How to entertain 18 month old in line

[etoiles]

Hi all,

After waiting in a short 10 minute line the other day with my boy I am now nervous about waiting in lines with him at Disney World!

Of course we will avoid lines as much as we can but I think short 5 and 10 minutes lines are inevitable. I was unprepared yesterday for the line and want to be prepared when we go to the world.

I did search previous threads but most were about older children, 2 years and older which seem easier to have conversations with or play Simon says. My baby definitely does not understand how to do that yet.

We plan to take snacks with us but short of loading him with food during all the lines what else do people recommend?

He is loving walking and loves being independent so I know he will want to run around wherever he wants to and will get mad when he can't.

 

[mjmstd1]

Maybe you could bring some bubbles to entertain him. I remember reading that other parents pulled out bubbles while in line and it actually caused smiles for everyone else around.

 

[kcpinwdw]

In line last year with my 15 months olds I found they really liked looking at the "big kids". And so many of the rides have interesting things in the line... I'm thinking of the little mermaid, my kids loved the talking Scuttle. But, I will admit, we went a Slow week and didn't have to wait much, and my dad was with us who used a scooter... Even though they were supposed to give us a time to come back instead if waiting they almost always just let us on, since it was not crowded at all. I don't think we ever waited more than 15. But I think bubbles are a great idea. Also lollipops if you are okay with sugar. A baby with a big lollipop is happy and they really hardly get anything down!

 

[maxiesmom]

Maybe you could bring some bubbles to entertain him. I remember reading that other parents pulled out bubbles while in line and it actually caused smiles for everyone else around.

I am not sure where you read that, but it probably wasn't on the Dis. Whatever you do, do NOT bring bubbles. Not everyone appreciates them. You can't control where they go, and people do not like bubbles popping on their cameras or smart phones or tables. If the solution is to get spilled it is very slippery. Plus some people are allergic to the solution.

Bubbles are not a good idea in an area where people cannot get away from them if they would like to.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would suggest a sling carrier so that you can carry him at least part of the way in lines. It can be pretty difficult to keep a toddler moving at the right pace and to avoid sitting down or putting hands down on the dirty ground. there are fun things to look at in some lines, and often an older child nearby will play peek-a-boo with them. As you mentioned snacks can be helpful,but most toys really don't work very well in line. Some guest are bothered by bubbles and sometimes kids want to run pass the very close boundaries of the lines to pop the bubbles. As bad as it sounds, the best choice may be your camera or phone. Kids love to see the pictures of them self you have made and a short video of of them is even better. A toddler friendly game app or a such can be a life saver. Not every line and of course do other things too, but in a pinch, it works.

 

[Laura66]

I'm with the group - NO bubbles!

Some people will disagree - but at that age kids are pretty saavy and can be entertained by games on your phone or a tablet! Worked for us! Kept them occupied - we were happy and guests around us were happy!

 

[mjmstd1]

I actually did read it in the boards!!! Thanks for being kind!

 

[MichaelaF]

I didn't know there were bubble haters around. Learn something new every day!

(I have nothing to add, I was wondering the same. Ours is usually ok in the Ergo, but he gets antsy when we are standing too long. I suspect that with so many things to see he may be entertained enough....otherwise we may be passing him back and forth, since he's fine when he's being held....)

 

[MommyMK]

Honestly the lines are generally constantly moving (character M&G's are the exception) so there isn't opportunity to do much. We've traveled to Disney at every age and 18 months old was the worst. DD would only let me hold her, no one else and she was quite heavy, my arms often felt like they were going to fall off! If I put her down she would either run off ahead/behind us in line or completely out of the line. I got a lot of dirty looks that trip! If your kid will tolerate a carrier (mine wouldn't) I'd do that. Otherwise I recommend a smartphone for them to play with.

 

[MichaelaF]

Good idea on the smartphone. We've used that before for sure.

(Though it invites a whole 'nother group of dirty looks!)

 

[maxiesmom]

I didn't know there were bubble haters around. Learn something new every day!

(I have nothing to add, I was wondering the same. Ours is usually ok in the Ergo, but he gets antsy when we are standing too long. I suspect that with so many things to see he may be entertained enough....otherwise we may be passing him back and forth, since he's fine when he's being held....)

I'm far from a bubble hater. I'm just aware there is a time and place for them. And that is not in line with a bunch of people and their electronics, who cannot get away.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I'm not a bubble hater either, but I wouldn't use them in line. Kids have a natural desire to chase and pop bubbles, which is not possible in a crowded queue area. Even kids around you will want to jump up and try to catch the bubbles, swat at them, etc. It would be fine to use them in an less crowded area of the park. It would be a good way to let your child move around and burn off some energy. Perhaps some other kids will even want to join in. But just not in crowded line.

 

[ofcabbagesandkings]

If you're ok with tech use and have an iPhone, I recommend the app Endless Alphabet. My son has played that one since he was about 18 mos or so and he's almost 3 and still loves it. We only let him have it on trips so he doesn't become a screen junkie. The way the app works is that the kids drag letters into their outlines in a word, and when they finish the word there is a little cartoon with cute little monsters explaining what the word means. The best part is once they get the hang of it they can complete a word in a few minutes, so it's easy to say, "OK, when you finish this word Mommy is going to take the phone back and then we're going to get on the ride." I'm hoping my DS is old enough that we can engage him with the surroundings and in conversation with us, but I remember 18 mos, it's a tricky in-between stage! Good luck and have a great time!

 

[snoopy5512]

People watching, dancing, stickers, and a lot of lines have stuff to keep them occupied!

 

[rachael95]

One thing that helped us in the lines (granted, my DS is 2.5) was to have a couple movies on my phone. DS loved watching part of Toy Story while waiting to meet Jesse and Woody. I also had a few movies of him on there that I'd let him scroll through and play on his own. If you go this route, make sure you have a good case.

We did have bubbles, but it was a miniature bubble wand I got from the dollar store that couldn't do more than a couple small bubbles at a time and my son couldn't get to make any when he'd blow at all, so didn't have to worry about him putting it on others. I made sure to blow the bubbles either only onto my son or when we were outside, into an empty corner he could run around in at that particular line (magic carpets). The bubble jar was so tiny, I'd be surprised if it held a tablespoon. So it didn't make a big mess and we could throw away as they emptied. I think it was a pack of 3 for a $1.

Keep in mind, Disney sells bubble guns now that are battery operated. Kids just have to pull the trigger to get a huge stream of bubbles. Those are all over now and we saw several being wielded by barely walkers. So yes, trying to be polite with bubbles is important, but you can't avoid them any more.

 

[etoiles]

I would suggest a sling carrier so that you can carry him at least part of the way in lines. It can be pretty difficult to keep a toddler moving at the right pace and to avoid sitting down or putting hands down on the dirty ground. As bad as it sounds, the best choice may be your camera or phone. Kids love to see the pictures of them self you have made and a short video of of them is even better. A toddler friendly game app or a such can be a life saver. Not every line and of course do other things too, but in a pinch, it works.

Thanks for the ideas! I do have a moby wrap but he can get quite heavy now days to wear it for a long time. He does LOVE seeing photos of himself and us so yes good idea he would love to look at our pictures!

I'm with the group - NO bubbles!

Some people will disagree - but at that age kids are pretty saavy and can be entertained by games on your phone or a tablet! Worked for us! Kept them occupied - we were happy and guests around us were happy!

Thanks, I have heard bad things about bubbles on here before so that was never an option for me. We will definitely try games though!

I didn't know there were bubble haters around. Learn something new every day!

(I have nothing to add, I was wondering the same. Ours is usually ok in the Ergo, but he gets antsy when we are standing too long. I suspect that with so many things to see he may be entertained enough....otherwise we may be passing him back and forth, since he's fine when he's being held....)

Yes, I could see him saying 'up' (which means both down and up to him) and wanting to be put down and getting mad if we don't let him so hopefully he won't get too antsy!

Honestly the lines are generally constantly moving (character M&G's are the exception) so there isn't opportunity to do much. We've traveled to Disney at every age and 18 months old was the worst. DD would only let me hold her, no one else and she was quite heavy, my arms often felt like they were going to fall off! If I put her down she would either run off ahead/behind us in line or completely out of the line. I got a lot of dirty looks that trip! If your kid will tolerate a carrier (mine wouldn't) I'd do that. Otherwise I recommend a smartphone for them to play with.

I do anticipate some dirty looks too! He makes a horrible screeching noise when he doesn't get his way and he's too young to be reason with us. He does get heavy and I could see him wanting to run away. Well hopefully the good will balance the bad!

If you're ok with tech use and have an iPhone, I recommend the app Endless Alphabet. My son has played that one since he was about 18 mos or so and he's almost 3 and still loves it. We only let him have it on trips so he doesn't become a screen junkie. The way the app works is that the kids drag letters into their outlines in a word, and when they finish the word there is a little cartoon with cute little monsters explaining what the word means. The best part is once they get the hang of it they can complete a word in a few minutes, so it's easy to say, "OK, when you finish this word Mommy is going to take the phone back and then we're going to get on the ride." I'm hoping my DS is old enough that we can engage him with the surroundings and in conversation with us, but I remember 18 mos, it's a tricky in-between stage! Good luck and have a great time!

Thanks! I will definitely check that app out. He would like the monsters I bet. He will scream loudly when I take the phone though but one day he'll learn right?

One thing that helped us in the lines (granted, my DS is 2.5) was to have a couple movies on my phone. DS loved watching part of Toy Story while waiting to meet Jesse and Woody. I also had a few movies of him on there that I'd let him scroll through and play on his own. If you go this route, make sure you have a good case.

He has liked the very few, short you tube videos Ive shown him so he probably would like a movie as well. We'll have some ready!


Thanks for all the suggestions! We will be going to a very small amusement park near home to 'practice' this month and see how it goes so that should give us an idea as well.

Hopefully if people hear him screeching they'll know I'm going to be trying my best to have him on his best behavior!

 

[boogiebeaglemom]

As much as he didn't understand my one year old loved playing with the map, we brought stickers and told him to put them on the rides he wanted, loved the stickers and kept him busy for 40 min wait. Also slow eating snacks, goldfish, teddy grams, ect

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

We used apps on our smartphones for our 13 month old when we were desperate in line. She also like to hold the map, water bottles, sunglasses, etc.

 

[etoiles]

As much as he didn't understand my one year old loved playing with the map, we brought stickers and told him to put them on the rides he wanted, loved the stickers and kept him busy for 40 min wait. Also slow eating snacks, goldfish, teddy grams, ect

Love the map idea! That is something DS would go for since he LOVES magazines, books, etc... Yes I have been saving some Disney stickers for the trip too!

We used apps on our smartphones for our 13 month old when we were desperate in line. She also like to hold the map, water bottles, sunglasses, etc.

Yes DS would like to check out the grown up items!

Thanks for all the extra idea! I could definitely see them working.

 

[Lupeix]

Use some kind of lines app and a good touring plan so you are never in a line longer than 20 minutes, take advantage of the interactive queues (dumbo is the best) and download the Disney junior appisodes, the free Mickey mouse clubhouse that comes with it will also help in getting familiar with the characters.