Continuing my series on the best places to escape the crowds at Walt Disney World, I’ve got my favorite places to chill in Animal Kingdom! This park is fantastic because it’s super shady, making it relatively comfortable even in the summer, but it can get super busy as well – especially with the opening of Pandora. If you’re planning a visit to Disney soon, make sure you also check out my posts on A Hidden Oasis at Epcot, A Hidden Oasis at the Magic Kingdom, and Even MORE Places to Chill at the Magic Kingdom! Once Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land are open at Hollywood Studios I’ll have a new post about that park’s best places to chill!
The Oasis
Animal Kingdom is a great park for park hopping. If you’ve found yourself just getting in the gate and needing a place to rest, eat a quick snack, or feed a baby, the Oasis area is just the place. There are trails in this area that will take you away from the main paths into the rest of the park and there are benches in several spots. The scenery around you is also wonderful in this area, so you’ll have something nice to look at while you hang out! 
Dining Areas
If you need a break during the mid morning or mid afternoon, check out the dining areas. They’re often pretty abandoned when it’s not meal time and they have shady places to keep cool. 
One of the best dining areas to hang out is called the “Lower Garden”. It’s so hidden from view I had never actually noticed it until our most recent visit and I’ve been going to Animal Kingdom since it opened! This one is located behind Drinkwallah, across from the Yak and Yeti.
There are also some great little picnic spots set up in a couple areas around the park. Our favorites are by Adventurer’s Outpost and behind Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. 
Maharaja Jungle Trek
This is probably my favorite area in the park. I love the theming and seeing Tigers is just the coolest thing ever. There are benches along the way in several spots and you can’t beat the view! 
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Discovery Island Trails
Many people overlook the Discovery Island Trails that take you around the Tree of Life. Not only does that make this a great place to chill for a few minutes, but you get the added bonus of seeing the tree up close and personal. It’s absolutely beautiful and you could make a game of finding the animals while you sit on a bench carved into the tree with your kids! 
Where are your favorite places to escape the crowds at Animal Kingdom? Let me know if there are any I should add to my list! 
