Walt Disney World Resort is known for its enchanting atmosphere and exciting attractions, but amidst the magical adventures, it's essential to find moments for the tadpoles to let loose and expend their endless energy. I toadally get it! Sitting in a stroller or waiting in long lines for most of the day can make me feel a little froggy! Fortunately, Disney World has a variety of play areas strategically placed throughout the parks and resorts. These playgrounds provide a haven for kids like me to release their wild wiggles while the parent frogs can recharge and savor a moment of respite. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the super Walt Disney World playgrounds and highlight their unique features and locations. Ribbit!
Where to Find the Disney World Playgrounds When the Tadpoles Need a Break
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Formerly "The Laughing Place" at Splash Mountain) — Located near the exit of the former Splash Mountain, Tiana's Bayou Adventure offers a small yet captivating play center. This Briar Patch-themed playground enthralls children who enjoy crawling and exploring its nooks and crannies. While the new name has yet to be released, rest assured that this reimagined play area will continue to bring joy to young visitors. Perhaps it will be a bayou-themed area complete with lily pads and frogs?! (Note: This play area will likely undergo construction at some point in order to be rethemed during its reimagination.)
- Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station — Situated in the Silly Circus area of New Fantasyland, Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station provides a refreshing water play area for kids. It's ideal for cooling off on hot days, especially for little ones unaccustomed to the Florida heat. While it may require extra clothing changes, I think being able to cool off during the heat of the day is worth it! Located near the train station-themed restrooms, this makes a convenient area for changing.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant — Dumbo's play area is an exceptional treat for kids awaiting their turn to ride the classic Dumbo attraction. This circus-themed playground, resembling a full-size jungle gym, offers endless fun for children of all ages. Each guest receives a buzzer upon entry, allowing parents to postpone their turn on the ride if their child isn't quite ready yet. Tad and I love playing in here when it's super hot outside! It's a froggerific way to duck out of the Orlando heat for a bit.
- Tom Sawyer Island — This spot is a really fun place to play and explore! Tom Sawyer Island is a unique play area that transports children to the adventurous world of Mark Twain. Accessible by raft, this secluded island has an array of exciting activities and imaginative play opportunities, including a fort! Kids can explore hidden caves, navigate suspension bridges and venture through secret passages. With ample space to roam and endless nooks to discover, Tom Sawyer Island is a unique escape where tadpoles can let their imaginations run wild. You'll also find a covered porch area complete with tables and chairs.
- Green Landing Family Play Zone — You'll find this outdoor playground just between the Creations Shop and Test Track. The formal name of this area is frequently rebranded and seems to change all the time. But what doesn't change is that it's a favorite place to play. The space is complete with lots of climbing structures, engaging activities such as spinning Earth globes, interactive displays and hands-on activities. The adjacent patio space offers tables and chairs for additional seating.
- ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs — In keeping with EPCOT's spirit of innovation and creativity, the "What If" Labs in the Imagination Building offer an interactive play space. Accessible from the exit of the Imagination Building or after experiencing the Journey into Imagination with Figment ride, this creative play area encourages tadpoles to engage their entire bodies while making sounds and exploring visual arts. My favorite activity is making conductor-like arm movements to craft enchanting melodies with Figment's Melody Maker!
- SpaceBase — This play area is located at the exit of Mission: SPACE. You don't have to ride this attraction to get to this area, just enter through the merchandise shop exit. Here you'll find lots of tube-like structures to climb through, plus a slide. The theming is toadally out of this world, too! There are also interactive digital games where you can race an opponent to send a rocket into space. My frog favorite is creating a digital postcard and sending it to my family from "space."
- SeaBase — Young explorers can dive into the wonders of the ocean at SeaBase and Bruce's Shark World play areas at the Sea's Pavilion. SeaBase invites tadpoles to embark on an immersive underwater adventure, where they can learn about marine life, conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans. Kids can interact with interactive displays, view mesmerizing aquariums teeming with colorful fish and even catch a glimpse of scuba divers exploring the depths. Keep a lookout for Scuba Mickey who makes an appearance every now and again!
- Bruce's Shark World — Located inside SeaBase, Bruce's Shark World provides a thrilling encounter with the infamous great white shark from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo." Tadpoles can engage in playful activities, climb through shark-themed structures and even snap a photo with Bruce himself.
- Disney Junior Dance Party — While not a traditional playground, the Disney Junior Dance Party at Hollywood Studios provides an energetic and designated space for younger tadpoles to dance, spin and jump around. This mini "night club" for kids features appearances by beloved Disney Junior characters such as Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse and Timon. With kid-friendly songs and dance instruction from the DJ, the 20-minute attraction concludes with a delightful bubble finale, which is sure to bring smiles to little faces. Take it from me ... this dance party is frogtastic!
- The Boneyard — Arguably the most impressive playground in Walt Disney World, The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom is a dream come true for children and even the young at heart. With numerous slides, climbing structures and interactive elements, this dinosaur-themed play area is an absolute paradise. Additionally, a massive sandbox awaits aspiring archaeologists.
- Marketplace Area — With Disney Springs being labeled as a "shopping district" you probably wouldn't expect a Disney World playground here. But in the lower portion of the Marketplace next to Once Upon A Toy, there is a fun little splash pad for kids to play in while the momma and poppa frogs are enjoying a tasty treat or drink. Moreover, Disney Springs offers additional entertainment for children, including a charming carousel and a ride-on train. Each token is available for purchase at a cost of $3 per ride.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Tadpoles aged 2-12 can embrace the freedom to roam and unleash their wild energy at the play areas found at most of the Walt Disney World Resorts. These carefully designed playgrounds provide a safe and fun environment for young adventurers. Featuring climbing structures, slides, swings, tunnels and soft ground for added safety. What sets Disney resort playgrounds apart is the attention to detail from the Disney Imagineers who help weave the resort's unique story into these play areas. Many of the playgrounds are thematically matched to their respective resorts. As Dis-nerds, we think this is toadally cool!
Playgrounds can be found at these Disney World Resorts:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go play! Whenever your kiddos are craving a break, now you know where to find the Disney World playgrounds. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the parks, these play areas offer a chance for children to expend their boundless energy while parents take a well-deserved break.
What is your favorite playground at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Related: How to Navigate EPCOT's World Showcase with Kids
Related: Where to Take a Sensory Break at Disney World
Love,
