20 Secret Disneyland Quiet Spots Many Regulars Don't Even Know

There is so much to explore at Disneyland, from incredible attractions to themed dining options across the parks. While a day packed full of fun adventures is an exciting prospect, you'll often find that partway through the day, you need to take a break. Several quiet spots throughout the resort are ideal for taking a breath and escaping the crowds!

We will share 20 of our favorite secret spots at Disneyland with you. These are all secret spots that not even all frequent visitors know. We visit Disneyland weekly and have all the latest tips and tricks for your Disneyland trip.

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Best Secret Quiet Spots at Disneyland

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to rest or are just aiming to mix it up by exploring new locations at the parks, these spots around the Disneyland Resort are the perfect places to check out during your next vacation.

In our list, we'll include some locations that provide a serene escape, underrated experiences that you might have overlooked, and spots that you may not even know about.

Animation Building

The Animation Building, located in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure, is a hidden gem with a wealth of engaging activities. It's one of our all-time favorite quiet spots to take a break from the crowds! Though the Beast's Library recently closed at the Animation Building, there is still a wide variety of experiences to explore here.

In the main lobby, you can see the creative process “from pencil to pixel” with video clips, still images, and music all around you at the Animation Courtyard gallery. Just sitting in the lobby and enjoying this is the perfect break!

Animation Academy

At Animation Academy, you can draw a Disney character with step-by-step instructions from a talented animator, and when you're finished, you get to keep your art as a free Disneyland souvenir! Classes take place every 30 minutes, and you can join when space is available.

More Animation Building Experiences

You can also visit the Sorcerers Workshop, where you'll learn about the “tricks” of the animators’ art and even get the opportunity to sketch your very own scene and turn still images into the illusion of motion.

One of the best experiences in the Animation Building is Turtle Talk With Crush, where you get to chat live with the turtle from Finding Nemo. Because the show is improvised, it's a new experience every time you see it! There have been plenty of times that we have seen this show and ended up curled over in laughter.

Snow White Grotto

On the east side of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park, you'll find Snow White Grotto, a cute and tranquil area that is perfect for a quiet moment or photo opp, with running water, flowers, and beautiful scenery.

An Interesting Story Behind Snow White Grotto

This area actually has an interesting Disneyland secret that not every visitor knows about. The original marble figurines arrived from Italy anonymously as a gift for Walt Disney, but every statue was roughly the same height, which presented an issue. So Disney designer John Hench ended up utilizing forced perspective to remedy the problem, with Snow White positioned at the top and the dwarfs spaced out below to create an illusion of Snow White appearing taller. The deer model is also smaller next to Snow White to make her appear taller. The story behind this spot makes it all the more special!

This side of the Sleeping Beauty Castle is also our favorite secret spot for the best pictures, as it's less crowded than the front.

Grand Californian Lobby

Another one of our favorite secret spots is the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa lobby. It offers an incredible ambiance with beautiful American Craftsman-style architecture, a cozy fireplace, peaceful music, and plenty of comfortable places to sit and relax. You could truly sit and soak up the serenity of this area all day! The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is one of the three Disneyland Resort hotel properties, but anyone can visit this magnificent lobby.

Hearthstone Lounge in Grand Californian

Right nearby is the inviting atmosphere of the Hearthstone Lounge, where you can enjoy a drink or a snack. We recently enjoyed what we think might be the best dessert at Disneyland at the Hearthstone Lounge! This lobby is even more grand during the Disneyland Christmas season when a massive tree is positioned in the center.

Grizzly Peak Pass

Not too far away from the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, there is a quiet path in Disney California Adventure you might not know about next to Grizzly River Run off the main walkway.

Grizzly Peak Pass Atmosphere

Grizzly Peak Pass provides a peaceful escape from the crowds at the park and takes you through a beautiful atmosphere filled with trees and gushing waterfalls. You can sit and listen to the soothing noise of running water, or you can watch the rafts pass by on the ride!

A Serene Escape From the Crowds

The trail leads back to the main walkway near the section that connects to Paradise Gardens Park. Note that this area closes during some of the winter months while Grizzly River Run is closed at Disneyland.

Finding Nemo Observation Outpost

While Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is an interesting ride, some might not be comfortable with the tight space of the submarine and the narrow steps you'll take to enter it. However, this Tomorrowland attraction is unique in that you can actually enter a secret area to watch the action of the ride. At the Observation Outpost at the end of the dock, you'll get to witness a high-definition, live-feed video version of the voyage via an onboard “SubCam.”

Observation Outpost Experience

The room goes dark, and the video plays with colorful footage from the ride. This secret spot is the perfect way for members of your party who are not able to ride the submarine to still experience the full magic of the attraction. To access this secret area, walk through the exit and ask the Cast Member if you can go to the Observation Outpost.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Another secret area that guests may not know about is the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, an attraction that takes you inside the famous castle. While this walkthrough attraction is often skipped by guests, it's a fun and visually engaging experience that some might not even know about.

Hidden Gem Attraction

This underrated experience lets you relive scenes from the classic movie, witnessing the story of Princess Aurora through 3-dimensional displays, sound, and special effects. In the final scene, you'll witness Maleficient transform into a fire-breathing dragon!

You can enter the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough attraction from the back of the Sleeping Beauty Castle on the Fantasyland side. If you’re walking toward the castle from within Fantasyland, the entrance will be on the right side near the path that takes you towards Frontierland.

Walt Disney's Apartment

As you are passing through Disneyland's Town Square and walking towards Main Street U.S.A., you may have noticed a lamp glowing in the window above the Fire Station. What is behind this window is one of the coolest secret spots in all of Disneyland: Walt Disney's own apartment. During Disneyland's construction, Walt knew he would have to travel frequently between the park and his home, so he had this private space built for himself and his family that was themed around the Victorian Era.

How to Visit Walt Disney's Apartment

Unlike the other secret spots on this list, however, regular park admission won't grant you access to this space. If you want to visit Walt's apartment, you'll need to go on one of the special tours offered at Disneyland, “Walt's Main Street Story Tour.” This experience includes a walking tour down Main Street U.S.A. as well as the rare opportunity to Walt's apartment and enjoy refreshments on the apartment patio. The tour is on the pricier side at $160 per person.

If Walt's Main Street Story Tour is not in the cards, you can still appreciate this secret spot by looking up at the glowing lamp in the window from the outside and appreciating its significance. The lit lamp is meant to symbolize Walt's spirit living on at Disneyland.

Harbour Galley Seating Area

Another secret spot at Disneyland you may not know about is the Harbour Galley seating area located in Critter Country at Disneyland Park. This quiet area can be found outside the Harbour Galley dining location just past the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square. The waterfront Harbor Galley seating area has tables to sit at and offers beautiful views of the Rivers of America.

Quiet Waterfront Seating

This is a great place to take a break and watch the Mark Twain, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes pass by on the water.

Best Spot on Soarin'

While this secret spot isn't a specific location at the park, it's the best seat on this beloved Disney California Adventure attraction that takes you over some of the most beautiful sights of the world (and for limited runs like during the California Food and Wine Festival, over California!).

Ask for This Row On Soarin'

While Soarin' will be a wonderful experience no matter where you're sitting, you can get the best, unobstructed view of the ride by asking for the center (Section B) front row of Soarin'. That way, you won't have the dangling feet of the rows above you obstructing your view, and you'll also have the most centered view.

It's definitely worth waiting a little longer for this spot on Soarin'! Be sure to be polite when you make this request to the Cast Member at the attraction and respect if they cannot accommodate it.

Picnic Area Outside Disneyland Entrance

Many Disneyland visitors are surprised to learn that not only can you bring food to Disneyland (following the guidelines), but you can also enjoy a secret picnic area located right outside the parks. If you're looking to bring your own Disney snacks to save money at the parks, this is the perfect spot to eat and take a break from the crowds.

Secret Outdoor Picnic Area

In this complimentary outdoor picnic area, you'll find tables, chairs, and shade umbrellas, adjacent to a set of lockers where you can store your food, utensils, and picnic gear.

Hidden Picnic Area Location

You'll find this hidden picnic area just west of the main entrance of Disneyland Park! You can see the picnic area to the far left of the Disneyland map above with pink umbrellas.

Silly Symphony Swings Deck

Another secret spot is tucked away in the Paradise Gardens Park section of Disney California Adventure. Underneath Silly Symphony Swings, there is a deck that looks out over the water at Pixar Pier. There are some benches you can sit on here, and the deck provides a quiet, shaded spot to soak in the beautiful view.

A Quiet Spot in Disney California Adventure

You'll also see the Incredicoaster zipping by from here. Some visitors pass by this secret area without knowing it exists, so make sure to check it out during your next visit! To access follow the first floor of the Silly Symphony Swings stand around to the water's edge.

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Some visitors aren't aware that you can visit a tiki bar during your Disneyland trip! While this experience isn't located in the parks, you can find Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel near the pool area, around the corner from Tangaroa Terrace.

Experience at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

The story of the bar is that Trader Sam has been “bitten by the bar-tending bug” and searches the Amazon, Congo, Mystic Point, Polynesia, and other exotic locales for ingredients to mix into his drinks, collecting trinkets and artifacts from around the globe that you'll see displayed around the bar. At this fun, immersive location, you can choose from drinks like Shipwreck on the Rocks, Krakatoa Punch, and more that trigger special effects in the bar. You can see our review of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar for more details on our experience here!

Fireplace Outside of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Right outside the bar, you'll also find a relaxing fireplace area with hanging lanterns and several couches and chairs.

To get to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar from the park, you'll walk into the Disneyland Hotel entrance through Downtown Disney and pass the Adventure Tower. The above fire pit is also a comfortable spot to escape some of the crowds of the parks, but it does get crowded on weekend nights.

Main Street Opera House

Another secret spot is the Main Street Opera House located on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. In addition to housing the underrated show Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, this spot also features rare memorabilia.

Disneyland history enthusiasts will appreciate a scale model of Disneyland Park as it looked on opening day, a carousel horse from the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round (the carousel that inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland Park as he watched his daughters ride it), models of attractions, behind-the-scenes photos of Walt Disney, and more.

History at Main Street Opera House

Also, make sure to see The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which follows the story of Abraham Lincoln and includes an Audio-Animatronic Lincoln figure delivering highlights from his greatest speeches.

If you are looking for a spot to take a break during the day, stop by the Main Street Opera House as you are walking down Main Street U.S.A.! It provides a nice change of pace from the rest of the park.

Tom Sawyer Island

While the presence of Tom Sawyer Island isn't quite a secret, this area is one of our favorite relaxing places at Disneyland to enjoy. The views of the Rivers of America from Tom Sawyer Island are truly beautiful, and the island provides some nice spots to sit and relax.

Exploring Tom Sawyer Island

After taking a log raft across the Rivers of America to access this “secret island hideaway,” you can walk along quiet, shaded paths and enjoy the beautiful views, while kids can cross creaky suspension bridges, explore the caves of Dead Man's Grotto, search for long-lost pirate treasure on the island, and more.

One of the Best Quiet Places at Disneyland

This is a great spot to visit as the parks get more crowded during the day and enjoy some quiet!

Club 33 Door

No list of Disneyland secret spots would be complete without the mention of Club 33. While you may not be able to access this ultra-exclusive club unless you are a member or a member's guest, you can look for its iconic “go-away green” door in New Orleans Square across from the Pandora jewelry store.

Inside Of Club 33

You can see everything you need to know about what it is like on the inside of the famous Club 33, including our personal experience here, and more in our guide!

Secret Dining Room at Lamplight Lounge

Some don't know that there is a secret dining room known as “The Office” at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure that is behind a vault door.

Inside The Secret Dining Room

This private dining space seats up to 13 people, and it features a wooden table surrounded by leather booth seating and chairs. On the walls, you'll find black and white sketches of Pixar animators as well as games that you can take down and play.

Secret Dining Room Deck

This secret dining space also has a deck with views of Pixar Pier's Incredicoaster launch, as seen above. While there isn't a surefire way to access this secret room, you can ask if it's available and see if you get lucky!

Palm Breeze Bar

Another relaxing spot is the new Palm Breeze Bar that was recently opened as part of the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

Palm Breeze Bar Design

Palm Breeze Bar features modern decor inspired by the artistry of Disney's Mary Blair, and it is surrounded by screens featuring the art and artists that helped make classic Disney movies and Disneyland Park.

Palm Breeze Bar Mural

You can also enjoy the wall's beautiful Mary Blair-inspired mural with several Disneyland Park elements depicted like the Disneyland Monorail, Mad Tea Party, Disneyland Railroad, Space Mountain, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and more.

A Standout Secret Spot at Disneyland

This is a great place to grab a bite or drink with a variety of different seating options available. See our review of this hidden Disneyland outdoor restaurant and bar here.

Grand Californian Rooftop Deck

If you are a guest staying at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you can enjoy the rooftop deck that looks down at Disney California Adventure.

Secret Spot With World of Color View

The rooftop deck is a nice, quiet spot to soak in the view over the park during the day or catch a unique view of the World of Color show at night (as seen in the photo above). You'll find this spot on the 6th floor of the Grand Californian.

Yoga Overlooking Disney California Adventure

This is also the location where sunrise yoga is hosted overlooking Disney California Adventure, as seen in the picture above. See our guide to fitness classes offered at Disneyland!

Westin Rooftop Bar

Although this secret spot is not on Disneyland Resort property, it's worth checking out due to the amazing views of the Disneyland Resort you'll get from here. The RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin offers a great atmosphere where you can enjoy cocktails, live weekend entertainment, and California tapas and bites. This is one of our favorite Disneyland hotels to see the fireworks from! Reservations are required, so be sure to make them before you visit this secret spot.

The Westin Anaheim

In addition to its great rooftop bar, Westin has many standout offerings that make it one of our top picks for the best hotels near Disneyland. See its beautiful pool area above! We break down why many pick this luxury hotel over the Grand Californian here.

Old Motor Boat Dock

Another quiet spot in Disneyland is the old motor boat dock where the Motor Boat Cruise attraction used to exist. While this ride was retired in 1993, the dock space is now repurposed with tables and seating as a waterside dining area for Edelweiss Snacks.

Where to Find This Secret Disneyland Quiet Spot

Located across from the Matterhorn, this sitting area is a great spot to enjoy some shade and soak in the beautiful views of the water and it's a small world!

There is always something new and interesting to discover at the happiest place on earth, with every corner of the resort filled with unique magic. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax or want to explore something new at Disneyland, it is worth visiting these incredible Disneyland secret spots during your next visit!