How do you keep kids from getting restless in lines?

[kailuagirl]

Mainly a 2 year old? I've read some of your suggestions for having little cheap, dollar store type toys to pull out. Any other suggestions? I'm getting worried that every line is just going to be a battle to keep her in line.

Any suggestions would be great!! Thanks!!

Also, what about autograph books? Too young? It will be her first trip so I thought it might be something fun to have with pictures with the characters. What do you think?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I don't think 2 is too young for an autograph book. We had one for DD when she was 1 -- we would ask the characters to sign for her so she could look at the book and have one like her big sister.

On our last trip she was 2 and she was much less shy about seeing the characters. She LOVES looking at her book!

 

[mousireid]

I bring mini bubbles, keeps them amused! Also sometimes the dollar store or michaels have little knick knacks like tiny light up spinners or little fun toys to surprise my kids with. Have a wee packet of snacks handy too

 

[tetney12]

Mainly a 2 year old? I've read some of your suggestions for having little cheap, dollar store type toys to pull out. Any other suggestions? I'm getting worried that every line is just going to be a battle to keep her in line.

Any suggestions would be great!! Thanks!!

Also, what about autograph books? Too young? It will be her first trip so I thought it might be something fun to have with pictures with the characters. What do you think?

2 is not to young for autograph books...infact it is what helpped my daughter overcome her fear. She was so excited to give the book to each character, that she totally forgot about being scared....

added bonus...she would use the back pages to scribble on while we where in line....or DH would draw different characters for her to entertain her...

 

[Lavender Mom]

Snacks! They saved us. My kids are a bit older, but every day we packed their water bottles or a juice box, and two or three little single serving size snack bags. (Fishy crackers, fruit roll ups, trail mix, etc.) Every time they started to get restless we'd ask them if they wanted a snack and it was always enough to get us through the rest of the line.

Each kid had other stuff for entertainment too (bubbles, camera, glow in the dark necklace) but it was the snacks that made the difference.

 

[pycees312]

Iphone or I touch either a Disney movie or a game with headphones.. works for us.

 

[teatime]

they whip out there game boys, if the line is longer then a half hour, but that's a rarity. Some times snacks if there wanting to munch, but usually there so excited to get on a ride they could care less about anything else

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

We brought our PSP with Toy Story for DD to watch as we were waiting for Fantasmic and Fireworks to start. It has since broke, so I may be getting a personal DVD player or something for the trip. Mini bubbles are good, you may want to ask those around you in line if they mind first. Sometimes they have the wipe-off color/activity books at the dollar store, those are good and reusable. Snacks are always good, or some music on your phone that they can dance to while waiting in line.

 

[kc10family]

I think 2 is fine. DD#2 got autograhs at 18ths and I still think that's cool.

I bring mini bubbles, keeps them amused! Also sometimes the dollar store or michaels have little knick knacks like tiny light up spinners or little fun toys to surprise my kids with. Have a wee packet of snacks handy too

I have not thought of the little bubbles, nor have I ever seen them, has anyone ever had a problem with them? Any other guests upset with them?

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

2 is too young bc usually they're scared to death of the characters at that age....how did Santa go in Dec?
My kids are cautious & my DD hated most characters at 4, my DS liked most...except for Alice, Alice freaked him out! It REALLY depends on the kid when it comes to autographs.

As for keeping busy...what's her favorite? Building? Coloring? If she's in a stroller - those things are simple. Even a portable DVD player can be great if she'll sit still for it. I agree w/ the dollar store idea, take out something new when she seems bored, put the old thing back in the bag....it will be new again later!

When my DD was 4 I brought this Rubiks cube "snake" - she could twist & turn it as we stood in lines. But when my DS was 3.5 - the lines were short so no waiting really.

Oh! Altho bulky...Potato Head was my DS's fave - it could keep him busy for HOURS!!

 

[specialks]

Hi,
I recommend some classic Disney books. Especially ones about their favorite characters. You can read the stories to the kids while waiting in line and also the books make great autograph books! If you can pack quite a few you can match up the character's story with their autograph in the front of the book.
Some of the storybook collections are great for this and if you have a stroller you can just stick it in the bottom of the stroller without taking up much room. Do a search on amazon for Disney books.

I second the person who said bring snacks and drinks -- they are great for little ones (make sure to bring some hand sanitizer).

Also, you might consider getting internet on your phone. We have logged onto youtube.com and nickjr.com and let the kids watch videos sometimes when in restaurants.

Lastly, (if the line formation allows this) consider a pair of walkie talkies and have one parent hold your place in line while the other walks around with the 2 year old -- then the line holder radios the other person when they are getting near the front.

Hope this helps! Just remember to enjoy and smile -- your kids read your emotions and if you are tired, hot, and mad at the long line they will sense that.

 

[NWTmagic]

Fast Passes and Magic Morning for the non-fastpass rides in Fantasyland. Those two things will keep your wait times way down.....2 year old?.........my youngest one is 10.