How to let kids rest/nap w/o stroller

[molly2004]

Just want to pick your brains a bit.

The boys will be a couple months shy of 5 when we go to WDW next. They haven't used a stroller since our last trip to WDW (we took two single Macs). DH really wants to ditch the strollers, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself I should do this.

We'll be staying at Saratoga Springs with no car, relying on Disney transportation. Going back to the resort for a nap is a waste since they won't actually nap when we get there. Last time, they would only nap in their strollers on the way to the hotel; they'd wake right up when we got there. Schlepping around strollers just for napping seems bonkers; renting them for the same purpose seems wasteful and bonkers. We take very little with us to the parks so we don't need the strollers to store stuff. It's just rest time I'm concerned about.

So how have you all created rest time for your kiddos who no longer use strollers?

Thanks!

 

[molly2004]

No suggestions?

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

I have heard that going on one of the longer slow rides is a great way to do this, I don't know...mine NEVER nap! Just an idea!

 

[blessedby3]

Sorry I cant help you. We still used the stroller at 5 for sure. It just cut down on whining and being tired for my DD. She didnt ride in it all day, but was able to jump in and out when she needed. She also fell asleep in it every night and we were able to stay in the parks very late and just push her along. I would stick to my guns on this and tell DH that you still need them. I just re-read your post and saw that they arent even 5, but 4. My DD used her Mac Volo until she was 8! Maybe you could just take one and have them take turns if you didnt want to have both strollers. I dont know what you would do if you didnt go back to the resort. Maybe just find a bench and rest or sit down for a meal? There is really no where to "sleep" in the parks

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

I say don't bring one, and see how things go - play it by ear. If they start whining and really seem like they need a good rest, try sitting them down for a drink in a quick serve kind of place. If that doesn't seem good enough, the next day you can rent a stroller.

 

[4fordisneyworld]

We have a 3yr old and a 5 yr old and I would not do without! We did not take it into MGM because it was so much smaller but would have died without it in Epcot. The girls crashed in the stroller while we took our time enjoying the world! Plus unless you have had them walk that far for that many days in a row I would not chance it! I know I don't want to be carrying a kiddo all day! But I can see your point....it is a pain but a well worth it pain for us!

Maybe next trip we will be down to a single stroller! Good luck with your decision!

 

[mericletwins]

My kids used strollers until they were 6 or 7. It's not that they needed to nap, but it made the day less exhausting and more pleasant for everyone. Disney is the only place we used the strollers. They hadn't been in the strollers for several years other then WDW. I would take both or on eof the strollers or rent. We also go back to our hotel for some downtime now. Usually at the pool.

 

[_queenie_]

My DD3.5 was fine w/out a stroller last month, but we never stayed at the parks long anyway because my DD13 had some bad food poisoning and coudln't walk very long the whole week (wasn't eating and was feeling faint for several days). She's never been much of a napper (heck, sleeper in general), but a few times she did fall asleep on my lap on the bus/boat and at restaurants late at night.

 

[Camno's Mama]

Mine will be five in July, and I'm definitely bringing a stroller for him this April! He has a ton of energy, but tends to get tired after a while. He also always has his own idea of which direction we should go, so I like the idea of making him sit down once in a while. Especially if we want to move quickly across a park, into the entrance, etc.

It will be nice to have it at the airport, too! If you have a place to park the kids, you won't have to keep track of them as they run around!

 

[gracefor5]

I with all those saying yes to bringing strollers. I am in the same boat. I also have a 5 year old who never uses a stroller anywhere. Not even when we go to DL, but I figure several days in a row of parks and she'll start to weaken!! I want as little 5 year old drama as possible, so I'll be bringing my stoller.

Kim

 

[chip007]

We brought ours for DD4 and it was great. We didn't need it most days and just left it in the room. We didn't use it for HS or MK except for the P&P Party. But it was a life saver at Epcot (stroller nap for 2 hours) and at AK, which is a lot of walking for anyone.

 

[Matt'nMeg'sMom]

Ditch the stroller! It's so FREEING!

It's easy to rest anywhere in Disney. Take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Ride the train around the perimeter of MK. It's a Small World. and that's just Magic Kingdom! Epcot is particularly wonderful - lots of gardens and benchs.

Disney is a relatively passive experience. Wait in line, sit on rides, watch a show. Most rides are of the enjoy-the-music-and-watch category. (while i strongly disagree with my SIL's assessment, she found Disney so "boring" she can't see any reason to go back!)

If you feel you must take a break - find a bench, and send dad or mom for a snack. We enjoy our breaks so much at Disney World. The kids put their heads in my lap, or lean against me. We doze or people watch. 20 minutes and a snack is all it takes for a great re-charge!

 

[scrapquitler]

One of my family's favorite "sit and rest a while" strategies might work for a quick nap, or at least a quiet rest....we ride the TTA 2 or 3 times in a row. Usually if the park is not packed, the Cast Members will let you stay on and ride a second or third time without getting off if yo ask. We normally sit down, take our shoes off and relax for a few rides.

 

[scrapnmom]

My DS was 4 and a couple of months when we went. He really surprised me. He refused to ride in the stroller and walked the entire time. We did go back to the hotel so DD could nap. On the first day, we had DS lay down, thinking we could all nap but he couldn't sleep! So, one of us stayed in the room with DD and the other took DS swimming. He made it the whole day just fine. We're planning on going back when DD is 5 so we won't need a stroller at all.

So, I really think you should try without the strollers and see how they do. You can always rent one if you need to. I agree with PP, the TTA and the railroad are great places to rest in MK.

Plan on going at their pace and taking breaks when you need to.