Relatively quiet areas in the theme parks

[NiarrNDisney]

I also have Panic/Anxiety Disorder so I understand how the crowds can be overwhelming and the need to step away and relax.

MK - The Hubs grassy "park" areas, Mainstreet East, Pathway between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, Waiting/seating area to the right of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Terrace, Tom Sawyer Island (Aunt Polly's has some seating with a beautiful view). There is also the pathway to no where in the front of the park along the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Epcot - The reflection pools in Future World West specifically the one by Coral Reef, the hallway behind Club Cool in Innoventions West, International Gateway, The gardens in Japan (on the left of the Pavilion by Katsura Grill), benches on the pathways of the Odyssey building as well as Showcase Plaza
~edit~ Waterfalls give off negative ions which creates a biochemical reaction that increase levels of serotonin which as you know helps to alleviate anxiety and relieve stress. So consider taking a trip through the "mountain valley" entrance into O Canada to check out the beautiful waterfall back there just be careful when the wind picks up you may get a little splashed.

DHS - Grab a bench around Echo Lake, Upstairs outdoor seating at PizzeRizzo's, the old seating area for Starring Rolls

DAK - Waiting area/seating on either side of Dinosaur, Flame tree Barbecues seating area near the water is relaxing, Nomad Lounge, Rainforest Cafes entrance into the park is a nice respite,

 

[GVentola]

There are many little mini-museums in the World Showcase countries no one ever talks about.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

There are many little mini-museums in the World Showcase countries no one ever talks about.

American Heritage Gallery in American Adventure
Bijutsu-kan Gallery in Japan
Gallery of Arts and History in Morocco
Temple of Heaven Gallery in China

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Yes, behind the UK is a lovely garden...

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Yes, behind the UK is a lovely garden...

Love that area. We wandered in there one time and found it to be a wonderful escape! Never miss it when we go to Epcot!

 

[ColdSun]

You guys are true gems, thank you so much. Love all the suggestion and looking at all these great pictures got me even more excited for the trip .

 

[KimAnnFran]

People Move is off the list now. Always crowded with 40 minute waits.

Doesn't it depend on time of year? I usually hop right on it.

 

[KimAnnFran]

I just take a relaxing ride on my PeopleMower. Then rest & relax in the empty spot I cleared.

Lol, PeopleMower.
It's my fave in MK sometimes, or most of the time. So much run relaxing and cool....and I saw Space Mountain with lights on twice.

 

[KimAnnFran]

To relax, the times I've been, inside the Land Pavillion, Listen to the Land or whatever they are calling the boat ride, sitting by that big fountain; inside spaceship earth, if not too busy; American Adventure is my FAVORITE place for relaxing, the Voices of Freedom first and then the show; tomorrowland transit authority; the bears, sometimes; Indiana Jones show (does that exist anymore?) Carousel of Progress.

used to be:
Food Rocks or Kitchen Cabaret or both
Universe of Energy
Horizons

 

[palmtree1958]

So, our WDW Trip is only a bit over a month away and here I am again with a - maybe slightly weird - question .

I was wondering if there are any areas in the 4 theme parks that are a bit quieter than others. I sometimes suffer from anxiety when constantly being among crowds, so of course theme park visits can be exhausting. But I love theme parks in general and Disney in particular and I'll also be travelling with my boyfriend who knows how to handle me in anxious situations. So I should be good.
Nevertheless I was hoping that you lovely people might have some tips about areas that are more secluded/quieter than others. It doesn't matter if it's a restaurant, a bench or even a not-thrilling attraction. Whatever comes to your mind. Main thing is that I can sit there a bit to recharge. I know of course that I can always go to First Aid when things get really bad but if possible I like to cope in other (more enjoyable) ways .

I like Tom Sawyers Island at the Magic Kingdom . There are some rocking chairs where you can sit and have a break.

 

[Beek]

So, our WDW Trip is only a bit over a month away and here I am again with a - maybe slightly weird - question .

I was wondering if there are any areas in the 4 theme parks that are a bit quieter than others. I sometimes suffer from anxiety when constantly being among crowds, so of course theme park visits can be exhausting. But I love theme parks in general and Disney in particular and I'll also be travelling with my boyfriend who knows how to handle me in anxious situations. So I should be good.
Nevertheless I was hoping that you lovely people might have some tips about areas that are more secluded/quieter than others. It doesn't matter if it's a restaurant, a bench or even a not-thrilling attraction. Whatever comes to your mind. Main thing is that I can sit there a bit to recharge. I know of course that I can always go to First Aid when things get really bad but if possible I like to cope in other (more enjoyable) ways .

Coldsun, I'm admittedly biased, but here goes: At the front of the Magic Kingdom are launches that connect the various resorts on Bay Lake. You and your family can ride them for free to the different resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. If it's a warm day (good bet on that!), it can be very refreshing! Some of the resorts will have more than one route connecting them to other resorts, so it's possible to spend some serious time on the water! BONUS: If you time it right, you *MIGHT* even be able to catch the Electrical Water Pageant &/or the fireworks from those boats! And sorry....there *IS* no better view of the fireworks than having it also being reflected off the water! Enjoy your vacation!

 

[James Clifton]

Place where the old Swan Ride was...no longer exists! The shade cover has been removed.
Jim

 

[DryCreek]

MK... Across from the Castle theres a green top pavilion that used to be the Swan Boat area. It now sits vacant unless its being used for an event.

That was going to be my suggestion. When our son was very young (early and mid 90's), that is where we would take him for a wind-down nap. It was always quiet there, and no competition for the benches.

 

[DryCreek]

Place where the old Swan Ride was...no longer exists! The shade cover has been removed.
Jim

Dang! That just goes to show how long it's been since our last WDW vacation (2009 for WDW, 2012 for DLR).

 

[D.p.]

Huge overstatement. I don't know the PeopleMover has ever been a 40min wait in the hundreds of times I've been to the MK. Even with the extra rope line, we never have waited longer than 15. It's routinely 5 minutes to walk on.

We are pass holders, and have been over 20 times since last September we have only seen tolerable wait times for people move on 3 occasions. And we check back several times a day. The crowds have been much heavier lately. ie... Usually in beginning of February it is dead... Yet, 2 weeks ago it was very busy.
Just my 2¢ °*°