What to do while waiting for thrill riders

[Mikie]

I've been several times with small kids, so often waited with them while someone else rode or had the group just skip the bigger rides altogether. I was pretty laid back about just wandering around or finding a shop, snack, or gentle ride nearby and it really doesn't stick out in my memory.

HOWEVER upcoming trip includes SIL and her little ones and they haven't ever been there with kids, or at all in years. She's not confident to wander around and find her way back to a meeting spot without a specific plan, not familiar enough with rides to know what alternative would be gentle enough and doesn't think her 2yo boy will tolerate much shopping.

I know I can look at the maps, but I just don't plan attractions this way and my head is spinning from over analyzing. Hoping people have recommendations from recent trips or quick off the top of their head ideas to save me staring at maps and attraction descriptions for hours.

Pretty much looking for ideas near all height-restricted rides + probably Haunted Mansion, Star Tours. . . anything else .scary" or motion sick-inducing

Thanks!!!

 

[LSUfan4444]

my head is spinning from over analyzing

Just my opinion, but that is kinda what you're doing here. This is one detail that can be figured out when you're there. You don't need to figure out where she needs to be (for a trip that might not be for weeks or months) when you are on this attraction or that attraction. ALOT can change...weather, maybe she saw a snack she wants to try or runs into a friend she hasn't seen in years, etc.

I'm sure you both have cell phones and as you enter each park grab a couple maps then as you chose to do something she can't/won't do, let her see what is close and figure it out then.

 

[Mikie]

Just my opinion, but that is kinda what you're doing here. This is one detail that can be figured out when you're there. You don't need to figure out where she needs to be (for a trip that might not be for weeks or months) when you are on this attraction or that attraction. ALOT can change...weather, maybe she saw a snack she wants to try or runs into a friend she hasn't seen in years, etc.

I'm sure you both have cell phones and as you enter each park grab a couple maps then as you chose to do something she can't/won't do, let her see what is close and figure it out then.

I ABSOLUTELY agree with you, but (for a change) the over analyzing isn't my fault. She really wants to get a better mental image of what we *may* do and it's making her want to tell her DH not to FP any thrill rides with the rest of our large group. I'm hoping even if I can get a couple good examples, she'll feel more comfortable and my brother will at least get to ride something other than Dumbo the whole time . I've gotta play peacemaker more than I'd like because I'm designated FP+ scheduler for our whole extended family.

 

[Elandon]

There are lots of options. You could plan to get FPP for milder rides at the same time for the two of them (like IASW while you guys are on BTMRR) or you could take advantage of play areas like the one outside of splash. There is the Casey Jr splash and soak station outside of the Barnstormer and lots of stuff in FL while you all ride HM or SDMT. Just identify one or two alternate attractions near by and sell her on those. She can use the map to get there and meet back or in the middle afterwards.

The other parks have alternate attractions that can be done (like the pangani trail while people ride EE or the dig site while people ride Dinosaur).

Alternatively, you could schedule a "mountains morning" at MK with the older kids and send the little one to breakfast at Crystal Palace to meet pooh & friends.

Lots of ideas!

 

[Shelby109]

A few thoughts/things we did when my DD was young:

The key was to find a spot we would be in and have everyone come to us when done.

MK- the two areas with less to do with the little one are Frontierland and Tomorrowland.

If the group is going on the thrill rides in Frontierland, there is an adorable little play area under the bridge near the entrance to Splash Mounain

In tomorrow land I would take him inside ray's Cosmic Cafe for a snack and he can watch Ray (the animatronic alien) sing

The other thought is to bring lots and lots of stickers, paper, crayons, stampedes so that if they have to just find a table somewhere he can be entertained.

In Hollywood studios we did two things-

1. Hang near Animation Courtyard. YOU Can go to the Disney Jr show which is right there or go into the other animation building. Mickey and Minnie are in there and it is air conditioned.

2. Hang out in the streets of America. We found that when my dd was that age she wanted freedom to walk around without holding hands, being in stroller, etc. if it is not crowded it is a nice big open space.

Hope those help!!

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I went in December when I was 28 weeks pregnant so I obviously wasn't doing thrill rides.

In the Magic Kingdom, while my party did Space Mountain at rope drop, I did an extra ride on Peter Pan (we all had a FP+ for it later on, but when else can you ride PP with no lines?!)

While they did Splash and Big Thunder, I met Pioneer Donald by Country Bears and Jessie/Woody by Splash Mountain.

In Epcot I hit the Character Spot, then went to Sunshine Seasons for a snack before our Soarin FP+ while they did Test Track and Mission Space.

In DHS I sat at Starring Rolls then met some characters while they did Star Tours, RnR, and ToT.

We skipped Animal Kingdom bc there was too much I couldn't ride.

Moral of the story - lots of character meet and greets and snacks!

 

[Mikie]

Thank you so much! All these specific examples will really help prepare my timid traveling companion!

 

[Malibustyle23]

At DHS thrillseekers can do Star Tours, TOT and RNR while the tot and mom does the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground or the Disney Jr show.

 

[itchin2go]

I am a non-rider in general, and I am terrible with directions. The truth is, there are very few places I get turned around at Disney World. Reassure SIL that so many attractions can be seen from afar, and it really is very easy to navigate.

Here is what I do.

1. I have my phone with me. I am anxious in general, so I remind myself that my party is just a phone call away.
2. I wander only as far as I feel comfortable. There is almost always a seat, a snack or a distraction to be found close by. It's fun discovering what's out there.

Tip: It almost always takes my family longer than I expect to return from a ride. This is a good thing to know.

Also, get a copy of the times guide so you can see where and when characters are going to be.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

When in doubt a good old fashioned Merry-Go-Round will always do. MK has one that never has a wait because it seats so many.

 

[BigMommaMouse]

My son loved Mission Space Play area. In fact after the others rode we stayed there for about a extra hour.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Definitely make sure your SIL has her phone with her and checks it regularly for communication. Help her download My Disney Experience and become familiar with the maps BEFORE the trip.

Show her the kid friendly items on the map and mark them as favorites.

Give her some ideas before your trip to make her more familiar with all there is to see and enjoy.

I know others disagree, but I don't think it is possible to overplan. Be prepared!

 

[Beer Me]

Definitely make sure your SIL has her phone with her and checks it regularly for communication. Help her download My Disney Experience and become familiar with the maps BEFORE the trip.

Show her the kid friendly items on the map and mark them as favorites.

Give her some ideas before your trip to make her more familiar with all there is to see and enjoy.

I know others disagree, but I don't think it is possible to overplan. Be prepared!

I hate this kind of stuff. I'm so happy my upcoming trip is with my wife and kids ONLY.

My last disney trip was a large group of extended family. By the second day I had resolved to never offer advice or voice another opinion. I was just along for the ride and would try to enjoy any pleasurable moments that happened to come my way. Seemed to happen most often when I was sitting on a bench with a beer or a Mickey Mouse ice cream treat in my hand while I let those idiots argue and stress out over every little thing. I love them but...

Seriously, assuming SIL is a competent adult I would suggest letting her figure it out on her own.

 

[Crl1817]

You are so nice. I'd tell my brother it's his problem. He could ether help her figure it out or skip the thrill rides, but I would not get involved in that. For one, I just wouldn't want the extra work of planning for another grown up and for two, I wouldn't want to get blamed if she got lost or was miserable wandering around without any other adults.

 

[Partridge4ever]

HS-- Beauty and the Beast show is near ToT and RnR

Playhouse Disney show, Journey of the Little Mermaid are meant for little kids.

The animation building has characters and some games that kids can just walk up to and play.

Muppets and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground are near Star Tours.

AK has the Boneyard playground and Triceratops Spin near the Dinosaur ride. She could see the Nemo show while others are doing Everest.

MK- We've riden the Tomorrowland Transit Authority while waiting for Space Mountain. There's also an incredibles dance party and Buzz meet and greet. Astro Orbiter and Tomorrowland Speedway are kiddie rides. Country Bear Jamboree show is near HM and Thunder Mtn.

Epcot-- Mission Space has a big play area inside. Innoventions is kind of close to Test Track and has lots of things for kids to look at.

 

[Mikie]

I hate this kind of stuff. I'm so happy my upcoming trip is with my wife and kids ONLY.

My last disney trip was a large group of extended family. By the second day I had resolved to never offer advice or voice another opinion. I was just along for the ride and would try to enjoy any pleasurable moments that happened to come my way. Seemed to happen most often when I was sitting on a bench with a beer or a Mickey Mouse ice cream treat in my hand while I let those idiots argue and stress out over every little thing. I love them but...

Seriously, assuming SIL is a competent adult I would suggest letting her figure it out on her own.

At first I thought you sounded harsh, but you definitely have a point! as far as "competent adult", well, everything is a matter of degrees, no?

You are so nice. I'd tell my brother it's his problem. He could ether help her figure it out or skip the thrill rides, but I would not get involved in that. For one, I just wouldn't want the extra work of planning for another grown up and for two, I wouldn't want to get blamed if she got lost or was miserable wandering around without any other adults.

Thanks - and remembering this will also save me a lot of headaches. . . I planned the vacation and told family they could join us, I booked hotels, scored ADRs and am in charge of group FP+. It's high time I said everyone is on their own from here on out! I *think* we have all made it clear that we don't have to be glued at the hip the whole time, so the foundation is set - every man/woman for themselves!

After a bit of editing, I can share all these great tips and let the happy couple fend for themselves. Thanks all!!

 

[itchin2go]

OP - I know how it is. I'm kind of invested in whether everyone in my party has a good time. Whether I should or not, I feel responsible. I get it.

I do really think with some tips and reassurance, your SIL is going to be fine. I have anxiety issues (general, social and otherwise ), AND I'm highly directionally challenged. I swear, I walk into a store at the mall, and when I walk out, I'm confused which way to go. When someone says, hold up your left hand, I'm always stunned for a few seconds before I pick the correct hand. My husband just laughs at me.

Regardless, I do fine while my riders are on the rides, and I'm doing my non-rider business. Granted, I don't have a 2 year old in tow, but I do have all that other baggage (see above). I love my non-riding time, and I find plenty of things to do.

Good luck!

 

[Yubbie]

I spend my time in line blocking and calling out line jumpers...But that's just me.

 

[Mikie]

I spend my time in line blocking and calling out line jumpers...But that's just me.

Lol!!! I may have used the word "timid" above to describe the person I'm trying to give tips to, and that is an understatement! If I suggested she try policing line jumpers to while away the time, I might as well tell her to streak around the castle with a Mickey tattoo on her unmentionables while I'm at it

 

[RatherBeInAK]

Personally, I don't think you can overplan as long as you can still hold your plans somewhat loosely. And I understand your SIL not feeling comfortable until she can really wrap her mind around how it might play out.

I've had to think through this very thing for our upcoming trip. We're going with a large group comprised of older kids who want to do the thrill rides and little ones who are too short to ride them. Here is my plan:

In HS while the older kids are riding RnR and Star Tours, I will be meeting Buzz and Woody, Phineas and Ferb, and playing on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground with my little ones.

In AK while the Older ones are riding Everest we'll do the Maharajah Jungle Trek (and some Wilderness badges - I think my DS3 will like it). While others are riding Kali River Rapids we'll do the Pangani Forest Trail.

In EPCOT:
While the older kids are doing Test Track we'll explore Innovations West (and playing the Piggy Bank game). During Mission Space my Littles and I will be meeting Chip and Dale. During Soarin' we'll check out Living with the Land.

Magic Kingdom is definitely the easiest since there are so many rides for little ones so close to the thrill rides.
During Space Mountain try Buzz Lightyear (meeting the character or doing the Space Ranger Spin). During BTMRR or Thunder Mountain littler ones can do Aladdin's Carpets or Jungle Cruise.

Good luck! And have fun!!