Everybody Needs A Nap

When in Disney World count on your kids needing a nap. From newborn, right on up to teenagers there WILL be a day in your vacation that you will want to lay on a bench and catch some Zs. There are many ways to keep this from happening, but that is a different blog post. Today we will explore the best places around the world to nap.

My Momma always said “Don’t EVER wake a sleeping baby.”

Magic Kingdom

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority – This people mover is a great place to settle down. Winding it’s way through Tomorrowland you will see things through a new perspective. If you have an almost asleep child, don’t be shy and ask to stay on another round. Many times there will be no one waiting and they will allow you to stay on. 
• Carousel of Progress – This is one of my most favorite things to do in the Magic Kingdom. It is also a great place for a nap.
• Walt Disney World Railroad – Movement is key on this as well. Taking a trip on the train will allow for shade and pretty scenery.

Epcot

**This is probably the best park to take a nap. Not to insinuate that this park is boring. In fact, there is so much to see and do that you may never be able to accomplish it all. However, there are so many good nap spots that I don’t think I can list them all.

• World Showcase Movies – Many of the World Showcase pavilions feature movies. These are great air conditioned places for a child to take a nap — American Adventure is probably your best bet. 
• Take a boat ride – travel across the lake from one side of the World Showcase to the other. Nothing is more soothing then floating across the water.
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure –  In my opinion this is the best place in the World to catch a nap (for adults and children). Following a 8 minute standing pre-show, you are seated in your moving cars. These take  you through various stages of the pavilion. You will be taken on a 25 minute journey, through diorama and screen. Plenty of time for a great nap.

Hollywood Studios

• Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream – This is a self guided indoor tour. Take your stroller in and enjoy the air conditioning!
• Streets of America – Wander around the Streets of America. There are plenty of shady park benches and you will enjoy seeing a side of the park that you may otherwise miss.
• Sci-Fi Dine In – This restaraunt makes a great place to nap. It’s dark, there is a movie playing and a great bench to stretch out on.

Sci Fi Napping

Animal Kingdom

• Tree of Life – This is a great spot for adult and kid alike. Along the trails winding throughout the Tree of Life you will find so many nooks to relax in. Find one and claim it has your own in the shade. You will not be sad you did. 
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Taking the train over to Rafiki’s gives your little one plenty of time to fall asleep. Once there find a shady spot, or hang out in the air conditioning.

Other Options

• Monorail – If you are in Epcot or the Magic Kingdom, taking a ride on the monorail can give you the air conditioned movement. And during the middle of the day it is usually pretty quiet. 
• Boat – If you are in Epcot or Hollywood Studios, taking a ride on the ferry is another option for a change of scenery.
• Child Care Centers – Every park has a child care center. There are a great way to allow for some down time. Rocking chairs are provided as well as a quiet place to wind down.

Kids aren’t the only ones that need a nap. Transportation is always a good bet.

Bus Ride Napping

Do you have a favorite place to nap in Walt Disney World?

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Adult Night Out – Child Care

Treating your child to a Disney vacation is something you have worked hard to do. You have planned, paid for and then created special memories with them in the parks. You have stood in line, ate at quick service dining and you have rode Dumbo 10 times in a row. You deserve a break! Disney child care allows for an adult night out. Whether you want to enjoy Wishes on the beach with your significant other, dinner at Victoria & Alberts or a night at the House of Blues there is child care to suite the age of your child, your price range and your preference.

In Room Babysitting

“Kids Nite Out” is the official in room sitting service of Walt Disney World, their web site is http://www.kidsniteout.com/. We have personally used them several times and we have never been disappointed. The first two times we used this service the young women who came were full time Disney employees and worked part time for Kids Nite Out. They told us that this is not always the case but it is not uncommon. When we were down last year, my brother had Kids Nite Out come at the beginning of the trip and watch his two little ones while they enjoyed the Chef’s Table at V&A (jealous!). A wonderful lady came to watch his children; she was a grandmother of 5 and it was clear from the start she loved her job. When our entire party joined up for the rest of the week we called and requested for her to come back. She and another young woman watched our 7 children, ages 1 to 12 for 4 hours. They read books, watched movies, had snacks and played games. They were in PJs and in bed when we came back from the House of Blues. Each time they have brought bags of goodies for the kids, and we have truly had wonderful experiences with the in room babysitting. I find their rates to be reasonable, $16.00 an hour for one child and $2.50 per hour for every extra child. There is a $10 transportation fee and a minimum of 4 hours. It is also customary to tip. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for child care options.

Children Activity Centers

Another type of child care that is offered by Disney is group child care.  There are several locations throughout Walt Disney World.

• Mouseketeer Club@ Grand Floridian
• Simba’s Clubhouse @ Animal Kingdom Lodge
• The Neverland Club@ Polynesian
• Sandcastle Club @ Yacht and Beach Club
• Cub’s Den @ Wilderness Lodge.

These children’s activity programs offer unlimited video games, movies, games, crafts and more. They all include dinner for the little ones.  Our children are not yet old enough for this type of child care. However, every time we went to Disney as a child my parents sent us to the Neverland Club one evening. This was always our favorite night of the trip. It was a treat to crawl through the window and enter the clouds that lead to Neverland. We never wanted the night to end. The clubs are open daily from 4:30pm to midnight and cost $11 per hour per child. There is a minimum stay of 2 hours, and reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance. You do not need to be staying at a particular hotel in order to take advantage of the club. You just need reservations.

Wendi’s Window that lead to a night of fun in Neverland

With these great options as a parent you do not need to feel guilty indulging yourself with some much needed adult time. Treat your kids to a night off and enjoy yourself!