Escaping the Elements at Magic Kingdom

Light Meter by Lisa K. Berton

Today’s the last day of July. Just one more month before the kids go back to school. Ooh, I think they just booed me. Sorry little dudes and dudettes. At least you get scheduled breaks, when you grow up, you only get a couple of weeks of vacation. Don’t grow up.

Here it is, the 3rd of a 4 part series on escaping the brutal summer heat and tropical downpours at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Magic Kingdom is the focus this week. Most of the attractions, including the queues, and shows are held indoors with central air. Finding places to sit and relax without waiting for entertainment seems to be a little more difficult to find at Magic Kingdom but I’ve put on my thinking cap and compiled a list. While I don’t recommend taking up tables in busy counter service restaurants, if your body tells you to sit and get out of the sun, go for it. Please share the blog with anyone you know headed to Walt Disney World.

Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A.

City Hall – Inside, you’ll find multiple benches against the walls. Guests speak to Cast Members about dining reservations, celebration buttons, and customer service. Just tell them you have to rest.

Walt Disney World Railroad – Upstairs by the platform is a covered deck overlooking Town Square. Benches can be found inside the train station along with antique penny arcade machines.
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Town Square Theater – Benches and rocking chairs welcome folks on the front porch. Should the wind blow the rain, just step inside the building, although the only seats are for waiting to dine at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.

Casey’s Corner – Located at the other end of the street is quick service hot dog “stand”. Outdoor tables are covered by large umbrellas but inside and around the corner are some stadium-like limited seating. It’s temperature controlled and you can watch old Goofy cartoons.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Terrace – They’re only open for breakfast and have lots of tables and chairs protected from the elements. No central air here, just ceiling fans.

Carousel of Progress – If you can wait 5-10 minutes for the next show to begin, step on up. The show has theater seating and is kept at a comfortable temperature to maintain all of the animatronics. The show lasts 20 minutes.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – Want to feel a breeze? It might be hot. Take the inclined moving sidewalk up and plunk down in an open air car and speed above Tomorrowland. Tired? Ask the Cast Member if you can go around again upon your return.

New Fantasyland

Gaston’s Tavern – Limited indoor seating with additional cafe tables outdoors.

Fantasyland

As there really aren’t any shaded or temperature controlled places to sit and relax, Pinocchio Village Haus is your best bet.

Liberty Square

Hall of Presidents – Prior to the 20 minute presentation in a theater, Guests can sit down on padded benches inside a room lined with presidential portraits.

Sleepy Hollow – Pushed back behind Heritage House and the quick service eatery are picnic tables protected from direct sun.

Frontierland

Frontier Trading Post – Should you be lucky enough, grab one of 2 rocking chairs inside the gift shop.

Country Bear Jamboree – Whether you’re waiting for the next show to begin or just want to get off your feet, head inside. Multiple benches are available. Show seating consists of long rows of benches.

Between Frontierland and Adventureland is a fully covered walkway with restrooms on one side and a gift shop on the other. Benches line the wall. It’s surprisingly dark and cooler than expected.

Adventureland

Pirates Bazaar – Beside the gift shop is a path leading to restrooms. There’s a bench or 2 here.

Sunshine Tree Terrace – A small area with tables and chairs will keep you shaded and dry however, it is still quite hot in this spot. Further down in Agrabah Bazaar are built-in seats that look to be cool but they act almost like saunas.

Don’t forget, First Aid is the place to go if you feel sick and/or are showing signs of heat exhaustion. First Aid is located between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace, heading towards Adventureland, and is staffed by nurses.

If you missed the earlier entries you can read about my tips for beating the heat at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Come on over and “Like” my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter, my handle is lisano1.

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