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I have 14 sensory break areas in Disney’s Magic Kingdom to help you plan a SENSE-ational day at the park for your sensory challenged or special needs child!

The sight of Cinderella’s Castle, the smell of popcorn, the feel of the wind on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the sound of the parade. The Magic Kingdom is a treasure trove of sensory input. It can be thrilling, fun, and an amazing opportunity. But for some kids, it can be a substantial sensory challenge.

Children with special needs often have difficulty with processing sensory information coming in from their environment. Their central nervous system has difficulty modulating (filtering) all the information that comes in, processing it, and then being able to regulate (calm) themselves.

You know your child the best and most likely know the best strategies to help them stay calm. But when you are in a new or unfamiliar environment, your job is much harder!

Why Quiet Areas?

These “brain break” areas are an excellent go-to when your child is already in meltdown mode or, better yet, if you sense they are becoming too overstimulated and want to prevent it from occurring. Everyone wants to have a magical day in the Magic Kingdom, so let’s plan ahead!

Immediately upon entering the park, you will be on Main Street, known primarily for the spectacular view of Cinderella’s Castle at its end. It is also the central location for shopping, meeting Disney characters, visiting the Main Street train station, signing up for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and getting your Disability Access Service card. This area lives up to its name because it is typically VERY BUSY and CROWDED.

Pro Tip! 

Main Street is a narrow passage CROWDED with people and activities, depending on the time of day. You do have a few options about how to best traverse this gauntlet of activity! 

• Take Main Street as typical, meaning you will have several opportunities to get your picture made by the Photopass Photographers with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.

• Another option is to walk through the merchandise shops that line Main Street. Start at the first Main Street merchandise shop on the left to walk through to Casey’s Corner restaurant (and smell some yummy hotdogs!). This alternate route can save some overwhelming moments. You will still see Cindy’s castle on the other side, no worries! And don’t fret about getting your picture made, you can always come back or get your picture made closer to the castle!

If your Dapper Dan or Darling isn’t singing a merry tune by the time you reach the end of Main Street, dart into one of these areas to help with a sensory tune-up.

Sensory Break Areas on Main Street

1. Grassy Hub

Head to the end of Main Street and turn to the left in front of the green grassy area. Look for the Baby Center to the right of The Crystal Palace restaurant. This building is a large area for nursing moms with rocking chairs. It is also for general baby and child care, such as changing diapers, etc. It is air-conditioned, quiet, and calm. An excellent place to calm kiddos. 

2. Baby Care Center

Directly in front of The Baby Center is a grassy area that is popular for taking pictures with the Castle in view. I like it because most people pass it by as they hurry to the next ride. It’s perfect for resting, getting a snack, and calming parent nerves and kids sensory systems. 

Sensory Break Areas in Fantasyland

Hear ye, hear ye! If your little prince or princess is about to turn into an evil villain due to stress, fatigue, and overload, head to these areas to break the magic spell.

3. Casey Jr.’s Train Splash and Soak

This area has several ‘train’ cars from his circus, and they spray water between them in quick bursts. Kids love this! Especially on a hot day.

Pro Tip!

Make sure you pack some extra clothes for your little (or big!) one if you know playing in the water is a must-do!

4. Pete’s Silly Slideshow

To the left of Casey Jr.’s water area is a snack area with tables and umbrellas. The only traffic typically through here is for people walking into Pete’s Silly Sideshow (pictures with the Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy characters) and people eating. There is a companion bathroom and a Service Animal Relief Area nearby, to the left of the train station.

5. Path From Adventureland to Tomorrowland

Behind Goofy’s Barnstormer is a walking path that leads to Tomorrowland. It comes out behind Space Mountain. However, there are a few caveats to this area. One, there is a smoking area marking the halfway spot, and the train will pass by as it runs beside the tracks. Also, on the other side of the vegetation, Disney is ramping up their construction of the new Tron ride. You may want to utilize only portions of the path for some meandering and quieting down.

Pro Tip!

This path may also be a good option for by-passing the main crowd on the regular route between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. If it is hectic, or your kiddo needs a little break, taking this path to get to your next attraction on your touring plan is a great alternative route.

Sensory Break Areas in Tomorrowland

Let’s fast forward to the land of the future! If your little space adventurer is running on fumes, veer his or her spacecraft toward one of the only few quiet spots here.

Tomorrowland is smaller, as compared to the other Lands and therefore its attractions are closer together. The Tomorrowland Speedway attraction (driveable cars on a rail system) is a bit smelly and very loud. While the attraction is fun, the noise isn’t so much for sensory kids.

6. The path from Tomorrowland to Adventureland

As mentioned in the Fantasyland section, taking the path from Tomorrowland to the left of Space Mountain will lead you back to the train station in Fantasyland.

UPDATE! Disney recently announced that all smoking areas in the Disney parks, resorts, and Disney Springs will be banned as of May 1st, 2019. 

7. Area Near Buzz Lightyear

There is an area between the Carousel of Progress and the exit from Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Often it is empty and slightly away from the crowd. However, at times, this area will host a character meet and greet with Buzz Lightyear.

Sensory Break Areas in Adventureland

Home of the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean, here are some favorite spots your buccaneer can take a break from your days’ sensory adventures.

8. To the left of Pirates of the Caribbean is a wide pathway leading to a service gate. This area is a great place to sit and enjoy the foliage and maybe get a Dole Whip to chill out!

9. Tunnel to Bathrooms and Connector to Frontierland

There is a covered pathway/tunnel connecting Adventureland and Frontierland. It is located across from the Swiss Family Treehouse. This area can get busy due to the restroom entrance. However, it is a cooler, shaded area with benches.

Sensory Break Areas in Frontierland

Howdy folks, let’s mosey over and enjoy Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The oh-so-nice thing about Frontierland is a few more places to sit and rest a spell!

10. Area Near Splash Mountain

When crossing over from Adventureland to Frontierland, there is a gated pathway on the left that leads ‘backstage’ where the parade floats are stored. When not being opened at the start of parades, this is a quiet, shaded area to rest.

11. Tom Sawyer Island

This attraction opens at 11 a.m., and you will have to take a raft over with another group. Once on the island, it is a beautiful place to explore and get some wiggles out!  Just remember, you have to wait for another raft to ferry you back over to Frontierland.

Sensory Break Areas in Liberty Square

Is your little patriot on the brink of a revolution? Don’t let their campaign for freedom put you in the gallows! Take a break and make a battle plan.

13. Quiet Area in Liberty Square

Look for the area behind the Ye’ Old Christmas Shoppe. It is slightly shaded by nice trees with an open space and benches to sit.

14. Riverboat Entrance Area

The entrance in front of the Liberty Square Riverboat. There is an entrance ramp and an area that is much lower in traffic. The Riverboat typically doesn’t open until 11 a.m. and is closed at the time of this writing for refurbishment.

I sincerely hope this post serves as a tool for making a touring plan in the Magic Kingdom. Planning ahead can avert a catastrophe! Having several tools in your Disney tool belt will be even better!

Do you have any places in the Magic Kingdom that helped your child to calm? Post them below in the comments!  

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