Ways to Relax on a Disney World Vacation

"I think I need a vacation from my vacation!" This is a sentence many have uttered after a whirlwind trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Surrounded by color, activity and a myriad of stimulation, it is easy to see why many people arrive home happy, but exhausted. But does a vacation to Disney World have to be go go go all the time? Can you find moments of world class relaxation in the midst of the frenetic bustle? Can you get away from it all in the middle of a trip that truly gives you a break from reality? Of course you can! Following is a compilation of just a few ways to step out of the frenzy to take a few significant moments to breathe in the heart of all the action.

A Pedicure at The Spa at Saratoga Springs. Who can argue that a spa is truly a place where relaxation, pampering and bliss can be found? The Spa at the Saratoga Springs Resort can compete with any spa found in the world with its offerings of massages, aromatherapy, manicures, pedicures and more. Located a mere bus ride from most Disney World locations, the Spa is close to the action, but feels like a million miles away. Any service offered is well worth your time and money, but after the torturous walking your feet and legs go through on a day in the parks, a spa pedicure is especially wonderful. Call and make your appointment and then sit back to enjoy the spa lounge with its calming atmosphere followed by the most indulgent foot and leg treatment you have ever experienced. Pure, unadulterated relaxation!

Dessert to Go on the Beach. For an evening away from the crowds, yet still enjoying the magic charm that Disney is known for, head over to Wilderness Lodge for a lounge on the beach. This is a wonderfully romantic evening or a relaxed evening for the family. Stop at Wilderness Lodge's Artist Point restaurant to order their signature Berry Cobbler to go or swing through Roaring Fork for a more down to earth Mickey ice cream bar, cupcake, cookie or other sweet and then follow the path down towards the marina. Pull up a few lounge chairs on the sand, let the kids run and play on the beach and the playground area and enjoy a sweet treat while you wait for the night time Electric Water Parade to float by and perform right in front of you. Remember to bring a jacket for cool nights, snuggle in and enjoy the simple things!

Wishes and Cocktails. Continuing with the beach and evening theme, consider spending some time at the Polynesian Resort in a hammock or a lounge chair after stopping at the Barefoot Bar for a night time cocktail. Enjoy the tiki torches, a fruity umbrella drink and the beautiful sight of Cinderella's Castle glowing across the lagoon. This is an activity that can get you away from it all any time during the day, but the view comes alive at night when Wishes Fireworks explode over the Magic Kingdom. And even better? Once the majesty of the fireworks has ended and the crowds have dissipated, you can nurse your drink and watch the castle transition from one lovely color to the next, with no rushing to get anywhere.

Renting a pontoon or bicycle. Many of the Disney World resort hotels feature marinas where you can rent watercraft and several also rent bicycles. At Wilderness Lodge, you can rent bikes to explore the path between the lodge and the campground, where you'll swear you've left Florida and emerged to places further north where tall trees replace palm trees. Wilderness Lodge also has boat rentals where you can set out on Bay Lake to lazily explore Disney of years past: the old Discovery Island is still there across from the campground, full of a multitude of birds to watch. Another great place to rent a boat is Disney's Old Key West where you can take a cruise on the Sassagoula River towards Downtown Disney, exploring Port Orleans, The former Disney Institute Treehouse Villas, Saratoga Springs and finally Downtown Disney itself.

There is no question that a Disney vacation is full of activity, laughter, entertainment and lots of stimulation. But by just looking a little further, you can find those quiet magical moments where you can enjoy some peace, quiet and true relaxation. Remember to savor the little things about your trip and take some downtime, and you'll return rested, relaxed and ready to start planning your next trip!