Everyone Says to Take an Afternoon Break....

[pooh4evr]

If you planout your rides and shows right you will be fine. Try to do the must do rides (Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, Pooh, Buzz, Pirates early in the day. Have a decent lunch about 1 and then hit Hall of Presidents while they are "full"and everyone might get a quick nap in!

 

[msmama]

I've never taken afternoon breaks, but we don't do RD to close either (that said, we've never only done one day either).

I think you're right that it's silly to take that time out of your ONE day. BUT, I think maybe you should come up with a "what if" plan. I'm assuming your older child will be ok not napping for a day, but will the little one? Maybe make a "melt down" plan of some kind. Or if there is one way you know your child will always sleep, be prepared to do that (I could usually force a nap if I held my son walking around long enough).

Have fun!!

 

[rewilliams]

but I want to hear from people who didn't do this. Did your kids nap in the stroller and do okay through the evening hours?

Here's the situation: We can only afford one day at the parks, and we are going to the Magic Kingdom. Because we are only doing one day, I can't stand the thought of leaving for 3-4 hours in the afternoon. I feel like it's wasting so much of the day. Our kids will be 4.5 and almost 2 when we go in September. We are staying offsite, so to leave after lunch and go back to the resort, it's probably an hour or more round trip. Not to mention, when my kids are tired they conk out in the car and if woken up to be taken to their room, they typically won't go back to sleep. SO with that being said, my preliminary plan is to hopefully get them to sleep in their double stroller while we ride around the monorail. Do you think this is a doable plan? They could snag about a 1.5 hour nap, DH and I can relax, and it avoids the hassle of driving in and out of the park.

I would love to hear from BTDT parents who didn't take the afternoon break at their resort, whether it was a success or failure, and any additional tips.

Thank you!!!

We went at Christmas when my DD was 4 1/2...we did NOT leave the park for a mid-day break. We had early mornings and later nights (10 even 11 before we left park). My DD never took a nap and she never really got cranky. We just made sure mid day we did take a rest at the park...had a snack, saw a show or something like that. I think part of the success was we kept her in her stroller so she did not exert a lot of energy! She was out like a light when her head hit the pillow and she was a bear to get up but once she got going it was ALL Disney magic to her! Have fun!!!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

If your kids are good stroller nappers there is no reason to have to leave. We stayed all day, ds napped when he was tired in his stroller and he did fine staying late for the parade and fireworks. I don't know how he did it, he konks out at home but I guess it was so exciting he just stayed up. After the fireworks he was passed out cold though in about 10 seconds flat, lol.

 

[sleepyz]

Our kids (ages 2.5 and 18 mths) ended up crashing in the stroller as well...even though we were open to leaving the park for naps! We had those battery operated fans clipped into the stroller to keep them cool. DH and I played child swap for a couple big rides while taking turns watching the kids sleep in the air conditioned "ride exit gift shop". Actually, I couldn't have planned it better myself had I TRIED! We are returning for Thanksgiving week and think I may try the suggestion of taking a boat ride if they aren't falling asleep on their own. I certainly say stick it out in the parks!

 

[brady3194]

I have been lucky and had a lot of success with stroller naps with my two children on several trips. I too use a stroller fan, my favorite is by Dreambaby. I bring a small screwdriver and extra batteries as well as a very loose knit blanket a family member made. I recline the stroller, put the fan on and drape the blanket over the front. The blanket protects from the sun, limits visibility and keeps the breeze from the fan inside – I actually use 2 fans b/c I go in August.

The past few trips I went to Cosmic Ray’s in the Magic Kingdom, found an end table against a wall, fed DS lunch and then set him up in the stroller while I ate. He knew I was eating so he didn’t fight resting and once he was asleep I would walk around the park. I did put the fans on even in the air conditioning if I planned to walk outside so that I didn’t disturb anything once he was asleep.

 

[amym2]

For one day in the parks, I don't think most people would even recommend taking a break. When people suggest that, it's in reference to families that will be in the parks multiple days. We've always done 5+ days so have needed some rest time (whether napping or just off our feet). With one day, by all means we would get our money out of it and forego that rest time.

 

[RoosMama]

Even though we stay for at least 5 days or so, we don't go back for a break. I definitely wouldn't for just one day.

Just something to consider (obviously not knowing your kids and the rest of your plans) - with only being there for one day, could they handle going without a nap that day? You might be so wrapped up in enjoying MK that you won't want to leave. We just keep going until my DD falls asleep and she will last for long days at Disney!

 

[ariane37]

By the time I found the boards my kids were well past napping age, but when they were small we NEVER left a park just for a nap or to give them a break. If we were ready to leave, we left. Neither of my DS's were good, regular stroller nappers, but as pp's have said, Disney is a different story They both fell asleep at odd times, usually surprising us lol and thereby eliminating any need to leave due to them having had enough. Granted, it never really crossed DH or my mind how we were going to get their naps in.......and when I did finally find Disboards, I was quite surprised at the # of families who leave in the middle of the day. Anyway I ramble I definitely wouldn't leave if you're only there 1 day. I would take it as it comes and enjoy yourselves. If your kids don't fall asleep and need downtime, have Grandma or Grandpa rest with them somewhere, or find a quiet spot in the shade or in a QS restaurant, have a quick bite to eat and chill a bit. Most of all have a great time!

 

[AZMermaid]

Worst case... Those who stay can take a cab back to the hotel!

 

[MomOfWesAndNorah]

We just got back with my 4 year old son and 1.5 year daughter. We had planned nap breaks 3 of our 5 days. It was an epic fail the day we tried. The kids were wired. Dd had already napped in stroller. Dh was the only one who napped and he was quickly woken as when he started snoring, the kids laughed uncontrollably. We headed back to MK after being there 2ish hours. Traffic was bad (5) do we wasted a lot of time on the bus . They next day we got back to the hotel At 6:30 or so . Dd napped. Ds didn't. Day 3 of planned naps we powered through. Dd napped. Ds made it through the electric parade but missed celebrate the magic and wishes. We'd seen wishes at pirates and pals so it was okay. We will only attempt a break next time if we rent a car. And only of we are doing at least 3-4 park days!

 

[galaxygirl76]

We are planning on having afternoon breaks. My husband is a napper, and I'm planning on going swimming with DD2 if she's not tired enough for a nap.

 

[krismanda]

I've never really understood the advice of taking a break and going back to the resort. With as much time as it takes to get back to the resort, take a 2-3 hour nap or swim break, and then get ready again and do transportation to the parks again. That has to be 4-5 hours minimum. That seems so crazy to me? lol

Our first trip the kids were 5 (turned 5 while we were there) and 10 months. The baby napped some in the stroller and was fine. We were there 8 days, and spent 6 of them in the parks without taking a mid day break Admittedly, it was October and we didn't need a break from the heat.

We are going back this December. The kids will be 7 and 3 (turning 3 while we are there!). We do not intend to do breaks. i'm hoping the 3 year old will snooze in the stroller if needed.

Personally, I would rather cut the day a little shorter if needed than waste time traveling back and forth from the resort multiple times.

 

[teambeaman]

Just a thought, but what if in the time leading up to your trip you popped in a stroller around nap time and went for a long walk to see if they'll nod off and get use to napping in the stroller for a bit. Kids like routine...maybe that would help them get use to it and help you assess the situation a little better. DS3 has fallen asleep at the table with a mouth full of food before, so he'll sleep anywhere, but if you're kids aren't used to napping outside of their bed maybe you should change things up a bit?

 

[kiramay]

Have not read other replies...

I think it's doable, to a degree. We never leave the park unless we're done with that park. We do rope drop, a snack break around 10-11 (15 minutes or so), and then plan a TS for mid afternoon (3-4 pm). That's our break. We sit, eat, drink, enjoy characters, recoup, and think about what we want to do when we return. Then we'll continue in the park until early evening, and get to bed at a decent time.

The key is following the kids pace. If thirsty, stop and drink. If hungry, have a snack. If tired, pick a comfortable long ride like carrousel of progress for a break/nap.

 

[720L]

For one day in the parks, I don't think most people would even recommend taking a break. When people suggest that, it's in reference to families that will be in the parks multiple days. We've always done 5+ days so have needed some rest time (whether napping or just off our feet). With one day, by all means we would get our money out of it and forego that rest time.

 

[TWK]

(I didn't read all the replies)

If you are only going for a day, I wouldn't worry about a break.

We went 3 years ago and the kids were 4 and 1.5. On 2 days we went home for a break, and it was a complete waste of time, you lose time going to and from resort and all that, and then they were so riled up in the room... it was a waste. When we go again, we might go back to use the pool a bit in the afternoon, but not sure yet.

Either way though, for only 1 day, I wouldn't leave to rest.

 

[Buttrcp16]

Just a thought, but what if in the time leading up to your trip you popped in a stroller around nap time and went for a long walk to see if they'll nod off and get use to napping in the stroller for a bit. Kids like routine...maybe that would help them get use to it and help you assess the situation a little better. DS3 has fallen asleep at the table with a mouth full of food before, so he'll sleep anywhere, but if you're kids aren't used to napping outside of their bed maybe you should change things up a bit?

I do plan on taking some day trips with the kids this summer to see how they hold up being out and about all day without a dedicated nap time. We don't have a double stroller that they can both sleep in, so the real test will be how my older son holds up!

Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback! It makes me feel much better about powering through - after all, it is only one day. We can do this!

I plan on getting stroller fans and cooling towels - anything else I should have on my list to buy to keep the kids comfortable? Has anyone ever tried those stroller liners that are supposed to keep cool?

 

[mi*vida*loca]

For one day I wouldn't do a break.

My pre disboard days: Our first trip we stayed offsite and did 3 days in the parks. We got their at rope drop and stayed until about 8. I did lunch ADR's or late breakfast. DD napped in her stroller. TS lunch was our downtime. It worked well.

As the kids got older and we go in August we do rope drop, break for pool time around 12-1, go back to the parks around 5-6 and go to a park that is open late. MK until 11 or PM EMH park.

Some days we just do the park until 1 or so and then the pool for the rest of the day. On AK and HS days we stay there until 2-3 and then just do the rest by the pool.

Towards the end of our trip sometimes we all take a true nap midday.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

As I stated earlier...for a one day visit, taking a break seems unnecessary and a waste.

HOWEVER, for those who say breaks have never worked for them...personally, for me, the break is as much for me as it is for the kids! LOL. I don't care if they nap, but they do have to be quiet so that I can!!!