Family With Medals; RunDisney 10K; Stitch Hat; Lilo and Stitch Costume
  • On May 15, 2009
    Julie from OH Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Just read your ? about driving from NJ and that you usually drive all night. We have a long dirve from OH too. Wondering if you drive over night and arrive in AM, can you check into hotel for nap? What do you do to rest before check-in? TY.

    Hi, Julie!  You can always go and check in at your resort, but you may find that your room is not ready.  Sometimes, we've been lucky and had the room available, but many times, we do not have access to our room until after three in the afternoon.

    We don't need much of a nap.  We leave at dinner time, and the first driver will drive until one or two in the morning.  The non-driver sleeps from about eight o'clock, so that's a good nap right there.  When we switch, the other driver will take the wheel until seven in the morning, when the kids are starting to wake up.  We'll stop for breakfast - and a trip to Starbucks if we can find one - and we are usually at Walt Disney World by about noon.  That really only gives us a block of about three hours until we can get into our room.

    If you find that the trip has worn you out, which it sometimes will if you can't get the kids to fall asleep, we find that using those three hours to go to Downtown Disney is a pretty good use of the time.  It doesn't take a lot out of the drivers, but the kids get a little dose of Walt Disney World.  We'll grab a bite to eat (Earl of Sandwich is a favorite), browse the shops, and let the kids loose at the Lego playground.  Then we'll head back, relax, and head into a park for the evening, or go to a nice dinner.

    Another option if your room is not ready is to hang out by the pool.  If mom and dad take turns keeping an eye on the little one, you can get a nap in pool side.  Just don't forget the sunscreen! 
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Meet the Panelist: Anna, New Jersey

My name is Anna and I am a retired teacher with a J.D., a proud Navy wife with 30+ years of experience, mom to three daughters and a son-in-law, and grandmom to three tiny Disney fans. I have planned vacations for all sorts of special occasions and celebrations, but I really enjoy DVC vacations, helping military families, and assisting those with special dietary needs.    Learn More About Anna

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