Why should you relax alone at Walt Disney World?

I often have a chat with my clients and let them know that it’s perfectly normal for couples and families to have a meltdown while on vacation. But, having a plan in place for mom to relax alone at Walt Disney World can make all the difference in the world! Families (moms in particular) put so much pressure on themselves to have a perfect, magical vacation that they don’t always stop to consider these facts:

• we’re not used to spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with our family
• it’s probably going to be hot
• you’re going to be tired
• you’re going to get hungry and possibly even dehydrated
• all of these things WILL combine to make you stressed out at least once during your vacation

I love my family. I love my friends. I love being together with these people while we’re on vacation at Walt Disney World. However, I am one of those people who needs really needs to be alone for awhile in order to recharge, and being in Orlando is no exception. I build some alone time into our family’s vacations or agency FAM trips and everyone is much happier for it.

If you’re like me and you also need some “me time” to re-energize and be your best for your family, then you’ll need to find a few ways to spend some time and relax alone at Walt Disney World. Here are some of my favourite ideas that you can easily incorporate into your family’s vacation planning.

1. Go for a walk.

This is one that I like a lot because it doesn’t cost anything extra! Many resorts even have running or walking trails for you to use.

2. Visit the salon.

Get your nails done or experience a spa treatment at one of the salons on Walt Disney World property, like those located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

3. Take a nap.

Rest in your hotel room while your spouse and kids go for a swim.

4. Find the hot tub.

Soak your feet or your whole self. (Note: value resorts do not feature hot tubs or whirlpools.)

5. Attend a yoga session.

Check with Guest Services at your resort to see when and where classes will take place, or check your resort’s recreation guide.

6. Go shopping at Disney Springs.

Don’t forget to grab a free sample of chocolate at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.

7. Sit on your balcony.

Enjoy the view, especially if you’re looking over the water or the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

8. Attend a beverage tasting.

Try the Jiko Wine Tasting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

9. Ride all the attractions your kids can’t (or won’t) ride.

Take advantage of the single rider lines at select attractions such as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith or Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Test Track at EPCOT.

10. Relax alone at Walt Disney World by checking out another resort.

Hop on the monorail or Disney Skyliner to visit another resort. This is a fabulous way to get a feel for a different property for your family’s next vacation, or to simply get a change of scenery. Guests may visit any resort at Walt Disney World, whether staying as a guest, or not. One of my favourite lobbies to visit is at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There are several lovely shops to wander in and out of, as well. From Magic Kingdom, it’s easy to get over there by boat or by monorail.

And these are just my ​favourite ideas. If any of these sound like heaven to you, I urge you to include some “me time” into your family’s next Walt Disney World vacation.

What’s your favourite way to re-energize and relax on vacation? Is your family understanding of your need to be on your own for a couple of hours while you’re at Walt Disney World? Tell us about it in the comments, below.