The Best Way to Spend Your Rest Day at Disney
Planning a Disney vacation can get pretty hectic. The best way to get a handle on your vacation is to plan out an itinerary. That itinerary should have days set aside for both park days and rest days. I hear different opinions on whether or not a rest day is needed at Disney. Personally, I think having a rest day is essential for keeping everyone in your party sane for the duration of your trip.
In this weeks blog post, I will be outlining my favorite things to do on my rest day. From things to do at your Disney Resorts to exploring Disney Springs, Disney truly does have something for everyone. If you are a guest on Disney’s property they offer activities that both come at no cost to you and others that cost extra.
Rest days are going to be different for everyone’s vacations. This list may be long but one thing is for sure, you’ll be able to have a relaxing day while still experiencing the Disney magic.
Activities With No Extra Cost to You:
Rest: One of the main reasons people go on vacation is to rest. Sleeping in is usually the best option for rest but you can also do one of the many other things on my list.
Hang by the Pool: Pools at Disney are all uniquely themed to their respective Resorts. Every Resort has at least one pool, but many of them have multiple. It doesn’t matter if you are staying at a Deluxe Resort or a Value Resort, you will be able to have fun hanging out by the pool.
Movies Under the Stars: This is one of the many activities offered at Disney Resorts. Every night, Cast Members will set up a different movie to watch outside, usually by the pool, with blankets and snacks for guests to enjoy.
Riding the Monorail: Riding around the monorail is one of my favorite activities. Disney has two different monorails. The Magic Kingdom monorail is the best one to rise around for leisure. You will be able to see three of Disney’s most popular resorts and walk around the grounds, see the shops, and experience the different atmospheres.
Animal Watching: Jump on a bus and head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for some animal watching. Here you will be able to explore the grounds just as if you were at the Animal Kingdom. While you’re there you can also check out some of the fun, animal themed activities offered for kids.
Firework Viewing: Disney’s Polynesian Resort is located right across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom. You can sit on the beach and enjoy Happily Ever After just as if you were actually in the parks. They will even play the soundtrack for the firework show over the speakers to complete your viewing experience.
Camp Fires: At select Resorts, you will be able to enjoy a traditional campfire complete with songs and s'mores. If you’re lucky Chip and Dale might stop by and hangout for a bit. Camp fires will be advertised will be advertised with other daily Resort activities.
Resort Hopping: Just because you are staying at one Resort doesn’t mean you can’t go and explore others. It’s as easy as hopping on a bus, ferry, or the monorail to any Resort.
Activities if You Don’t Mind Spending A Little Extra:
Visit the Water Parks: Disney has two different water parks on their property. I’ve never been to either if the water parks, but they look fun from the pictures. Admission will be added to your park pass. Depending on the length of your stay, it can be pretty affordable.
Golfing: Disney has three full 18-hole golf courses as well as two mini-golf courses that are open year round. You will need to set up tee times in advance of your stay, just like you would for dining reservations. And of course you’ll have to bring your own clubs.
Extra Magic Experiences: Disney World offers a lot of different events that allow guests exclusive early and late night admissions to the parks. While extra magic hours are included when you stay on property, you can attend special events such as the Halloween and Christmas parties or you can go to the Disney After Hours events either held at the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.
Character Dining: If your goal for your vacation is to meet as many characters as possible, then you should definitely look into booking a dining experience or two. You’ll be able to book dining experiences at both Resort restaurants and in the Parks. If you are booking one in the Parks, you’ll need to have separate Park admission.
Visit the Spa: For extra relaxation you can always visit one of Disney’s four spas.
Disney Springs: Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this part of Disney is opened to the public free of charge with a lot of different shops and restaurants. There are a lot of different shops both Disney and non-Disney as well as uniquely themed restaurants.
Activities If You Feel Like Going Off Property:
I usually don’t recommend going off-property when at Disney. The reason for that is because there is so much to do on-property and a lot of it comes at no extra cost to their guests. However, I know not everyone is as big of a Disney fan as me. Florida is a big tourist destination so there is plenty to do on your vacation. The only thing about doing any of these activities is that you’ll need to either have a car or arrange a ride since Disney Transportation only goes to Disney’s Properties.
Universal Studios: Just a 30 minute drive north from Disney’s property, Universal brings a different experience than Disney. You’ll easily be able to get around both parks in one day. Harry Potter World is a must visit for all the Wizard fans out there.
Kennedy Space Center: Located on the East Coast of Florida, you can visit Port Canaveral and become an astronaut for the day.
Sea World: I’ve only visited Sea World once while in Florida and it’s not something I’d do again. A lot of the attractions were older and broken down. A lot of people have problems with the way the animals are treated at Sea World so that could go into your decision as well.
LegoLand: This one is fun if you have small kids on your trip. If you don’t want to drive all the way to LegoLand, you could just stop by the Lego store at Disney Springs.
Go to a Beach: Florida is mostly surrounded by water which means they’ll have plenty of beaches for you to choose from. You’ll be able to lay in the sand and play in the ocean. Maybe hit up some beach-side restaurants and shops while you're there too.
After taking your day of rest, everyone in your party will be very energetic and ready to take the next day by storm.