Grandpa’s guide to napping your way through Disney was a completely unplanned, yet amazing part of my trip.  Here’s how it came to be:

This past trip to Disney was a big deal for my kids because they were going to have both sets of grandparents (as well as an aunt, uncle and 2 cousins) in attendance.  I was excited because I hadn’t been on vacation with my parents or sister in about 20 years.  I planned this trip for the better part of a year, hoping to create the most magical vacation for all 14 travelers in our party.

I planned everything from reservations, to dining, to fast passes.  What I didn’t account for was my Dad’s napping schedule.

My Dad has always had a strong work ethic, but with all of that hard work comes the need for naps.  I shouldn’t have been surprised when on the first day of our trip and having been up since 4am, my Dad was looking for a spot to catch a few ZZZ’s in Epcot.  After all, he is a professional napper.

I thought, wow, this could be good.  So I spent the rest of the vacation catching him in one of his favorite pastimes.  Just goes to show you that in all the chaos you can always find some peace.

There is a long ramp to walk up to Soarin’, where alongside runs a nice bench.  Apparently this was all that was needed on day 1.

 

Think you can’t nap on rides?  Think again.  Small world is an air-conditioned, slow ride that could easily get you rejuvenated.

 

I guess the Magic Kingdom was really wearing him out because Dad went for round 2 on the Town Hall porch. 

 

Possibly touching fungi-foot from other vacationers?  Not a problem, it’s a great place to rest your head while keeping your body cool.

 

After getting caught in a downpour at Animal Kingdom we attempted to wait it out for a few minutes right outside the entrance.  While I tended to the baby, Dad took a rest.

 

Dad was reminiscing about Space Mountain 20 years ago when he would run through the park with me and my sisters and go on a few times in a row.  This time around he needed to regroup afterwards.

 

My parents and sister flew home a few days earlier than us so this photo credit goes to Meredith.  Dad was down for the count before wheels up.

 

I have always admired my Dad’s worth ethic, but after this trip, I really admire his napping skills.  I decided to take a page out of his book on my final night in Epcot.  I have to say, it was pretty comfortable.

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel