Sometimes you or your kids need to take a break at Disneyland, and sometimes that means finding a spot nearby and quickly. You'll be happy to know that there are several locations to take a sensory break at Disneyland. These spots are slightly removed from the loud music, bright colors and bustling activity, so you can calm your mind, rest, reset and get back to the magic. Maybe you want to have a snack, rehydrate and give your feet a break. Here's where to take sensory breaks at Disneyland inside the theme parks and nearby.
Disneyland lists the best places to take a sensory break at Disneyland in its guide to services for people who are neurodivergent. Whether you are traveling with a person who fits this profile, with a toddler who simply needs a moment to calm down or with a baby who needs a nap, you'll likely find this list hopful. Everyone's idea of a break looks a little different, so we also include a few spots where tadpoles can enjoy unstructured time, playing and running around.
If you are visiting the parks with someone with autism or related health conditions, hop over to our Disneyland Disability Access Service (DAS) post. The service allows you to control the environment where you wait for an attraction so that the guest does not get overstimulated or overwhelmed.
Our Top Places to Take a Sensory Break at Disneyland Park
Here are our top places to take a sensory break in Disneyland Park:
- Mickey’s Toontown – You'll find Popcorn Park next to the exit of Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster and the popcorn cart. It has muted music and a cave for shade and benches. Or your little ones can sit or lie (or run) right on the faux grass. It's a great place to relax or enjoy a snack. With the refurbishment of Toontown, Disney softened the color palette to give the eyes a rest and created play spaces so that people could have some park-like settings to relax and just hang out.
- Bayou Country – The bottom floor of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is shaded and quiet with chairs and restrooms, including a companion restroom. You'll also find a few benches just outside the restaurant on the path to Galaxy's Edge, as well as a service animal relief station in that area. Note: Bayou Country is under refurbishment until Nov. 15, 2024.
- You can also relax on the shady benches near Pooh Corner.
- Fantasyland – The shaded dock behind Edelweiss Snacks across from the Matterhorn Bobsleds or the upper level of Small World Mall are quieter spots with seating. Grab a garlic cheesy pretzel bread or a churro and just relax near the water.
Additional Options for a Sensory Break at Disneyland
- Main Street, U.S.A. – First Aid, Baby Care Center (if you have toddlers or babies) or the Side Street by Market House/Starbucks (with chairs, tables and snacks)
- Frontierland – Next to the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition and the path to Fantasy Faire
- Frontierland – Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. You must take a raft ride to/from the island and some waiting may be required. But once on the island, you can relax in the shade with a view or let the littles run free and explore.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Outside the market and heading toward Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
- Between Frontierland, Fantasyland and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The path from Fantasyland to Galaxy's Edge has some benches in a low-traffic area. This area is better when the sun is low versus during the heat of the day.
- Adventureland – Seating area of The Tropical Hideaway
- Fantasyland – Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Alternate Experience and the Fantasyland Theatre, depending on what is happening there. The theatre has shade and benches. So, it's a good place to cool off and relax, perhaps with a snack from Troubadour Tavern.
- Tomorrowland — The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage has an alternative viewing room. You can get in there and have some quiet space if you need to escape the park.
Our Top Places to Take a Sensory Break at Disney California Adventure
Here is our top choice for taking a sensory back at Disney California Adventure:
- Grizzly Peak area and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail — The whole Grizzly Peak area is a great music-free place to get some rest. Kids who need some unstructured time to run around will enjoy the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Those who need a rest can relax on shady benches. Grizzly Peak has some white noise areas near the waterfall behind Grizzly River Run. It's a great spot to let a baby or toddler nap in a stroller, or let others decompress near the water and pine trees. The mist and white noise coming off the falls make it a nice place to re-set. Seating is limited, but other areas of Grizzly Peak and the front of Grizzly River Run have shade, benches and the sound of water.
Other Spots in or Near the Park to Take a Break
- Hollywood Land – Backlot area near the Monsters Inc., Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (During quiet times with no entertainment in that area.) You'll find shade, seating and snacks.
- Hollywood Land – The Animation Building has some music and large videos playing. But you can relax on couches in the darkened and air-conditioned room. You'll always see people resting here.
- Cars Land – Side Street near Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (there is also a service animal relief station near there)
- San Fransokyo Square – Near the Baby Care Center and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
- Buena Vista Street – First Aid next to the Chamber of Commerce
- Paradise Gardens Park – World of Color viewing area (during the day when no shows are being performed)
- Pixar Pier – Seating area at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta; Paradise Garden Grill (when there is no musical entertainment hoppening). Also, the underside of the Silly Symphony Swings has a shady and peaceful view away from the crowds. It's not necessarily quiet though as you can hear music there. You can also find a lot of benches near the water near Pixar Pal-A-Round.
Where to Take a Sensory Break Outside the Parks
- Hop out of Disney California Adventure into Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. The great hall is peaceful and air-conditioned. You can sit in rocking chairs in front of the giant fireplace or on the many chairs and couches. It's a perfect place for anyone looking to take a break and relax. For adults who really need to decompress, we highly recommend visiting the spa, even for just a foot massage.
- Downtown Disney has a few places to relax or get the wiggles out. There are some seats near the peaceful water across from World of Disney. If you have tadpoles who need to run around, you'll find a large lawn area with hills and chairs on the West end near the stage.
If you find yourself in need of a spot to rest and take a sensory break at Disneyland, ask a cast member. They can always point you in the right direction.
If you stay at a nearby hotel, you can go back to your hotel room for some downtime as well. Did you know that in addition to saving money on Disneyland theme park tickets, you can also save some money on Disneyland Resort hotels as well as other nearby hotels?
Related: Where to Take a Nap at Disneyland
Related: Overview of the Disneyland Disability Access Service (DAS)
Hoppy planning!
