Have you heard of the phrase “Disney tired?” It refers to the sheer exhaustion of long days spent at Disney parks. Between the walk to and from the hotel and getting around inside the parks, we usually walk at least ten miles a day. This can be especially hard on kids who are adjusting to sleeping (or not) in a hotel and general disruption to their routine.
I’ve heard of the fabled child who doesn’t need to rest on vacation–who will power through a day at Disneyland or California Adventure–but I can’t say I’ve ever seen one in the wild! For many families (mine included) avoiding kid meltdowns means either facilitating a stroller nap/rest in the park, or removing them completely for a time, so they can recuperate through a midday hotel break. Either way, make a plan then flex as needed to navigate the middle of the day at Disney.
Let’s compare and contrast stroller naps/rests vs. midday park breaks.
1 Stroller Naps and Strategic Rests
There’s close, onsite resorts like The Grand Californian and The Disneyland Hotel, and lots of offsite properties within walking distance as well, but if you’re not within walking distance of the parks, stroller naps and/or strategic rests can refresh even the crankiest child. Some kids can sleep anywhere, but if your little one needs coaxing, look for a reclining stroller with a canopy to encourage longer sleeps (you can rent a stroller at Disney for as low as $18/day). Drape a blanket over the stroller to block out light and muffle sounds. For even more white noise, consider a portable sound machine, and remember to bring a fan to keep napping kids cool if it’s hot.
In Disneyland, quiet areas to push kids around in strollers are the walkways in, out and through Galaxy’s edge at the back of the park; in California Adventure, try the lovely area that runs along Radiator Springs Racers, between Pacific Wharf and Cars Land behind Flo’s V8 Cafe.
Dine While They nap
Sleeping children also frees up grown-ups to enjoy a peaceful park meal. If your child falls asleep in the park and you spot a quiet bench nearby, grab it and send another adult for food (if you sit in one place long enough–like in front of the castle at Disneyland–you’re bound to see characters, cavalcades and even a parade go by.)
In California Adventure, Pacific Wharf can be a peaceful place to park & eat if no one is performing onstage, or visit the patio behind Flo’s V8 Cafe and watch the RSR cars zoom by. At Disneyland, the area between It’s a Small World & Matterhorn Bobsleds is a quiet place to park and dine, or try the dining areas detailed in this post:
Other Restful Options
Most lines are short early in the morning at rope drop, and then sometimes again at a mysterious mid-morning time. I’ve always wondered if this coincided with everyone’s child suddenly needing a nap. Whatever the case may be, check ride times across the park throughout the day so you can get used to the rhythms and take advantage of suddenly shorter lines (this often involves game-time decisions; flexibility in the parks is the name of the game).
If you stumble upon one of these mid-morning ride slumps, another way to maximize park hours while kids sleep in strollers is to focus on adult rides and rider switch while kids nap. Furthermore, if your child is small enough and prefers being help while they nap, I’ve seen adults carry sleeping littles on dark rides in Fantasyland, and even Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and Pirates. Do what works for you and your kids.
Since midday is generally a hot, crowded time when lines are long, you could also push your stroller into gift shops and browse without the hassle of kids wanting to grab everything they see. Alternatively, slow down the pace of the day with an afternoon parade (assuming your kids can sleep through it!) or dark indoor attractions like the ones listed in this post:
Best Places to adult nap in Disneyland
Finally, I see you, tired parents. Even adults may need a nap in the parks; after all, we’re spending the day making sure our kids’ needs are met. In our experience, the best places for adult naps in Disneyland are on Tom Sawyer’s Island, or riding all the way around the park on the train. In California Adventure, look for a bench in the shade near Grizzly River Rapids.
2 Midday break
There’s really no substitute for a midday, offsite break from the parks. We actually like midday breaks even more now that our kids are older, so the whole family can cool off in the pool, freshen up, nap, shower, and recharge our batteries (literally and figuratively). Try aiming to leave the park around lunch or naptime, either grabbing food before you go, stopping at a restaurant on Harbor, or eating lunch in your room if you have a kitchenette or mini fridge. If it’s too far to walk back to your hotel, check and see if Anaheim Rapid Transit can get you quickly to and from your room.
Once you get used to midday breaks, it’s hard to go back. Some families bring grandparents on vacation, who are happy to take little ones back to the hotel so adults can stay and play. If your trip is more than a couple days long, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hit every attraction on your list, and a midday break shouldn’t make you miss out on a thing. You’ll be better able to burn the candle at both ends–with rope drops and late night fireworks–if you know you can count on a midday break during the hottest, busiest peak of the day. After your rest, head back to the parks before dinner, refreshed and renewed.
Takeaways
We’ve tried all of these options in the past, and found that success depends on the day, kids’ ages and temperaments, how many days long our vacation is, whether or not we rope drop and many other factors. Play it by ear, feel it out, and go into your magical vacation knowing you’ll have plenty of options along the way!
Follow us on Instagram @almostfreetraveling and join our learning community on facebook.com/almostfreetraveling.
Almost Free Traveling 
Leave a comment