How to "entertain" toddlers while in line?

[Makayna]

What do you do to keep kids interested while in line - especially younger kids (toddlers)? Sometimes, the lines can get pretty long. I know fastpass is an option, but from my trip to DL last year, I know that even the FP lines can get a little long at times. So what do you do with the kids while waiting in line for a ride to keep them occupied and from getting fussy?!

 

[Schmeck]

Go at rope drop to avoid the really long lines, invest in a touring plan. Talk to your kids while you are waiting. Play I Spy, sing silly songs, clapping games, play peek-a-boo. Teaching your kids to wait is a great skill to have.

Do not use misting bottles, bubbles, loud things, anything that would invade into the space of those around you.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

well, have more children so they distract and entertain each other!! LOL JUST KIDDING!!!

seriously. Small hard cover books they can look through can distract them. Or have snack time while waiting in line.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Rather than plan activities for lines, we try and time things so it's not one long boring line after another. If we wind up in a fairly long and boring line, we make sure our next few rides either have little to no line or a more interesting queue. Beyond that, we just talk. While our kids are far from meltdown free, they aren't really bugged by WDW lines and enjoy just rehashing what we've done and what we're going to do. I think it's just the excitement of being there.

 

[BrookeMQ]

For my little one (she is one), we are taking play phones. She loves phones. I also have the suckers that are the fans. Small books. For my boy (closer to 3 years old) some small action figures (he has the little star wars guys) and books. I also usually do snack time then and take that time to get them to drink.

 

[KristiKat]

We were in line behind one mother who had coloring books for her little ones. It worked well in that line because there was a short wall and they could use that to put their books on and color but not all lines are like that. Our kids just kinda entertain each other but we talk about stuff also.

 

[Random Ninja]

I admit to just handing over my iPhone when DN4 gets squirmy in a long line. She's been playing on it since she was 2 and knows how to play her games and turn on her cartoons. If only that would work with DGM.

If she's tired of the iPhone (or if I need it), I keep a small ziplock baggie of cheap toys from the Party City individual toy bins. They range from $0.35-$1.99. I switch the toys around before we go somewhere with lots of waiting. The novelty usually keeps her interest long enough for us to get to the attraction.

 

[humboldthny]

#1: FOOD

Granted our dd was 4 when we went the first time but a good supply of healthy snacks and water saved her (and us) from meltdown....

#2: I SPY

Disney is a target rich environment for this game!

#3: FAST PASS

Get them for any ride you possibly can...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Three little words.
. . . Ben
. . . Eee
. . . Drill

 

[TARDIS]

I find it's all about timing. Pick short and entertaining queues. That is the best you can do. Beyond that...BRING OUT THE SNACKS AND GADGETS!

 

[chloe4ever]

Three little words.
. . . Ben
. . . Eee
. . . Drill

Perhaps a little vodka in the sippy cup as well......

 

[familyfirsttimer]

We used to carry @10-15 pipe cleaners in the backpack and they would sculpt if we were waiting...not usually in line but even waiting for table/food or a show to start. Actually, we started doing this at home too, easy and light to carry. Once at a Bday party @a restaurant for my MIL, even my 20 year old nieces were playing with them! LOL

 

[Belleandtinker]

I love the pipe cleaner idea - if never heard of that one. I'm using it for the plane ride.

Ideas for a toddler -
* Rope Drop (even if you have to wake them up to get there)
* Fast Pass
* Stroller (less walking = less cranky)
* Favorite type toy (our DS walked around with a new Cars Cars one whole trip)
* Snacks

Good Luck!

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

I always make a pit stop at the dollar store before we travel and fill a backpack full of little trickets that are inexpensive and not an issue if they get lost (broken). Last trip I found small wallet-sized disney sticker books. I also make little snack packs (trail mix or raisins, dry cereal) that can be eaten on the go without making a horrible mess. On top of that we also take our Pal Mickey with us.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

We used to carry @10-15 pipe cleaners in the backpack and they would sculpt if we were waiting...not usually in line but even waiting for table/food or a show to start. Actually, we started doing this at home too, easy and light to carry. Once at a Bday party @a restaurant for my MIL, even my 20 year old nieces were playing with them! LOL

OMG! Cool idea!! Heck, even DH and I would be playing with them!

 

[summermac]

Hmmmm.....I hadn't made any plans to bring stuff to occupy them in line. *shrug*

 

[lovemygrowingfamily]

In our diaper bag we also have pipe cleaners but also squinkies small farm animals and boxes of crayons that are around 2 inches long with small booklets about the same size. Even my 12 year old plays with them when he's bored.

 

[minnie mum]

Three little words.
. . . Ben
. . . Eee
. . . Drill

Wonderful idea! But what about something for the kids??

 

[strompetrel]

Gummy snacks
Happy meal toys
Pennies (many lines are near water where everyone tosses in coins)
(Pennies are also good for the thousand of penny crushers they have - bring Quarters too)
Dad's cell phone
Just make sure you have more than one of each if you have more than one kid - otherwise they will fight over the one stupid thing)

 

[Dorisk3]

Blow bubbles!

Sorry, couldn't resist.