Since these benches aren’t in the path for rides or food most visitors usually miss this quiet spot. The backside of the gazebo under the Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure has shaded seating and is typically empty. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Tyler Kimball, right, from Queen Creek, Arizona, makes sandwiches for his family as his son, Hunter Kimball, sits on the backside of the gazebo under the Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California, on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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The veranda at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel: This spot has big, comfy chairs set in the shade. And since the hotel has a gate that lets you right in to the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure it’s a quick walk to get away from the crowds. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The fireplace at the Grand Californian Hotel: Lauren Chumbley, and Yasmin Quigley, of Ventura, relax by the fire in the lobby of the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you’re in the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure you can use the dedicated hotel gate to exit the park and relax inside the air conditioned lobby. There is also a TV with little chairs for kids to watch cartoons.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The fireplace at the Grand Californian Hotel: Lauren Chumbley, and Yasmin Quigley, of Ventura, relax by the fire in the lobby of the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. If you’re in the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure you can use the dedicated hotel gate to exit the park and relax inside the air conditioned lobby. There is also a TV with little chairs for kids to watch cartoons.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)



A front porch on Main Street, U.S.A.: Shawna Adam, of Fullerton, relaxes as she draws the buildings across the street. Most visitors walk past the shops on Main Street as they head to the rides, but this little porch has benches that are usually empty and is a great spot for people watching. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Secret Trail between Frontierland and Main Street: If you’re leaving Frontierland, make a quick left before the bridge that leads to Main Street U.S.A. and you’ll find an often unused trail that has benches and shade. The path leads to Fantasyland. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Main Street Cinema: Rob Frenzel, of Anaheim, sits with his daughter Avery Frenzel, 5, as they watch old Mickey Mouse films. The theater plays cartoons and it’s often empty and always cool because it’s air conditioned. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Snow White Grotto: Just to the right of the castle, as you’re walking towards the Matterhorn, there is path a that will take you to Snow White Grotto on the east side of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The attraction includes statues of Snow White and the seven dwarves, and a wishing well. It’s not on the way to any other attractions so most visitors miss this spot making it a great place to escape the crowds. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Marine Observation Room: At first glance this room looks like a utility closet, but it was actually built for those who can’t, or won’t, cram themselves inside a submarine. In this dark, air conditioned room you can sit and watch a video of what riders see on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Just go to the exit of the submarine ride and tell an employee that you want to go to the Marine Observation Room – you don’t even have to wait in line. The lights at the top indicate if the room is occupied – usually it isn’t – but if it is then the most you’ll have to wait is usually 15 minutes.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)



Marine Observation Room: At first glance this room looks like a utility closet, but it was actually built for those who can’t, or won’t, cram themselves inside a submarine. In this dark, air conditioned room you can sit and watch a video of what riders see on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Just go to the exit of the submarine ride and tell an employee that you want to go to the Marine Observation Room – you don’t even have to wait in line. The lights at the top indicate if the room is occupied – usually it isn’t – but if it is then the most you’ll have to wait is usually 15 minutes.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Former motor boat ride dock: This area is now full of tables and chairs for visitors to relax in the shade just north of the Matterhorn at Disneyland.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Former motor boat ride dock: This area is now full of tables and chairs for visitors to relax in the shade just north of the Matterhorn at Disneyland.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Former motor boat ride dock: This area is now full of tables and chairs for visitors to relax in the shade just north of the Matterhorn at Disneyland.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

After waiting hours in the hot sun for rides and food you probably need a rest. But the Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world – so where do you go to avoid the crowds? Take it from a local, here are a few secret spots where you can relax.

1. The backside of the gazebo under the Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure: Since these benches aren’t in the path for rides or food most visitors usually miss this quiet spot with shaded seating.

2. The veranda at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel: This spot has big, comfy chairs set in the shade. And since the hotel has a gate that lets you right in to the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure it’s a quick walk to get away from the crowds. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

3. A front porch on Main Street, U.S.A.: Shawna Adam, of Fullerton, relaxes as she draws the buildings across the street. Most visitors walk past the shops on Main Street as they head to the rides, but this little porch has benches that are usually empty and is a great spot for people watching. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

4. Secret Trail between Frontierland and Main Street: If you’re leaving Frontierland, make a quick left before the bridge that leads to Main Street U.S.A. and you’ll find an often unused trail that has benches and shade. The path leads to Fantasyland. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

5. Main Street Cinema: Rob Frenzel, of Anaheim, sits with his daughter Avery Frenzel, 5, as they watch old Mickey Mouse films. The theater plays cartoons and it’s often empty and always cool because it’s air conditioned. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

6. Snow White Grotto: Just to the right of the castle, as you’re walking towards the Matterhorn, there is path a that will take you to Snow White Grotto on the east side of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The attraction includes statues of Snow White and the seven dwarves, and a wishing well. It’s not on the way to any other attractions so most visitors miss this spot making it a great place to escape the crowds. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

7. Marine Observation Room: At first glance this room looks like a utility closet, but it was actually built for those who can’t, or won’t, cram themselves inside a submarine. In this dark, air conditioned room you can sit and watch a video of what riders see on the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Just go to the exit of the submarine ride and tell an employee that you want to go to the Marine Observation Room – you don’t even have to wait in line. The lights at the top indicate if the room is occupied – usually it isn’t – but if it is then the most you’ll have to wait is usually 15 minutes.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

8. Former motor boat ride dock: This area is now full of tables and chairs for visitors to relax in the shade just north of the Matterhorn at Disneyland.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

9. The fireplace at the Grand Californian Hotel: If you’re in the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure you can use the dedicated hotel gate to exit the park and relax inside the air conditioned lobby. There is also a TV with little chairs for kids to watch cartoons.(Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)