How to Fit it All in? Nap or No Nap?

[dzorn]

I think you will be happier having a break in the park.

I would eliminate either Beauty and the Beast or the Little Mermaid show.

I'm also not a fan of the stunt show but knowing how boys love it, that will need to stay in.

If you get there at RD, you will be able to fit alot in. Especially if you are skipping TSM.

For the Jedi Training you need to head over there and sign your son up as soon as the rope drops. Otherwise he might not get in. I had also heard that the child needs to be with you when you sign up. I don't know how true that is since my kids are older. Hopefully someone who has actually experienced it will know.

Good luck!

DD loves the Beauty and the Beast show. It would be on the top of our list.

Denise in MI

 

[PHXscuba]

If you can send a grandparent back to the hotel and get the youngest to nap, you could hit the bigger rides (with FastPasses acquired in the morning) while they nap. Or same effect with grandparents and child in a cool, quiet place inside the park.

I don't think there's any way to fit everything in in just a day. Get everyone's top two priorities and be happy if you accomplish those. Everything else you fit in is a happy bonus!

PHXscuba

 

[vic'sDisney6]

Yes Nap but take advantage of extra magic hours!

 

[Donalyn]

Our last time at DHS, we skipped the nap and we paid for it for the next two days. But that is my kids.

I don't think that you can do everything, but it is fun to try (as long as you can handle if it doesn't happen).

We are big character hounds, so I'm trying to figure out how to see Phineous and Ferb, and get TSM FPs and right RRC and ToT and new Star Tours, etc... The challenge is fun.

 

[needtoplan]

Just took our nearly three year old in May- we did not go back for a nap all week - not once.He did take a late nap in his stroller on three different afternoons for an hour. But, I will say my DS is just a trooper. He sleeps when he feels tired and he doesn't fight it. Ultimately, it depends on your kids- and only you can be the judge of that.

Because you have little ones- make use of child swap- You essentially get a free fastpass if you and DH take small child to entrance of RR or TOT and ask for child swap pass.
As for shows- we park hopped and did HS one day until after parade and then came back one afternoon at three and stayed through the evening to watch Fantasmic. We did nearly everything- love TSM, love Beauty and the Beast, love Lights, motor, - Indiana Jones eats up a lot of time- we had seen it before- we skipped it. Disney Jr. show is GREAT FOR KIDS-
We saw little mermaid show and I'll be honest- I would skip it and it's my favorite Disney movie. Beauty and the Beast so much better.
We skipped American Idol - really felt DS would have no patience with it. But we did everything else and got buzz and woody autographs, sorcerer mickey, and the Incredibles autographs. We rode TSM, TOT, and RR twice each by coming on different days.

 

[tina.tina]

I think our recent first family trip was greatly enhanced by our ability to be flexible and not feel like we had to do everything. We missed a bunch of stuff but we thoroughly enjoyed what we did. DH & I only had one disagreement the entire 9 days we were at Disney and I believe that it was because of our (my) flexible attitude and my resolve to not feel disappointed or cause the kids to feel disappointed in anything we missed. Having new stuff to see will only make our next trip better. (Before we went, we thought this would be our only trip.)

If your DS likes video games at all, I would do TSM.

DS5 refused to nap when we went back to the room. We all lay there for over an hour in the dark and it didn't work! When we went back to the park he was so tired he was grumpy & cried over every little thing which is very unusual for him. I sat still with him on my lap & tried to make him at least rest his head & it didn't work. I wouldn't have a problem with letting a 1 year old nap in her stroller as long as it isn't too hot/cold.

 

[Colleen27]

It depends on your kids and how much they need the nap. On these boards people tend to predict meltdowns if you don't take breaks to go back to the resort but for my bunch it has been just the opposite - midday breaks were an ordeal full of stress and upset kids. With judiciously planned meal breaks and conveniently timed dark/calm attractions around nap times we've done much better using a TS lunch as our break and letting the youngest sleep in her stroller as needed.

Your best bet for fitting everything in is divide and conquer - I assume your 5yo isn't all that interested in the princess shows, and your 1yo is likely to be frightened or bored by the stunt show and Indy. We have the same situation with our kids, so our plan generally involves some all-together time in the morning to hit TSM and baby swap Star Tours, Tower of Terror, and Rock N Roller Coaster. Then we split up for a bit to hit the shows - DH takes DS to the "boy" shows and I take DD2 to the "little kid" shows and to see some characters (DD9 sometimes goes with me, sometimes with DH). Then in the afternoon we have more all-together time for the Muppets, using up any FPs we have on hand, and maybe fitting in some of the "if we have time" attractions like Great Movie Ride or Backlot Tour before calling it a night.

 

[mom2rtk]

I tried (and tried and tried) getting my kids to nap when we went back to the hotel room (onsite) when they were little. Neither of them would nap - this includes my younger one who was a very good nap taker at home.

This is why we never used this approach. It takes a lot of time and effort to go back to the resort (especially to the GF from DHS) and if you don't know if they'll really nap..... it could just be time lost. I'd do a sit down restaurant for a break and chance to get off your feet mid-day. Let the little one sleep in the stroller.

This is very different from what I'd suggest for those touring in the summer. December isn't going to suck the life out of you with heat and humidity. And if it's like it was LAST December........... well...... pack your gloves. But it's AWESOME to do Disney in a sweatshirt and Mickey Santa hat!

See you there!

 

[hollygolitely93]

thanks everyone! i am doing naps for mk and epcot days...none for ak as it doesnt make sense with the commute to GF...we will just do an early night.

i am giving serious thought to a TS as a break...my son will nap late and hang on...my daughter is too young to predict as now we breast feed...the ultimate soother...not sure we will still be doing it at 15 months?

i also love idea of divide and conquer. i have my slow parents with us...so can send boys for indu while girls do beauty.

we are doing prime time for dinner...maybe brown derby for a relaxing lunch break?

 

[Selket]

This is why we never used this approach. It takes a lot of time and effort to go back to the resort (especially to the GF from DHS) and if you don't know if they'll really nap..... it could just be time lost. I'd do a sit down restaurant for a break and chance to get off your feet mid-day. Let the little one sleep in the stroller.

Yes - well I tried it one trip and that was enough for me to know after a few days it wasn't going to work! It takes a huge amount of time to get back to the resort (probably an hour each way). The kids sometimes would fall asleep on the bus ride then wake up when we got to the resort and not want to sleep again of course. We were there in the hot, hot summer that trip but it was still a waste to nap - maybe a break at the hotel and swimming or hanging out - that is what we eventually did.

If you have just one day at DHS then you may not have time to see what is going to work. In the winter I wouldn't bother with the nap - parks aren't open that late other than Christmas. In the end do what you think best and save the rest of the attractions for the next trip!

 

[csjordan]

Just to add one more thing. My kids only have a certain amount of time they can walk around the parks and be happy. If we skip naps, then we end up having to end the day earlier because the kids are tired and cranky. If they get a good nap, we can stay at the park later since they are refreshed and recharged. And a little down time can be good for the adults too.


Also, I agree with previous poster, do not skip TSM.

One other thing to consider...if going in early to mid-December, DHS is likely to close pretty early. Possibly not like Summer/holiday hours. Check park times, as this could factor in your decision. When my two were that young, I had a double stroller and that is where they napped. We never went back to the hotel. Shouldn't be blazing hot during your trip, either, so that will be nicer for your children. We went to WDW first week of December in 2008 and it was nice during the day, not hot, but chilly/cold some nights.

edited to add: Don't skip TSM. It is a lot of fun for the entire family!

 

[TisBit]

First, stop trying to fit it in. Its designed so that you can't, and it will cause meltdowns all around if you try (and fail). Better to accept that you won't do everything and then enjoy the things you do decide to do. And take a nap. Meltdowns are more likely if you are overextended, overheated, tired or hungry (that goes for adults as much as kids!).

If you insist on trying, position your seat close to the exit and leave a few minutes early. As an example, you can do a 12:45 indiana jones show and slip out at 1:10 to beat the crowd and probably make it to lights motor action for the 1:20 show if you run (and there is no line, ha ha). I have actually done that one successfully, but you'll never do that if the crowds are big b/c the shows fill up. you need crowds that allow a walk in at showtime.

My advice, go back on another day. Plan another trip too. There'll always be something to look forward to.

Absolutely correct...the shows are designed to pull people out of the parks and not have everyone run from one show to another, making just a large crowd moving together. Pick and choose your favorites, you might be able to get the 1 y/o to take a break/nap in the stroller while you and DH do the adult rides.

I would just pick what shows are most appealing to you.

 

[rotlex]

We have an 8 year old and a 2 1/2 year old. (current age). We have taken 3 trips to Disney in the past 2 years with them, and never do naps. Takes far to much time, IMO, to head back to the room, nap, then back to the parks. Our kids seem to do fine, 2 year old here, with simply napping in the stroller, restaurant, or anywhere else he is tired.

 

[hollygolitely93]

Think I have it figured out...

8:05 Hollywood Vine Character B'Fast
Rope Drop (DH and DS go to sign up for Jedi Training)
TSM (FP)
Mermaid
Disney Journey 9:45 am
Use TSM FP
Tower or Terror
Beauty and Beast 11:30am
Lunch (Starring Rolls)
Indiana Jones 12:45 pm
Hotel 1:30-3:45 (with bus time...22 mins DHS to GF ) If napping in stroller we can just sit and rest on a bench for an hour or so!
GP, DH, DS Lights thingy and stunt shows (4:30 pm) while GM/me/DD stroll shops on main street
Dinner 5:30 pm
Osbourne Lights

If I could fit Star Tours in where would it go???

Of course if we miss something we will be flexible but at least I will try and see what we can. I have to cut out Muppets but really that was for me and DH as my kids don't know who they are. I cut American Idol as I did that for GP and GM (they love the show) and thought they would think it cool. We don't need to do characters as we see Woody at MK (3 days) and have b'fast with Disney Jr guys! Perhaps if time allows before the Lights show DH can take DS to see Cars. I think this gives us an orderly way of doing the park with minimal walking and hustling of grandmom who has the bad hip!!!

Critiques?

 

[angelmichelle]

For the rest period, I would do AI. Or let the GP/GM do it while you rest outside. It's a really great show. My mom won't stop talking about it. And it's so COOOL in there - a nice heat relief!

 

[Selket]

Indiana Jones 12:45 pm
Hotel 1:30-3:45 (with bus time...22 mins DHS to GF ) If napping in stroller we can just sit and rest on a bench for an hour or so!
GP, DH, DS Lights thingy and stunt shows (4:30 pm) while GM/me/DD stroll shops on main street
Dinner 5:30 pm
Osbourne Lights

Well - the Indiana Jones show - if it starts at 12:45 is 30 mins long. It takes quite awhile to exit the theater and walk all the way out of the park to the bus stop (assuming no one needs to stop for a drink or the bathroom). Then you have to wait for the bus, then ride the bus, then get to the room. I think best case scenario is you are on the bus by 1:30 and back to the room (literally in it) by 2pm.

Is this the whole family going back or just you and the baby?

If you are trying to turn around and get back for a 4:30 show - working backwards I'd think you'd need to be in line by 4:15 at the latest and it would take (for the car stunt show it is way in the back of the park) like at least 20 mins to get off the bus, through the turn styles and briskly walk there (can everyone walk fast?). So you'd need to arrive by bus by 3:55pm - so this means leaving the GF around 3:30. Of course you don't just wake up from the nap and find yourself at the bus stop - everyone has to get ready, find their thing they cannot find, get downstairs, etc.

I know I'm going into detail but honestly this is what is is like when I take an afternoon break. I have to allow around an hour coming and going. Unless the break is 4 hours it just isn't worth it. YMMV of course!