As one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Disneyland attracts millions of guests each year. With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that visitors can easily get tired out after a long day at the parks. This leads many Disneyland guests to ask: Are there nap areas in Disneyland where I can take a break? The short answer is yes, there are a few designated nap spots scattered throughout Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure park where weary park goers can catch some quick shut-eye.
Baby Care Centers
One of the best places for napping in Disneyland is inside the Baby Care Centers. There is a Baby Care Center located in both Disneyland park and Disney’s California Adventure park.
The Baby Care Centers provide a calm, quiet space where parents can care for infants and small children. However, even guests without little ones can utilize the comfortable benches and rocking chairs inside to take a nap. The dim lighting and lack of crowds make it an ideal nap nook.
Keep in mind the Baby Care Centers are designed primarily for parents with babies and toddlers who need a break. Be respectful of families using the facilities and don’t overstay your napping welcome if others are waiting for the space.
Disneyland Baby Care Center
The Baby Care Center at Disneyland park is located next to the Plaza Inn restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. It’s open from park open to park close each day.
California Adventure Baby Care Center
In Disney’s California Adventure, the Baby Care Center can be found next to the Ghirardelli ice cream shop in the Pacific Wharf area. It is also open during regular park hours.
First Aid Centers
Along with Baby Care Centers, Disneyland and California Adventure have First Aid Centers located in each park. Like the Baby Care Centers, the First Aid spots make for another quiet location to sneak in a nap.
The First Aid Centers have beds, chairs, and benches where you can relax and recharge. Keep in mind that guests needing actual first aid assistance take priority. Don’t overtake the space if others require medical care.
Disneyland First Aid Center
The main First Aid Center at Disneyland park is found at the end of Main Street U.S.A. next to City Hall and the lockers. This location is open from park opening until one hour after park closing each day.
California Adventure First Aid Center
At California Adventure, the First Aid Center is located next to the Ghirardelli shop in Pacific Wharf. It’s open during regular park hours.
Quiet Places Outdoors
In addition to indoor spots like the Baby Care Centers and First Aid Centers, there are some quiet outdoor locations around the parks suitable for napping. They offer a chance to nap in the fresh air and can be less crowded.
Disneyland Benches
One of the most popular outdoor nap locations at Disneyland park is along Main Street U.S.A. The benches lining the street offer a great spot to relax in the shade and escape the crowds. There are also benches beside It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion where you may catch a few spare moments of peace.
Over in Frontierland, the rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer Island are secluded, out-of-the-way options for anyone hoping to nap undisturbed.
California Adventure Benches
At California Adventure, there are benches available to rest along Paradise Bay around the Little Mermaid ride. The Golden Vine Winery in the Pacific Wharf area also has some outdoor seating that works nicely for quick naps.
Along the pathway from Cars Land to Pacific Wharf, there are several shaded benches. And Grizzly Peak offers some nature-filled spots to relax in a quieter setting.
Hotels
Disneyland resort hotel guests have the benefit of being able to return to their rooms for midday breaks and naps. The Disneyland hotels are all located within easy walking distance or quick hotel shuttle ride away from the parks.
Napping in a real bed in an air-conditioned hotel room can be the most comfortable option on hot Anaheim days. Most hotel stays also come with early park entry times, so you can start your day in the parks early, return to your room for a rest, then go back to the parks refreshed.
Disneyland Hotels
There are three Disneyland Resort hotels located right next to the theme parks in Anaheim:
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
In addition, Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels situated within a few miles of the resort offer similar opportunities to nap midday in your room.
Tips for Napping in Disneyland
If you plan to take a nap during your Disneyland trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Pack earplugs – It’s rarely completely quiet in the parks, so earplugs can help block out noise for better rest.
- Bring a small pillow or towel – This provides some extra comfort and allows you to nap anywhere.
- Limit naps to 30 minutes – Longer naps can leave you groggy and interfere with nighttime sleep.
- Ask a companion to watch belongings – Don’t leave unattended bags and valuables while napping.
- Scope out spots in advance – Identify nap stations so you’ll know right where to go when you need a break.
- Consider a hotel break – Returning to a hotel for a proper nap in the early afternoon can be very refreshing.
Best Times for Naps
The busiest times at Disneyland generally run from mid-morning until evening. Taking a nap can help you avoid some of the largest crowds.
The absolute busiest seasons are summer break from June to August and holidays like Christmas and spring break. But even at less busy times, the parks see heavy crowds midday.
Here are some of the best times of day for napping at Disneyland:
- Early Afternoon – Between 1-4 pm when crowds peak.
- Parade Times – Find a nap spot while parades temporarily free up walkways.
- Meal Times – Nap while everyone else is eating.
- Fireworks – The dark, quiet during fireworks provides nap potential.
Taking a quick nap during the busiest parts of the day can help you stay at your best to enjoy the parks.
Ideal Nap Locations by Age
Where you choose to nap in Disneyland can vary based on who you’re taking to the parks.
Napping with Babies/Toddlers
If you’re visiting Disneyland with infants or toddlers who still nap, the Baby Care Centers are ideal. The dim rooms with rocking chairs give little ones a familiar napping environment.
Napping with School-Age Kids
Finding a good nap location with school-age kids can be trickier. At this age, they have likely dropped regular napping but may still need a midday break. Outdoor benches in shadier, quieter areas of the park work well for older kids.
Napping as Adults
Adults can be a little more flexible when choosing an ideal nap location at Disneyland. Benches along Main Street or Pixar Pier work fine, or you can claim a corner of a Baby Care Center.
Napping as Seniors
For seniors, napping spots with plenty of shade, such as Pixar Pier benches or Disneyland Hotel grounds, are ideal. A return to your hotel room is also a comfortable option.
Best Parks for Napping
Between Disneyland park and California Adventure, Disneyland tends to offer better options for napping.
The attractions are more concentrated in Disneyland, so it’s easier to find a tucked-away spot like Tom Sawyer Island. And classics like It’s a Small World and the Railroad offer rides where you can even nap en route.
Overall, California Adventure has wider pathways and fewer indoor nooks that appeal for napping. However, Grizzly Peak and Pacific Wharf do provide some quiet retreats.
Top Nap Spots at Disneyland Park
- Main Street U.S.A. Benches
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Haunted Mansion Queue
- It’s a Small World Queue
- Disneyland Railroad
- Baby Care Center
- First Aid Center
Top Nap Spots at California Adventure
- Golden Vine Winery Benches
- Grizzly Peak Benches
- Paradise Bay Benches
- Baby Care Center
- First Aid Center
Indoor vs. Outdoor Napping
Disneyland offers both indoor and outdoor options for taking a nap at the parks. Which is better depends on your preferences.
Benefits of Indoor Napping
- Cooler and climate controlled
- Darker for better sleep
- Quieter away from crowds
- More private and secure
Benefits of Outdoor Napping
- Fresh air can be refreshing
- Pleasant natural lighting
- Ability to people watch
- Can nap near attractions to minimize walking
Balance the pros and cons of indoor versus outdoor napping when choosing your spot.
East Options for Storing Belongings
When napping in Disneyland, you’ll want to keep your personal belongings safe but easily accessible. Some convenient storage options include:
- Lockers – Lockers located at Main Street and Frontierland allow you to stow gear securely as you nap.
- Companion – For short naps, have a friend watch your stuff nearby.
- Stroller – If you have little kids, leave valuables tucked in their stroller while napping.
- Hip packs – Keep small hip packs with IDs, money, phones by your side as you nap.
- Hotel – Store larger items back in your secured hotel room.
Choosing enclosed, monitored locations like lockers or hotel rooms offer the best protection as you sleep.
Other Tips for Napping at Disneyland
Here are a few other pointers to make napping at Disneyland go smoothly:
- Come prepared with a lightweight blanket or sweatshirt to use as a pillow.
- Wear sunglasses and/or a hat to block light and sleep better.
- Stay hydrated before and after napping to avoid dehydration.
- Use phones judiciously – Limit loud videos and calls around those napping.
- Set alarms to avoid oversleeping and missing experiences.
- Choose hardscape spots rather than grassy areas which can be wet and muddy from irrigation.
Disneyland Nap Area Map
This map shows the key locations within Disneyland park and California Adventure for catching a quick nap:
| Park | Nap Area | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Disneyland | Baby Care Center | Main Street U.S.A. |
| Disneyland | First Aid Center | Main Street U.S.A. |
| Disneyland | Benches | Throughout park |
| California Adventure | Baby Care Center | Pacific Wharf |
| California Adventure | First Aid Center | Pacific Wharf |
| California Adventure | Benches | Throughout park |
Conclusion
Although not designed specifically as sleeping spaces, Disneyland does offer some spots to catch quick naps when you need a break. Indoor areas like Baby Care Centers and First Aid Centers provide quiet, cool spots to rest away from the action. You can also claim benches in low-traffic areas around both parks.
With small children, families can make use of the Baby Care Centers in particular. And Disneyland Resort hotel guests have the advantage of napping midday in their rooms. Choosing nap times during peak afternoon hours or parades can make resting easier.
With minimal planning, it’s possible to find the perfect nap nook to recharge during your Disneyland visit. A short siesta can give you the boost you need to enjoy the parks’ magic into the evening.