Afternoon breaks or no?

[CaroM8]

We are going for the first time next week and I had planned (in my head) to take an afternoon break from the parks each day, but now questioning how realistic that is? It's myself, hubby and our 6 yr old. We are staying at CBR so the afternoon breaks from HS and Epcot will be easier right?

MK - getting there for early entry, ride the rides, leave for break then be back for Crystal Palace dinner at 6:30PM then fireworks

HS - might be doing a late arrival here because of breakfast reservations but still... even if we get there at 11am, there is no way my 6 yr old will handle being there until 9:30pm for Fantasmic... so break here as well?

Animal Kingdom - no breaks here as park closes early so we will be there for early entry and just leave when were done

MK#2 - its a party day (that we are not attending) so we will get there around 10am probably and power through for our CRT res at 5:45PM

EPCOT - early entry, ride some rides, lunch somewhere, hotel break for the afternoon and be back at some point in the evening ish for Luminous

I guess now that I am writing it all out it's just our first MK day that might be tight on time if want to take a break? We do have Park Hoppers if that helps...

Any thoughts or insights are appreciated

 

[LRdismom]

I will take a break during the day if transportation to and from the park is quick AND if it's hot enough for me to need one. Being on the Skyliner route will make it easier for you to head back to the hotel for a break. Have a great trip!

 

[fla4fun]

We are going for the first time next week and I had planned (in my head) to take an afternoon break from the parks each day, but now questioning how realistic that is? It's myself, hubby and our 6 yr old. We are staying at CBR so the afternoon breaks from HS and Epcot will be easier right?

MK - getting there for early entry, ride the rides, leave for break then be back for Crystal Palace dinner at 6:30PM then fireworks

HS - might be doing a late arrival here because of breakfast reservations but still... even if we get there at 11am, there is no way my 6 yr old will handle being there until 9:30pm for Fantasmic... so break here as well?

Animal Kingdom - no breaks here as park closes early so we will be there for early entry and just leave when were done

MK#2 - its a party day (that we are not attending) so we will get there around 10am probably and power through for our CRT res at 5:45PM

EPCOT - early entry, ride some rides, lunch somewhere, hotel break for the afternoon and be back at some point in the evening ish for Luminous

I guess now that I am writing it all out it's just our first MK day that might be tight on time if want to take a break? We do have Park Hoppers if that helps...

Any thoughts or insights are appreciated

I do find it more difficult to take a mid day break from MK unless I am staying at an MK resort. One thing you could do is plan your lunch at a monorail resort and find a quiet corner afterwards to relax for an hour or two before going back to MK. Sometimes just being in cool and quiet is all you need to feel refreshed.

We generally don’t have that issue at AK as we leave that park early to go back to the hotel most of the time anyway. Using the Skyliner for Epcot and DHS is convenient, but remember that afternoon storms can close it down this time of year which will affect the convenience of an afternoon break.

 

[BethC]

We always took a midday break when the kids were little and we still do now that they are all grown up. It's just so nice to have that couple of hours of off time!

 

[CaroM8]

We always took a midday break when the kids were little and we still do now that they are all grown up. It's just so nice to have that couple of hours of off time!

What time would you normally leave and come back from the park?

 

[lampshadehead]

The MK day isnt that tight. You will be there for early entry, so you could leave around noon time, get back to the hotel around 1pm. Nap etc, then leave hotel around 5-530pm to head back to MK for your reservation.

HS , if you get there around 11am it will be tough to do multiple experiences, leave for a nap, and also get back for Fantasmic. If the Skyliner is running it will help.

AK, MK#2 and EP sound great.

 

[DisneyFive]

Our first couple of 7-8 day visits we never took an afternoon break. Kids were 3-9 years old. What we did instead was sleep in as needed which ended up being about day 3 or 4 By that time we were exhausted and needed it. Our first trip we rented a stroller for our 6 year old daughter by about day 5 since she was having a harder time keeping up. That really helped and we maybe could have done that a day or two earlier.

We were going on adrenaline those first trips. It's hard to leave the fun honestly. To get a rest in the parks we found that an indoor lunch or dinner with air conditioning helps a lot, as well as longer inside shows. At MK: Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Laugh Floor, At HS: Muppets 3D, At AK: Lion King, Nemo, and at EP the shows in the World Showcase.

Now, 10+ years later, we take afternoon breaks every day but we've visited a decent number of times and don't need to do it ALL, and now we stay 8-10 nights so we have multiple days at each park. Those first trip we didn't know if we'd ever be back and that drove us too.

In the end you know your family best. I would plan on about 45 minutes each way to and from the hotel if you do take a break.

 

[CaroM8]

HS , if you get there around 11am it will be tough to do multiple experiences, leave for a nap, and also get back for Fantasmic. If the Skyliner is running it will help.

Do you suggest we forget about the breakfast reservation in order to have a normal park day and get there at early entry?

 

[kylenne]

Do you suggest we forget about the breakfast reservation in order to have a normal park day and get there at early entry?

What we like to do is do Early Entry rope drop and then have a late morning TS breakfast sometimes, this way we get the benefit of low wait times but then once we need a real break we can sit down in AC and eat. Generally we will have snacky breakfast things in the room before we leave to hold us over.

 

[Sweettears]

What time would you normally leave and come back from the park?

Depends on the park but usually around 2:00 for me. Enough time to chill before dinner and evenings in the parks.

 

[CaroM8]

What we like to do is do Early Entry rope drop and then have a late morning TS breakfast sometimes, this way we get the benefit of low wait times but then once we need a real break we can sit down in AC and eat. Generally we will have snacky breakfast things in the room before we leave to hold us over.

Thank you! What do you think of our overall plan? Sorry, I've seen and read a lot of your posts on here and you seem to know everything

 

[kylenne]

Thank you! What do you think of our overall plan? Sorry, I've seen and read a lot of your posts on here and you seem to know everything

I’m humbled! I’ve been religious about midday breaks since I was a kid, (we are actually on one right now lol!) and I think you should be fine, especially being at CBR the Skyliner will make that easier on Epcot and HS days...I would just be mentally prepared to possibly have to take buses going back for the evenings. There was lightning in the area last night and a good chance of it tonight. Florida is just gonna Florida this time of year. But I also don’t find breaks on MK days to be terribly difficult if you’re not staying around the area either--I’ve done them at Coronado too, midday buses are actually fairly plentiful.

My one question mark is the HS day. I’m assuming with a 6 yo you won’t be doing too many of the headliners. But I mention this because EE is imo mandatory there if you don’t plan on buying LLs. Waits build too ugly too quickly there and all you will be coming into after 11 is heat and lines. The late breakfast strategy I mentioned is actually what I do most often at HS because of that.

 

[redrosesix]

We are going for the first time next week and I had planned (in my head) to take an afternoon break from the parks each day, but now questioning how realistic that is? It's myself, hubby and our 6 yr old. We are staying at CBR so the afternoon breaks from HS and Epcot will be easier right?

MK - getting there for early entry, ride the rides, leave for break then be back for Crystal Palace dinner at 6:30PM then fireworks

HS - might be doing a late arrival here because of breakfast reservations but still... even if we get there at 11am, there is no way my 6 yr old will handle being there until 9:30pm for Fantasmic... so break here as well?

Animal Kingdom - no breaks here as park closes early so we will be there for early entry and just leave when were done

MK#2 - its a party day (that we are not attending) so we will get there around 10am probably and power through for our CRT res at 5:45PM

EPCOT - early entry, ride some rides, lunch somewhere, hotel break for the afternoon and be back at some point in the evening ish for Luminous

I guess now that I am writing it all out it's just our first MK day that might be tight on time if want to take a break? We do have Park Hoppers if that helps...

Any thoughts or insights are appreciated

We still take breaks. With a 6 year old I would recommend breaks, but more than that I recommend trying to go with the flow. It's your first trip so just be aware that all of the parks are huge for a little one...it will be more walking than she has ever done anywhere, and probably you too.

You've got the ADRs...I would consider everything else somewhat optional, including always being there for rope drop. Just to reduce your travel time, I would suggest you minimize the travel time...you can hop and that also means going to a different park in the evening. the monorail between Epcot and MK is easy and I've seen more than a few young ones taking a nap on it in the middle of the day because it's a pretty long ride.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

If we rope drop we do a midday break. It just gets too stimulating and peoply. We usually leave the park around 12-1 and head back around 4-5. We count the transportation back as part of our “rest.”

Other days we start late (12-3) and stay until close with no breaks. We usually have sometime of ADR or meal break as a rest. Or shows…shows can be a great rest time.

This is what we’ve done since the kids were little. When my son was young he needed the nap. As he got older and DD was born rest time became pool time since she gave up naps at a young age.

 

[CaroM8]

My one question mark is the HS day. I’m assuming with a 6 yo you won’t be doing too many of the headliners. But I mention this because EE is imo mandatory there if you don’t plan on buying LLs. Waits build too ugly too quickly there and all you will be coming into after 11 is heat and lines. The late breakfast strategy I mentioned is actually what I do most often at HS because of that.

Thank you so much!

Yes our HS day is what is puzzling me. We have the Topolino's breakfast at 8:50AM that I would like to keep but if it's going to screw up the rest of our day I am willing to let it go. We have other character meals planned anyway. And yes we did get LLMP for that day. Slinky Dog is a must for our daughter (her only request!) and currently have a LL for it around 4PM, which is a bit problematic so I think I will change it to an evening time so it's not in the middle of our potential mid day break.

I am totally overthinking this yes. I know. Haha!

 

[Gary Stocker]

If you consider an afternoon break leaving the park and going to somewhere like Geyser Point for lunch we occasionally do that on MK days..the boat ride and the ambiance/food (umm bison burger) at that place is top notch.

Do I need an afternoon break myself? No. I keep some 5 energy in my backpack to give me the occasional boost (especially in Epcot for obvious reasons).

Do my kids? Yes...but they don't nap like I would prefer...we head right to the pool.

They are too old now (8 and 12) for a double stroller but during those days it was walk 'til you drop (into the stroller).

I try to build in 2-2.5 hours of down time each park day with limited success. Time seems to fly in the parks IMO. One minute you're rope-dropping the next you're getting off Thunder Mountain Railroad at noon and thinking "We could probably sneak in Pirates before we left" and then "you know I haven't had Casey's in a while". By the time you are walking under the train station its 2p ...give 30 minutes or so to get back to your room...your mind shifts to returning/hopping somewhere else.

Ask your little one if he wants to swim or stay? If stay, get a stroller.

Either way enjoy! I will be there in November.

 

[Gary Stocker]

Thank you so much!

Yes our HS day is what is puzzling me. We have the Topolino's breakfast at 8:50AM that I would like to keep but if it's going to screw up the rest of our day I am willing to let it go. We have other character meals planned anyway. And yes we did get LLMP for that day. Slinky Dog is a must for our daughter (her only request!) and currently have a LL for it around 4PM, which is a bit problematic so I think I will change it to an evening time so it's not in the middle of our potential mid day break.

I am totally overthinking this yes. I know. Haha!

Disney trips are easy to overthink. I would consider keeping Topolinos as it is an excellent character meal (and one of the toughest ADRs) but having been there a few years in a row I find myself cancelling "overthought" ADRs more often than not and just stick with Quick Service (with some exceptions like Ohana and Chef Art Smiths Homecomin').. the ability to cancel 2 hours in advance now (used to be 24) gives you a lot of flexibility.
If you need to reconsider a character meal to fit your schedule it seems like you could maybe go to Tusker House instead in AK if you plan on getting in and leaving after a bit...but make sure you go to Rafiki's planet watch and do the Animation Experience (my kids love drawing and you cant get better than drawing with a Disney animator).

 

[_19disnA]

We have ALWAYS taken a mid-day break when at Disney in the 20+ yrs we have been going. Particularly if this is your first time at Disney, you really can't imagine how HUGE the parks are, will involve MILES of walking and LARGE crowds. Waiting in long ride lines will also be exhausting especially if you have small children. I suspect your child will run out of energy and need a break. Even if your groups were all adults, going from the time the park opens until close is probably not realistic for most people.

I would also NOT plan to do a park every day you are there. You will need some down time to recharge/relax in between those park days. Your first few times at Disney parks you will also still be figuring out the rides/shows you like best and where you want to spend you time. You really won't know that until you have actually experience it for yourself a few times.

 

[Gary Stocker]

We have ALWAYS taken a mid-day break when at Disney in the 20+ yrs we have been going. Particularly if this is your first time at Disney, you really can't imagine how HUGE the parks are, will involve MILES of walking and LARGE crowds. Waiting in long ride lines will also be exhausting especially if you have small children. I suspect your child will run out of energy and need a break. Even if your groups were all adults, going from the time the park opens until close is probably not realistic for most people.

I would also NOT plan to do a park every day you are there. You will need some down time to recharge/relax in between those park days. Your first few times at Disney parks you will also still be figuring out the rides/shows you like best and where you want to spend you time. You really won't know that until you have actually experience it for yourself a few times.

Agreed. We always have an off day to swim, resort hop (including a meal at Sanaa), and go to Springs.

 

[kwdw]

My only “ I wouldn’t do that” is your HS day. After your long MK day (w/break is fine), I would not plan to get up early the next day. Sure, do a character breakfast and go to HS. And then leave HS when you are tired. And SKIP Fantasmic. You don’t have to hit every fireworks show. Otherwise, with just that change to not plan to break or attend Fantasmic on your HS day, then I think your plan is great.

I admit Fantasmic is my least favorite show, so I am biased that way. But it’s more than that. Breaking takes time and adds steps and it still keeps the little on the go for a long day. While I think that works on your MK day because you start early and end late, I don’t think you want two super long days in a row. Maybe even just get breakfast at the food court on your HS day and use LLMP and LLSP to get in the main rides at HS. Maybe consider Rodeo Round Up or Sci Fi for a meal in the park. Leave sometime between 4 and 7. Get back, clean up, down time, bed. Six is old enough to hold up pretty well at Disney in terms of stamina, but decent sleep relaxes the trip and, IMO, a lighter day there preps you much better for your next 3 days.

Unless a trip is over 7 days, I personally don’t plan a down day. We go to the parks everyday on 4-5 day trips ..,even when taking a kid under 9.