taking breaks/naps

[k_hase]

We've been going to Disney with our kids since they were 3 and 21 months. Now they are 7, 5 and 17 months. What has worked for us is to have an early lunch and then leave the park about an hour prior to regular nap time (If nap is at 2, we leave at 1ish). We also drive our own car so we can get back to the hotel pretty fast. On the drive to the hotel for naps, I pass out some kind of cookie dessert which seems to amp them up temporarily and keeps them from falling asleep. In the hotel, I have a portable white noise machine running and all their favorite things from home (blanky, stuffed animal, etc.) Should they fall asleep in the car, what has worked for me is to let them run around for 30 minutes and then lay them down for their nap. They still need more sleep and a 30 minute cat nap shouldn't ruin things when they are exhausted from the day at Disney.

My plan is pretty much your plan! We take the break, planning to be back in the room minimum of 30 minutes prior to nap time. I bring the whole show--noise machine, lovies, etc. Somedays nap happens, some days it doesn't (just like home) but the 90 min-150 min break is needed by all. Then we can enjoy our night. We also only do one late night. My 3.5 year old will not sleep anywhere but a bed. And Disney didn't change that.