Best Places for Baby and Toddler Naps at Disney World

Quiet Places for Stroller Naps at Disney Parks

Disney is crowded, loud and overstimulating for EVERYONE! Add overtiredness to the mix, and your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth becomes a nightmare. If you have a little one, you’ll need to build in time for naps - especially if you’re up early for rope drop or staying late for fireworks! These can be in the stroller, holding them on a dark ride or while watching a show, or heading back to your hotel. There are plenty of places at the Disney parks for stroller naps that are quieter, shaded (or in air conditioning) and without too many distractions! Here is a list of the best places for naps at Disney!

But first, to make the most of these on-the-go naps, make sure to bring a travel stroller that fully reclines and has a fan, and consider using a stroller cover that can darken the space and reduce stimulation (just make sure that your child isn’t getting overheated if it’s a hot day).

Magic Kingdom:

• Tom Sawyer Island: Find a shady bench away from the park's hustle and bustle along one of the shaded paths 

• East Center Street on Main Street, USA by the Main Street Bakery: this off the beaten path spot usually has tables and chairs and is shaded from the surrounding buildings

• Baby Care Center near the Crystal Palace: restrooms, feeding areas, rocking chairs, and a small store 

• The back right corner of Tomorrowland to the right of Space Mountain: this spot is often empty and is a shaded spot to sit and relax (if it’s a particularly busy day, this area can be used to add extra lines for Space Mountain).

• Grassy hub by Casey’s Corner: it’s not shaded, but generally pretty empty with a great view of the castle for you - best for naps on cooler days when you actually want to get warmed up in the sun!

• Columbia Harbor House quick service restaurant: the second floor is often quieter and less crowded

• Pinocchio’s Village Haus quick service restaurant: there are several dining rooms - the further in you go, the less crowded it’ll be

• Big Top Souvenirs (near the Dumbo attraction): this large shop has air conditioning if you want to be on the go and shop while your little one naps

• Some slower, darker rides and attractions (mostly with A/C) where you can hold your child for the nap if they can sleep through noises: People Mover (10 minutes), Carousel of Progress (21 minute show), Pirates of the Caribbean (8.5 minutes), PhilharMagic (12 minutes), It’s a Small World (10-minutes), Hall of Presidents (25 minute), Walt Disney Railroad (outside and not dark, but a 20-minute ride)

Epcot:

• Baby Care Center: near Mexico, towards Test Track (some say this is the best one out of the four because it’s the largest…)

• Japan: the gallery is air conditioned, is often pretty empty and has rotating content to showcase. The Zen garden with water features is also a soothing place to relax.

• Morocco: there are out of the way nooks that are shaded - perfect for sneaking in a stroller nap

• UK: there’s a quiet park in the back with benches

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends: the aquarium is never too crowded and a good place to cool off in the A/c

• Some slower, darker rides and attractions (mostly with A/C) where you can hold your child for the nap if they can sleep through noises: Spaceship Earth (16 minute), Living With the Land (15 minute), Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico (7 minutes), The Seas with Nemo (5 minute), The American Adventure (29 minutes), Beauty and the Beast Sing-A-Long in France (15 minutes)

Hollywood Studios:

• PizzeRizzo quick service restaurant: this two-floor restaurant is all indoor with A/C. Head up to the second floor and there is a back room that is often quieter and less busy.

• Tower of Terror exit: the shaded area by the exit is out of the main traffic of the attraction and often a quiet area to get your little one to nap

• Baby Care Center: to the left of the park entrance

• Some slower, darker rides and attractions (mostly with A/C) where you can hold your child for the nap if they can sleep through noises: Frozen Sing-a-Long and Mickey (30 minutes), Minnie’s Vacation Fun Animated Shorts (11 minutes), Muppet Vision 3d (17 minutes)

Animal Kingdom:

• Baby Care Center: on Discover Island near Creature Comforts

• Discovery Island Trails: walk the winding trails surrounding the Tree of Life

• Restaurantosaurus quick service restaurant: this restaurant has several dining rooms - the further in you go, the quieter it’ll be!

• Some slower, darker rides and attractions (mostly with A/C) that you can hold your child for the nap if they can sleep through noises: Finding Nemo show (25 minute), Navi River (5 minutes)

Other tips!

• There’s a saying that there’s no tired like Disney tired…so if your child has never really been an on-the-go napper, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to snooze at Disney with all the fresh air, excitement and long days!

• If your child needs a stroller nap but is too overstimulated, try one of the “boring” rides or attractions to help get them in the mood for sleep.

• If you have park hopper tickets, riding the Friendship Boat, Skyliner or Monorail can be an easy way to get your child to fall asleep more easily with motion.

• If there isn’t a line waiting for the attraction you’re on (like the People Mover) and your little one falls asleep on the ride, many times the cast member will let you ride it a few consecutive times

• Current rules say strollers ARE allowed in quick service restaurants, but are NOT allowed in table service restaurants. Try going to QS restaurants during non-peak meal hours for a better chance of finding a quiet spot!

• The Baby Care Centers don’t seem to have a clear stroller policy…It seems that it can depend on the cast member who’s in charge there that day.

• You don’t have to stay at the parks from open to close! Many families with young children will do an early start and have an earlier bedtime back at the hotel or let everyone sleep in in the morning so they can stay up later in the evening. It’s also a great idea to head back to your room for a solid afternoon nap out of the sun in a quiet, cool and “familiar” place!

But here’s the biggest tip…if your child isn’t sleeping well at home and still needs your help to fall asleep and stay asleep, fix that BEFORE your trip! It’ll be so much more enjoyable and you’ll be less stressed about the whole sleeping situation! If your trip is at least two weeks away, we can get your child on a better schedule before you leave - schedule an evaluation call HERE!

Baby and Toddler Naps at Disney

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This post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you, your child and/or your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your child’s physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.