Places to Relax and take a break at Disneyland and California Adventure
October 03, 2018A day at Disneyland or California Adventure is a big day. There is so much to take in, so many rides to get on, lines to wait in, treats to try. It can get exhausting.
Here are my favorite places to take a break and recharge at Disneyland and California Adventure. These are the best spots to chill out, let your children run of energy or sit and relax, whichever you need to do. Check out these spots!
Animation Academy
We love Animation Academy! We go almost every time we go to Disneyland. It is found in California Adventure in the Streets of America. It is always cool inside, it gives the adults a chance to sit and relax, you end up with an amazing (well hopefully amazing) picture of a character. They change the characters you learn to draw every time so you get a fun picture souvenir each time you go.
They have set times, usually about every 20 minutes. If you get there early, there are huge screens in the auditorium of the waiting area where they show tons of videos of the Disney movies and sketches of characters from when they were being created.
Oh, and they play music along. I really love this spot as a break, it may be my favorite in the parks!
Sorcerer's Workshop/Beast's Library
This is attached to the same auditorium as Animation Academy over in Streets of America in California Adventure. In the Sorcerer's Workshop there are hands on activities for the kids to experiment with.
One of our favorites are the animation wheels. Also, in this area, you will find Beast's Library. There are quizzes to figure out which Disney character you are on big computer kiosks in this room as well. Its a fun walk through area so you can always do this while waiting for Animator's Academy.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The boys love this area. It is a challenge course where they can get a wilderness explorer card from a cast member and complete a scavenger hunt. Once they complete it, your child can get a sticker. There are little zip lines, slides and climbing walls everywhere! The reason we consider this a break is that my husband and I grab a drink (him a beer and me a sangria) and walk over there. We park ourselves on a bench while the boys freeforall through the area. I understand if you have smaller kiddos, this may not be an option, but I would say over 6 or so you could let them free in the area without concern.
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
This is another let them run scenario. This one is found in Frontierland in Disneyland Park. We don't usually let them run as unfettered here as it is a big area with lots of visual barriers to keep us from seeing them. That being said, my husband and I usually meander slowly behind them while they run crazy.
Toon Town
Toon Town is found at the very back of Disneyland Park. Even though our boys are older, they ask to go to Toon Town every time we go to the parks.
This area is another fun one that they can sort of free wheel though playing with the interactive spots in the Town. Goofy's house, Minnie's House, Chip and Dale's Treehouse, Donald's Boat and of course Mickey's House all live in Toon Town. The line for visiting Mickey can be pretty long so check your wait times on the Disneyland app before heading in. You can simply walk though the house without getting a picture with Mickey though and it is pretty cool in there!
This area feels like a break because the kids can run off energy they built up while waiting in line for rides and the adults can simply watch them have fun.
Lamplight Lounge Patio
I mentioned this in a couple other blog posts and youtube videos. We love Lamplight Lounge. The patio in particular has a really relaxing vibe. We order a couple small bite dishes, a few cocktails (mocktails for the kids) and watch the crowds go by.
Even on a hot summer day in July, the patio is pleasing. From the patio, you can watch the Incredicoaster take off, which often will entertain the kids.
Main Street Cinema
This is a quick break. On Main Street USA, you can find this little theatre. Inside they show fun short old Disney cartoons on loop.
There is always something playing in there and here is the kicker, it is air conditioned! If you have a little one in a stroller who needs a nap, it is super easy to roll them right in where it is dark and cool. I bet they will fall asleep.
Pixie Hollow
I am going to throw out the disclaimer that if you have boys, they may not be interested in going here. My boys grumble about it these days, so we don't go anymore. However, for younger children and girls this place is legit. There are a bunch of hands of play things and you get to meet Tinkerbell!
Hyperion Theatre
This is where Disney runs their shows in California Adventure in The Streets of America. Currently, Frozen is playing so my boys are boycotting the show. Ugh. Prior to Frozen, Aladdin was playing there and it was a super fun show. There is usually a wait, so check your park schedule and get there 20-30 minutes early. Its a nice seated break in a dark cool theatre AND you get to watch a super awesome show.
Tarzan's Treehouse
I almost didn't include this one on the list. It does not necessarily count as a break as you do have to climb up a million stairs (ok really only 116 steps but who is counting?) and back down again. However, it is a freeform walk though attraction that your kids can explore and give you a break from lines and keeping them in check. Let them play!
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk Through
Even my boys love this Princess adventure. It is nice a cool inside and walks you through the story of Sleeping Beauty. It is really an often overlooked gem in Disneyland. The entrance is found inside Fantasyland, and you get to say you have been inside the castle at Disneyland!
Mickey and the Magical Map
Another one you will want to check showtimes on. You will need to be there a bit early. You guys, this show is so cute. We love it. We don't always have time for it, but we enjoy it when we do. It gives you a chance to chill out and the show is pretty cool!
Disneyland Railroad
This is technically a ride, but it does give you a nice break from walking. You can catch the train in one part of the park and let it take you to another part that you are interested in going to. It has been closed for quite some time as they were working hard on Star Wars land infrastructure, but now it is open again. There are four stations: Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Toontown and Tomorrowland. Quick tip: the section from Toontown to the Main Street USA station is the coolest part!
Disney Junior Live on Stage
Our kids are too young for this now, but let me tell you this show is magic for toddlers and preschoolers! My kids both loved it when they were little. Look how sweet my little boys looks, he was so excited! This is found in California Adventure in The Streets of America, just look for the sign. You will want to get there 20-30 minutes early to make sure you get in. It is nice and cool inside and you get to sit and watch a bunch of kids dance around. Oh and confetti falls from the ceiling, that's pretty cool. All of their favorite characters come on stage and they do a pretty good job of keeping it up to date on the current Disney Junior characters. Last time we went (this will tell you how old my boys are now) my youngest was obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates and was excited to see him. Now, I am sure, there are different characters offered.
1 comments
What a useful article this is! We hope to get to DL in 2019, and this is information that I will want to have because who does not need a rest from time to time at Disney Parks?
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