Your kids may get overwhelmed waiting in the long Disney queue, but you don’t want to have to jump out of the line before you even get a chance to ride. What can you do to keep the kiddos busy?
Find out how you can keep your kids entertained in the lines at Disney World with these fun, portable activities.
Entertain With Small Toys
When planning a day at Disney World, pack items that are small enough to fit in your bag to keep the kids busy while in line. Fidget toys are lightweight, quiet, and captivating for children. Simple pop-its, spinners, or cube puzzles will occupy their hands and minds without being disruptive to the people around you.
Kids can explore shapes, create rhythms, or just feel the satisfying clicks and pops while they play. Find Disney-themed fidget toys at the gift shops or bring your own vibrant toys to reduce boredom in line.
Pack Favorite Figurines
Does your child have a favorite character figurine or tiny doll? Packing their go-to figure lets them create imaginative play scenarios, even in the tight confines of a line. They can reenact movie scenes, bring Disney stories to life, or invent new adventures with their favorite characters.
When you reach the end of the line, their favorite toy is also a great prop for photos and character meet-and-greets. Whether it’s a Spider-Man action figure or an Elsa doll, these toys will soothe your children when they start to get restless.
Just make sure you don’t pack anything that’s fragile or irreplaceable in case the toy gets lost or misplaced during your Disney adventures.
Make Waiting an Educational Experience
Standing in line waiting around is a great opportunity to teach your kids something new. Perhaps you share some fun facts about the parks or test their knowledge. But that’s not all. You can also encourage your kids to count the Disney way.
For example, challenge your children to count things around them, from Mickey ears to the food carts or rides nearby. Counting takes their mind off the time they’ve been waiting and focuses their attention on the scenery around them.
Create Memories With Art
If you have extra space in your bag, bring along a coloring book or a notepad for your kids to get creative and show off their artistic abilities. Drawing their favorite Disney characters or the scenery around them will keep your kids entertained in the lines at Disney World.
As a fun game, ask your children to draw their favorite Disney characters from memory. Hand them a notebook and bring along any pens or other Disney desk accessories like stationery from Florida Gifts to give your kids something to write on. For added fun, try guessing who they drew.
If your kids enjoy storytelling, have them craft their own Disney-inspired tales. They can imagine a new ride or describe a day in the life of their favorite princess or Disney character. Have them write their ideas down on a piece of paper and present them to your friends and family in line. These artistic moments give kids a creative outlet and keep them entertained while you wait.
Stay Active With Motion Games
Standing in line doesn’t mean standing still. Get active with motion games that allow your kids to move around just enough to stay energized without affecting others in line. For instance, you can play follow the leader by having each person in your group take turns leading simple movements like hopping, clapping, or spinning. This activity helps burn off some energy while adding laughter and fun to the wait.
A simple imitation game, like mirroring arm movements or facial expressions, can keep quick bursts of energy under control. You could also play charades and have your kids guess who you’re acting out. These games are perfect for maintaining fun in tighter spaces without causing disruptions.
Keep the Magic Going With Disney Apps
Pack your kid’s tablet, headphones, and portable chargers to keep them busy as they wait in line. Disney apps have games and fun to keep kids entertained in long queues. One is the Disney Genie app.
While many people use this app for scheduling ride times, it’s also full of in-queue games that engage youngsters. The app allows your family to continue the Disney magic, even while waiting in line. Check out what kind of fun videos and games you can play with your kids featuring their favorite Disney characters.
Snack and Sip Strategically
Waiting in line is the perfect opportunity to take a break and fuel up. Pass around water bottles and snacks to rejuvenate your kids and give them something to hold onto to keep them preoccupied. Snacks like fruit, nuts, or crackers provide nutrients and electrolytes while satisfying hunger pangs.
Plan Ahead With Interactive Props
In between the rides, stop by one of the gift shops to pick up a souvenir your kids can play with in line. These toys are eye-catching, and they’re also a great keepsake to bring home once the trip ends. Many Disney-themed accessories light up, making them perfect for late-day waits or rides. A glowing wand or bracelet keeps kids entertained in darker queues or when the sun goes down.
Bubble wands are a fantastic way to spread joy with your kids and other people in line. They bring a touch of enchantment, and who doesn’t love seeing bubbles floating around?
Prepare for a long day of waiting in lines at Disney World with these smart ideas for preventing boredom. A little bit if preparation and packing the right supplies can make a big difference. Once you’re at the front of the line, store toys and activity books away in a safe place. Then sit down, strap in, and enjoy the ride!