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The Best Day of the Week to Visit Disney World | Rest Day

Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering when the best day is to take a rest? As someone who loves Disney, I’ve found that picking the right day for a break can really improve your trip. But have you thought about which day is best for resting and recovering?

Key Takeaways

  • The best day to take a rest day during a 7-night Disney World trip is typically Saturday.
  • Planning your rest day wisely can help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy your vacation more.
  • Using active rest and enjoying what your resort offers can refresh you for the rest of your park days.
  • Good food and drink are important to keep you going and performing well during your Disney trip.
  • Finding the right balance between resting and being active is key to a great Disney World vacation.

Why You Need a Resort Day

Caribbean Beach Resort at Disney World

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what day is the best, let’s talk about why you should even consider a rest day in the first place.

  • Rest and Relaxation: Let’s face it, park days are exhausting. A rest day gives you time to recharge.
  • Avoid Peak Park Crowds: Strategically planning a rest day can help you skip the busiest park days.
  • Rejuvenate for the Rest of Your Trip: A rest day can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your vacation.

What Day of the Week Should You Explore Your Resort?

Polynesian Beach Resort at Disney World

We’ve done the research and in our experience, Saturday is by far the best day to take a rest day. This is because the parks can get crowded on weekends, making it the perfect day to avoid the hustle and bustle.

  • Lower Park Crowds: By Saturday, everyone is either hopping over to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, leaving your resort or hotel a peaceful oasis.
  • The Perfect Mid-Vacation Break: By Saturday, you’ve likely had a few park days under your belt. It’s the ideal time for a rest day.
  • Transition Day Advantages: Saturday often marks a transition for many guests. Here’s how you can benefit:
    • Morning: Enjoy a quieter morning as you sleep in and enjoy some Mickey waffles at breakfast.
    • Afternoon: Take a relaxing stroll around your resort or hotel, or enjoy some quiet time by the pool.
    • Evening: Experience the start of weekend entertainment without the crowds.

Saturday’s Rest Day Advantages

Saving Saturday for your rest day can offer several advantages:

  1. Perfect Crowd Balance: On Saturdays, you’ll experience a sweet spot in terms of resort crowds.
  2. Extended Relaxation Hours: Many Disney resorts offer extended hours on Saturdays for their amenities, such as pools and spas.
  3. Special Saturday Activities: Exclusive Saturday offerings at various resorts, such as movie nights or live music.
  4. Dining Perks: Saturday-specific dining advantages, such as special brunch menus or extended happy hours.
  5. Transportation Benefits: Disney Skyliner, resort boats, and bus service are typically less crowded on Saturdays.

Maximizing Your Fantastic Saturday Rest Day

Polynesian Resort at Disney World pool

To help you maximize your Saturday rest day, we’ve created a sample itinerary for you to follow.

  • Morning (9 AM – 12 PM): Sleep in, enjoy some Mickey waffles at breakfast, and take a relaxing stroll around your resort or hotel.
  • Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM): Enjoy some quiet time by the pool, take a nap, or indulge in a spa treatment.
  • Evening (5 PM – 10 PM): Enjoy dinner at your resort’s signature restaurant, participate in evening activities, and cap off the night with a leisurely stroll around your resort.

Why Saturday is Better Than Other Days

  • Monday-Thursday: Good for parks, but miss out on the relaxed atmosphere of a Saturday rest day.
  • Friday: Still a busy day at the parks, and you might miss out on some of the special Saturday activities.
  • Sunday: Good for arrival, but misses most of the Saturday-specific perks.

Final Thoughts

Adding a rest day to my Disney World trip changed everything. Taking a break on Saturday helped me avoid burnout. It made me perform better and enjoy the parks more.

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About the Author:Matthew Manganaro
Matthew Manganaro
Disney World Expert

Matthew's lifelong Disney passion fuels his dedication to simplifying a magical vacation for others through his work at TwoLittleSparks. With over 28 years of visits and counting under his belt, Matthew is committed to reigniting the childhood magic of Disney for everyone. After all, what's so wrong with believing in a little magic?

Get to know Matthew