Ideas for things to do while standing in line???

[ckmommy]

We are leaving in 9 days for WDW. We can't wait!!!! With that said, does anyone have ideas of what fun things I can bring to keep my 1 and 3 year olds happy in lines??? I thought about coloring books, books, flash cards, and playing the "grocery store" game. I also thought about bubbles, but I know what a debate bubbles on this board can be, so save your thoughts on telling not to or to bring bubbles. I have already made my mind up about them. Still, I think my ideas might last one line (20 min. fast pass that is), so I need more ideas. The cheaper the better! Any dollar store ideas are welcome also! Thanks!

 

[Dana_Buckley]

I have taken my 2 yo to Disneyland several times, and he does OK for 15-20 min without anything! He just looks at the other kids, watches the ride (Teacups, Dumbo), we talk about our turn coming up, and I do have to pick him up some. Some lines are moving frequently, so there may not be much chance for coloring too much. With that said, I too am bringing stuff for the lines in WDW. I think your ideas are great! How about small Magnadoodle, hotwheels, puppets and of course snacks!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Hopefuly in the next few weeks the lines will not be too long for you. Most kids are too distracted by all the things around them to get into an activity like books or coloring.Most line areas also have LOTS of things to look at and talk about. We do like to take fun non messy snacks like fruit chews to eat in line. Get some Disney ones! We spend a lot of time just talking; what we just saw, what we want to do next and my DS's favorite, "What has been your favorite thing so far?" Have fun. Even lines are fun at Disney.


jordan's mom

 

[cleo]

I agree that coloring books might be difficult in line. No place to really set them down and little hands would have a hard time holding with one hand and coloring with the other.

We like to do things that take no real equipment. We play scissors/paper/rock a lot, since it's easy, it's funny, other kids in line can join in and there's nothing to put away when you're done. We've gotten so good at it we now use two hands each.

Mostly though we just talk and listen to each other. It's amazing what's rumbling around in your child's head and it all comes out when you really have time to devote to just listening.

 

[trustknoone]

We have a pocket size magna doodle that goes everywhere with us, I think bubbles are a great idea. Also keychain games like simon work.

Angela

 

[trustknoone]

A few more.... pipe cleaners and a string or shoelace (weird but it works). My DD was 2 for her first trip 3 for her 2nd and 3.5 for her 3rd and all of these things worked for her. A small pad of paper and a pencil or stickers is good for planes,cars, and restaurants.

Angela

 

[WDW2002]

I don't really have any ideas per se but whatever you choose remember that your kids will likely be standing and moving while doing it so keep that in mind. The lines are generally consistantly moving (otherwise you'd never get on the ride).

 

[tjmw2727]

Huumm, we have been 3 or 4 times per year for the past 4 years, dd's are now 5 & 7 and I have never taken anything for the lines. Not that I think its a bad idea, just don't worry if you don't bring anything, make sense? We are usually talking, drinking water and walking along looking at the theming. We have met some great people in lines and had some great conversation, much better than solitary gameboy, imho. The addition of fastpass has also cut down significantly on the really long waits. Whatever you decide I recommend it be small enough to fit in a fanny pack, YMMV.
Enjoy
TJ

 

[ckmommy]

Thanks for all of your hints! With this being our first trip to WDW w/ kids, I am a little bit worried about how they will react in line! I guess that coloring books are not the best idea, but I do think that we will take our Magna Doddle! We have planned a stop at Sam's Club to pick up some MEGA sized boxes of non-messy (if that is possible) snacks and water. We are just very excited to be going to WDW! All my DD can talk about is, "We're going to Disney World!" I hope the lines are not to long and the weather cools off! We are at least experiencing some of the heat FL is (in Houston), so I hope our bodies are getting used to it (first summer in TX, originally from WI, so this weather is very hot)!! Pray for a mild cool front (low to mid 80's would be perfect) for us in 2 weeks!

 

[WDW2002]

I just thought of an easy thing for the line and you have bring is your imaginiatioon

How about playing I spy. You know "I spy with my little eye something fill in the blank." I am sure your three your old should be able to play this. Or depending on your childs (and your) knowledge of Disney, you can play "disney trivia" while in line . It can even be related to the ride your in line for. For example while in line for Peter Pan, you might ask "what did peter lose at Wendy's house." the answer "his shadow."

 

[smarro]

Your kids are too young for this, but on our last trip, I stopped at the dollar store before I left and bought a few travel games. They were little versions of chutes and ladders, dice games, etc. When we would arrive early to sit for a parade or show, I would break out the little games and a half an hour to an hour would go by before we knew it. It worked like a charm for my DDs (4 and 7). We had a wonderful time sitting on some grass at Epcot waiting for the parade. I don't think they even realized they were waiting.