5. Jurassic Park Discovery Center (Islands of Adventure)

Most visitors make a beeline for the Jurassic Park River Adventure, a high-thrill water ride sure to provide a cooling soak, but many pass right on by the Discovery Center. This dinosaur museum is open and airy, with cold air conditioning and plenty of seating, allowing you the chance to sit down and relax. Lots of activities are available for all ages, from computer-based trivia quizzes to scavenger hunts organized by Discovery Center staff. And where else can you watch a baby dinosaur hatch, and maybe even get to name it?

Pro tip: If you want to get away from it all, go out the back door of the Discovery Center. There’s a beautiful patio overlooking the lagoon, low walls to sit on, and virtually no one around.

6. Mythos (Islands of Adventure)

Voted the best theme park restaurant in the world for many years in a row, Mythos survived the cut when much of Lost Continent closed to make room for Hogsmeade. Themed as a grotto carved from solid rock, Mythos is both fun and relaxing. The top-quality food is surprisingly inexpensive for a theme park table service restaurant, and every dish seems inspired. Ask for a table overlooking the lagoon if you want to people watch, or stay away from the windows if you want to be fully transported to a mythical world.

7. Poseidon’s Fury (Islands of Adventure)

Across from Mythos in the Lost Continent, Poseidon’s Fury is a highly immersive walk-through attraction that many people never realize is there. Guided by archeologist Taylor, you will soon find yourself immersed in a battle between good and evil carried out by ancient gods. The building is dark and cool, and the special effects are truly stunning. While the attraction uses more than 200 different fire effects, it is the water tunnel that puts this one over the edge into jaw-dropping territory. If you feel up to walking and standing, a trip through Poseidon’s Fury is a highly refreshing midday break.

8. Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Both Parks)

Phase one, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, is located inside Islands of Adventure. Phase two, Diagon Alley, is inside Universal Studios Florida. If you have a two-park ticket, the Hogwarts Express connects the two. These extraordinarily faithful reproductions do an amazing job of taking visitors inside the beloved books and films. By all means, hit the groundbreaking signature rides when you’re feeling fresh. But when midday fatigue hits, slow down and enjoy the details. People have been known to spend an entire day just poking through the shops, trying out new foods and beverages, and finding the hidden gems.

While popular wisdom suggests heading back to your hotel for a nap and a swim, this is not always practical or even desirable. Universal Orlando provides numerous quiet spots where you can get out of the sun and recharge your batteries without ever leaving the parks. Of course, if you do want to slip away from the parks for a bit, CityWalk provides a vast array of options that are normally less crowded during theme park operating hours.