Hi Liz, thanks for bringing your question to planDisney!
I often visit Walt Disney World Resort with my young sons and their grandparents, so I know how special it is that you and your grandson get to experience the magic of Disney together. And I’ve traveled with a 4-year-old before, so I ALSO know how important that afternoon nap is!
When you’re visiting the theme parks, you are welcome to come and go as you need during the day. While one of my sons was able to nap in his stroller, my youngest needed to return to the resort to have a dark, cool, and quiet place to rest. We easily hopped on the
complimentary bus system back to our resort, spent some time relaxing, and returned to the theme park refreshed and ready to go! One thing to note is that if you are planning on
park hopping after 2 p.m. and visiting a park that is not your original park reservation, you must first visit the park you have a reservation for.
One of my favorite tips for visiting Walt Disney World Resort with young kids is to
schedule a table service meal every day. It gives the whole travel party a chance to sit in an air-conditioned environment, enjoy a meal, and rest for an hour or so. I always recommend a character meal like
Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast at Garden Grill in EPCOT, because you get the chance to meet several characters in one spot, and THEY come to YOU!
And if your grandson is anything like my sons, Lightning McQueen is currently a household favorite. We always try to visit
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s an indoor show featuring Lightning McQueen and several of his friends and it's sure to keep your grandson’s attention.
I also recommend
renting a stroller inside of the theme parks. Sometimes my kids aren’t ready for a nap, but don’t want to walk anymore. The stroller lets them rest their legs, and who knows, they may even fall asleep and dream of
“a great, big, beautiful, tomorrow” as you push them through Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom Park.
Enjoy your magical visit to Walt Disney World Resort with your grandson, Liz!
Visit me again at planDisney if you have any more questions!
Kaitlin