How do you like to relax on vacation? Reading a book in a lounge chair on the beach? Savoring delicious desserts in a candlelit restaurant? Getting pampered at the spa?
When you first think of a Disney vacation, “relaxation” may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But did you know you can enjoy all of those classic traits of a relaxing vacation while also enjoying the Disney Parks? Disney is truly fun for the whole family, so let me show you how to plan a relaxing Disney vacation that everyone will love!
Plan Smart Breaks
The most important tip I can give you is that planning is key to enjoying a relaxing Disney vacation. When determining how many days to spend on vacation, give yourself plenty of time to explore the parks and take breaks (either during the afternoons or in between park days). You don’t want to feel rushed or burned out by the end of your trip.
Go During the “Off-Season”
While there will always be some level of crowds at the parks, there are a few times you’ll want to avoid if relaxation is your goal: Christmas/New Year’s Week, 4th of July, and the time around Spring Break (March – early April). Instead, try to visit during the weekdays or during the months of January, February, May, or September.
Take Advantage of Disney Perks
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel comes with a ton of benefits that will make sure your vacation goes smoothly. At Walt Disney World, you’ll start off with an air-conditioned motor coach that will pick you up from the airport and deliver your bags for you. You can use Resort Package Delivery and Room Charging privileges to limit the amount of stuff you need to carry around the parks. And you can add the Disney Dining Plan to give your trip an all-inclusive feel.
Choose a Resort With the Right Environment
It’s tough to relax when you’ve got a long trek back to your room or you have tons of people running by your door. Choose a resort you can be comfortable in. Be sure to look at Disney’s Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts – they have interior hallways, more space, and convenient transportation options. For a more affordable option, I recommend Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. It’s a Moderate Resort with exterior hallways (so you’ll have some people going by), but it’s small and quiet.
Book a Room With Plenty of Space
It’s so tempting to book the smallest room that your family will fit in to save on your vacation package. But if you’re traveling with a young child (or children), you may want to consider a suite or a Deluxe Villa that will give everyone the space to spread out. You can even request connecting rooms to give the kids (and yourselves) some privacy. You can put the kids to bed in one room and hang out in the other with no guilt.
Use FastPasses to Your Advantage
FastPasses allow you to skip the lines on the most popular attractions. While we usually recommend getting to the parks in time for park opening, I know that some families would prefer to sleep in. This is when you’ll want to schedule those FastPasses during the peak crowds of the afternoon. This way you can still head straight for your favorite rides if you’re hitting the parks midday.
Enjoy the Shows & Calm Attractions
Roller coasters are my favorite, but I also enjoy the more relaxing attractions. These include boat rides (it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Frozen Ever After), dark rides (Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh), train rides, and show-type attractions (Enchanted Tiki Room, Mickey’s Philharmagic). You can also catch some shows such as Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Fantasmic!
Indulge in a Signature Table Service Meal
I love having a sit-down meal to look forward to after a long day in the parks. You can step up your game by reserving a table at one of Disney’s signature restaurants, such as Tiffins, Jiko, or California Grill. Or choose a themed experience such as Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table. Be sure to order one of their delicious desserts!
Mouse Expert Tip: Want a night away from the kids? Let them play in one of the Kids Clubs or reserve a few hours of in-room childcare.
Enjoy the Resort Pools
A midday break at the pool is exactly what you need for some down time. The best Disney pools are found at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts – they even have their own sand-bottomed pool and a lazy river. You can also relax in a lounge chair by the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. And if you need some more refreshment, add the Park Hopper Plus to get admission to Disney’s two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Book a Spa Day
I wasn’t sold on “spa days” until the first time I experienced one at Disney’s Aulani Resort; now I’m hooked. You can find two spas at Walt Disney World (Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs Resort) and one at Disneyland Resort (Mandara Spa at the Grand Californian). They offer a wide range of services and treatment options, and you can find several salons and health clubs at the different resorts as well.
Make Time for Recreation
If you’re the type who loves the outdoors, be sure to check out Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. They offer boat rentals, parasailing, water skiing, and more. You can also enjoy fishing, archery, horseback riding, or carriage rides at the resorts. It can also be fun to ride the boats around Disney Springs just to take in the sights.
Have Someone Else Plan the Trip For You
Want to start relaxing before you even leave for your trip? Hire a vacation planner to take all the work off your hands! I work with clients to design their dream Disney vacations, whether that means a slow-paced, relaxing visit or an action-packed thrill ride-filled one. The best part? It costs you no more than if you booked it yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with me on your next vacation, you can request a free quote and consultation via my website or send me an email at jtullino@themouseexperts.com. I’d love to help you make your next trip exactly what you want it to be!
P.S. If a Disney Cruise sounds more relaxing to you than a tour of the parks, I book those too!
