I need tips to keep 18 month old son happy in line

[LeahA]

Hey everybody!

I've been down to Disney several time with my kids, but, didn't know if anybody else had any new or fun suggestions to keep my 18 month old son a little happier in the long lines.

We are leaving in 16 days!

 

[AngieWin]

We haven't gone with ds yet (we leave for DL in 9 days), but some things that would work for us would be bubbles, viewfinders, books, snacks in a bag/container he could hold, stickers to put in a book. I'd love to hearothers ideas.

 

[DFSquare]

Not only did it entertain my two boys (5 & &) but many other children in line as well. I got the small, spill proof containers at WalMart in the summer section and brought a large (1/2 gallon?) container of bubbles for daily refills.

I had 2 of the smaller containers so each child could have his own and they fit in their fanny packs. Also provided them each something when we split up (instead of mom having the only one).

Dawn

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I was going to say bubbles, but everyone beat me to it. We were lucky enough to be at a wedding a few weeks before our trip, and the little bottles of bubbles were awsome.

 

[Schmeck]

I don't want to appear to be the 'anti-bubble' police, but one of my daughters is allergic to an ingredient found in some bubble formulas - if a bubble popped near her, or on her skin, she would have an irritating skin reaction. In a confined space, it is really difficult to avoid bubbles.

 

[epcotfan]

I don't want to appear to be the 'anti-bubble' police, but one of my daughters is allergic to an ingredient found in some bubble formulas - if a bubble popped near her, or on her skin, she would have an irritating skin reaction. In a confined space, it is really difficult to avoid bubbles.

Gotta agree with Schmeck on this one. I think bubbles are fine in large, open spaces but not in a queue jam packed with people. Some leave soapy films when they pop and can stain certain fabrics. Also if the bottle spilled it would make a slippery mess.

I would introduce some small toys that you could give to your child in line. Perhaps something he's never seen before. Like an unopened Happy Meal toy.

 

[DFSquare]

I had never considered a potential allergen. I will rethink the bubbles. We deal with several friends who have severe food allergens and my mother has topical sensitivity to most lotions and dish liquids. It never occurred to me that bubbles could be in that category - DUH!

Sorry to all those parents who have paniced when we blew bubbles! Yikes! How scary.

Again, thanks for the information. No offense taken in this household.

Dawn

 

[gemanda]

For the anti-bubbles crowd...would you prefer that people just asked those around them first? That was kinda our plan...

Small toys honestly will be tough...we're going to bring some, but a lot of the ideas I see on here for lines are stuff that DD can't have. She'll be 16.5 months when we go...

We plan on having her in the sling a lot when we're in line, and will carry some Little People and Blocks and stuff. But she won't just sit on the ground and play or stand somewhere and play...and we can't take the stroller through the line...

 

[Schmeck]

How about finger puppets? Plastic kaleidoscopes? Yes-and-No books make coloring books that work with their special marker, about 5" x 8" in size. Even a tiny notebook and a colored pencil or two? You could haold the notebook and the child could color while in the sling.

Thank you all for understanding about the bubbles. We've found that whatever gets my daughter's skin to burn isn't found in many types of bubbles, but there have been 3-4 different bottles of bubbles that have given her a nasty, bumpy, burning, itchy rash. Most of the time it's when a bubble has popped on her face or neck. Once it happened when one popped near her ear. It's odd, because when she was small she used to play with bubbles a lot, without any problems.

 

[gemanda]

Hmmmm...finger puppets and the little notebook would probably work. We're also going to get her a mini Magna Doodle...she loves her big one!

She has sensory issues, though, so the kaleidoscopes tend to freak her out a bit.

Any other ideas for that lovely age where they're mobile but not old enough to understand to stand in one area? We're also going to have a harness for her, so that'll help, I'm sure...

 

[tjmw2727]

We traveled with my 3yo nephew and 17 mo neice the week after Christmas and honestly we really didn't have to do anything special to entertain them in line. They had so much to watch and listen to they were very distracted and easy to take through the lines. They both loved the light up spinny toys but mostly in the stroller. I guess since your always moving along in the line it dosen't seem as long as just waiting in one place. My nephew had a water bottle with a sport top (had to have what my girls had) and he loved that as it was a novelty. Sipping water in line with the bottle strap and his water was a treat for him LOL.

Use FP as much as you can and alternate standby while waiting for FP times. We got to the park of choice at opening and did a mid day break. Remember to offer healthy snacks and water before anyone gets thirsty. Keeping every one fed and hydrated makes for happier touring no matter the lines.

Have Fun.
TJ

 

[DFSquare]

Along the lines of the water bottle, how about those spray bottles w/fans on them? The fan blades are soft foam and the ones I have will stop as soon as I put my finger in it's way.

Could keep them cool and occupied at the same time.

Dawn

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

We just recently went with our 18 month old son. He had a blast! We kept him occupied with snacks and drinks most of the time ( he loves to eat ) Also, we always made sure he had his paci in line, just in case. He really loves that thing. Also those mister fans are a great idea! He loved those as well.

One more thing he really seemed to like was those light chaser things, but not the ones with the lights on the outside where little ones tend to chew on them, but the ones with the plastic globe and everything that spins is enclosed in that. Ours had really cool changing colors and patterns, and he recognized the Mickey head on it.

Hope that helps! Have a great time!!!