How do you occupy your toddler while waiting in lines?

[eeyore#1fan]

Hello everyone,

We will be traveling to Disney World in June with our then 22 month old son. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep a toddler occupied while waiting in long lines. We were in DW last July when he was 11 months and it was easy enough to put him in a baby bjorn and keep him happy, but I don't think that will work this year. He's quite an active little boy. Thanks for your help.

 

[2002Disneybride]

Hello everyone,

We will be traveling to Disney World in June with our then 22 month old son. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep a toddler occupied while waiting in long lines. We were in DW last July when he was 11 months and it was easy enough to put him in a baby bjorn and keep him happy, but I don't think that will work this year. He's quite an active little boy. Thanks for your help.

One idea to avoid the long lines is to use fast pass, especially with toddlers. Otherwise if you can't avoid it, the disney stickers are always helpful in distracting my son!

 

[jms531]

I'm in the same boat. Last year DD was 11 months-this year she'll be 23 months. She doesn't understand the concept of waiting in line for your turn etc. We were at the zoo today and as soon as she saw the train pull up she grabbed my hand and started dragging me toward it. I tried explaining to her that we had to wait our turn etc. but she was not having it. Total meltdown. Arching her back-the works. This has REALLY scared me since we leave in 3 weeks.

I hope someone's got something good....if worse comes to worse I think I'll be buying lots of Mickey ice creams. I don't care how dirty she gets if she stays quiet

 

[Cinderella Mom]

I have read about some great things to kill time while waiting in line from these boards. Someone suggested bringing along some party size bubbles for them to blow in line. Another person suggested candy or small disney themed toy; like Buzz lightyear or princess toy cell phone. You can buy those at Wal Mart in our area. They have them in the check out line and they are only a couple of dollars. I'm sure there were many other great distractions but those were the best ones IMO. Hope this helps. Hope you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[crisi]

Avoid lines. Between Fastpasses and a good touring plan, you won't wait in line more than a few minutes. Most Disney queues have plenty of things to look at and move quickly, so a game of I Spy or just talking about what you see can be good.

Be aware with bubbles (some people are allergic to soap and spilled bubbles are slippery - and more commonly, not everyone likes bubbles in their face) or anything messy (like a Mickey Bar) - that lines are crowded and there are other guests. If you are going to entertain through food - cheerios or fruit snacks (haul them into the park) would be a better choice

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I would be careful with the ice cream in line...if the line goes faster than you plan, you may get to the front of the line and have to throw the ice cream away and that may cause your daughter to freak and not enjoy the ride!

A bunch of fun little toys, or stickers, are a great idea.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Little Magna-Doodles are good. I'll second the no bubbles. Not every one enjoys getting the popped bubble soap on them.

 

[Peanut&Piglet'sMom]

My dd was 17months on our last trip and oh boy! was she a handful!

Maybe have a few lollipops to keep him quiet?

Tha hardest part for us back then was the fact that my dd wanted to run off! I'm no good for line waiting idea's...sorry.

 

[PollyannaMom]

If you are using a digital camera, a lot of kids love to look at the pics you've taken so far.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

My DD is 5 now, but we have been visiting since she was a little over a year and snacks always did the trick for me. Animal crackers etc.. Everything is in single serving packets anymore so it would be easy to tote them along. We do trivia like games now like what do you see that starts with a certain letter etc... You could use shapes and colors trivia for a toddler

 

[p&tbrown]

I liked reading everyones advice. This will be our first "FAMILY" trip this November with my 18 month old. Last time we went, I was pregnant. That was easy. I'm just crossing my fingers that it all goes well.

 

[Ariel on Land]

My boys will be just a tad older. A friend of mine introduced me to these little bitty books http://www.amazon.com/Mickey-Mouse-...=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238388104&sr=1-3 There are 12 board books that are about 2x2 inches in size and would be perfect to toss in the bag. And since there are so many, it'd be easy to rotate and keep them "new." Right now, they're at the stage where they can look at these little things for 15-30 minutes.

 

[dayzemair]

If you are using a digital camera, a lot of kids love to look at the pics you've taken so far.

I second this - my daughter (2) loves to do this!

 

[JaxJags08]

Little Magna-Doodles are good.

I brought one of these for our 2 year old last week and it worked like a charm. It was also really helpful during table service meals - she always would finish eating way before me and DH.

 

[Bruner1978]

This will be are first time to Disney. We will be traveling with a 9 month old baby. Any suggestions? Will there be places to go so she doesn't get hot? Is it ok to travel with a baby to Disney?? I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing on bringing her. Thanks!

 

[duffy]

For a baby that young, my biggest concern would be making sure she's comfortable. Not too hot, no sunburn, no sun in her eyes, a nice full belly and naps when she needs it, etc.

Other than that, I think she'd enjoy everything!

 

[thmar]

subscribing to get ideas, too...

 

[MouserMom09]

Our DD is 3. She is quite an active little one and does not like to stand or sit for too long. This can be very frustrating at times. I am worried that we are going to be in line and she is going to start melting down. These ideas are very helpful. We will definitely grab one of the magna doodles...she loves those!

 

[sjm2008]

Disney can be a great experience for children of all ages. A few things from a mom who has been to disney with a 7 month old...

1. Make sure you pack lots of extras...breathable clothing, formula or baby food (in case you aren't breastfeeding), baby sunscreen (I re-applied every hour!), easy to transport toys (mine loved to play with the fan/water mister we bought at disney and plastic keys), a stroller with a canopy, and hats.

2. Avoid carrying your child without a harness or pouch. I carried my daughter in a harness in front of me when she wasn't in her stroller. Your body heat will only make her heat up faster. Oh, buy in advance and break it in. Otherwise, your child might not be willing to get into it when the time comes. Also, it is important it is comfortable for both of you.

3. Take advantage of baby centers when feeding time and diaper changes come. This gives you a break from the bustle since they are quiet and darkly lit.

4. Buy sun burn detection stickers. They are available where sunscreen is sold at places like target and walmart. When we returned from our week, our daughter had a slight tan...no burn! Of course, I lathered her up constantly and kept a hat on her all the time. BTW, she is one to burn usually.

5. Take a break during the heat of the day. You can find a nice quiet place in the shade, go back to the hotel, make use of the baby centers. However, if you still want to explore during those hours, make a trip into one of the many inside exhibits. Just avoid going in and out of air conditioned buildings. That is hard on a baby.

Don't feel like you are doing the wrong thing by taking your baby to disney. Our daughter may not remember her first trip, but she loves looking at the pictures and hearing all the stories about it. It has made preparing her for this trip a little easier, too.

Good luck!

 

[here757]

i can tell you what doesnt work....
threats... LOL each time i threathen to take him back to the room.. but my husband never will.. he caught on..
look into those cheapy walmart toys..
there was this ball thing with several balls inside.. when yu squeeze it turns colors.
this year im taking my sons nitendo ds..
some of the younger kid smight have a similar machine .. its made by v tech... charge it at night and when they start up.. give them the game.