With the holidays upon us, we strive to seize the sights, smells, and sounds of the parks before they disappear again. But, with the hustle of gift shopping, crowds, and discussing Tomorrowland’s relevance, can we even pause to enjoy it? We’ve all felt the pressure to stay until closing or until we collapse, whichever happens first. Your Park Hoppers are here to show you a few of our favorite holiday rest spots at the Disneyland Resort. You’ll be surrounded by the best this season has to offer without wanting to jump in front of the tram.
We’ve included six favorite rest spots here, but be sure to watch our video below for all 16 suggestions!
Disney California Adventure Rest Spots
Blue Sky Cellar
The Blue Sky Cellar is a vine-covered spot just off the beaten path. Under the wooden sign, you can stroll by a little vineyard and read about the foliage and vines on placards on the trail. Just at the end of the trail is a bench that surrounds a tree. It’s great for hanging out for a short while. Inside the building, you can usually see whatever Imagineers have been conceiving. You might find concept art for upcoming rides, or short videos where you can sit for a while and watch.
Wine Country Trattoria
Wine Country Trattoria is right next door. One of the good restaurants at DCA, it contains ample seating and reservations aren’t difficult to make. We usually reserve a table next to the main walkway, which also serves as the parade route. Order pasta or perfectly cooked salmon, and adults can enjoy a glass of wine while kids wait for their favorite characters. Bonus: if you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, they have some excellent options for you.
Sonoma Terrace
Sonoma Terrace is located on the other side of the Trattoria. It’s a walk-up setting with a drink menu and a few snacks. (ordering is optional.) We posted that menu and photos of each area in our video. This area boasts patio furniture with thick cushions, bistro tables, and trellises. This is a spot where you can hang out and rest while the kids are on rides or shopping.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
This area might not have the most comfortable seating, but there are strategically placed benches throughout the trails. We show you where these are located in our video. Parents can sit while kids conquer the rock wall, rope bridge, and tire swing nearby. There are several other activities, including cookie decorating and a scavenger hunt during the holidays. You might even meet Chip and Dale.
The Grand Californian Hotel
The Grand Californian is our all-time favorite Disneyland Resort rest spot. This area provides guests with several options. The enormous lobby is refreshingly quiet, even with a pianist (whose job I would gladly take should she grow tired of it). Across from the grand piano sits a roaring out-of-the-way fireplace. Here you can daydream in an Adirondack rocking chair or sit on a cushioned bench on the outer rim. You can also make camp at one of the main room’s giant couches or side chairs if you like being out in the open. Sometimes, servers make their way around the seating areas with menus. From your cozy setting you can order wine, cocktails, flatbread, and other small bites to pass the time. Even the kids can enjoy the lobby.
Just For Kids
Closer to the check-in desks, children can watch original Disney cartoons while rocking in tiny Adirondack chairs. This is ideal if you have kids of all ages in your party. The older kids can sit with the younger and recharge while parents order for everyone and chat. There is also a table and club chairs right next to the kids if you’d rather sit with them.
More at the Grand
Just outside the hotel is tucked another fireplace in a covered outdoor patio. This space is packed with fluffy cushions atop craftsman sofas where you can read or just decompress. It’s usually pretty empty out there, but if not, you can head into the hotel lounge right next door.
The lounge at the Grand is a great little informal area to have a drink and a snack. Grab a table, booth or, if you’re lucky, the armchairs by the fireplace. You can order at the bar, or a server will visit your table.
The lounge at Napa Rose is the home to yet another fireplace at the hotel. There are small tables for two or four, some paired with upholstered armchairs. It doesn’t require reservations like the main dining room does, and the service is fantastic.
Meanwhile, at Disneyland…
While Disneyland has made rest areas scarce in recent years, we make use of every spot we can find. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is one, but our kids have banned us from watching that again. And, though the Tomorrowland theater contains physical seats, our teens refuse to spend valuable Disney time on High School Musical. That being said, these are our favorites in Disneyland:
The Picnic Tables Across From Big Thunder
This is a hidden gem. Walk up the small ramp and sit at an umbrella-covered table right on the Rivers of America. Watch the Mark Twain and the Columbia glide beside you while you take in the sights. The view of Tom Sawyer’s Island is beautiful and clear, and ducks peacefully quack as they float BY. This is a perfect spot to eat a lunch or snack you brought from home, and the thrilling sounds from Big Thunder are a bonus. In the same area, you can also catch a table in the waiting area for the Mark Twain River Boat if it’s not too busy. (These are new and we’re thrilled they made use of the space.)
Tom Sawyer’s Island
Unfortunately, too many folks ignore out of the way areas like this. However, I’d argue that these are the treasures of the DLR. Kids can play safely and adults can play along or hang out and chat. Even if you’re sans kids, grab a cinnamon roll and a coffee at the Jolly Holiday Bakery and head to the island’s picnic tables. Some are shaded, and they’re on the edge of the Rivers of America. Wave to the passengers of the Columbia and the Mark Twain from the comfort of your secluded spot. Every so often, the Pirate Band accompanies guests on the ferry and plays sing-alongs.
Pixie Hollow
We have an entire video on this area alone because it’s simply magical. This info applies to times when the fairies are not present. Outside in the queue, there are no actual seats, but it’s usually empty for a casual stroll through the gardens. Follow the path through the tall “grass” to Tink’s teapot house and you can relax away from crowds. Peaceful Celtic music plays while lights dance for your viewing pleasure. And, if you’re there at night, be sure to stay for the impromptu fountain and light show in the pond.
We have a whole video about the history of Pixie Hollow and what came before it HERE.
Our top 16 restful spots at Disneyland video:
It’s Disney Vacation Time!
We’ve got some great news for you. Our partners at Get Away Today are helping you save money on Disney theme park tickets and travel packages. AND, through Christmas, they’ve got some great ways for you to gift Disney trips for a reduced deposit:
- For Discounted theme park tickets and travel packages, always start HERE: Get Away Today (When calling, always mention MiceChat so you get your special rates and deals!)
- For a limited time, MiceChat readers can book a trip for just $99 down with an interest-free Layaway Plan!
- Layaway Plans must be booked by December 25, 2019 to get the $99 reduced deposit.
- Book for travel for dates through December 31, 2020.
- Payments can be made at any time and in any amount, with final payment due just five days before travel.
- Layaway Plans can be used for any of our Southern California vacations and can be combined with any of our specials – like Extra Day Free Tickets and Extra Night Free Hotel Specials.
Let’s Hear From You!
What are your favorite rest spots at the Disneyland Resort this holiday season?
Your Park Hoppers are a very merry family of 5 on a lifelong jungle cruise through all things adventurous. Take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube channel! We share the history of attractions at Disney Parks, as well as tips for making the most of your visits. What are your favorite rest areas? Where do you like to hang out when your tired feet need a break? What did we miss in our video? We’d love to hear from you!
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