We know the real reason you’re heading to Disney World is to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. But sometimes you need a break from the hectic pace of running from park to park, ride to ride, show to show.

Did you know about all the great amenities you can find on Disney property without even stepping foot inside the theme parks? That’s right, back at your Disney hotel you’ll find tons of ways to have fun and take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the attractions and entertainment. No matter the size of your family (or your wallet), you can get an accommodation that fits your lifestyle. You can get standard accommodations that sleep up to four people or choose an alternative to the traditional hotel feel. Bungalows, villas, and even cabins are just a boat or bus ride, or, in some cases, a short walk away.

Here are some times you might find that taking a break and heading back to your hotel makes more sense than staying in the hot and crowded parks.

Overheated?

The Florida sun and high humidity are often underestimated. What do you do when it gets too hot? Head back to your hotel, where you can find multiple pools to cool off in. Yacht Club and Beach Club feature Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park with a lazy river, zero-depth entry from a sandy beach, and a giant water slide. The Polynesian Village Resort has a stunning volcano and waterfall to admire while you’re taking a dip. The Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge have the beautifully themed Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. Even the moderate and value resorts have feature pools that will delight and entertain, from the Finding Nemo-themed Big Blue Pool at the Art of Animation Resort to Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans Riverside.  Everyone will feel refreshed after a pool break in the middle of the day, or perhaps even a day away from the parks in the middle of your vacation.

Take a look at some of our resort pool videos:

Getting Hungry?

Every Disney World resort hotel has dining options to please almost anyone! You can find restaurants that offer both counter service and table service. Some resorts even have character dining or dinner show selections. From a quick bite at Landscape of Flavors over at Arts of Animation to a full character breakfast at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian to a quiet meal over at the Yacht Club‘s Ale & Compass Restaurant, you will find something to love. And here’s the best part: In the middle of the day, when nearly everyone else is at the parks, the restaurants at the resorts are blissfully uncrowded. You can have a nice leisurely midday meal, far from the long lines of the theme parks.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

It’s no secret that there are a lot of sights, smells, and sounds to take in at the Disney World theme parks. Let’s also not forget about the throngs of people. One way to chill out and relax while on your vacation is to head over to one of the spas located at several of the Disney World hotels. There’s the gorgeous full-service Senses, at both the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs, or the equally luxurious Mandara Spa over at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. You can get a facial, massage, body treatment, even a Disney-themed mani-pedi. Mix and match to create your own magical way to unwind. Not staying at a hotel with a spa? You don’t have to be a guest at these particular hotels to book some spa services, so what are you waiting for?

Time for Some Cardio?

We get it — most park-goers will be getting in a ton of exercise just from all the walking done around the theme parks. To be exact, you’d walk 8.51 miles just by going around each of the four parks. And that’s not counting going back and forth to different areas. But for those of you who feel you need something more, or a bit different, there are fitness centers or health clubs at most of the deluxe resorts.  If you’d rather be outdoors, you can get back to nature with a hiking trail, or hit the tennis courts. If you’re visiting Disney World for a marathon, you can even put in a training run with a running trail.

Feeling Adventurous?

If you find you need a change of pace from all the coasters, parades, and shows, it’s definitely time to head back to the hotel. At many, you can catch a movie under the stars at night, play a game of volleyball, or even rent a boat. Maybe you’d like to take in a round of golf, or mini golf, or even do a little fishing. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can likely find it at a Disney hotel. Not sure what else there is to do? Get a few ideas by reading through our Walt Disney World Accommodations page.

There are so many reasons to stay back at the hotel for a little longer. On your next trip, take in your surroundings as you get checked in. You might not even want to head into the parks at all. Be sure to call the reservations line or log into the My Disney Experience App to book anything extra you might want to experience or just to answer specific questions about the resort you’ve chosen.

When do you know it’s time to head back to the resort? What’s your favorite hotel activity? Drop us a note in the comments!

Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for reviews, news, information and more! 

We have videos of nearly all of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels!

Subscribe to the AllEars® newsletter so you don’t miss any exciting Disney news!