gameboys while you wait?

[capnho]

We took my son's Gameboy while we were in Epcot last week. We only ended up taking it out of the backpack once while we were waiting in line for Living Seas. I don't think I'd take it along to the theme parks next time. As others have mentioned, though, it sure comes in handy on the plane and in the airport!

 

[Tink n Poohbear]

I'd just be afraid of my little ones losing it, and it's just one more thing for me to carry.

The last couple of times I went, I typed up some trivia questions about WDW and Disney movies, songs, etc, in very small font. I made little cards that I was able to fit about 50 questions (front and back), then used self laminating paper. It took a little time and planning, but the kids had a great time playing while we were in line. As an added bonus, it built up the anticipation even more to go on rides that they had just answered trivia questions about.

 

[joshsmom]

Originally posted by Tink n Poohbear
I'd just be afraid of my little ones losing it, and it's just one more thing for me to carry.

The last couple of times I went, I typed up some trivia questions about WDW and Disney movies, songs, etc, in very small font. I made little cards that I was able to fit about 50 questions (front and back), then used self laminating paper. It took a little time and planning, but the kids had a great time playing while we were in line. As an added bonus, it built up the anticipation even more to go on rides that they had just answered trivia questions about.

Sounds like only something a fellow Illinoisan would come up with (LOL!!!) J/K, I know there are plenty of creative people out there!! But I had to say hello to my "state mate"!!! Welcome to the DIS Boards Tink n Poohbear!!!!!

 

[shortbun]

Hi! Just back from 7 of the most busy days at the world and did
it gameboy free! We had it at the hotel and used it for driving
down and back but line "family time" is real good time for talking,
laughing and generally bonding for us. We used the heck out of
FP and rarely stood in lines longer than 20 mins. Also, the getting
wet issues and just worrying about such a valuable item getting
lost or stolen... well, we just went sans attachments. I don't remember seeing any children with them. I think DS would have
mentioned it.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I love the conversations we have in line. Usually we play games and people around us do join in. We do the A-B-C game with all different types of categories...rides, flowers, movies. We did it one time waiting in line for the Statue of Liberty for 3 hours and seriously had about 10 people in front of us and 10 behind us playing too. Try coming up with a flower name for x. We also have the wonderful memories of my 6 yo talking about why he can't blow his nose because he has "melted boogies" I mean what better Disney memory than that. Of course I will tell you that when they were smaller about 4 and 8 if we went out to a long dinner we let them bring their gameboys for after they were done eating. They gobble so fast, they're done way ahead of us, and with the game boys there was so much less tension and we got to have wine with dinner.

So do whatever feels comfortable for you. I'd hate to carry that extra weight all day, but peace is precious sometimes and all of those people saying they would NEVER let their children have game boys while at Disney , may be the same parents screaming at them later on in the day. Not to be judgemental but sometimes I think some parents could use a little "downtime/gameboy time" themselves!!

 

[BrerMom]

I took the questions from the Disney Trivia game with us to the parks. (not the whole game, just the questions) The kids loved it and people nearby played sometimes, too. That was fun!

We haven't used gameboys or electronic games in the parks because of all the reasons stated. If your kid is one of those that NEEDS something to concentrate on to avoid going bonkers, then by all means, use it.

I may have to borrow the idea of using an electronic game for meals....

If you decide to have your kids use any kind of toy in line, PLEASE have them use it without noise. I can tell my own kids to turn off the noise; I probably wouldn't tell yours.

 

[SueM in MN]

I second the turn the sound off suggestion.
One thing that first time visitors might not realize is that even if the lines are long, they are usually constantly moving (maybe slowly, but moving anyway). I have seen some of the same "totally engrossed in the games" kids that Lurieh mentioned seeing. makes it harder for the parent to keep track of the kids when the kids are totally engrossed in the game and not in what is going on around them.

 

[2minny]

I agree with Cleo, we don't bring it to the parks (only on airplanes), so we can focus on being at Magic Kingdom and not have our heads buried in a game. They do that enough at home! That's just my opinion. Yes, I think it can be done, it may make the lines seem faster, but we visit during long waits, it's never been a problem waiting and visiting and watching the sites around us.