Family, travel, mom blog | Theme Park Mom (Leigh Caldwell)

Photo by Eccentric Scholar

Travel bloggers around the Web are writing about their three best travel secrets, and I was recently tagged by Shannon Lane of ShannonLane.com to reveal mine. There have been tales of relaxing on deserted beach Legzira Plage in Morrocco and hiking through the beautiful Skocjan Cave in Slovenia. And Shannon shared a secret for finding a delicious rendition of my favorite comfort food, risotto, in a place where it’s not even on the menu.

So in thinking about the travel secrets I could share, I decided to go with what I really know. And that’s Orlando and Walt Disney World – the vacationland teeming with noisy tourists and screaming children. Yes, I love it. But I am willing to admit that it’s noisy, and mama needs a few minutes of peace every now and again.

So, without further adieu, here are my three secret places to steal a quiet moment in Orlando:

1. Lobby of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
   Orlando’s airport is, let’s face it, more kid-filled than many other airports in the country because of its proximity to the Most Magical Place on Earth. And that means more noise. And crying. And lost balloons. So when you find yourself with some time to kill before you need to head to your gate, head to this hotel lobby on the fourth floor. There are plenty of quiet corners with comfortable seating, wi-fi and a bar where you can get a cup of coffee or a drink.
   Bonus tip: The hotel lobby bathrooms are also cleaner, quieter and less-crowded than those inside the airport itself.
2. Lakefront in Celebration, Florida
   This waterfront shopping and dining district can be crowded, but head to the edges of the district – the small park at the end of Market Street, the benches near the fountain on Front Street – and you’ll find peace and great people-watching.
   Bonus tip: Be sure to stop into the Columbia Restaurant on Front Street for the best mojito in the U.S. or a glass of their housemade sangria.
3. Plaza Rose Garden in Disney’s Magic Kingdom
   Believe it or not, there is peace to be found at the base of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. Nestled below the street level in between the paths from Main Street U.S.A. to Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, the Plaza Rose Garden offers a quiet respite from the busy Magic Kingdom park. It’s not surprising that this is a favorite place for popping the question at Walt Disney World. The waterfall at the entrance to Tomorrowland drowns out the noise of the crowds above you, and you can gaze at the prize-winning roses and take a needed break.
   Bonus tip: The Plaza Rose Garden is also an excellent place to watch the Wishes fireworks show each night at the Magic Kingdom.

The 3 Best Kept Travel Secrets meme was started by Katie from Tripbase.com.  You can hop over there to see a list of the other bloggers who have been tagged to participate. As for me, I’m tagging three more travel bloggers to share their secrets:

• Heather from Chick Vacations
• James from ManTripping
• CanCan from Mom Most Traveled