to nap or not to nap, that is the question

[kimara]

we will be going in february when park hours are 10-8. we will be there 1/2 hour before it opens and are staying right across the street.
when the park is open from early until late we follow hydroguys tips about taking a mid-day break for swimming and napping. but i don't think we ever do that when we go during off season and the park is only open for 10 hours.
do you still take a midday break?

(we have a two year old & 5 year old plus older kids)

 

[darph nader]

How many days are you going? If it's just 1 day,stay. If it's 2 or more take a break,but that's just me.

 

[Gisele]

I don't normally go back to do so, but then, I normally do not need a nap. And I do not have any tots. I was tired this past visit though, but I was resolute on staying in the park (Dl) although while stepping off of the train, my ankle went out a bit on me, from all of the walking and standing I had done at Dl. the day before, and I almost fell down those steps. Thank god, I was able to catch myself in time, so I did not go far. Maybe I should have taken a nap that after noon. Thing is though, I had not made it into the park until high noon, for I had a some what long night, but it was a wonderful night all the same.

 

[kimara]

darph nader--we will be there for three days, wed-friday.

gisele--glad you weren't hurt too badly! i don't plan on any super late nights with the kids...but you never know

 

[darph nader]

How many days are you going? If it's just 1 day,stay. If it's 2 or more take a break,but that's just me.

How the heck do you 'delete' this post?????

 

[sonnyjane]

If you're there three days, then I'd definitely leave the parks for a little while. You don't have to nap, or even swim if you don't want. I've just learned that getting back to the hotel and just sitting on the bed watching TV for two hours or so makes a world of difference!

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

i always say NAP!

 

[Kayla's Mom]

For us, we have never gone back to the hotel to nap or for a break. Our girls (well only our youngest now) sleeps in the stroller when she gets tired.

 

[happysmyly]

When have we taken a break? I must not have been on that trip--but - that's why it's great to take 'Aunt Liz' along--so that the older kids can stay in the park and play while the youngest and the gma return to the hotel and nap

I'm happy to take each 'older' kid for 1 day so each gets 1 on 1 time to do whatever they want to do (well, unless, of course, they want to do Tower of Terror or Maliboomer).

I do know that they kids love the indoor pool as part of the whole experience--and it's always less crowded in the afternoon than it is after the parks close.

 

[Gisele]

For us, we have never gone back to the hotel to nap or for a break. Our girls (well only our youngest now) sleeps in the stroller when she gets tired.

I personally have tried to take a nap in a stroller at Dl before, but no sooner I was able to get comfortable, people started to stare a bit, laugh, then take pictures.

 

[kimara]

usually we nap in the stroller or DH takes them back for a nap. since DH isn't going it will be more difficult cuz i have a childish side that says i need to be there from rope drop until they kick me out.

happysmyly--watch it or i will tell them aunt liz volunteered to take them swimming every day

 

[kimara]

I personally have tried to take a nap in a stroller at Dl before, but no sooner I was able to get comfortable, people started to stare a bit, laugh, then take pictures.

you are hilarious!!!

 

[DangerMouse]

Definitely NAP! Everyone is happier at the Happiest Place on Earth after a nap.

 

[darph nader]

darph nader--we will be there for three days, wed-friday.

Maybe first day,Commando. After that a nap. Never hurt me none. And I was on a solo trip.

 

[kylieh]

If it avoids a melt down, have a break/nap. Think about how your kids go at the local zoo/fair/etc after a whole day. That may give you clues on what to do.

 

[pigletforever]

I know if I don't have my nap I get whiny by dinner time.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I've never had the option of taking a mid-day break for a nap for DS, but when he was 2.5 and under, he sometimes fell asleep in the stroller. One visit, I was high-tailing it from ToonTown to Playhouse Disney Live, and sure enough, by the time we got there, DS was out like a light!

We've done many daytrips by the time he was 3.5, and usually from rope drop until late afternoon, though we have gone until close a few times. He is 4.5 now and still needs a nap in the afternoon, but when we are at the Happiest Place on Earth, he does pretty well without one.

As always, YMMV. But if it were me, I would try doing the first day without naps, and if that just doesn't fly, you will know that naps are needed the next 2 days.

 

[Gisele]

you are hilarious!!!

Gracias........

 

[Brancaneve]

I don't normally go back to do so, but then, I normally do not need a nap. And I do not have any tots. I was tired this past visit though, but I was resolute on staying in the park (Dl) although while stepping off of the train, my ankle went out a bit on me, from all of the walking and standing I had done at Dl. the day before, and I almost fell down those steps. Thank god, I was able to catch myself in time, so I did not go far. Maybe I should have taken a nap that after noon. Thing is though, I had not made it into the park until high noon, for I had a some what long night, but it was a wonderful night all the same.

It looks like all the ballet paid off....it kept you graceful while tumblind down the stairs.

 

[BC Disney Lover]

My kids are 4 and 5 and don't usually nap at home. Sometimes they'll fall sleep late at night in the stroller while at Disney. We are the type of family that stays rope drop until they kick us out.
Even though we don't leave the park, sometimes we need a break from the crowds. Some things we have found to work are:
-a trip around the park on the train
-hanging out in the Animation Studio Buildings
-a meal at Whitewater Snacks
-taking the exit out of California Adventure and sitting in the lobby of the Grand Californian
-taking in a Billy Hill Show is a nice change of pace
And if we leave the parks just going to Denny's is a nice break

Have a great trip!