One of the things I enjoy doing when I’m living in reality and not at Walt Disney World is listen to Disney focused podcasts. It allows me to keep up with the ever-changing policies and offerings from Disney so I can continue to plan my own trips, as well as those of others. Sometimes, though, it also makes me think about my own opinions on a topic. This past week, as I listened to one of Lou Mongello’s most recent podcast episodes (for those that do not know who Lou Mongello is, I encourage you to listen to him – his knowledge about Disney details are priceless, and he offers a high entertainment value to Disney lovers), the topic was the best seats at Walt Disney World. These “best seats” could be a seat at a show, in a ride vehicle, or just a place to chill for a while out of the way. As I took in these locations being discussed, I began to ask myself where I would consider my favorite seats at Disney to be, and began to compile my own list.
I have found some pretty great places to catch Disney parades and fireworks, especially at the Magic Kingdom. This is pretty magical in itself, as standing in the sea of people on Main Street can be a bit claustrophobic and overwhelming. My choice picks for the best seats here would have to be the upper level of the train station, the raised platforms in Frontierland, and – for those willing to spend a little extra money – the Magic Kingdom’s dessert party garden view location. The train station and the platform in Frontierland both give unobstructed views above the crowds, while the garden view is able to give the viewer some separation and breathing space. All of these are great appreciations in the crazy setting of Magic Kingdom.
I have enjoyed sitting on each of my DVC balconies at all of the different resorts I have stayed at. While some feel that paying the extra points for premium views is a necessity, I have found standard view balconies to be peaceful and at times entertaining for people watching. The solitude of welcoming the morning with a cup of coffee, or reflecting on the end of a busy day with a glass of wine, puts the resort balconies in the category of some of my favorite seats as well.
There are a few lounges and bars in Disney that have offered some great seats for relaxation and reflection. In the Animal Kingdom, on the path to Pandora, there is a restaurant called Tiffins. The Nomad Lounge is part of this restaurant and has outdoor seating along the river. This is a nice, shady place to take a breath for 30 minutes while you enjoy an appetizer or a beverage.
At the Wilderness Lodge, still fairly newly opened, is Geyser Point. Here you can enjoy views of the lake in a quieter area of the resort. They also offer full meals for those looking for something more than an appetizer.
Lastly for lounges that offer the best seats in the World is the Top of the World lounge. Going up at any time of the afternoon is an amazing place for views, but at night during the fireworks it is pretty unbelievable. Patrons do have to be DVC, but when it’s not busy DVC members have been allowed to bring a few friends with them.
When I thought of the parks themselves and the places I’ve enjoyed sitting for a minute, there were a few that came to mind for Epcot. In the France pavilion, there are benches along the canal that have limited traffic. This is a great place to people-watch. The UK pavilion offers some gardens all the way in the back. Several times a day there is a British band that plays Beatles songs, but when they are not playing (and Mary Poppins is not out greeting guests) it can be very quiet and remote back there. Another place that I like to go to remove myself from the crowds and Florida heat is the Gran Fiesta Tour, inside the Mexico Pavilion. Some people still may not know this slow-moving ride is there, and during certain times of the day it is pretty much a walk-on. What this area and ride gives to those who know of its existence is a chance to regroup and relax for a short period of time.
My last two locations of great seats are both at resorts. First, behind the hospitality house at Old Key West, overlooking the river, is some shaded seating. Most people who walk by on the path don’t even realize anyone is sitting there. In combination with the overall ambience that Old Key West offers, it really feels like a chance to take it easy.
The second place is at the Wilderness Lodge. In the massive lobby there is a massive fireplace, in which there are a dozen or so rocking chairs. When the weather gets a bit chilly in Florida, it’s a great place to hang out and take 10….or 20.
As you can see, some of the best seats at Disney World are in the most unlikely places, I believe. These are places that you stumble across while exploring, or when you are desperately needing a few moments of solitude. Others may have interpreted the topic differently, and listed places to sit on rides to give the best experience, or certain tables at restaurants that will give the best views. Disney is what you make of it, and everyone experiences Disney differently.
