World resort hotels. Find the rest here: Magic Kingdom | Epcot | Studios | Animal Kingdom
- Anywhere along the beach around Crescent Lake (or the Boardwalk side if it’s slow). This is the body of water found right off of Epcot’s International Gateway, and it is surrounded by a few hotels. Our favorite is Disney’s Beach Club & Beach Club Villas, for a number of reasons… one of which includes this spot:
- Saratoga Springs and Old Key West in the mornings. I won’t let on just yet which of these resorts I adore and which I nearly hate, but one thing I can’t deny – they are both beautiful places to watch the sun wake up!
- Public balconies at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House and Kidani Village). All of them are nice, but our very favorites are the outdoor “lounges” tucked away about halfway down many of the hallways, savannah-side. They lack any special decor and learning opportunities of the large viewing areas off of the lobby, but are generally empty. It’s essentially like enjoying a savannah view room balcony, even on the trips you didn’t book one of those.
- Carolwood Pacific Room in the Wilderness Lodge. Especially good for reading or quick naps, or for taking in some Walt nostalgia.
- In a hammock somewhere along one of Caribbean Beach’s vast walkways.
*I’ve intentionally left off the various spas on property, though quite obviously they are contenders. For my money, I’m just partial to a local day spa and enjoy the uniqueness of the other places above. I have had wonderful experiences at spas at Saratoga Springs, Beach Club and onboard the Disney Fantasy though – so it’s not as if I wouldn’t spend some time there very willingly 🙂
As you can see, many of my favorite places (anywhere in the world, actually!) are among the resorts. Don’t get me started on what other magic happens when staying on property, but do realize this – you can visit any of the resorts even if you are staying elsewhere, on-property or off. Resort-hop from a park and enjoy some downtime and spectacular scenery. It’ll be good for your whole family, I promise!
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