Younger children, especially preschool aged children, are at a transitory stage in life and Walt Disney World is more than rides and attractions. Unfortunately, Disney wait times are also part of the park experience. Here are 8 fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney!
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8 Fun Things to Do While Waiting in Line at Disney
1. Play with Disney Bubble Makers/Wands
2. Create Fun Pictures with a Drawing Tablet
3. Much on Yummy Snacks
4. Take Silly Selfies
5. Enjoy Interactive Queues
6. Minimize Wait Times by Using FastPasses+
7. Burn Off Energy by Taking Breaks
8. Play Fun Games
I know several people who wait until their children are older to plan a vacation to the Disney parks. My son has visited the Disney parks on 6 different occasions now. At 4 years old, I think younger children are at the ideal age to start experiencing the magic of Disney. While the thought of standing in long lines with a young child can put the fear in any parent, it can be done. Not only can it be done, but it can be enjoyable, too! Here are 8 fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney!
1. Play with Disney Bubble Makers/Wands
One of the fun things to do while waiting in lines at Disney is play with Disney bubble makers/wands. Most of the Disney parks have them, and there’s a reason why. Not only do bubble makers provide entertainment for preschoolers, but it’s also a fun souvenir to bring back home.
My son gets a new Disney bubble maker/wand every time we visit Disneyland and Walt Disney World and he can continue using it at home. During this last trip to Disney World, we bought him a Little Mermaid bubble maker which not only blows bubbles but also plays music.
2. Create Fun Pictures with a Drawing Tablet
Creating fun pictures with a drawing tablet (similar to an etch a sketch) is is one of the other fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney.
My son received one for his birthday a couple of years ago, and it’s become a lifesaver, both at home and while traveling. It doesn’t take up a lot of space, and easy to carry around in a backpack – which especially came in handy at Animal Kingdom. My son enjoyed drawing pictures of some of the animals he saw. As a parent, I like that the drawing tablet isn’t messy and doesn’t require crayons to carry around.
3. Munch on Yummy Snacks
We’ve relied on yummy snacks more times than we can count to get through Disney wait times. There’s definitely not a shortage of snacks at the Disney Parks. For example, a cast member handed my son some cotton candy without him (or us) even asking.
Munching on popcorn is also one of the fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney. We bought our son a refillable popcorn bucket, and he put it to good use. Like the Disney bubble maker/wand, it’s also a fun souvenir to bring back home.
4. Take Silly Selfies
Walt Disney World wait times are easy-peasy when you let your preschooler ham it up for the camera. My son loves it when I take pictures of him with my phone and then show him the pictures that I took. This is endless entertainment for younger children (and even adults!) and can be one of the fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney.
5. Enjoy Interactive Queues
Choose rides that have interactive queues, and your Disney wait times flies by. Several rides in the Magical Kingdom have interactive queues, like the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Dumbo. Indeed, waiting is part of the overall experience for them!
My son especially enjoys the interactive stations at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh as much as he likes the ride itself. And the waiting area for Dumbo is extremely family friendly – children can play indoors while parents relax on benches. Even better, it has air conditioning.
6. Minimize Wait Times by Using FastPasses+
Decrease Disney wait times with younger children by using FastPasses. Reserve three FastPasses+ a day per person. Choose the more popular rides that you know your child will enjoy.
For example, Peter Pan’s Flight is always an attraction that has a long line and one that we always choose to use a FastPass+.
Also, if you’re staying on Disney property, you can link FastPasses to MagicBands. My son loved his MagicBand and became a pro using it for FastPasses.
7. Burn Off Energy by Taking Breaks
Several areas in the Magic Kingdom allow younger children a chance to explore and burn off some energy, like Tom Sawyer’s Island and Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’Soak Station. The Splash ‘N’Soak Station is especially nice when the weather is hot – just be sure to bring an extra pair of clothes for your child since he/she will get soaked!
The other Disney Parks also offers several play areas for young children. Epcot has a great play area for them, where they can go down slides, climb ladders, and play musical instruments. Plenty of shaded areas and benches give parents a chance to sit.
8. Play Interactive Games
Playing interactive games like I Spy and Find the Hidden Mickey is more fun things to do while waiting in line at Disney. Not only are there several hidden mickeys through the Disney Parks but there are also other fun objects to point out to them.
While we were in line for Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, I asked my son to start counting the starfish. It’s a great distraction while waiting in line.
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Do you have young children? What are some of the fun ways to wait in line at Disney? Please share with us in the comments below.
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5
so much to look at in queue – easy to play I Spy!
That bubble maker is such a hit! Even I love using it. Fastpasses are a godsend. I wish we could get more than just 3 a day
4.5
Even my 13-year-old daughter can still be distracted by bubbles. I never thought of having them take silly photos.
Really enjoyed reading this article.