5 Best Places to Escape the Crowds at Magic Kingdom

Do you love Magic Kingdom but often need a break from the crowds? Check out the top five places to escape crowds at the Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is truly magical but quite big. There is a total of thirty-four attractions that include shows, rides, and themed locations. This park has more attractions than any other park at Walt Disney World. With so many things to see and do, it seems that at least once while at Magic Kingdom my (Donna) family needs a break from all of the crowds.

Many guests take an afternoon break in the middle of the day. During this time, they may return to their resort to enjoy a few amenities or rest. Afterward, they are ready to return to the parks.

My family does not like to leave the parks in the middle of the day. Over the years, we have created a list of five locations that are our respite locations when we need a break from a large number of people. Join us on our tour of where you can escape the crowds while still enjoying the magic of the Magic Kingdom.

Tom Sawyer Island

What is Tom Sawyer Island? Guests are invited to “wander dusty roads lined with tall trees, explore whirling mills, and amble across creaky suspension bridges. Navigate narrow passages amid secret mined caves and uncover a frontier fort.”

To reach Tom Sawyer Island, we walked to Tom Sawyer Landing. This is located near Big Thunder Railroad in Frontierland. Our adventure awaited as we boarded a log raft. My (Donna) girls thought that the raft ride alone was as much fun as many of the other attractions found in Magic Kingdom. We traveled a short distance across the Rivers of America to reach Tom Sawyer Island.

This is a self-guided tour that allows Guests to step into the pages of the classic tales of Tom Sawyer. This is an often overlooked secret treasure that many Disney fans have not enjoyed. You can stay on Tom Sawyer Island as long or as short as you would like However, keep in mind that Tom Sawyer Island closes at 6:00 pm most park days (be sure to check attraction hours on Character Locator).

Tom Sawyer Island is a self-guided tour that allows Guests to step into the pages of the classic tales of Tom Sawyer.

You can see the many great locations and planning tips for Tom Sawyer Island HERE.

Hub Grass

Do you love gazing at Cinderella Castle, but feel that there are too many people to truly be able to enjoy it? As you walk down Main Street, USA you will find the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor located on the corner on the right side of the street. There is a small fenced-in courtyard grassy area directly in front seating location for the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

This grassy courtyard is reserved for guests attending the Disney Enchantment After-Party. When not in use for these guests, this location is open to all guests to enjoy. My favorite time to enjoy the Hub Grass is at park closing. I like to purchase a delicious treat at the Main Street Confectionery.

Then I make my way back down Main Street, USA as guests make last minute purchases and take photos in front of Cinderella Castle. This is the perfect time to enjoy the Hub Grass with a sweet treat before saying goodnight to the Magic Kingdom. This is also a great location during the day to relax while enjoying a beautiful view.

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse

Want to add a bit of adventure to your day at Magic Kingdom? An often overlooked oasis is found in Adventureland. The Swiss Family Treehouse is a huge treehouse that both the young and the young at heart can enjoy. During my experiences, this location is not crowded and allows for time to explore at your own pace.

There are quite a few stairs, 116 stairs to be exact, but the view from the top is worth every step. You can see a full 360° view of Adventureland, Magic Kingdom, and the Jungle Cruise River. Even if you are not familiar with the story of the Swiss Family Robinsons, you will enjoy this attraction.

At the top of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, you can see a full 360° view of Adventureland, Magic Kingdom, and the Jungle Cruise River.

Pirate Adventure

Do you want to add a bit more magic to your day at the Magic Kingdom?  Back in October 2021, Walt Disney World shared that Guests can once again help Captain Jack to raid the “Treasures of the Seven Seas!”

This Adventure consists of 5 missions. Once you have completed all 5 missions, you will be asked to join Captain Jack’s crew and receive the GRAND PRIZE of a card signed by Captain Jack Sparrow.

This is a great game to enjoy that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. However, you can complete this game by stopping and returning as needed. With all 5 missions conveniently located in Adventureland, this is will provide great interaction with minimal extra steps.

This Adventure consists of 5 missions. Once you have completed all 5 missions, you will be asked to join Captain Jack’s crew and receive the GRAND PRIZE of a card signed by Captain Jack Sparrow.

My children loved the interactive elements of each clue. Pirate skulls came alive and shared a clue for our next adventure, a cannon fired, a stone statue spoke, and even a snake tried to charm us with his magical venom. You can see how to sign up for this great adventure HERE.

Best Recharging Location

Even while in the Magic Kingdom, guests can recharge their electronics and themselves just inside Fantasyland. As you walk past “it’s a small world” and you are about to exit Fantasyland there is a beautiful oasis. This area was designed to look like Corona from the animated film Tangled.

You will see beautiful lighting, whimsical houses, and gorgeous bunting with the signature sun crest symbol from the film. This location offers restrooms, a unique seating location that also offers guests the option to charge their electronic devices, and a fun scavenger hunt as well. Be sure to check out this fun scavenger hunt HERE.

This location offers restrooms, a unique seating location that also offers guests the option to charge their electronic devices, and a fun scavenger hunt as well.

I love the small hidden spaces that allow us to connect as a family while enjoying the simple magic of Disney.

What is your favorite place to take a break in the Disney Parks? Have you visited any of these locations at the Magic Kingdom? Will you be visiting this on your next trip to Walt Disney World? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.