Hi Deborah,
How exciting that you'll be AT "The Most Magical Place on Earth" in less than two weeks! You're going to LOVE soaking up all of the magic and fun with your family members, and seeing the spark of wonder in your
grandchildren's eyes will fill your heart with such joy!
I'd be happy to point out some places where we like to take our kiddos if they need to decompress a bit, but first, I just have to say that you've chosen a GREAT Disney Resort hotel for a place to wind down and relax.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside is a beautiful and peaceful place to retreat after enjoying all of the fun of the theme parks. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful stroll along the Sassagoula River or enjoying all of the wonderful amenities and
recreational opportunities, you'll feel like you're at home away from home.
If you're in the theme parks and the kiddos could use a bit of a break, I'd recommend stopping by a dining location during an off time, a retail location, or one of several quieter spots. At
Magic Kingdom Park, I recommend the area around the exit to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or the play area for little ones near Splash Mountain. Tom Sawyer Island and Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse are also both wonderful for a bit of a change of pace. You'll also find some quiet areas near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. Over at
Epcot, I'd recommend the area near the restrooms by the Imagination Pavilion or the gardens in the United Kingdom, Japan, or Germany Pavilions. You'll find lots of nooks and crannies near DINOSAUR at
Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the wildlife trails are also wonderful for a quieter change of pace. Finally, at
Disney's Hollywood Studios, we find the Echo Lake area to be quite peaceful, and there is also some quiet seating near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Of course, you can always feel free to ask a Cast Member for their recommendations of nearby quiet spots if you don't find yourself near any of these areas, but are needing a break. They're always super helpful!
Thanks so much for bringing this really important question to us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Deborah, and please let us know if we can help with anything else as you're planning your trip. I hope that you and your family have a truly magical vacation together!
Missy