10 great places to escape the crowds at Disney World

— -- There comes a time when even the most enthusiastic Walt Disney World visitor needs a breather. "The parks are delightful, but they're also overwhelming — so it's nice to have a resting spot in mind," says Rona Gindin, who, as the author of The Little Black Book of Walt Disney World, knows every nook and cranny of the parks. With the 110th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth (Dec. 5) in mind, she shares some of the most restful Disney World spots with Sarah Sekula for USA TODAY.

Wildlife Express Train

Animal Kingdom Park

Hop aboard the rustic-looking train for a look through the animal housing areas where guests may spot rhinos, elephants and other animals. Disembark at Rafiki's Planet Watch, an area dedicated to animal conservation. "It is neat to see vets working on wild animals, and the train with the fake suitcases on top is a hoot," Gindin says. disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/wildlife-express-train

Living with the Land

Epcot

The 14-minute boat ride in Future World passes through experimental greenhouses where "they grow vegetables hydroponically, then use some of them in the Sunshine Seasons restaurant in the same building," Gindin says. Guests float by rainforest and desert-like environments filled with rice, sugar cane and bananas, and they get a firsthand look at the Aquacell, filled with gators and fish. disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/living-with-the-land

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion

Epcot

What better way to ditch the crowds than to explore underwater? Epcot DiveQuest lets those who are scuba-certified, and at least age 10, dive inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank and paddle alongside more than 6,000 sea creatures — including sea turtles, eagle rays and sharks. For non-scuba divers, enjoy the view from the Living Seas restaurant. Cost is $175 for the three-hour experience. (The attraction is closed through January.) disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/epcot-dive-quest

Tom Sawyer Island

Magic Kingdom

Make like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and hop a raft to this tree-covered island. "It takes a lot of time to get there and back, but it's a quiet respite from a busy day," Gindin says. Wander around in the shade while the tykes discover rugged trails, swinging suspension bridges and caves with hidden gems. Do whatever you like for as long as you like, but keep in mind the island closes at dusk. disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/tom-sawyer-island

The Backstage Safari tour

Animal Kingdom

Visit the Animal Nutrition Center and explore the veterinary hospital while learning from the wildlife specialists on this three-hour, $72 tour. "It's amazing to be able to chat with the people responsible for feeding the 1,700 animals that live in the park," Gindin says. Open to ages 16 and up, and theme park admission is required. 407-939-8687; disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/backstage-safari

Festival of the Lion King

Animal Kingdom Park