5 Favorite "Quiet Places" at Disneyland

Good Morning!

This week I wanted to share some of my favorite "quiet places" in the Disneyland Resort! This is a handy list to have if you need to find a place to relax, or if you need a less crowded place for little ones to play for a while.

Some of my favorite quiet areas in Disneyland have disappeared as new additions have come into the picture. These areas included the little pavilion near the castle that is now the Princess Fantasy Faire, the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square that is now a part of the infamous Club 33, and the Big Thunder Ranch, petting zoo, and log cabin which was cleared to make way for Star Wars Land. There was also the little path to Fantasyland that passed by the ranch that was always quiet, but that is going to be busy once Star Wars Land officially opens! Though these quiet areas are now nothing more than fond memories, it doesn't mean that Disneyland doesn't have any quiet places left if you know where to look!

1. Hidden Path by Harbour Galley

My family's favorite quiet spot is one that few people seem to notice. If you go around the back side of Harbour Galley where all the tables are you will come to a little back area where the Mark Twain and Sailing Ship Columbia are docked when not in use. This is a cute little area decorated with old weathered "store" fronts. If you keep following this around, you will find a tucked away area with tables. When we were little kids, we would bring bagels to the park and use this eating area for breakfast. Past the eating area is a little pathway that takes you over one of the waterways of Splash Mountain. You can watch people splash down and come around the bend below you! This path comes back out near the fruit stand across from Splash Mountain. This is a neat, shaded quiet spot to rest and let little kids to play for a while!

2. Quiet Fireworks Viewing Area in Fantasyland

Looking for a less crowded area to watch fireworks than right in the middle of Main Street, USA? Try heading back to the Red Rose Tavern (Village Haus) in Fantasyland! The restaurant closes for fireworks so the dining area outside is always empty! Grab a table close to the walkway and you will be able to see all of the fireworks going off behind Toontown. You do miss all of the projections on the castle, but it is cool because fireworks go off in front and behind you from the top of the castle! Plus it isn't crowded so you can let little ones run around a little more (and get out all of their energy before bedtime!) If you are wanting a quieter area but still want to see the projection show you can also head over to It's a Small World. It is a little less crowded than Main Street and you still get a good show!

3. Snow White's Grotto

This area is more well-known, but surprisingly empty most of the time! This is a little shaded area on the east side of the castle where you can find a cute little bridge, a pond, and Snow White's Wishing Well! Spend a few minutes there, and you may hear Snow White singing to you from the bottom of the well! Then go over to the pond and watch the little fish pop up out of the water and dance around to "Whistle While You Work". This area is also a side entrance through the castle into Fantasyland from Main Street.

4. Baby Care Center

Looking for a quiet place for your little one to take a nap? Need to change a diaper and don't want to use the public restroom? Want a private place to nurse? The Baby Care Center is the perfect place! They even offer a sitting area with a TV and a feeding area with high chairs for toddlers and a little convenience store for formula, diapers, baby food, wipes, etc. This area came in so handy when we took my baby brother for his first few trips. Baby Care Centers can be found on the east side of Main Street, U.S.A., and near the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in the Pacific Wharf area of California Adventure.

5. Back Area to Grizzly Peak

While this area is a little more well-traveled, it is still a serene area that most people avoid because it is definitely not a shortcut to any rides! There are beautiful "forested" paths that circle the Grizzly River Run. The more commonly traveled part of this path goes up past Soarin', Grizzly River Run, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, coming out on the right side of a massive water wheel at the back of the Grizzly River Run into the Paradise Pier area (soon to be known as "Paradise Park"). The other path lets out on the opposite side of this water wheel. This area is a little less traveled. This path starts behind the line for Grizzly River Run and circles around past gorgeous waterfalls, old water towers, mine carts, and colorful buildings. There is also a viewing area of Grizzly River Run near the ride lockers at the beginning of this trail. This is a beautiful area if you have some down time!

BONUS!

6. Sorcerer's Workshop & Animation Building

This is my absolute favorite place to relax in California Adventure. While this isn't really a "quiet" place, it is still fun to go sit down in the massive open area and watch the pictures and videos of classic Disney movies playing across the walls. This building is air conditioned which makes it a perfect get-away on a hot day. There is more to do here than just watching neat videos! You can go see Turtle Talk with Crush (a favorite for little kids), go explore the Beast's Library, enter into the "Magic Mirror Realm" to practice your animation skills, and check out the Animation Academy where you can learn to draw your favorite Disney Characters! This is a fun place to explore with little kids.

Where are your favorite places to relax? Leave us a comment below!

As always, if you have any tips, tricks or questions you would like to submit to our blog feel free to send us an email at enchantedpumpkin.com!

-Lindsay Prout