Best Stroller Nap Locations in Walt Disney World

Disney World can be exhausting - especially for babies and toddlers. And while you might be hoping to head back to the hotel for midday naps, life doesn’t always work out that way. Your older child is screaming about wanting to ride Astro Orbiter while your baby is beyond cranky because they are way past a nap, and your own feet are aching as you realize you already walked 25,000 steps - and there is just no possible way you can imagine lugging everyone (and everything) onto the resort buses. I’ve been there!

Or maybe, both kids have fallen asleep in the stroller and the thought of having to remove them (and your entire life) out of the stroller to load it onto a bus only for them to wake up just as you reach your resort and scream about needing to go back to the park is nerve wracking. I’ve also been there!

So, what is a parent to do in this situation? Find the perfect spot to take a break! And, most importantly, find a location that allows strollers. Most restaurants and attractions will not allow you to bring the stroller, so don’t bother trying to see an indoor show. Of course, you can always find a random bench or just keep walking around with a sleepy child but you also deserve to relax.

Here are my favorite places in Disney World to take a break with a stroller:

Magic Kingdom:

Top spot: Tomorrowland

Head towards Monster Inc.’s Laugh Floor (PS one of my favorite shows - be sure to check it out!). Across the way, you’ll see (I imagine) about seven billion strollers in stroller parking. There are always a few benches or seats along the wall and columns. With the People Mover directly above you, you’ll get some much needed shade to avoid the heat from the sun. Plus, if your older child is still awake, you can have the second adult (if you have one) head over to one of the many rides in the area: Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear Spin, or even Space Mountain (if they are tall / brave enough). Another perk, in that same area is a Joffrey’s kiosk (called “Revive”). Get yourself a coffee (I recommend a Nitro Cold Brew – yum!) and a giant donut (cause you deserve it).

Need AC? Big Top Souvenirs

Across from Dumbo the Flying Elephant you’ll find Big Top Souvenirs. Here you’ll typically find an allotment of candy, pins, and a few other items. While it may not always have seating or be the most exciting area, it tends to be an easy shop to navigate with a stroller (especially a doublewide). And it is never overwhelmingly packed, making it a pretty easy area to break from the sun, especially if your other child is waiting to meet one of either Minnie or Daisy (found in this area) or enjoy Dumbo.

Runner Ups:

If you’re interested in doing some serious shopping, head over to the Emporium (on Main Street USA - near the front of the park) instead of Big Top Souvenirs. This is the largest souvenir shop at Magic Kingdom, meaning it’s usually the busiest, and can sometimes be hard to get to (especially during parade time). But, it is a great place to escape the heat while also shopping. It may not look like it’s that big, but once you get inside you’ll notice that it connects almost the entire length of Main Street.

Is your older child getting hot and not in the mood to wait in line for a ride? Put on their bathing suit (if you have it) and head over to Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station (also near Dumbo and Barnstormer). Your older child can get out some much needed energy while cooling down, and you’ll be able to grab a seat while your baby naps in the stroller. There isn’t a ton of shade here so be sure you have your stroller fan accessible (and maybe take a stroll through the water yourself - you deserve it!).

EPCOT

Top Spot: American Adventure pavilion

Head towards the Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (located in the American Adventure Pavilion) for a great nap location. While you can utilize the tables right outside of Regal Eagle, I like to go towards the alleyway right after it (as you are walking towards the Italy Pavilion). It’s usually pretty empty, making it a great way to escape any noise. Grab a seat on the wall and enjoy the natural shade from the trees. Plus, if you’re hungry, you can grab some pretty awesome BBQ and a beer to enjoy here along with some peace and quiet.  

Runner Ups:

If it’s earlier in the day (prior to 3 pm), head towards the United Kingdom Pavilion (look for The Hooligans in the My Disney Experience app or on your map). There is ample seating and shade. Plus, on either side of the gazebo are identical hedge mazes. This is a perfect place for your older child to run around while your baby naps in the stroller. Be sure to check the showtimes for The Hooligans – starting (typically) at 3 pm, the band will bring noise and crowds. If your baby is good at sleeping through noise then stick around. If not, better be sure to leave before then.

Another great spot - the Test Track entrance area. The beauty of this area is that it’s completely covered – perfect escape from the sun. Before heading there, stop by the Joffrey’s kiosk near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and then enjoy the shade with a delicious coffee. The downside of this area is the sound of the ride can sometimes be loud. If your child is a very light sleeper, this may not be the best area.

Hollywood Studios:

Top Pick: Sunset Boulevard

While this area can get a bit crowded due to the popularity of Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, there are plenty of food places leading up to those big attractions (all with covering). Rosie’s All American Café and Catalina Eddie’s offer a selection of American Food and beverages. Grab some food and/or a drink, and sit at one of the many picnic tables. All offer shade!

Runner Ups:

If Sunset Boulevard is a bit too crowded, grab your food to go and head towards Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy. This area is rarely crowded. Downside: there isn’t much seating. You may be able to grab a seat on the curb or find a bench (if you are lucky). If your preschooler is in need of AC, have them head into Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy (with another adult) to watch the show while you stay with the baby – it’s a 10 minute show and can be entertaining to the younger children or those who are Cars obsessed. If your child is older (or loves thrills), it’s not too far from Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Have them enjoy that ride (with an adult), while you enjoy a break with the baby.

No where near Sunset Boulevard or looking for something different? Head towards Grand Avenue (look for Muppets 3D). Outside of the ride, there is a good amount of seating (including a covered area near stroller parking) that can serve as a good resting area. It can get a bit crowded as the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge is right past it, and sometimes the line for Rise of the Resistance stretches to this area. Once you find a seat, look at the buildings and artwork throughout the area - you may have a good chuckle.

Animal Kingdom:

Honestly, I’m always fascinated by the sights at Animal Kingdom that I typically enjoy walking around while my kid sleeps, even though I tell myself to sit down and take a break. If you time it correctly, you can spot Kite Tails on Discovery River. While you cannot take your stroller into the outside theater, you can spot a good amount of the show as you walk around the river. If you need a quiet spot and a seat, head over to DinoLand USA (near TriceraTop Spin). There is a food kiosk that offers a few snacks and drinks (also beer), as well as picnic tables with umbrellas. Pandora – The World of Avatar can be a bit crowded but it’s a fascinating walk (especially at night). I had little difficulty navigating with a doublewide stroller (side by side) and two sleepy kids.

Alternative Options

If you are truly trying to escape the craziness of the parks but do not want to worry about collapsing your stroller, you still have options (as long as you are at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios).

If you’re at Magic Kingdom, head towards Grand Floridan via the walkway near the monorail. Once you exit Magic Kingdom, go past the monorails and should see a sign for the walkway (or simply ask a Cast Member if you cannot). The walkway goes around the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering a cooling breeze and beautiful view. Plus, once you arrive at Grand Floridian, you can explore the beauty of this resort – from the grand piano in the lobby to the yachts in the marina, you’ll be at peace when you arrive. You might even spot a bridal party getting ready for the big day! Another option, head towards The Contemporary and explore this iconic resort (home to Chef Mickey’s and so much nostalgia). Unlike Grand Floridian, this resort may be a bit nosier since the monorail literally goes through the lobby, but it does offer unique ambiance.

Spending the day at EPCOT? Then head towards the International Gateway (better known as “The Back Entrance”) located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions. This is also where you can locate the Skyliner station. Walk out of the park this way and take a stroll around the Crescent Lake. Here you’ll be able to see Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club or visit The Boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. While fun to visit, note that this area lacks a good amount of shade so it could be pretty hot depending on the time of year.

And finally, if you’re looking to escape Hollywood Studios for a bit, head out the front entrance and past the Skyliner. There is a walking path that will bring you to the Boardwalk area as well. It’s about a 20 minute walk (a little longer than from EPCOT) but a good option, especially if you are planning to park hop to EPCOT but need some time to kill in-between with a sleeping baby.

Where are your favorite places to head to with a baby sleeping in a stroller? Leave your favorites below!

Ready to book your Walt Disney World Adventure? Request a free quote or contact me to get started.