Mid-day break from Parks?

[MJ6987]

Hi Everyone,
What are your views on this? The Unofficial Guide to Disney emphasises the value of taking a mid-day break from a Theme Park - i.e. going back to your hotel for something to eat / a swim / a nap / a rest for around 4 hours before returning back to the park for parades and fireworks. They especially recommend this if you have children with you.

So we are going in Feb 09 (me, wife, 2 girls aged 6 & 9) and thinking of using this type of plan for a couple of days when we are planning to watch the fireworks, e.g.

Go to MK for "ropedrop" - do the rides up to about 1pm, then drive (by car) back to Regal Sun Resort (in DTD area) for a break, then driving to Contemporary Resort for Chef Mickey's dinner at 5pm (leave the car there) before walking into MK for Parade at 7pm and Fireworks at 8pm (then obviously back to car).

Basically, does this sound feasible? Or will it take us so long getting to and from the Park that we will not get much of a break? I was thinking that an alternative plan would be to go for a break in one of the Resorts near MK (e.g. Wilderness Lodge or Grand Floridian) - but would it be feasible to spend a few hours there as a non-guest? (is there anything stopping us using the pool for example?). Or any other suggestions?

I have not been before so not sure how long things take?

Thanks all,
Matthew

 

[kldmom2000]

I noticed you're staying off-site. I don't know how much more time that would eat up as opposed to the sometimes slow Disney transportation to the Disney resorts....

That being said, we ALWAYS take a mid-day break, but we're also there when it's hot. We have to escape the mid-day heat by going swimming and getting out of our sweat-drenched clothing

We generally hit the park for the rope drop.... then stay until after lunch. After lunch, we take the bus back to the hotel and swim/cool down for a few hours. We then return to the park for dinner and stay well into the evening

Our girls will be almost 8 and almost 6 on our next trip, but we've always done this.... This will be my 19th trip to WDW and our girls' 4th. My parents used to have us do the park all day long when we went many years ago, but I just can't do it that way

Everyone is different though and depending on the time of year (I noticed you're going in Feb.) it won't be as hot as August so the cool down part might not be necessary....

Enjoy your trip no matter what you decide!

 

[Boncho]

I'm sorry but you will not be able to use the pool, they are for resort guests only. I don't know how long it would take to get back and forth from your hotel, but when we go to WDW we always take a midday break. Staying at Pop, it is very easy to hop on the bus to go back to the resort for a swim during the day - it refreshes you so you have more stamia for the evening trip back to the parks.

 

[kldmom2000]

(is there anything stopping us using the pool for example?).

And I forgot to mention that no, you can't use the pool at any Disney owned resort unless you are a guest at that resort or a DVC member It's posted at each pool and the attendants (esp. at Stormalong Bay @ the YC/BC) check room key cards to verify that you're a guest.

You are more than welcome to browse around the resorts and check out the gift shops, but beware that the pool hopping topic can get rather vicious here on the disboards

 

[Bev J]

We generally do just like you plan, get to the parks early and take a break early afternoon. You pay plenty for your hotel so why not make sure and enjoy it too. It's good to get away from the high pace of the parks for a while each day. Sometimes we visit another resort and have a nice lunch or go to DTD and so some shopping.
You can visit any resorts and maybe rent one of the little boats and check things out. But you can't use the pools unless you are a guest there. We have also enjoyed mini golf as an afternoon getaway.
Even if we go on an adult only trip we still take a break most days in the afternoon, it's not just the kids that need it!

Have a fun trip

Bev

 

[scoolover]

Mid-day breaks don't work as well in the winter months as they do in the summer months because the parks are not open as long. They are still worth taking.

 

[toostsmom]

I'm on the other end of the arguement. February is a great time to come weather-wise. You're not going to be heat-exhausted. Our trips are usually so short, we spend one day in each of the parks, and want to get every minute out of it that we can. So yes, afternoon breaks are important to keep up your stamina and not kill the kids, but we usually take them by planning the indoor air conditioned stuff (in the parks) when we need a break (think Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress in MK) and just slowing the pace for a while.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Taking a break to go back to your resort depends on your family, how many days you have for the parks and how much stamina you have. It does take a lot of time to get back to your resort, no matter where you stay - if you are in the back of the park and have to walk all the way to the front of the park, then for the MK get on the monorail, or ferry to get to the parking lot, take a tram to get to your car and then drive to your resort and then reverse this process to get back to the MK later in the day - this can eat into your park time. However, you may feel that your family really needs to get away.

An alternative would be to buy a cool snack, find a quiet spot (yes there are quiet spots in all of the parks) and take an hour break a couple of times throughout the day to sit and relax and let the kids decompress without the hassle of trying to get back to the resort. The park hours in Feb. may be shorter than they are in summer anyway (if it's not a holiday time) so you already will be trying to do what you want within a smaller window of time and your children are not real young where they need a nap (?) but just may need to sit and relax for a little bit.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[eliza61]

You may find in February that you don't need a break. Unless it's presidents weekend the crowds will be lighter and it's not oppresively hot so we can move a bit slower actually take a lot of "mini sit down and relax breaks" right in the parks.
Unfortunately, as every one else stated you can't use the resort pools but it may be a little chilly to swim in anyway.

 

[stepdisney]

Matthew,

The big benefit of staying on Disney property is that you can use the transportation and not have to worry about driving back and forth. If you plan to eat at the resorts like you posted, consider staying on Disney property. There are great room choices for any budget and the benefit of taking the bus back to the resort and swimming and/or resting mid-day make the trip more relaxing. I see that this is your first trip. On our first trip, we made the mistake of staying off property (didn't know about the DIS board in 2000). Unfortunately, you cannot use resort pools unless you are a resort guest. In 2005 we stayed at Pop century, our second trip to Disney, and it made a World of difference. As one poster said, you spend a bit on your resort, it should be a part of your vacation experience. When you stay on Disney property, you never leave the "magic" experience. Whichever you choose, an afternoon break is always the best way to enjoy your vacation in my opinion.

Have a great time. !

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Go to MK for "ropedrop" - do the rides up to about 1pm, then drive (by car) back to Regal Sun Resort (in DTD area) for a break, then driving to Contemporary Resort for Chef Mickey's dinner at 5pm (leave the car there) before walking into MK for Parade at 7pm and Fireworks at 8pm (then obviously back to car).

I wanted to address your plan to park at the CR and then go to MK. You can't do that. They are pretty strict at the CR and even if you have an ADR for Chef Mickey's, you will only receive a 3-hour parking pass. Since you will have already paid the $11 parking fee for the day, just show your receipt and park at the MK parking lot (a/k/a the TTC) to gain re-entry. Get on the monorail labeled "Resort Monorail" and take it to the CR (it will be the 3rd stop after the Poly, the GF and the MK). After dinner, you can walk to MK for the evening, then monorail back to the TTC to retrieve your car.

As far as taking breaks, it will depend on your family. In February, which won't be terribly hot, you may not need to. My oldest is 6 and I know he can go all day without a break. We sometimes do not take a break, even with a toddler - he naps in the stroller fairly well and we find that by the time we get back to our resort and lay him down he is re-energized and never sleeps.

I hope your first family trip is wonderful!

 

[imthatgirl]

if i were going in february i would not plan mid day breaks, for 3 reasons. 1. the parks arent as crowded. 2. its not hot and 3. the parks close early.
instead i would skip the rope drop and plan to get to the parks around 10-11 after a good nights resta d then stay all day. there really is no need to rush tot he parks. but then you could always leave if you wanted to, even if you didnt plan it.
ok wait i should clarify, are you going during feb vacation? then it will be pretty busy and you might wnat to egt there earlier.

we always go in august, so yes we always plan a mid day nreak to get out of the heat, but if it wasnt hot i wouldnt bother.
how we generally do it is. we get to a park early(never rope drop, thats not as great as it sounds) stay through lunch then we head back to the resort(we rent a car and stay on property) then we go to a different park that night. this way we do each park more than once and we feel like we get more out of it this way, theres no need to get everything done in one day, because we're coming back.

oh and im sending youa message in a minute

 

[caroline1851]

I know a lot of people go by the "take a break in the middle of the day" way, but i'm not going to, for the most part. I feel it will be more exhausting to get the kids back tothe bus, back to the resort (they won't nap after only 4 hours in the park), swim, get ready again to go out, back to the bus and back to the park.

Epcot is the only day we're going to do that. FW for a few hours in the a.m., then our resort to swim, then WS in the nightime-it's also our only late night, but my kids are 6 and 2.

I plan to hit the parks when they open at 9am and then just go until maybe 3 or so and then back to the resort for swimming/dinner, etc.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Aside from the pool hopping aspect of your idea, is the idea of parking all evening at the Contemporary to go to MK. You'll typically get a three hour pass for while you eat. After that you are supposed to move your car. Folks here have reported seeign towing for cars that abused the 3 hour limit. Especially at the monorail resorts. I haven't seen it myself, but....

Otherwise, you can take a break at the monorail resorts, in that you are allowed perfectly allowed to get a drink at the bar or snack at teh QS or something. Nobody is goign to stop you from spending money in the resort gift shops!

I also disagree that Feb. is a bad time to take a 'break.' In February, typically, the days at upper 70's to 80's, but the nights and early am's are COOL to downright COLD. Whenever we go that time of year, we at least go back to your room to put on long pants most days. In the am, I can usually survive with shorts, t-shirt, and light sweatshirt. In the PM thouh, long pants will make you much happier. plus, if you are having a nice dinner, long pants make you feel more dressed up. The parks are WONDERFUL at night and late, lies are short.

Typically, when we take a break, we don't stay at our resort very long. We might run to the pool for 40 minutes; we might lay on the bed for 30; we might grab a snack or drink and sit in the food court. We might run to the hot tub for 20 (20 minutes in the hot tub will do your legs/feet wonders!)

As for the kids, the trip to resort (sleeping in the car) is a break in itself. Even if they dont sleep, it is quiet time. WDW is great, but all your senses are bombarded the whole time: walking, sounds, popcorn smells, colorful visuals, candy.

Now we don't take a break EVERY trip, or every day. Very young kids can nap in the stroller. Sometimes, we sleep in. You'll need more breaks if one of the kids is sick (Happens SO OFTEN during COLD season trips....seems like someone always gets sick just before a trip...Yet the kids tend to perk up once they are in Florida....)

If you do head to a monorail or Epcot area resort for a break - try taking the boat. It's slow and a great way to relax. Plus the kids won't know it's a 'break.' All the resort lobbies have comfy chairs that are usually vacant. Thekids can watch cartoons, mom and dad can ahve an adult beverage (or coffee! )

Last, if you do this, be certain to allow anough time to get back. That can be the clincher! If you have a car, the trip will be faster, but it can still take 30 minutes or more. At WDW, you never get to park right next to where you want to be, and all paths are as LONG and roundabout as they can be. So like getting from the parking lot to Crystal Palace in the MK could take 25minutes easily in itself! It's also easy to get lost driving around WDW. I also like staying onsite, but teh DTD reosrts are fine - esp. if you have a CAR. Really, the DTD resorts are right next to Saratoga Springs and POFQ - not much further.

(Incidentally, even with kids, we tend to be in the parks from 9am until midnight EMH, if a park is open that late. One trip we went from 7am until 1am for four days ina row - no afternoon breaks.)

 

[Disney8704]

One big problem with your plan. You CANT leave your car at the contemporary after eating dinner. You can only park there long enough to be at the resort and thats it. A max of 3 hrs is allowed.

Hi Everyone,
What are your views on this? The Unofficial Guide to Disney emphasises the value of taking a mid-day break from a Theme Park - i.e. going back to your hotel for something to eat / a swim / a nap / a rest for around 4 hours before returning back to the park for parades and fireworks. They especially recommend this if you have children with you.

So we are going in Feb 09 (me, wife, 2 girls aged 6 & 9) and thinking of using this type of plan for a couple of days when we are planning to watch the fireworks, e.g.

Go to MK for "ropedrop" - do the rides up to about 1pm, then drive (by car) back to Regal Sun Resort (in DTD area) for a break, then driving to Contemporary Resort for Chef Mickey's dinner at 5pm (leave the car there) before walking into MK for Parade at 7pm and Fireworks at 8pm (then obviously back to car).

Basically, does this sound feasible? Or will it take us so long getting to and from the Park that we will not get much of a break? I was thinking that an alternative plan would be to go for a break in one of the Resorts near MK (e.g. Wilderness Lodge or Grand Floridian) - but would it be feasible to spend a few hours there as a non-guest? (is there anything stopping us using the pool for example?). Or any other suggestions?

I have not been before so not sure how long things take?

Thanks all,
Matthew

 

[hart6066]

The thing that jumped out at me is that you are planning to leave the park at around 8pm--you're not thinking of staying out until 10 or later. I think if your plan is to hit rope drop (which shouldn't be much earlier than 9) then that's simply not that long of a day with little ones. Last year ours were 5 and 2--we hit rope drop--DEFINITELY do that--and then left the park a little after lunch and went for a bit of a rest at GF or Poly. You can sit inside, they have little TV's running Disney cartoons by all of the check in stations, go to one of the food court areas to get a little snack, rest in the comfy lobbies, etc. Your little one could nap in a stroller and you could even take older one to walk around outside, do a boat rental, etc. I think the big differences are the heat and leaving the parks early. Mine are afraid of fireworks and so we NEVER stay for those or night time parades--we always have a 6/7 dinner and then leave. I think the better way to use the resort is either to plan a half day in the park and go back to the hotel for the rest of the day one day, or to schedule a very early dinner, and head back around 6 to enjoy it. Do what is best for you, but just keep in mind how late you are thinking of staying. Good luck!

 

[hart6066]

At 6 and 9 obviously NO ONE is going to be sleeping in a stroller!! I just don't think you'd need to go all the way back to the resort for a rest, especially at their ages. There are a lot of "down time" things to do in the parks, and going resort hopping is a favorite activity for many people. If you thought you might stay at parks super late, you might actually need a nap, but otherwise you might just need a touring break!

 

[MJ6987]

OK, as an alternative plan: if a rest is needed, what about going to one of the Disney Resorts near MK - one of the monorail ones or Wilderness Villa? Is this a good way to spend a few hours, and if so, which resort/s would you choose and why?
Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

If you want to visit resorts...I think your girls would love the Grand Floridian. A cute picture spot is the kids waiting area. When we stayed there my son likes to sit there everyday and watch tv. The grounds is pretty...alot of good picture shots. Then you can take them on the monorial ride and said if you can sit on the front to be co-pilot. When we stayed at GF this was my son favorite thing to do. Every evening he had to ride the monorial around and wave at the castle as he goes by. They also have tea time at GF...cute for your girls ages.

I do think your kids are old enough not to need nap.

Enjoy and have a magical vacation.

 

[imthatgirl]

OK, as an alternative plan: if a rest is needed, what about going to one of the Disney Resorts near MK - one of the monorail ones or Wilderness Villa? Is this a good way to spend a few hours, and if so, which resort/s would you choose and why?
Thanks,
Matthew

the only question i have is, what would you do there? sure you could walk around and look around, but after a few minutes i would think youd run out of things to look at. or you could hang out in the lobby, but again why?
we have at times gone to a resort to look around, but just because we were curious if it were someplace we wanted to stay, but not as a break, so i just dont know.