Top Downtime Ideas

If you go to Disney World with young kids then you will probably need to find ways to have some downtime (even if they don't). We have usually gone back to our hotel or rental house for downtime when our kids were very young, but as they have gotten older we have started using more in-the-park relaxation techniques. Here are some of our favorite places to get away from it all with out ever leaving:

• Spaceship Earth (Epcot) It's cool, dark and the line moves quickly. I haven't seen the new version yet, it was still closed when we were there last time, but I actually liked the old version.
  
• The Boneyard (DinoLand USA - Animal Kingdom) & Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground - (Hollywood Studios) Our kids would probably stay and play at either of these playgrounds as long as we let them. There's only one way in/out so as long as we position ourselves at the exit we don't have to worry about them escaping. They both have water elements to cool them off on especially hot days, too.
  
• Various play fountains (outside Ariel's Grotto, Magic Kingdom & Fast Track, Epcot, Tiki drums/Spitting Camels in Adventureland) We've found these to be nice, quick breaks that really perk up the kids. We make sure they take off their socks and shoes so they won't get blisters, but otherwise let them get as wet as they want. It really revives them on a hot day.
  
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority (Magic Kingdom) Let's just say if we had one of these at home we wouldn't have a problem getting the kids to sleep at night.
  
• Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom) We like to take the train when we're at the back of the park and when everybody is tired. It's not a fast way to get around, but it's a good way to take a break and still get somewhere.
  
• Gran Fiesta Tour (Mexico Exhibit, Epcot) OK, the changes to the attraction are a cultural hack, but still there is never a line and it's cool and dark and you get to sit down.
  
• Ellen's Energy Adventure (Epcot) This ride has a number of things going for it. If you can get past the sometimes long wait where there's no place to sit...you get to sit for a long time, in air conditioning. Plus there's Ellen and dinosaurs.
• Monorail - I know it's not actually an attraction per se but it's one of my kids' favorite rides. Especially given the "secret" things you can do. First, ask to ride up front. I'm always surprised how many people don't know about this. Second, collect the monorail trading cards. We still don't have the black one.
• Shop - Take some time to enjoy some of the specialty shops and get in out of the heat.
• Stroll - Imagineers put a lot of time into small details in obscure corners. It's fun to take time to wander around without rushing somewhere and just enjoy looking at some of the small things. We've found some fun stuff this way.
• Snack - Stop to get an ice cream, Dole whip, frozen lemonade or whatever your fancy is. Actually stop to get it. Enjoy it. Watch people rushing by trying to get wherever they are going and enjoy taking your time.