Hiya, Samantha, and welcome back to planDisney! I couldn’t be more thrilled that we’ve become your trusted source for Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning assistance. Bringing a little one to the Most Magical Place on Earth is an exciting experience, and I am glad that you are thinking about how to get some good rest during your vacation.
Samantha, while it’s not always possible to maintain your daily routine during your vacation with little ones, I advocate sticking to a similar schedule to the one you have at home. Your days at the Disney Theme Parks will be filled with new and highly stimulating experiences and lots of moving around. You might find that your son falls asleep in his
stroller at times when he normally doesn't nap - or you might find that he is so engaged that he skips his normal rest time altogether! If he's the kind of kiddo who needs to be in bed to take a much-needed nap, you'll want to carve out time during your day to head back to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel room.
I can tell you from my personal experience that you should expect and plan for the unexpected during your vacation with little ones. My daughter actually loved sleeping in her pack 'n play, but she wouldn't always stay in it throughout the night during our vacations. Sometimes, she'd try to crawl in bed with me, and sometimes I ended up needing to give her a "big girl bed" with rails on the side to keep her from rolling off. She would nap often during the day, which would push her bedtime back quite a bit. We did our best to remain patient, knowing she was trying to get the rest she needed, when she was able to get it. Rope-drop isn't for the faint of heart (but it's so worth it)!
Sleep is so important to my family, because I know that a poor night's rest doesn't bode well for the following day. We do everything in our power to make our kids feel comfortable at night so that we can all get some well-deserved shuteye. For you, this might include bringing your son's pillow, blanket, and comfort items. It also might include
requesting a crib at your
Resort hotel or renting one, as well as setting up a Slumber Pod. If he's used to a sound machine, bring that as well! You might want an extension cord to ensure it reaches far enough. If you have an extra bed in your room, you could consider requesting bed rails at check-in. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you need from a helpful Cast Member - they're happy to help in any way possible!
Samantha, I can't sign off without recommending that you check out the
Baby Care Center at each Disney Theme Park. They're not just for little babies! You'll love the clean, dedicated feeding and changing spaces. They make for a great place to take a sensory break, because they're typically cool and quiet inside. You'll find essentials available for purchase, and they're the only place you can find over-the-counter medications specifically formulated for children in the Parks.
I hope this is helpful as you continue to plan for your vacation! Please stop back by planDisney with any other questions you have!
See you real soon!
Jennifer