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Why Sleeping In Can Make Your Next Disney Vacation Even Better

When you think about a trip to Walt Disney World, sleeping in might not be high on your to-do list. After all, there’s so much magic to experience! But allowing yourself (and your family) some extra rest during your vacation can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time. While waking up early for rope drop has its perks, there are plenty of reasons to slow down, catch some extra Z’s, and recharge for another magical day.

Here’s why sleeping in during your Walt Disney World vacation might just be one of the best decisions you make.

1. It’s Your Vacation—Rest and Recharge!

Walt Disney World is a place of excitement, but it’s also a vacation! You’ve likely spent months planning and saving for this special trip, so don’t forget to enjoy it. Resting up allows you to refresh and fully enjoy each day’s activities without feeling exhausted. Sure, early mornings in the parks can be magical, but that doesn’t mean you need to be up with the sun every day.

Sleeping in allows you to approach your day with a calmer mindset, giving you the energy to explore at your own pace and enjoy the magic without being overwhelmed.

Guests walking down Main Street, U.S.A. in Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

2. Avoid the Morning Rush

The mornings at Walt Disney World can be hectic. Everyone seems to have the same idea: get to the parks as early as possible! This results in large crowds at the bus stops, in the food courts, and at the park entrances. By sleeping in, you can avoid the early-morning hustle and enjoy a more relaxed start to your day.

Rather than rushing to catch a bus or dealing with long security lines, sleeping in allows you to leisurely enjoy breakfast and then head to the parks when the initial rush has died down. Crowds tend to thin out by late morning, meaning you can walk right into the parks without feeling the pressure of the early-morning rush.

3. Late Nights Mean Late Mornings

Walt Disney World offers amazing nighttime entertainment, from fireworks spectaculars like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom to Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These events often mean late nights for your family, especially if you want to stick around for the final shows.

If you stay out late, whether for fireworks, extended evening hours for Deluxe Resort Guests, or the After Hours events, it’s a good idea to allow yourself to sleep in the following day. This way, you can balance late nights with restful mornings, ensuring that you don’t burn out halfway through your vacation.

4. Older Kids Appreciate It

If you’re traveling with tweens or teens, getting them out of bed early each day might be a challenge. Teenagers are notorious for wanting to sleep in, and while Disney is exciting, the combination of long days in the parks and late nights can leave them feeling exhausted.

Planning some sleep-in days during your vacation can help keep the peace and allow everyone to feel more energized for a full day of fun. Your older kids will appreciate the extra rest, and you’ll avoid the stress of trying to get them out the door before they’re ready. Everyone wins!

5. Savor a Relaxing Breakfast

Some of the best dining experiences at Walt Disney World are during breakfast hours, and by sleeping in, you can enjoy a more leisurely meal without feeling rushed to get to the parks. Iconic spots like Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort offer incredible breakfast options alongside character appearances from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy.

Topolino's Terrace Breakfast, Disney's Riviera Resort
Credit: Visit Orlando

By starting your day later, you can also explore other Disney Resort restaurants, such as Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These slower starts to the day give you time to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and perhaps even check out a new Disney Resort while you’re at it.

6. Avoid Burnout

The fast-paced nature of a Walt Disney World vacation can leave even the most seasoned park-goers feeling tired. Spending day after day walking miles through the parks can catch up with you, especially if you’re dealing with Florida heat. To avoid burnout, plan a couple of mornings to sleep in and take it easy.

Instead of heading to the parks right away, use this time to explore your resort, swim in the pool, or simply relax in your room. Walt Disney World vacations are a marathon, not a sprint, and taking a slower pace now and then will help you enjoy the experience even more.

7. Enjoy Your Resort and Other Disney Resorts

One of the best ways to appreciate your Walt Disney World Resort is by taking the time to enjoy the amenities, and sleeping in gives you the perfect opportunity to do just that. Instead of rushing off to the parks each morning, take a stroll around your resort, grab breakfast at a leisurely pace, and explore the beautiful grounds.

This can also be a great time to visit other Disney Resorts. Whether you’re checking out the grand lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or wandering through the lush landscape of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, exploring other resorts is a fun way to see more of Disney without the pressure of park hopping.

A collage of four Walt Disney World resort images. Top left: A Polynesian-themed Disney Deluxe Resort at night. Top right: A beachfront resort with Grand Floridian-style architecture. Bottom left: A lakeside resort with Victorian-style buildings. Bottom right: An African lodge-inspired resort amidst trees.
Credit: Disney/D23

8. Balance is Key

We’re not suggesting that you sleep in every day of your Walt Disney World vacation. After all, there are some fantastic perks to being in the parks early—lower crowds, shorter wait times, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. However, balancing early mornings with restful ones will allow you to enjoy all that Walt Disney World has to offer without feeling worn out.

Plan a couple of days for rope drop, and then sprinkle in some sleep-in mornings to keep everyone well-rested and ready for the magic. Your body will thank you, and so will your family!

Conclusion

Walt Disney World is an exciting, magical place, but even the most energetic travelers need time to recharge. By allowing yourself the freedom to sleep in on certain days, you can enjoy a more relaxed, enjoyable vacation. Whether it’s avoiding the morning crowds, savoring a slow breakfast, or simply taking time to enjoy your resort, sleeping in can make your Disney experience even more magical.

So go ahead—sleep in, recharge, and get ready to experience all the magic that Disney has to offer!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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