10 Places to Give Your Kids a Much-Needed (but Still Magical) Rest at Disneyland

Tonilyn Hornung
Tonilyn Hornung

While Disneyland can definitely be the happiest place on earth, it can also be the most exhausting. The heat, the crowds, and the sugar rushes from all the tasty treats can leave a person wishing they could find a quiet spot to recharge. My family is no different.

After walking around for two hours and riding Mr. Toad's Wild Ride for what felt like six, my husband, 5-year-old, and I are usually ready to fly off to a quiet corner of Neverland for a little while. And luckily, Disneyland and all its wonderful magic has a handful of great spots for taking these midday breaks. Keep reading for 10 treasured hideaways that will enable you to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded theme park and eat a Dole Whip in peace.

01

The Baby Center

This wonderful little gem located at the end of Main Street, USA, has everything a parent could need (or has forgotten to pack) when it comes to babies and toddlers. Generally quiet and calm with benches to rest your legs, the center also has rooms for breastfeeding and high chairs for table feeding. If you'd like a low-key place to change a diaper or use a tiny toilet for potty-training, The Baby Center won't let you down.

02

Main Street Cinema

It's easy to walk right by this spot unless you're looking for it. Located under a golden marquee on Main Street, USA, this little cinema is constantly showing six classic Walt Disney cartoons on different screens around the room. It provides a great refuge from the heat of the day in some cherished air conditioning and also a gives a bit of history along with a few laughs.

03

The Disneyland Railroad

The main entrance to the railroad is located just past the main entrance of Disneyland, but there are other station stops in Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, and Mickey's Toontown. You may have to wait a bit to board, but once you do, the ride is a blissful 18 minutes long. Also, be aware that the train does take you through prehistoric earth, where dinosaurs can be seen. This might be scary for toddlers (or adults who are afraid of dinosaurs).

04

The Opera House

Rarely crowded and always cool, the Opera House is located near the main entrance. Showing The Disneyland Story: Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, it's a nice respite for tired feet and overtired kids. There are also huge models that showcase a scale model of the Disneyland Park in 1955, the Capital Building, and a model of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

05

Snow White's Wishing Well

Bring your pennies! Located east of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Snow White's Wishing Well is a darling little place to stop for a bit, make a wish, and listen to Snow White sing her favorite song. There are benches on the way to the well, so grab one and take a moment to enjoy the castle side view, too.

06

The Mark Twain Riverboat

This lazy paddleboat takes you on a 14-minute tour around the Rivers of America, where you can see waterfalls, (fake) wild animals, and the Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. You'll get a nice break from the masses and a cool breeze from the river as you sightsee.

07

The Hungry Bear Restaurant

This is a two-story restaurant that offers a wonderful and calm view of the Rivers of America. Located in Critter Country on the way to Pooh Corner, this hideaway is wonderful when you need some real time to relax.

08

The Benches at Pooh’s Corner

These are, in fact, in a corner. At the very end of Critter Country, Pooh's Corner is full of trees, benches, and lovely little places to sit and watch the crowds go by. If you need a treat to help you relax, the shop at Pooh's Corner has tons of sugary snacks to give you a little pick-me-up.

09

The Bridge on the Thunder Trail

Between Fantasyland and Frontierland, you'll find a bridge with an old tree next to a waterfall. The sound of the waterfall calms even the most overstimulated of kids (and adults), and the tree offers some shade from the hot California sun. Take a break, take a breath, and enjoy the scenery near the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

10

The Enchanted Tiki Room

This may not be the most quiet of places to rest, but it has air conditioning and lots of places to sit, so it's a win-win. Just be advised that the theme song might get stuck in your head.