We know Disney and relaxation don’t exactly sound like they go hand in hand. The Disney parks are very high-energy, and although the magic is for everyone, the hectic hullabaloo associated with the theme park atmosphere can be pretty overwhelming. But in 2022, we’re all about making the parks work for you, in every possible way. Today, it’s all about relaxing at Disneyland.
The happiest place on Earth may not be everyone’s go-to place to relax, but it sure is one of ours. We’re rounding up some of the best relaxation spots in Disneyland park, the tranquil places that we absolutely love.
As a note, most of these spots are not air-conditioned. The few that are will provide some relief from the summer heat if you’ll be in the park during the warmest part of the day. But even though many of Disneyland’s lounge areas are outdoors, they’re still delightful places to unwind and take a break from the hustle. Here’s our list of our favorite places to relax in Disneyland.
Main Street Train Station
Depending on the time of day, you should be able to find a seat on the benches on and around the Main Street Train Station. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this in the mid-afternoon in the peak of summer, but this place can be great if you time it right or visit when it’s cooler. Find a bench and enjoy views of Sleeping Beauty Castle as the Main Street vehicles pass you by.
Town Square just feels the most “Walt” to us, so on slower park days, we take any opportunity to simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere of this place. We love this relaxation spot in Disneyland in particular because of the sounds! Between the Town Square music loop, Disneyland Railroad steam trains, and occasional performances by the Dapper Dans and Straw Hatters, the sounds of Town Square can’t be beat. Grab a coffee from the Market House (AKA Starbucks) and a pastry from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, then head back here for some downtime. Thank us later!
The Porch on Main Street
This isn’t the easiest seating spot to claim during your Disney day, but if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat in a rocking chair on a Main Street porch, you’ve reached theme park heaven. This list of best relaxation spots at Disneyland isn’t necessarily ranked, but if we had to pick a favorite, it’s the Main Street porch. It’s just the absolute best place to lounge and people watch, especially since there’s a wooden railing that serves as a barrier between you and the rest of the guests walking in and out of the park. Plus, if you snag this spot early in the day, it’s a prime viewing location for the parade.
The porch has three seats and is perfectly shaded depending on the time of day, so it’s worth scoping out and waiting for (even if you have to lurk nearby for a bit to claim it). Honestly, spending some time sitting on the Main Street porch was on our Disneyland bucket list for a while, and we’re happy to report it’s totally worth the hype.
Main Street Cinema
This is one of the only air-conditioned locations on our list, and it’s yet another recommendation on Main Street, but it’s a classic, so it made the cut. The Main Street Cinema is known for playing vintage Mickey Mouse cartoons on repeat. We love it for the nostalgia, but we love it even more for the benches. Yes, there are a few benches in here, so stop in on a hot day and decompress in the low light.
Many guests tend to forget about Main Street Cinema when they’re rushing to the rides on their must-do list, so getting a seat in this classic Disneyland locale isn’t as difficult as you may think.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is a great place to chill out at Disneyland. It’s certainly worth trekking all the way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, even if you aren’t planning on riding either of the attractions here. Grab a snack, meal, or drink and a table in the air-conditioned dining area.
The outdoor seating at Docking Bay 7 is pretty mid, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a place to unwind before the lunch rush gets wild. We’ve enjoyed many late mornings here with a Cold Brew Black Caf or Phattro and a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters next door. Remember that Docking Bay 7 doesn’t open until 10:30 a.m., so plan accordingly.
Pelican’s Landing
Our newest go-to spot in Disneyland is Pelican’s Landing, a riverside seating area adjacent to New Orleans Square. We’ve always loved the energy in New Orleans Square — it’s an area of the park that’s unique to Disneyland in California, and there’s nothing better than chilling on a bench with fresh beignets and a seasonal mint julep. But here at Perfecting the Magic, we’re going to kick it up a notch and suggest a great seating area that’s just as vibey.
Enter Pelican’s Landing. We were completely thrilled when Disney announced that more seating (with umbrellas — hello shade!) was coming to the Rivers of America, and they definitely delivered. Our go-to morning often includes relaxing here with a Galactic Grill breakfast burrito and some Starbucks, but this spot is great to grub on some quick-service lunch or dinner. Alternatively, you can lounge here as you watch the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, or Davey Crockett Explorer Canoes sail by.
Seating by “its a small world”
Fantasyland can be one of the most crowded areas of Disneyland park, but there is some seating over by “it’s a small world” that we love to recommend.
Occasionally, you’ll see the Monorail zipping overhead or the Pearly Band performing some of their greatest hits, which we love. (Again, with Disneyland and the live music — it’s truly the best here!). This area is also home to the Instagram-famous trellis wall. You can snap a selfie before or after lounging near the water. Hopefully, you get to see a character or two while you’re here!
Tropical Hideaway
A classic, but a great recommendation nonetheless, Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland is our go-to for good snacks and better vibes. Grab a Dole Whip and a table near the water so you can enjoy your refreshing snack while you watch the Jungle Cruise boats and overhear the skippers’ jokes.
We’re not going to lie to you — this place can get crowded. To guarantee that waterside spot, get here early (around 10 a.m. is perfect) for the most chill experience. But, if you’re heading here during peak lunch hours or the hottest time of day, just be prepared to hover around the area and wait for the table you want. As long as you packed your patience for your day at Disneyland, you should be good to go.
Stay Tuned for More Disney Recommendations
We only covered our favorite relaxation spots in Disneyland park in this article, so let us know if you want to know the best places to unwind in Disney California Adventure or at the hotels, and we’re happy to share. Follow us on TikTok for daily theme park inspiration and recommendations — we’ll be your Disney besties, and we never gatekeep park tips.
