HELP! Nonstop 2yo standing in lines?

[FoxandtheHound]

I love these boards and have used them every time we've gone to WDW! My last little DS is 2yo and nonstop! He does not like to
sit in stollers or be carried, he has a "me do it" attitude. Standing in line with this guy is going to be TOUGH! Any ideas out there as to how to keep him entertained in those long lines? I also have a DD 7 and a DS 5. We do 2 days (6/18,6/19) at Disney every year and then head to the beach. We plan on AK on 18th and MK on the 19th. All tips appreciated! Hope none of you are unfortunate enough to have to stand in line with us! Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Try bringing a small bottle of bubbles to blow while on line.

 

[undertheradar]

When our now 12yoDS was 18 mos, we used a harness and he felt that he was " free" while still being contained. How about a fannypack that has some Duplo blocks, crayons, small scratch pad , etc. While waiting in line will be tough, at least you would have some activities to keep him busy.

 

[crisi]

Keep your line waiting short. Use fastpass, head out of the parks when the lines get long. For the most part, Disney lines move pretty good.

My son was like that as well (he was three) and did pretty good standing in line - there is lots to look at most of the time. I don't do the toys thing, we did bubbles, but the bubbles would spill and cause a tantrum (my DD, not my DS). I can imagine a two year old coordinated enough to color while standing or play with duplos while standing, but maybe my kids are just klutzs. We did use a leash, which I would really recommend.

 

[Disneyolic]

I am a little worried about the same thing. We are going with 2½ and 4 yo active boys. Thanks for advice.

 

[Hillbeans]

Only thing I can say is get to each park 1/2 hour before opening. We got on 5 rides in the first hour and had little to no lines. Once 10:00 rolled around, the rides were crowded and at that point we did some shows instead of rides.

 

[eek40]

I would try to get the new Pal Mickey...it has a few child friendly/easy games on it, plus its small and easy to carry around, you can rent for the time your in the parks or you can also buy.

Aimee

 

[tublady]

Try a travel Magna doodle, my DD (2) loves it and it's not messy and can be clipped onto a backpack!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Does the bubble thing bother the other people standing in line? I don't think I would like bubble popping in my face. Or is there a way to do it without bothering others?

 

[Dizzymom23]

If you want bubbles try the Dip 'n Flip Tote made by Little Kids. The wand is attached so you dont have to worry about lossing it. You can also clip it on your backpack or a belt loop. Here is a link if your interested to see what it looks like. http://www.littlekidsinc.com/products/190.asp

 

[undertheradar]

We have not used bubbles or markers due to the mess factor. People seem to "lose control" when on vacation. Standing in hot que lines being bumped and jostled all day made us stop going in warmer months. Remember to take breaks and stop and see the gardens and statues throughout the parks. These distractions help the time spent in line be less imprisoning on little ones.

 

[Barb D]

Do the bubbles "low and light". Get down on the kids' level and don't blow too hard. Hopefully the bubbles will pop before they get too far.

Learn some finger plays/songs (Patty Cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider, etc.)

I definitely second the leash. Gives them a little bit of freedom, but you know they can't get too far. When you're in line, just hold it closer to his body so he can't get ahead of you.

 

[dijid]

We went last month with a crazily active, getting very independent 22 month old DS. We harnassed him in line occassionally, held him sometimes and other times he actually held our hand. It was never a problem in continuous loading attractions where the line moves. But he hated standing still for long periods of time.

I agree with getting to the park early, as we were able to walk on to anything in Fantasyland (or anywhere else in the park) within the first hour. A spraybottle/fan combo was an amazing distraction - and if it's hot, other people in line don't mind getting sprayed. Try a small fanny pack with snacks in it. We had one for our 3yo DD and she just loved it. DS would ask for snacks and she could dole them out. I brought bubbles (in a tiny spill proof tumbler from Wal Mart) but we never used them. Pointing out things to look out worked well.

And our DS surprised us by riding in the stroller more than we had expected. I had recently bought a more plush one (Peg Perego Pliko P3) and don't know if that was it, or whether he was content to just sit back and watch the sights.

And good luck at AK. My DS wasn't impressed. Love the Lion King and nothing else. The Boneyard is tough because so many older kids running around. Maybe if your older ones are protective of him, he can have a good time. Otherwise, be prepared to just ride the Triceratop Spin over and over if you want to keep him highly entertained!

 

[disneys4me]

I agree with what Crisi said fastpass works great we went in May and really did not have a problem with long lines on the rides we normally got right on and i have a 4 year old and 1 year old the only ride that took long which was the only ride that we did not get a fast pass for was Buzzlight spin thing do not remember what it was called we were in line for 30 min.

 

[FoxandtheHound]

Thanks for all the great ideas! We have the harness and hope to be able to get it on him. I was worried about AK, and not sure if MGM would be any better. We'll see. We are going to hit EE to MK on Thurs. and hope to get a lot in early. I'm thinking that maybe after the first line and ride that he'll realize there is something great at the end of the long line! Wish us luck!

 

[jaret]

When we went with our son when he was 3(his sisters were 5 and 7)every child had their own fanny pack(waist pack)I did have to do a bit of adjusting to get it to fit his small waist but we managed.I let him put treats in it for the waits in line(fruit snacks,"candy cigarettes" were great(or any small candy your child likes that will not melt or cause choking),a small juice box and anything else they may want to snack on that is compact and not too messy.I also gave each child their own disposble camera(some pictures were actually pretty good)and the best item was the small bottle of bubbles!!I did put it in a zip lock bag in case of spills,but he did fairly well.Plus I am sure your other children can play" games"to keep him happy.And if he is too upset it may mean he just need a break,Animal Kingdom has the playground and I sat outside while my kids ran through the playground and they were in a better mood after and i was rested and ready for the next round!