Self-Care Secrets You Didn ’ t Know You Needed at WDW
BY STEPHANIE SHUSTER
Walt Disney World is my home away from home , but let ’ s face it : A Disney vacation isn ’ t usually synonymous with a whole lot of relaxation and downtime . If you find yourself in need of a little “ me ” time or want a rest day at a slower pace , there are so many ways that you can unwind and enjoy the water at WDW .
For the past year , most of us have been stuck at home , looking for ways to add a little calm into our lives . If , like me , you enjoy Zenimation on Disney + and have been indulging yourself with long baths , at-home face masks , and walks on the waterfront , you probably know that taking a moment ( or an afternoon !) for self-care is important in times of stress . So why not take your new routine on the road and embrace the calmer side of the most magical place on earth ?
SOAK IT UP The easiest way to incorporate some tranquility into your vacation is to multitask . That might not sound relaxing , but think of it this way : While your family enjoys the pool or a nap ( or better yet , while you ’ re waiting for your laundry cycle ), sneak out to your resort ’ s hot tub — all Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have them . If you ' re staying at Disney ' s Old Key West Resort , you can even take a break in the dry sauna located in the lighthouse near the sandcastle pool .
If you want to keep your eye on the kids or want a refreshing dip but don ’ t care for the energetic chaos of the feature pool party activities , head on over to the smaller leisure pools . Every resort has at least one ( other than Disney ’ s Port Orleans French Quarter ), and while they lack waterslides , spray jets , and Cast Member-led activities , they provide a more peaceful pool experience . Sometimes you ’ ll even feel like you have the whole pool to yourself !
I love these so-called “ quiet pools ,” and after a long day , sitting on the edge and soaking my feet while I flip through the day ’ s photos on my phone is my favorite post-park activity .
ABOVE : For a deluxe self-care experience , head over Senses and let the Disney experts take all your cares away . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP PREVIOUS PAGE : Sometimes all you need is a sunny day and a quiet pool to relax . PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SHUSTER