Best Places to Escape Crowds at Disney World

It’s no secret that Walt Disney World Resort is one of the busiest places on Earth, even if it is the most magical. For years it has been the number one vacation destination in America, second maybe only to Las Vegas. As such, it’s often difficult to find a slow time of year as every season seems to be peak season nowadays. Lines are usually long, the parks are packed, and shows are often crowded.

So where are some of the best places to avoid crowds when visiting Walt Disney World? Let’s take a look.

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Magic Kingdom  – Second Floor of Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

Nestled in the Magic Kingdom near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Splash Mountain) and Tortuga Tavern, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café is a quick service location serving favorites from the old West. It’s tough to miss, but there’s a secret area where you can usually find some nice peace away from the theme Park crowds. A ramp with a sign indicating “Additional Seating” takes you and your food to a secret second floor where few other Guests can be found. In addition, it’s an indoor space with air conditioning and seats, providing the perfect spot for a crowd-free break.

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Magic Kingdom – Swiss Family Treehouse

The Swiss Family Treehouse has been a great spot to reset in the Magic Kingdom for decades. One of the first attractions opened in 1971; it’s a classic Disney World sight you can explore at your own pace, sans the crowd. Although it requires some stepping as you climb to the top, that activity seems to be a little too much for some Guests, ensuring smaller groups and fewer crowds.

EPCOT – Fez House

Although EPCOT crowds never (and will never) reach the size of Magic Kingdom crowds, it’s still essential to have a few tricks or ideas up your sleeve when visiting. When EPCOT does pack with people in the summer — especially now with the Food and Wine Festival and Eat to the Beat — the World Showcase often provides some solace.

But only some restaurants and corners of the World Showcase are crowd free. One of the best spots is tucked away in the Morocco pavilion– the Fez House. Modeled after a classic Moroccan home, it has detailed mosaic tile. It also smells of sandalwood, making for a peaceful pause amid the summer chaos.

Hollywood Studios – Star Wars Launch Bay

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Located in the Animation Courtyard area of the Park, the Star Wars Launch Bay used to be one of the premier spots to see Star Wars props and meet characters. However, since the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many Star Wars fans have flocked to that Park area, often abandoning the Launch Bay. It is often passed over for more exciting experiences by Star Wars because the Launch Bay has no rides or shows. This makes it a prime spot to break from the crowds and the heat at Hollywood Studios.

Animal Kingdom – Discovery Island Trails

With Avatar attractions drawing in rope-dropping droves of Disney Guests, it may seem impossible to get a moment of peace in the animal theme Park. But despite the Pandora crowds, Expedition Everest enthusiasts, and diehard Dinoland USA fans, there are places to find some calm escape. The walkable Discovery Island trails can often provide some solace when in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can gaze at the scenery through a calming self-guided trek while soaking in much-needed serenity.

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Whether traveling to Walt Disney World this summer (2023) or during a slower time of the year, it’s always essential to have a game plan. This can be especially true if traveling with little ones or older family members. Having the right spot to relax or avoid the stress of crowds can be a game changer.