How long should I schedule for afternoon breaks?

[TeamEvansGo]

Heading to WDW in September 2015. My son will be 3 and I am trying to figure out how much time to allot in the schedule for our afternoon breaks. We will be staying at Pop and using the buses, so I'm guessing maybe 3 or 4 hours.

Anyone done a trip with a 3 year old that can suggest a good amount of time for R and R before heading back to the parks?

 

[Robo]

Heading to WDW in September 2015. My son will be 3 and I am trying to figure out how much time to allot in the schedule for our afternoon breaks. We will be staying at Pop and using the buses, so I'm guessing maybe 3 or 4 hours.

Anyone done a trip with a 3 year old that can suggest a good amount of time for R and R before heading back to the parks?

Yup. 3 or 4 hours makes sense.

Lights off. Curtains drawn. Wake-up call set on the room phone.
Peaceful.

 

[TeamEvansGo]

Yup. 3 or 4 hours makes sense.

Lights off. Curtains drawn. Wake-up call set on the room phone.
Peaceful.

Would that include the travel time between parks and hotel? It's been 7 years since my last trip, and I've never stayed at Pop so I'm not sure how much time it will take on the buses.

 

[Mikie]

Using a Disney buses, I'd say it will take at least 3-4 hours to get "home" and back and actually rest in between.

I always planned to take the midday break advice when mine were that young, but it didn't really work that well for us - we started early-ish, but not rope drop, then weren't really ready for a break until early to mid afternoon. Sometimes kiddo would fall asleep on the bus but then be awake at the room and the whole thing was kind of a waste. Perhaps we simply failed in our timing/execution, but I'd say be prepared for some alternate "slow down" ideas like riding a few loops on the monorail or boat, slow rides/shows in the park, long table service lunch, in case the mid day break all the way back at resort doesn't work out for you but you still need a chill out period.

 

[minnie mum]

3 - 4 hrs worked well for us. We would typically leave the park right after lunch, collapse for a nap in our cool room and/or have a dip in the pool, shower and dress, and head back out around 5 pm. We didn't do it that on our AK days though because they close so early. We concentrated on indoor, air conditioned attractions in the afternoon there.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

We're figuring from around 1:30 till whenever the afternoon rain ends should be perfect.

 

[jimim]

Even before kids we bolt at 12 isn and then either swim or sleep and then shower and back out for dinner and night hopping. We usually eat about 530 or so. Just us though. jimi

 

[chocovrdmicears]

3-4 hours at least - depending on the heat. If you leave early afternoon (12-1 or so) and head back to the resort....I would plan on at least 3-5 hours of down time..pool or nap. We find the worst time of the day for the heat is between 3-5. We make an effort to avoid returning to the Parks during that time. You will be melted before you get a chance to make your second start.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

4-5 hours. Transport takes a while, getting back to the room takes a while, your child will want to swim before or after nap and for sure lights off and black out shades drawn for nap. LOVE that down time at the resort! Our whole family naps because we are up late and head out early in the mornings. The heat is a huge energy zapper also.

 

[Summertinkerbell]

If he still naps, you will need to include that time plus any pool time you may want to have, then shower, and getting ready again. If you are able, nap with him. Kids aren't the only ones who get overtired. Bring ear plugs, cause the resort noise in the afternoon can keep you from falling asleep. In total, four hours should be enough for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Enjoy watching your child experience the magic. There is nothing else like it.