Hidden gems (where I can take a stroller)

[msmama]

We're into single digits!!

Just my 4 year old and I headed down. If he surprises me and falls asleep in the stroller, what are some things I can do? Obviously people watch and window shop, but where are some other places I can take a stroller and kill some time?

Any or all of the parks?

 

[elphie101]

Stroller are allowed inside shops, however not inside attraction lines. Not sure about QS places. Enjoy your trip!

 

[newdeal]

animal kingdom has the maharaja trek and pangani forest trails you can go on which are very nice. Epcot really just has the world showcase that you can explore around. In MK and DHS there really is nothing other than gift shops unless you want to put the stroller on a boat and just go for a boat ride during the nap. There is a boat from DHS to Epcot and from MK to wilderness lodge and fort wilderness that both can have a stroller on them. Of course if you don't want to walk around the world showcase at Epcot you can take the same boat to DHS and back

 

[disneyfreakkk]

Flights of Wonder allows a certain number of strollers with sleeping children into each show. We are the only show in the AK that allows this!

 

[CandleontheWater]

You can play Sorcerers of the MK while your child is sleeping in a stroller, and you can do the Kim Possible missions (soon to be the Agent P missions).

You can also go into innoventions, but not into any the exhibits.

Dh and I also had fun playing checkers in Frontierland one day while DS was snoozin'

If you kid is a heavy sleeper (which they will have to be in order to fall alseep with all the ambient noise), then you could also search out the in park entertainment.

Things like DeVine in AK, The Dapper Dans and the ragtime piano player in the MK, the streetmosphere characters in DHS and the WS entertainment can be fun to take in while you are waiting on a sleeping kid.

Or you could always do my favorite thing while DS is sleeping- pin trade!

 

[DisneyBelle27]

Also at AK, the paths through the Oasis at the front of the park and the Tree of Life paths, so you can see the animals on the tree up close! Love those paths!

In Epcot, I just love spending time wandering into all the nooks and crannies of each country and really appreciating the attention to detail.

Maybe do some kind of hidden mickey hunt for yourself?

p.s. I do not have kids so this is all just my advice coming from a no-kid experience, lol.

 

[zeferjen]

The character meeting spot at Epcot lets you stand in line with strollers. This is nice because when ds wakes up, there are the characters!

 

[jpdeg99]

Both my girls have always napped int he stroller. When they'd start to get a little tired, we'd get them a big sucker (so they'd sit in the stroller), and within minutes, they'd be asleep.

Epcot is best for nap time b/c you have the world showcase. In Magic Kingdom, I think you can bring a stroller int he Hall of Presidents, but I'm not sure. There, we'd walk through the Main St. shops. Just walk, sit, and observe. Napping in the stroller is great to not have to leave and go back to your room.

 

[disprincessatheart]

You don't realize how loud the world is until yo ur little one is asleep in their stroller! It's really hard to find a quiet place in mk right now. Anywhere within sight of the parade route is bad because that move it shake it parade comes out of nowhere (or so it seems) and is super loud. The path from space mountain to toon town used to be good, but it was and might still be closed. And sadly it seems that all of the quiet, off the beaten path spots are smoking areas. I appreciate that the smokers are not right in the main areas, but every time we think we find a good out of the way spot, there are smokers. good luck!

 

[khertz]

And sadly it seems that all of the quiet, off the beaten path spots are smoking areas. I appreciate that the smokers are not right in the main areas, but every time we think we find a good out of the way spot, there are smokers. good luck!

This is so true! Happened to us twice on our last trip. Both the area across from where BTMRR lets out and the small area in the back area of Tomorrowland where the bathrooms are seemed like great areas to take DS out of the noise while he napped in his stroller, but both turned out to be DSA's!

 

[Traveliz]

Looks like you will be there during the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot so you could easily check out the flowers and gardens at your own pace while little one sleeps.

Take the boat or monorail too are options.

Liz

 

[mickeyluv'r]

First, make sure you know about child swap passes. Before everyone enters the ride, you can get one so that after the rest of your family rides - you and two others can go on it without having to stand in the full line or going by yourself.
There are quiet spots near every ride, more or less.

Sometimes the answer is to enter the 'post ride part of the atrraction - think Test track and Mission:Space. Oftne the answer is nearby gift shops- many of which are more than just stuff to buy.
Many have fun decor.
Another activity is to alway sbne on the lookout for hidden Mickeys, and other details - including landscaping.

Anoter option is snacks or potty breaks - I mean - whoever has to go opts to stay with the sleeping child. You can also be the 'fastpass runner' and go get the nex set of fastpasses for your group.

You an always people watch - or conversely - ther are some quiet spots/shady spots tucked away in each park.

One of the best, IMO - although not near any attractions- is Epcot's Japan garden. also there are often 'soft' atttractions all over the parks liker performers, characters, musicians. Maybe you won't be in line for the character - but it can be fun to watch others see the princess for the first time for a few minutes.


Another

 

[MSSANDRA]

Depends on how deep a sleeper your child is. DS1 would sleep though ANYTHING. When it was 7:30..he went to sleep..anywhere with anything going on. With him...I could carry him (he was VERY small for his age) into any show or on any easy ride and he would sleep right on. DS2.....we would have to find a quite out of the way corner and he MIGHT would have gone to sleep on my lap IF he was totally exausted.

 

[HallGirl]

Both my girls have always napped int he stroller. When they'd start to get a little tired, we'd get them a big sucker (so they'd sit in the stroller), and within minutes, they'd be asleep.

Epcot is best for nap time b/c you have the world showcase. In Magic Kingdom, I think you can bring a stroller int he Hall of Presidents, but I'm not sure. There, we'd walk through the Main St. shops. Just walk, sit, and observe. Napping in the stroller is great to not have to leave and go back to your room.

Strollers aren't allowed inside Hall of Presidents, unless they are being used as wheelchairs.

Something that I think would be enjoyable at MK is sitting behind the Christmas shop and watching people meet with Tiana (provided she's there).

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You could potentially see a small show. Often ther are outdoor performers of various kinds. sometimes you can see a character grret line and watch the kdis reactions. You can always people watch. Just seeing the shoes some folks wear is a hoot.

You make it sound like you personally might be the designated wait person - in our family we swap duty. Maybe the peson who wants a snack, or the person who needs the restroom takes a turn waiting with the baby. Truly - taking turns makes the trip best for everyone.

Another thing you could do is be the fastpass runner. When we enter the park, we pool our park tickets into one plasic sleeve (ID holder). Then only one person goes to get the fastpasses. The child swap person can be teh fastpass getter for the group - especially if the group wants another fastpass fort eh atttraction they are riding.

If the child is too small to ride, or scared- therea re often little thigns they can do while they wait. pressed penny machines, playgrounds, fun water/splash fountains, soetimes free video games.

At Epcot, you can enter Innoventions. The displays change periodically. Up until recently, you could make paper at one booth. There are also video quizzes. Keep your eyes open for what fun lies around. Often those small things change anyhow.

Lots of beautiful landscaping all over.

Get the Guide to Hidden Mickeys. You can ALWAYS keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys - and even if you don't find those- the WORLD has lots of little artful details. sometimes it's fun just to stop and smell the roses!

You can also take care of all sorts of things in that time- putting on sunscreen, calling home, checking on an ADR,checking wait times...the list of options is long. Sometimes you just gotta relax, but we also try to be proactive when we are able. I sort of always try to keep the next step in mind. Do you need to contact someone? Do you need to call your resort? Do you need to get any problems solved? Where are you going after this attraction? Do you need to acquire anything? It's SO great when our famiy works as a team!

Sometimes the solution is for EVERYONE to go back to the room for a break.

Sometimes the solution is for everyone to hop on the free shuttle boats. you don't have to go to your resort. You are allowed tovisit any resort.

Maybe this is not the best idea....but sometimes late afternoon is a great time ofr an adult beverage. You can do that at all resorts -though sometimes deluxes are best, and also in every park but MK. Adult beverage are not inexpensive. conversely - we find that in warm weather at least one of us is ALWAYS thirsty for some water! Being the designated wait person is an opportunity to drink some water!

 

[Traveliz]

First, make sure you know about child swap passes. Before everyone enters the ride, you can get one so that after the rest of your family rides - you and two others can go on it without having to stand in the full line or going by yourself.
There are quiet spots near every ride, more or less.

Sometimes the answer is to enter the 'post ride part of the atrraction - think Test track and Mission:Space. Oftne the answer is nearby gift shops- many of which are more than just stuff to buy.
Many have fun decor.
Another activity is to alway sbne on the lookout for hidden Mickeys, and other details - including landscaping.

Anoter option is snacks or potty breaks - I mean - whoever has to go opts to stay with the sleeping child. You can also be the 'fastpass runner' and go get the nex set of fastpasses for your group.

You an always people watch - or conversely - ther are some quiet spots/shady spots tucked away in each park.

One of the best, IMO - although not near any attractions- is Epcot's Japan garden. also there are often 'soft' atttractions all over the parks liker performers, characters, musicians. Maybe you won't be in line for the character - but it can be fun to watch others see the princess for the first time for a few minutes.


Another

Since it appears to be just the OP and the child the fast pass runners, helpers during potty breaks and child swaps won't work for her this time.

Liz

 

[msmama]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I find myself hoping he falls asleep at MK so I can play this Sorcerers game, lol!

 

[Roo2]

In addition to the great suggestions by previous posters, there's:
Magic Kingdom-Sounds like the perfect time for a Dole Whip float and some people watching in adventureland! And I wonder if you can keep a sleeping child in their stroller to board the Liberty Square Riverboat?
Epcot- You can enter The Seas with Nemo and Friends through the giftshop, to the left and back of the regular entrance-you can stroll throughout the aquarium areas, and enjoy the dark, cool indoor space, which is usually fairly quiet..And if your son wakes up while you are there, you can go see Turtle Talk with Crush! Another nice place is by the fountains at the exit to the Imagination Pavilion- I could watch those things for hours- and it's fun to watch kids figure out how to get wet in the "jumping" fountain! You could also get a drink or meal at the Electric Umbrella, and take it outside to their patio to sit and watch the big fountain shows, where the water dances to the music, every fifteen minutes (Fountain of Nations?). Wandering the Mitsukoshi Department store in Japan is a great place to stroll with a sleeping child, in the a/c. And check the times for Miyuki's demonstrations of candy art outside- she is AMAZING!!
DHS-You can enter through the gift shop at the Magic of Disney Animation, enjoy browsing there, and there are also lots of activities inside the main hall, related to color, animation, etc. You can also enter the exit doors for the gift shops at Star Tours and Muppets, which have loads of things to play with! It's possible you may be able to walk through the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream and/or Journey Into Narnia to spend some quiet time- not sure about this.
Animal Kingdom-Flights of Wonder would be a great way to spend time while he naps, as would walking all the animal trails throughout the park, especially Pangani Forest trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek-and the Oasis exhibits.
And finally you could use the time to either get photos of all the sights and details of the parks, or rest yourself!
Hope you have a magical trip!
Roo2

 

[CandleontheWater]

Just a heads up-

you can't take a stroller on the Liberty Belle Riverboat

you also can't take a stroller into the seas pavilion, unless it is being used a a wheelchair.

This goes for pretty much all pavilions in future world. No strollers in The Land, in the area at the exit of Spaceship Earth or in the Imageworks.

You can bring a stroller into the post show area of Test Track and Mission Space.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Since it appears to be just the OP and the child the fast pass runners, helpers during potty breaks and child swaps won't work for her this time.

Liz

My apologies...somehow I missed that part....I was reading several other threads about the sametime, and maybe only focused on the headline. My Duh!

Nevertheless, she could still do two of those while the child naps: collect fastpasses and use the restroom.

All that said, I will make a further suggestion; I've been in the situation - short term - of being the only adult watching several children - it's an extra challenge.

My suggestion - and I don't mean this to be insulting - I felt like I had to be on my toes as much as possible. If you are the ONLY adult- then doing something like getting on the bus, the shuttle boats, and closing a stroller - is quite a challenge. I found loading onto the parking lot trams especially scary as a solo adult- just because loading a sleeping child and stroller is a two step process. You almost HAVE to wake the child while you load/unload the tram.

I stand by my suggestions above- but would add the caveat that as the only adult- I'd try to be proactive and avoid getting to the point that the child is sleeping in the stroller - BECAUSE - at that point - YOU will also most likley be somewhat tired.
I've been to WDW - recently with children that age - and at least half the time - the children- aided by the stroller - had more endurance than the adults in our group. I know all children are different. Truly, I can go on little sleep, and I was the ONLY person in our extended family group who slept (slightly) less than the kids. Cumatively, everyone else slept as much as or more than the kids- because the adults are doing more walking, stroller lugging, everything lugging, navigation, mental planning- especially if youa re doing it all your self. It adds up. Odd things can come up unexpectedly when you are out of your normal element. I'm not trying to scare you - you'll have a great trip I'm sure. I'm just saying, my personal comfort level is compromised if I'm tired.

If I was the only adult, my personal approach - would be to consider napping with the child, or maybe doing something very safe like hanging out on the room balcony while the child naps.

One trick we used many times over- is the pool break. If your energy level or the child's are not quite in sync- consider a trip to the pool, hot tub, or a simple bath/shower. For some reason showers are the least effective of the above. Whoever has the least energy, takes more of a 'soaking' approach. (or sitting by the pool) Whoever has the most energy, takes more of 'active' swimming approach. Even if the kids have slept in a car all day, while the adutls drove- a bath or pool dip gets everyone ready to sleep. And the pools at WDW are great fun! So my approach would be to plan daily pool breaks at some point in the day.