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Top Places To Stop And Smell The Roses In Walt Disney World

Canada Pavilion (Credit: Disney Photo Snapper)

Sometimes Walt Disney World can get a little hectic with heavy crowd volume, long lines, and intense heat. Guests can even get wrapped up in moving as fast as they can from attraction to attraction in order to see everything that they can on their vacation. I think one of the greatest things about Walt Disney World is the immense level of detail that goes into all of its parks, and one of the greatest ways to experience those details is to slow down for a few minutes and just enjoy your surroundings. There are some really great places to stop and smell the roses while in Walt Disney World, and you might just be surprised by what you find when you do pause for a few moments! Let’s check out some places where you should stop and smell the roses on your next trip to WDW.

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1. Plaza Gardens

With the new expansion in the hub area of the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, there are now numerous fountains, statues of characters, blooming flowers, and plenty of grassy areas known as the Plaza Gardens. These sections of grass are a great place to sit for a few minutes, relax, and take in your surroundings. With the nearby smells from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, sweeping views of both Main Street and Cinderella Castle, and plenty of people watching opportunities, this is a great place to relax for a few moments!

2. Flame Tree Barbecue

A quick service dining location in the Discovery Island section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this eatery serves up savory barbecue selections sure to make your mouth water. While the food is delicious, it’s the view that makes this location a great place to stop and smell the roses. Located just behind the ordering counters is a small patio which looks out over the Discovery River and offers amazing views of Expedition Everest. With a nice breeze, some shade, and a lovely view it’s a great place to relax for a few minutes in the park.

3. Swiss Family Treehouse

Nestled in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, this attraction requires guests to climb several flights of stairs but the payoff is well worth it. Once guests reach the top, they are rewarded with sweeping views of all of the Magic Kingdom, including a great view of Space Mountain with the Contemporary Resort in the background. One of the best times to go up and simply enjoy the view is at sunset, but no matter what time of the day the view can’t be beat!

4. Morocco Pavilion

Each pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase offers many nooks and crannies to explore and learn about different countries and cultures through details and architecture, but one of the most in depth and beautiful pavilions is Morocco. With a quiet, winding street feel, guests can wander all the way to the back of the pavilion and find a beautiful mosaic water fountain. With few crowds ever near the back of the pavilion, it offers up a great place to stop and smell the roses while exploring World Showcase.

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5. Gardens in Canada

The Canada Pavilion in World Showcase also offers up a great place to relax and take in the view in their gardens. Modeled after the famous Victoria Gardens, this area offers up a small suspended bridge, beautiful flowers, and lovely trees making it a great spot to relax slightly off the beaten path in Epcot.

6. Sleepy Hollow

Found just over the bridge spanning from the hub to Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, this quick service dining location evokes the charm of New York’s Hudson Valley and pays homage to Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. There is a small seating area to the side of the building which offers shade, a chance to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere, and even a glimpse of Cinderella Castle. Plus, you can relax while eating one of the popular waffle sandwiches which Sleepy Hollow is known for!

7. Walt Disney World Railroad Balcony

A great place to stop and smell the roses can be found just inside the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. The Walt Disney World Railroad’s station features a large balcony which faces out looking down Main Street towards Cinderella Castle. It’s a great place to people watch, enjoy some shade, and even watch the parades and fireworks from.

8. Outside Muppet*Vision 3-D

Located in the Muppet Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, take a few moments to simply enjoy this quiet space. The courtyard is a great place to stop and smell the roses for a few moments during a busy day in Hollywood Studios. Located near the entrance of Galaxy’s Edge, it’s a great place to people watch while you relax.

9.  Sunshine Seasons

Sunshine Seasons is one of my favorite quick dining locations throughout Walt Disney World and it can be found on the ground level of the Land Pavilion in Epcot. Not only does it serve up some delicious dining options, it also offers incredible views of the sweeping atrium above and a serene ambiance enhanced by the background music of The Land. While enjoying some food, you can also take in the nearby sights of Soarin’ and Living with the Land. Between the food and the atmosphere this is one of the best places to stop and smell the roses in Epcot.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.