Intro
Do you come back from Disney World and need a vacation from your vacation? Rope dropping and park hopping for a week at Disney can really wear you down, so this trip is all about taking it easy! This relaxing Disney vacation will be the perfect way to enjoy Disney and unwind a bit.
If you want something even more relaxing, I will plan more cruises and maybe even a trip to Aulani in Hawaii at some point! But this week, we are focusing on ways to relax at Disney World. Disney World might not be the first vacation you think about when you want to relax, but I promise I will show you that it is possible!
This will be a week-long trip, with tickets to one park per day and a spa day to break it up. A relaxing Disney vacation would be perfect for a group of adults wanting to take it easy and splurge a little! You book a room at the Polynesian because of the relaxing atmosphere, proximity to Magic Kingdom, and the ease of getting to the other monorail resorts. If you want to read about other ways to splurge at the Polynesian, check out our Splurge Vacation blog! This week, the focus will be more on experiences and dining, but don’t worry we will still get on some favorite rides!
Breakdown
- Theme: Relaxing Vacation
- Length: One week
- Age and Group: Group of Adults (without kids)
- Spending: $$$
Check-In
Since the goal this week is to relax, you arrive a little later in the evening so you don’t have to rush or wake up early! You check in to the Polynesian and take your time getting settled into your room.
Food
For snacks and drinks, you head over to Tambu Lounge which usually stays open later and has a great island vibe. This lounge in the Great Ceremonial House will be the perfect way to kick off your vacation!
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
To begin your relaxing week at Disney, your first park day will be at Magic Kingdom. This may be one of the harder days to find ways to relax, because of the crowds and general atmosphere in the park. But, there are definitely quieter places to escape to and rides to help you relax a bit!
Rides
This trip will focus more on experiences and dining, but we still want to be sure to make it to a few rides at Magic Kingdom. To start your day at the park, you will walk over to Liberty Square and get on the Liberty Belle. The Liberty Belle is the Riverboat in Liberty Square that takes you on a relaxing ride along the Rivers of America.
After your ride on the Liberty Belle, you hop on the boat to go over to Tom Sawyer Island. If you haven’t ever checked out Tom Sawyer Island, it is definitely something I recommend. It is a “secret hideaway” inspired by Mark Twain stories and is the perfect place to escape the Magic Kingdom crowds.
Next, start towards Adventureland to explore the Swiss Family Treehouse. This treehouse, themed after the Swiss Family Robinson, is usually less busy and has some great views of the park! After lunch, you are sure to go to Tomorrowland to ride the most relaxing rides at Magic Kingdom – the People Mover and the Carousel of Progress.
Food
Since this is a relaxing trip, there won’t be any rope dropping for you! Since you can take your time, you get an Advanced Dining Reservation for ‘Ohana breakfast. This very popular breakfast spot has family-style breakfast with Mickey waffles, other classic breakfast items, and pineapple bread.
Lunch will be at a personal favorite, Columbia Harbour House. This quick service restaurant has a New England inspired menu and an upstairs dining area that usually isn’t too busy!
Once you’re done at the park, you hop on the monorail (or walk) and make your way over to the Contemporary. You have dinner reservations at the new Steakhouse 71. This restaurant is a classic steakhouse, with unique Disney touches and delicious entrees!
Day 2: EPCOT
Next on the agenda is EPCOT! There are plenty of ways to relax at EPCOT and you are also within walking distance of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These resorts have a great atmosphere to make you feel like you are on a nice, relaxing beach vacation!
Rides
EPCOT has some of the most relaxing rides of any park (and also some of the most intense – I’m looking at you Mission Space)! You start your relaxing EPCOT day by getting in line for Spaceship Earth. Before the ride, take some time to enjoy the ambiance right at the entrance to the park, with Spaceship Earth in the background. This is a great place to people watch and the EPCOT entrance music is amazing!
Head over to the Land Pavilion for maybe one of the most relaxing rides on property, Living with the Land. This ride is often missed, but it is so calming and the perfect way to get away from the Florida sun!
Then, enjoy a nice ride through the Seas with Nemo and Friends. Once you’re off the ride, explore the aquarium at the Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion!
Food
Grab a Mickey waffle for breakfast this morning from Captain Cook’s, the quick service restaurant at the Polynesian. We’re going to skip a sit down lunch today and do some snacks, appetizers, and drinks at a few different stops. First, go to World Showcase and explore the Morocco Pavilion. This Pavilion is typically less crowded and has so many places to sneak away. Head to Tangierine Cafe for some snacks, then grab a table at the back of the Pavilion. Enjoy some quiet while you snack on your Moroccan treats!
For a break from the park, walk over to the Beach Club Resort for appetizers and drinks from Martha’s Vineyard. This laid-back lounge is themed like a New England beach house and has plenty of unique drinks to enjoy!
Dinner will be back in EPCOT at Spice Road Table, as part of the Fireworks Dining Package.
Extras
Finding the perfect spot to watch Harmonious can be a really stressful task, so purchasing a Fireworks Dining Package can be a good way to avoid the struggle of finding the perfect view. The Dining Package includes two small plates, a dessert platter, and unlimited drinks!
Day 3: The Grand Floridian Spa
No relaxing vacation would be complete without a trip to the spa! The Grand Floridian Spa is newly reopened and provides spa amenities, treatments, and even salon services. You’ll have a wonderfully relaxing day full of massages, treatments, and facials!
Food
Breakfast before your spa day will be at the Grand Floridian Cafe. This casual dining location has classic breakfast items to enjoy as you get ready to head over to the spa!
Once you are totally relaxed and rejuvenated from your day at the spa, take a leisurely walk over to the other side of the resort. Dinner tonight will be at Narcoossee’s. Narcoossee’s is right on Seven Seas Lagoon, so it has a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks if timed out correctly! It’s an amazing way to end your relaxing spa day!
Day 4: Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is a great place to people watch and enjoy some unique shows and attractions! You are also just a Skyliner ride away from the Riviera Resort, which is another relaxing resort to explore and enjoy!
Rides
Hollywood Studios has some more unique ways to relax, including rides and other attractions. First, you head to Muppets Vision 3D. This attraction is a 3D show and lets you sit back and relax, while watching a fun show with the Muppets!
You’ll then head over to Walt Disney Presents. This attraction is a museum dedicated to Walt’s life and career. At the end of the gallery, you can also enjoy a 15-minute film called “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream”.
Lastly, check out the short that is playing in the Mickey Shorts Theater. Currently, they are playing an original short called “Vacation Fun”. You can also take a fun, family vacation photo after exiting the theater!
Food
Take some time to enjoy the atmosphere of Sunset Boulevard, while snacking on an ice cream cone or sipping a coffee from Hollywood Scoops. This is a perfect place to people watch and relax, while enjoying the iconic views of the Hollywood Tower Hotel!
Another great place to sit back and enjoy the ambiance is in Batuu! So, you’ll make your way over to Galaxy’s Edge, enjoy a Ronto Wrap, and take in the sights.
Dinner will be at one of the newest Disney Resorts, the Riviera Resort. This is a Deluxe Resort that has a very stylish, yet calming feel! You have a reservation at Topolino’s Terrace, a signature restaurant at the very top of the resort.
You will end your night with a relaxing Skyliner ride to take in some beautiful, nighttime views of Disney!
Day 5: Animal Kingdom
It’s your final park day, so you saved the most relaxing park for last! Animal Kingdom has the most relaxing and calming atmosphere for you to enjoy. There are tons of quiet places to explore and nighttime at Animal Kingdom is something that can’t be missed!
Rides
Your Animal Kingdom day starts with a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris. This ride is the best place to start in the morning, because the animals are the most active and the wait times should be at their lowest. It is a relaxing ride around the savannah and you get to see animals up close and personal!
After your ride through the savannah, you check out the Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King. This show is currently modified, but it is a really cool production with songs and dancing from the Lion King!
Next, take the Wildlife Express Train over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This area of the park is hidden away and a lot of people don’t even know it exists! There is a petting zoo, opportunities to learn how to draw Disney characters, and viewing areas to see veterinary facilities! Rafiki’s Planet Watch really is one of the best places to get away from the crowd while at a Disney park.
From your relaxing stroll around Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you’ll head over to the animal trails. There are two main animal trails at Animal Kingdom; the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. These trails are great for a relaxing walk to see some animals!
You have a late dinner reservation tonight, so you are sure to enjoy Pandora at night before you leave Animal Kingdom. Pandora after the sun goes down is the epitome of a relaxing evening! Find a spot to sit for a minute and just enjoy the ambiance.
Food
Lunch and drinks this afternoon will be at Nomad Lounge. Nomad Lounge is the lounge attached to Tiffins and it is definitely a favorite! They have a very unique drink menu and a good selection of small plates that can make a great lunch. You can even get the Tiffins Bread Service!
After checking out Pandora at night, you hop on a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a late-night dinner at Boma. Boma features an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet, which has African cuisine as well as American options, so there is something for everyone!
Check Out
It’s so nice to end a vacation feeling rested and rejuvenated! To end your week, you will grab breakfast at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian before you check out. I hope you enjoyed your relaxing Disney vacation!
I think a relaxing week is what a lot of us need right now, so be sure to make some time for yourself this week, even if you aren’t going anywhere!
Overview
- Resort: Polynesian Resort
- Check-in Day: Polynesian Resort
- Food: Tambu Lounge
- Day 1: Magic Kingdom
- Rides: Liberty Belle, Tom Sawyer Island, Swiss Family Treehouse, People Mover, Carousel of Progress
- Food: ‘Ohana, Harbour House, Steakhouse 71
- Day 2: EPCOT
- Rides: Spaceship Earth, Living With the Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Food: Captain Cook’s, Tangierine Cafe, Martha’s Vineyard, Spice Road Table
- Extras: Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
- Day 3: Grand Floridian Spa
- Food: Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoossee’s
- Day 4: Hollywood Studios
- Rides: Muppet Vision 3D, Walt Disney Presents, Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short
- Food: Hollywood Scoops, Ronto Roasters, Topolino’s Terrace
- Day 5: Animal Kingdom
- Rides: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King, Wildlife Express Train (Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
- Food: Nomad Lounge, Boma
- Check Out Day
- Food: Kona Cafe
