How do you entertain Littles while waiting for Wishes?

[karsen11]

We don't stake out a spot that far before, but for the 15-20minutes we normally wait I pull out light up jewelry, bubbles, a snack, and we are all good for our 2 year old!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Mine were easy at that age. I got them an ice cream, gave them a few glow bracelets and necklaces and told them to sit quietly.
Most of the time, they were tired and happy to just sit. If they were antsy, I'd get on the ground next to them and tell them made up stories. When I did that, often other kids nearby would sit near us too and listen.

I made up a story about a boy prince who was turned into a frog by his wizard frog who wanted a friend and all of his adventures as a frog that was really popular. I'd made up that character in 1990 for my niece. I also had a girl hedgehog character I'd tell stories about - she was a popular one with the girls. LOL

As for where to go now - the grassy area surrounded by a fence straight down from the ice cream shop is my new favorite place - I can see the castle projection show easily and it's a great spot to watch Wishes.

 

[bumbershoot]

We were only going to Disneyland when ds was little and we chose to make every effort to NOT wait for fireworks. If we managed to see them we did so.

Unlike many here, relying on Disney sweets would have made the situation worse, as ds can't have common ingredients in Disney treats like lollipops and their ice cream. And dh and I aren't patient.

We did manage a few times which was awesome. But not with much of a wait.

So by the time we hit wdw we just never did any waiting for it. Saw wishes as we left the park once as it was starting. Sat on a bench on the way outside of MK and watched it. I've also seen it (though not with family) from behind the castle. I liked that viewpoint and if I had a little kid I would hang out there. still not patient enough to sit with the masses and entertain for ages.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would buy my kids one of those spinning light up toys from a cart. We would always watch Wishes on arrival day so we were in the splurging mood still.

 

[TimR573]

What we've done with my kids is that 2 adults will stay with the strollers (for parades and fireworks) in our spot, and the other 1 or 2 adults will take both kids off to do other stuff (assuming they are awake) - We are usually there with my parents, so there's plenty of us to take them to do something and stake out a spot.

 

[wrighter]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions and reassurance that all will be well! Lol.

I feel like a ding dong for asking, but: what is Heads Up? Disney Heads up? I am clueless on this one but it sounds like fun?

 

[Robo]

I feel like a ding dong for asking, but: what is Heads Up? Disney Heads up? I am clueless on this one but it sounds like fun?

Google it.
(That's what I had to do.)

 

[disnut8]

Pipe cleaners. Easy to tote with you, lots of colors, cheap and can be made into lots of different things and can be shared with those around you.

 

[Traver Freeman]

You may not be allowed to do this now? But I would hold the spot and my wife would keep riding with our son. Then they'd come sit with me about 10 minutes before the parade/fireworks started

 

[DisneyAnytime]

On her first WDW trip, DD was 6. Before we left home, we found a Minnie Mouse toy that was truly a life saver. She was connected with elastic so you could move and shape her head, arms, and legs but everything stayed attached. It came from like the dollar store and was small enough to go easily in the park bag. She never got tired of playing with it the whole trip!

Moral of the story -- when seeking to entertain little ones, don't underestimate the power of the cheap toy!

We also play the Character Alphabet game, people watch, I Spy, tell jokes, share our favorite part of the day, talk about what to do tomorrow, etc. The kids are older now (DS17 and DD15), so for this trip, they will probably be wanting electronic entertainment but I'm thinking that at least one or two days/nights we will go device free so we can have family time. (I have to say that DH is as bad or worse than the kids when it comes to his gadgets so I might have a mutiny on my hands!)

 

[MSPeeler]

Food, Ice Cream and You Tube Kids with Headphones lol (if sitting in one place for a long time/stake out)