Which handheld is better for a day at the park waiting in the lines?LEAPSTER2/VSMILE

[korie]

We have Leapsters, and just returned from our trip. The kids brought them for the plane/airport/downtime in the room, but we didn't bring them into the parks. They are a bit heavy, and honestly we didn't need them at all! They did SO well waiting in the lines, but I did bring boxes of raisins/granola bars just in case they needed to be kept busy for a few minutes. My son actually brought 1 matchbox car that I slipped into my bag and would take out if he got fidgety. Worked like a charm!

 

[skier_pete]

My honest answer ... I can't imagine bringing either into the park. Having them available for a long car drive or for use in the airport/on airplanes is one thing. But toting them around on all the rides all day long sounds like a nightmare to me.

I gotta say I agree with this...our DD6 has the Leapster and likes it a lot (though she REALLY wants a Ninendo DS). However, I think it would be very difficult to play with in line. Kids play with these and give them their 100% focus. In a queue you are moving pretty much constantly. Kids can't walk and play these things at the same time. You would spend your whole time trying to get them to move along in the line while they are entranced. Plus, then to corral them all up getting on the rides. And now that I think about it, I can't say I've ever seen anyone with these in a line, so maybe others have discovered this. (You see plenty of teens texting, though!)

Now, while you are waiting for a something like Fantasmic or a parade, that might be a great time to pull something like this out. Or even while you are waiting for dinner.

 

[eeyoremommy]

My DS 6 got a Leapster at age 4 or 5. He still plays it a lot. He wanted the DS last year, but I am holding out because I want to wait a bit before he really gets into non-educational gaming. We have taken his Leapster into the parks. We have not had a problem with leaving it behind. It helps with meals and waiting for parades. As far as lines, he rarely uses it. If he does, it is usually when he is tired. He sits on the ground to play. We tell him when to move. These times in line typically have taken place when we were there at Easter or during really busy times. We have annual passes, so he isn't really missing anything. We do rock, paper, scissors, etc. as well. He has dropped his and it is rather durable.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

or get wet/jostled and get broken.

Good point. WDW has several water rides, and oh, the rain in Florida can be like nothing else. Even with rain poncho, you can get soaked to the bone! (Fantasmic also has a significant water element. On a windy night, we once got rather wet - and we were pretty far back!)

So much better to have something small like a plastic toy, matchbox car - something you would not mind losing. Oh, and if it's something you bought at WDW - you can replace it SOOO easily. Sometimes staff will even replace small stuff for free if you show them it broke and are polite.

A Nintnendo DS runs about $130, right?

If you really want somethign creative for him in the parks, consider a magnetic drawing board. They are great and only cost about $10-$15. You can do many thigns with them. I still maintain that you probably won't need it, but this would be my choice while waiting for Fantasmic or the like.

 

[DaniB]

If you really want somethign creative for him in the parks, consider a magnetic drawing board. They are great and only cost about $10-$15. You can do many thigns with them. I still maintain that you probably won't need it, but this would be my choice while waiting for Fantasmic or the like.

Hey, I like that idea. I think I saw a magna-doodle for $5 here somewhere. I'll have to pick one up.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Yes, Magna Doodle, that's the name. Love them! They are sold at Toys R Us and Target for a start. I've seen 'stocking stuffer' versions inthe Target bargain bins for under $10 - so probably this time of year - re: Easter Basket goodies - I'd check out that area. They have worked great for every kid I've given them to. Not only can they draw, but they are great for little (educational) games with younger kids too - like simple math, letters, spelling, tic-tac toe, dots, identify the picture, that sort of thing. They are also quite durable.

 

[jngwright]

My twin boys are 7 and they still have and use their Leapster2. There are age appropriate cartridges for them and they are fun and educational. Alot of their friends have the DS, but I don't buy things for my children based on what their friends have. I like that they are learning and having fun at the same time. I have had really good luck buying cartridges on Ebay

I would definately have the Leapster in the car (or plane in our case) but wouldn't take it into the park. I would worry that it would get dropped or wet or taken. I totally get what you are saying about wanting something to do it line-not all kids are entertained by the queue themes for 20+ minutes, or by talking to other people in line. We really try to make good use of Fastpasses to eliminate some of the waiting, and I keep some non-melty snacks in the bag that I give them in line (granola bars, jerky, raisins..). I do have a little tic tac toe game and etch a sketch that usually keep them entertained for a while. We do some I Spy, too! The kids also like looking through the pictures we have taken thus far on the camera.

Have a wonderful, magical trip!

 

[d1gitman]

I'd cut right to the chase and get them iPod touches. we bought our boys (4&9) iPod touches for Christmas and they love them.

iPod touches are simply amazing gadgets. the best part is you can download tons and tons of free games. yes, free games. our boys have about 200 games each on their touches, all free. and they can cater to all ages. many games are super simple, others are full video games. many of the free games are 'lite' versions of a full game, which you can purchase. we have purchased a few games but found it was a waste. so many free ones that it isn't really necessary.

the other bonus is taht there are no game cartridges to have to carry along.

oh, and they play music too

did i mention the free games?

so if it were me, i'd spring for the $200 iPod and not have to buy games again.

 

[laurafergie]

Well this will be our first time to WDW and no I was not talking about them walking around the park playing them they will be in a stroller. I seen another post that said bring a game when waiting in line. The main thing really is the ride in the car for 15 hours. We have a tv in the car for them but that gets old to them fast.

You've heard everyone's opinion about not taking hand held games in the parks and I really agree - but I did want to mention that you can not keep the kids in the strollers for most of the lines - they have to get out. You leave the stroller near entrances of rides and shows.

 

[cyndylou]

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh, but, parents, LISTEN UP!!! Families are missing out on learning conversational skills because kids are busy playing electronic games and not talking to anyone else. This is a family vacation, so use this time to talk to each other!!! There is so much to see and talk about at WDW, even while standing in line

 

[TDC Nala]

Bring the electronics if you want (although I must say I would never have considered an Ipod Touch for a 4 year old, although I do carry mine around the parks) but you should consider not leaving them in the stroller while you are on rides or anytime you leave the stroller unattended. It's entirely possible they will disappear. You should plan to take the electronic items on the ride with you unless an adult is going to stay with the stroller. It may also be adviseable to have a parent collect them before boarding the ride and keep them, possibly in a backpack, as they are easy to leave behind if one is not paying attention. Bring Ziploc bags to protect the electronics in case it rains, or you can use a plastic bag from any WDW store.

It's also true that on many attractions you will not be allowed to bring the stroller into the queue.

 

[legallyblond98]

Wow. I never in a million years would have thought about this. But I'm a horrible mom that doesn't let her kids ride in a stroller either. ;-) I'm packing a book on Hidden Mickeys for scavenger hunts in long lines.

 

[d1gitman]

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh, but, parents, LISTEN UP!!! Families are missing out on learning conversational skills because kids are busy playing electronic games and not talking to anyone else. This is a family vacation, so use this time to talk to each other!!! There is so much to see and talk about at WDW, even while standing in line

you obviously don't know our family. we never stop talking. we put little restriction on the amount of video game time for our DS4&9. we do however pay very close attention to what they play.

if you spent any amount of time with our family, you would not at all think we are lacking in conversational skills. We don't need at trip to Disney to create time for us to converse, communicate and bond, we do it every day. the Disney trip is our guilty pleasure.

 

[miprender]

I have to agree with everyone about bringing the games into the parks. We have gone several times with our kids and they like to look around and interact. Just being there at Disney is pure enjoyment. Plus it is one less thing to worry about.

For us if the line is longer than 30 minutes we will either FP or wait for another time.

As for your car ride that is totally understandable. We have a DSLite and Vtech smile pocket and I don't think I would ever buy a VTech smile again. Half the time the game doesn't work and the controllers are harder to use.

 

[DaniB]

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh, but, parents, LISTEN UP!!! Families are missing out on learning conversational skills because kids are busy playing electronic games and not talking to anyone else. This is a family vacation, so use this time to talk to each other!!! There is so much to see and talk about at WDW, even while standing in line

No harsh! (at least to me) and honestly - totally true.

 

[wife&mom3]

Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh, but, parents, LISTEN UP!!! Families are missing out on learning conversational skills because kids are busy playing electronic games and not talking to anyone else. This is a family vacation, so use this time to talk to each other!!! There is so much to see and talk about at WDW, even while standing in line

Me and my family are VERY close!!!! we are always talking to each other. We just wanted to get the kids something to do when they have down time. like the 15 hour drive or at night when they are in the room. my kids are very smart and we have learning conversational skill!!! You dont have to tell me that this is a FAMILY VACTION I THINK I KNOW THAT!!!!!!

 

[moparop]

As has been pointed out, my biggest concern would be having game systems sitting in bags/strollers while on rides. Also, the bag storage on some rides isn't all that big. I'd hate to not have room for something necessary because the handheld video game took up too much room.

 

[momof3Disneykids]

Originally Posted by cyndylou
Sorry if this comes across a bit harsh, but, parents, LISTEN UP!!! Families are missing out on learning conversational skills because kids are busy playing electronic games and not talking to anyone else. This is a family vacation, so use this time to talk to each other!!! There is so much to see and talk about at WDW, even while standing in line

Wow, she said the main thing was the car ride, 15 hours is A LONG TIME TO TALK!! I sure feel sorry for your kids, if they have to talk to your judgmental self any day, let alone a 15 hour ride to wdw!! Try to be nice!!

 

[wife&mom3]

Wow, she said the main thing was the car ride, 15 hours is A LONG TIME TO TALK!! I sure feel sorry for your kids, if they have to talk to your judgmental self any day, let alone a 15 hour ride to wdw!! Try to be nice!!

thanks!!

 

[cyndylou]

I knew my comment would hit a nerve with someone; that's one problem with communicating via words only. Sorry for any hurt feelings. I still stand by my posting.