DD3 in parks (where to take a nap)

[biggroofy]

Last year, we always drive back to POFQ around 2pm and let DD2 to take afternoon nap. I felt that the afternoon was wasted - especially it takes almost 30 minutes (door to door) for travel, and when she woke up it is almost time for our dinner ADRs.

This year DD3 takes a shorter nap (1-1.5 hr) on average. We are staying in SSR (I think much further than POFQ) - If she can sleep in the stroller, do you have any suggestions - where we should take her, when she fell asleep? Preferrably somewhere that is quiet, indoor, and not too cold (we are going in early Jan).

 

[Desnik]

DS is also 3 and he always falls asleep in his stroller. We take that opportunity to go shopping at the parks great shops. This way we can take our time and browse. DS is like his dad and it takes alot to wake him once he's in a deep sleep!LOL Another idea would be to maybe ride the monorail around the resort loops. You could even get off at some of the resorts and check them out a bit. If you really don't want to leave the parks at all then you could also just walk around or find a bench and people watch.

 

[jcemom]

My DD also will nap in the stroller. Actually, taking her to the room was a surefire way to keep her from napping, lol. Either that, or she'd fall asleep on the bus and by the time we got to the resort she'd wake up again.

Riding the monorail loop is a good idea. We've also just walked around, shopped, or sat on a bench as Desnik suggested.

If you want to go inside an attraction for the air conditioning or whatever, you might try Hall of Presidents at MK, and American Adventure or Ellen's Energy at Epcot. Sounds Dangerous at MGM is dark and cool inside, but probably not long enough, nor entertaining enough for those planning to stay awake, lol.

 

[marciemi]

I know the American Adventure show always worked for getting my kids asleep when they were younger! I love it, but I guess it's not for the 5 and under crowd!

Actually, the problem with any "show" is that you are going to have to get them out afterward. If she'll fall asleep on your shoulder during the show (any quieter, darker show), then stay asleep while you carry her out to the stroller, you could easily use those to get her to sleep, then shop or whatever while she sleeps. If not, I might just recommend going to baby services (or whatever it's actually called) where moms go to nurse. There's nothing exciting there so she might go to sleep quickly and it would usually (bar a screaming baby) be quiet there and you and DH could take turns staying with her while the other shopped or something.

I do agree with everyone that you really need a stroller to get her any kind of real nap.

 

[LaraK]

We usually go back to the room for naps, but on the last day we go "commando" and have the kids nap in the park. In MK there are two places we've used. Both are outside, but nice and quiet. One is over where the old skyway stop was in Tomorrowland. It's sort of behind and to the right of Space Mountain. There is a little patio area that is really removed and the only people you usually will se there are other parents and kids napping. The second place is Tom Sawyer's Island. The down side to that is that it's a pain to get the stroller over there....we have (in fact we took a double umbrella over there with us)...but it's hard, you can not push it you have to carry it.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

In MK, the area to the left of Space Mountain is nice. It can be noisy though.

In any park you can go to one of the childcare centers but I'm not exactly sure how long you are allowed to hang out.

Many locations in Epcot are wonderful. Tons of places in Future World such as in Innoventions.

We never had to worry about it. Our little ones just feel asleep in their strollers. We always brought ours from home when they were little as we could lay them back. We also brought their blankies and we would just stroll, grab a table in an off location or visit some gift shops. The kid's always slept for a good amount of time.

We also used to take breaks and go back to our room but sometimes we didn't make it there in time and why wake a sleeping baby?

 

[GalDisney]

How about taking a ride, or two or three on the TTA (people mover).

 

[biggroofy]

Thank you for all the great comments We wll for sure try to President Hall etc. Monorail ride was a good idea too...

or she'd fall asleep on the bus and by the time we got to the resort she'd wake up again.

jcemom, my DD3 (was DD2 last year) did exactly the same thing last year. It is either one of the following scenario:
a). fall asleep (on DW's shoulder) during bus wait/ride, but when we are finally back to our resort room and DW tried to load her off to the bed - the she opened her little eyes

b). there was once that we drove to Epcot, and she fell asleep on her car-seat. However, after 15 mins she was awake by the sunny day

c). Leaving park around 14:30, DD2 stayed awake until we reached POFQ - but then it takes forever to make her sleep (say 45 mins ??) + a 2-hour-lap .... that brought us to the evening

One problem with buses is that we have to fold our stroller - so she has to sleep on either one or us.

I am wondering do we have to fold the stroller on Monorails, or we can simply push the stroller inside the monorails. BTW, is the annoucment (broadcast) on monorail loud?

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I am wondering do we have to fold the stroller on Monorails, or we can simply push the stroller inside the monorails. BTW, is the annoucment (broadcast) on monorail loud?

No - you don't have to fold up your stroller to ride the monorail. As you said, just push it on it. The announcement isn't quiet but I wouldn't say it's all that loud either.

 

[robinb]

My DD always fell asleep in her stroller without a problem. Of course, then you're stuck with a sleeping child and two adults. You can baby swap at that point but that gets old really quick. As does just strolling around looking at all the attractions you can't do with a stroller. The real nap back at the hotel really does the trick for all of us. Too bad my DD usually ends up watching TV and then zonking out before the fireworks!

 

[sticker231]

Our kids usually nap in the stroller. By the end of the day all three have dozed off at one time during the day.

 

[disnut8]

There are a couple of places I can suggest but they are outside (maybe it'll be sunny?)

Magic Kingdom - the old Swan Boat area to the right of the castle. One of you could go over the bridge to Cosmic Ray's and get a snack while she sleeps.

Epcot - if they are not playing, the Off Kilter stage seating area. If they are playing, forget it. The seating area at the African outpost. Exit by the International Gateway and walk around the Epcot resorts. Grab a slice of pizza and sit there.

Animal Kingdom - the seating area at the Flame Tree BBQ. The seating area behind the Dawa Bar (hardly anyone goes there).

I can't really think of any place quiet in MGM. The seating area at the Flatbread Grill might be too noisy.

I suggest all these places because she can stay in her stroller. The monorail ride is a great suggestion.