This Is My Top Place to Escape the Crowds at Disneyland

A day at Disneyland is always jam-packed with so many things to do and see, but the crowds and the excitement of the parks can easily become a little overwhelming.

While there is something magical about walking down Main Street U.S.A. and feeling the energy of the crowds, there is also something equally as special in finding a spot away from the excitement at Disneyland.

There is one spot in the resort I love in particular that offers a relaxing atmosphere and an escape from the crowds. This is always my go-to if I need a break to recharge or get some work done in a peaceful environment. Keep reading for more details!

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Disneyland Best Place to Escape the Crowds

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If I ever need to escape the crowds, I'll head straight to the lobby of the Grand Californian. This is such a magnificent space designed in American Craftsman style with warm lighting and often music in the background as a pianist plays renditions of several popular Disney songs. If you've been in “go-go-go” mode navigating the hustle and bustle of the parks, you'll feel a palpable shift in the atmosphere as soon as you enter this space.

There are plenty of comfortable places to sit throughout the lobby and enjoy the ambiance. I love sitting here and admiring the grand space, humming along to the songs from the piano. There is even a cozy fireplace area with rocking chairs that you can enjoy! The Hearthstone Lounge is located nearby, which is a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

The Grand Californian lobby is an especially lovely place to visit during Christmas at Disneyland with a massive Christmas tree in the lobby and the holiday tradition of the giant gingerbread house that the culinary team creates every year.

Not too far away in Disney California Adventure, there is another quiet spot I love in particular that offers the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and escape the hustle and bustle of the parks for a moment. There is an immediate shift in energy that happens when you enter the beautiful, woodsy atmosphere of Grizzly Peak.

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One particularly lovely part of the land is Grizzly Peak Pass, a walkway that winds around Grizzly River Run with beautiful trees, waterfalls, and views of the rafts going by. Though this walkway closes during some of the winter months when Grizzly River Run is under refurbishment, it's a great escape from the crowds when it's open.

Check out our look at more of the best secret spots at Disneyland to escape the crowds!

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About Emily Midgley

As News Editor of Mickey Visit, Emily covers breaking news, updates planning tips based on her frequent Disneyland trips, and assists in coordinating social media content. She also helps develop resources for the site including the extremely popular crowd calendars and historical data studies. Studies she has led have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox Business, Forbes, Fortune, OC Register, KTLA, and more.

Emily has been going to Disneyland since she was small and visits the parks regularly as a SoCal resident, including during all of the special events throughout the year. She is a huge Star Wars fan, and her favorite ride at Disneyland is Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: Breakout!

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