How to get in naps?

[PattiPooh]

We are traveling with us and FIL and MIL with our 22 month old. Right now, the way it all looks, we have no time at all planned for naps. She is going to be worn out! That doesn't seem right to me at all. We don't have anything set for the afternoons of our 5 days there, but we will be in the parks. The way my daughter is, whe won't sleep in the parks because too much is going on. We have stuff planned every single night! Fantasmic, VMC party, Illuminations, Spectromagic and Disney Wishes and then MGM on the last night for lights and Choir.

I am thinking that I am mostly going to see her face, he eyes... so, I might have to leave the parks and go back to the room each afternoon for a nap. Even if we just get in an hour, I think that is better then nothing. What do you guys do?

Sorry, I am posting late as we leave tomorrow! (11/27)

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

this is what we used to do. We never went back to our room for naps, by the time you get back they are recharged. A nice ride around on the monorail a couple of times, or the train, or just napping in their strollers. Sometimes just relaxing in the park does wonders for everyone. Some of the rides are perfect for a nap for everyone actually. LOL!

 

[PattiPooh]

We do have a larger stroller we are taking with us so she can nap in there. I just want it to be fun for her and not way overloaded, especially with the evening activities. Hmmm.... might have to just cut some of the time short.

 

[tadamom]

I second the nap on the monorail. We never went back to the room for naps when we were there in May. My DD was 2.5 and my niece had just turned 2. My niece napped in the parks while we were walking around and on the monorail some. My DD fell asleep on It's a Small World (that would do it for me). That ride is so much repitition that she fell asleep pretty quick. You might also try the Tomorrow Land Transit Authority and The Dinosaur ride in Epcot -- I fell asleep during the dinosaurs on my first visit (I was 22!)

 

[missmun52]

I find that taking a break mid day helps everyone. you can try doing the nap in the park thing but be ready to just leave if baby starts being really upset because of being tired and the in-park naps dont work.

I generally go in the hotter times so getting out of the heat is a must and the heat tends to make you more tired. Even if you do the in-park nap, I would suggest a late start one morning mid stay or an early evening because baby can get overwlemed and so can everyone else as the trip goes on; even at the happiest place on earth

 

[Princess Roo]

I think it really depends on the child - what they need to "recharge". For my DS, if we didn't go back to the resort for him to get a real nap then he was a nightmare by 6PM. Others kids can just snooze in the stroller or on the monorail. Mine would sleep 15 mins and wake up cranky. Maybe you could try the 1st day no nap and see what happens - being ready for someone to take her back to the resort and skip evening activities if needed?

So, for us, we got to the parks at opening and then headed back to the resort around noon, spent a few hours in the room, and then went back to the park late afternoon. Some days just I would go back with him, some days just DH, and some days all of us. For us, it is just part of traveling with a toddler and the trips have still been WONDERFUL.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

A stroller with recline.

But some days we do go back for a nap. Even going for a swim or quiet time in the afternoon at a nearby resort is helpful (monorail resorts).

Yes, it take stime to get back tot eh resort, but as someone else said, the trip on the bus is more or less a quiet time, too.

Even if you don't achieve full nap, getting a break form the noise and continuous stimulation is helpful. That's one reason why we only plan one or two character meals at the most, even a quiet relaxing meal is a break from it all (like lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe). Another thing you can do to get ina little quiet time is to arrive at your resort ADR early. the kids can have some downtime in the lobby area while the parents maybe enjoy an adult beverage or just relax and people watch some of the better places to do this are GF (live music in afternoon), AKL ( lobby), WL, Poly (lounge area), CSR (out by the marina there are tables). At many resorts there is a lounge poolside. Even if you aren't going there to swim, you can sit and relax outdoors.

 

[disneyfan4u]

We went later in the day and let our DDs sleep in. Better to have a great shorter day then to have to stop and go back and mess schedules up. You don't have to be there at opening to have a fun filled day. Have fun!!!

 

[TJA]

Take a very comfortable stroller from home that reclines and has a big canopy. Also take a favorite stuffed animal/doll, anything that your child is used to sleeping with. I never thought my girls would sleep in the stroller at WDW at that age, but both girls did. I'm a firm believer it's because the stroller was so comfy for them and they could cuddle with their stuffed animals.

As far as going back to your room each afternoon, I would say it depends on where you're staying. If you'd have to bus or car back and forth, then I don't think it's worth wasting the time and effort of unloading and folding the stroller, etc. However, if you're staying at a monorail resort or Epcot resort, then I'd consider taking a quick trip back to your room.