Boredom Busters Suggestions?

[madysmom]

I am hoping for some ideas for things to occupy my two children while standing in lines, waiting for parades, or shows...things I could pack in our bag to pull out in a moment of boredom. I have heard ideas such as bubbles, small books, treats, little toys. My children are ages 6 and 3. Thanks!

 

[Perditamarie]

These are great times to have a snack!! Really, you won't want to carry all that and you can have fun just discussing the ride/show you just saw, your next plans and soaking up the scenery and exquisite details. You can also review pics in your digital camera, read through your autograph books or check out your pin lanyards and discuss trades, or go through your brand new pressed penny collection.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Please do not bring bubbles. Some people can have a reaction to them. To be honest I have never brought anything with us on line. We usually will talk and make up silly games (like count how many Dumbos etc.).

 

[Not so Dumbo]

I think all we brought was snacks for them. They also had the little fans from the disney store that hung around their necks. They would play with those while the waited. They liked the lights on them.

 

[madysmom]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Good point not to haul around much junk, and also I won't bring bubbles. I am hoping my kids will love to soak up the whole magical disney experience and not get bored waiting for things.

 

[MNdisneymom]

This is straight from the Magical Beginning brochure (which I had to snitch from my DS's bedroom...He was using it as bedtime reading last night.)

1. play a game of "I Spy with my little eye"
2. Play "20 questions"
3. play a treasure hunt game (ask kids to find as many things as they can that are a certain color or shape)
4. play a stand up version of the alphabet jump rope game ("A my name is Abby/My husband's name is Andy....")
5. share a healthy snack---fresh fruit is a good choice (ed. note--there's a snack stand right by the barnstormer in the MK that has great choices of that kind of stuff)
6. keep energy up witha game of "Head, shoulders, knees, and toes"
7. play "simon says"
8. talk about the attraction or event you're waiting in line for
9. start a conversation with other families in line.
10. take pictures with a disposable or digital camera

 

[thewesterberg]

Something simple that kept our DS4 entertained for a LONG time was "Guess What Hand It's In"! He found an acorn on the ground (but it would work with any small object like a coin) and then we'd hide it in one hand and he'd guess which one it was in. Then he'd hide it and we'd have to guess. And then we'd sneak it off to someone else when he wasn't looking... Made the wait for Festival of the Lion King go by like nuthin'!

 

[tiff211]

We play the "Disney" game while waiting in lines or for our food at restaurants. We either choose characters or attractions. We give hints and the others try and guess who we are are talking about. DD7's last clue was "you get into a large boat and go through a tunnel, where there are lots of dancing puppets singing a disney classic." We let DD4 answer of course! "It's a small world". They love that game and it keeps them very occupied.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Something simple that kept our DS4 entertained for a LONG time was "Guess What Hand It's In"! He found an acorn on the ground (but it would work with any small object like a coin) and then we'd hide it in one hand and he'd guess which one it was in. Then he'd hide it and we'd have to guess. And then we'd sneak it off to someone else when he wasn't looking... Made the wait for Festival of the Lion King go by like nuthin'!

Hmmmmm....sort of like "pull my finger?" Okay- not really but I couldn't help myself. That game will make the line clear out fast....I'm just sayin'....

 

[thewesterberg]

Hmmmmm....sort of like "pull my finger?" Okay- not really but I couldn't help myself. That game will make the line clear out fast....I'm just sayin'....

You're right... that game could serve 2 purposes - entertaining and line shortening! I'm surprised my DH didn't figure that one out when we were there!

 

[tzolkin]

You're right... that game could serve 2 purposes - entertaining and line shortening! I'm surprised my DH didn't figure that one out when we were there!

when we were little my brother used this method when we were waiting for parades/illuminations. we were one of those families that staked out a spot with my grandparents for at least an hour. then right when the thing starts all these people would just push right in front of you. (i still dont understand how adults could purposely get in front of four little kids...) my brother always had awful gas and a few times the crowds did clear out so we had a nice view again.

this was probably the only time that we didnt mind the gas. at least it was better than when we were in the car with the windows up

 

[irene_dsc]

It depends on the kid. Dd waits relatively easily - we did a lot of things already suggested, plus somehow we ended up introducing the "Got your nose!" game. Ds is more impatient, esp. when waiting for stuff he wasn't interested in. So, we did buy a Nintendo ds largely for the trip, and he used it in a few lines, tho more while waiting for food, tbh.

And, lol on the Pull my finger idea!

 

[arbonnette]

My DD5's birthday is happening on our trip, so I am going to give her a child's digital camera for her to use while we wait in line and wait for shows ... I think she will enjoy this and then we can review the pictures too!