Need tips to keep him entertained in line

[quakechicago]

Honestly our kiddo has mild SPD which means she can get more than a bit squirrelly waiting even at the best of times. Our first trip she was 2 and wow was I worried. What I did was not overschedule, use fastpasses, use a stroller, use character meals, plan longer than you think you'll need downtime every day even if they don't nap at home, AND best of all show her youtube videos of Disney for months before.

It helped her see what other kids would do, how long the waits were, how to wait in line, what to play with there would be, and even pick out which rides and characters were most likely to make her smile or just completely freak her out. Planning well and showing her what to do truly made all the difference in the world. I can't get her to sit or stand still usually, but there? She waits her turn like a trooper and except at non-character restaurants, never asks for something to do. And when she does ask it's to see video of something she just finished doing. Usually the talk is what our next plan or place is and what we've seen.

We're already planning our 3rd trip back (she's 4) and we are all really looking forward to it. Have a good trip!

 

[RatherB@Disney]

I always bring the multi-colored craft pipe cleaners. They're compact enough to keep in my bag and help keep kids (and adults) occupied trying to create animals, letters, glasses, etc. They've helped while waiting in lines, for parades and at restaurants.

 

[msmama]

We play the "I'm thinking of" game.

It's like 20 questions but with more leeway. We have gotten many cranky kids playing with us over the years, too! Usually at Disney we'll restrict it to Disney characters. When my son was younger we'd do animals.

 

[Ava]

We didn't bring anything special for lines last year, just snacks/drinks which we'd be carrying anyway, and both kiddos were fine. DD5 would just talk to us and anyone around us who would listen to her - she's a chatterbox and has no problem striking up a conversation with strangers. Thankfully most adults were laid back about it, or also had kids so the kids talked/played with each other.

 

[Minnesota!]

• I Spy
• Rock, Paper, Scissors
• Talk - about your day, about what's coming up, etc.
• Would You Rather?
• Anything but bubbles...