How to make lines at Disney bearable
Kristin Ford, Park Tips — By Kristin Ford on October 2, 2009 at 3:15 pmIt’s inevitable that a trip to Disney World will involve spending time waiting in lines. With a little preparation for the younger travelers in your group, you can avoid the incessant complaining and subsequent meltdowns.
It’s really tough for kids to wait in line for 45 minutes or an hour, even if the reward is the thing they want most, such as meeting a favorite princess or riding the most-anticipated ride.
To help pass the time, try these tips:
– Use the FASTPASS system to significantly slash wait times. See details in related story.
– For attractions that do not offer FASTPASS, bring electronics. I know, I know: It seems crazy to allow your child to spend more screen time when you’re at Disney World of all places. Believe me when I say Mom or Dad’s ipod Touch, a Ninetendo DS or another handheld video game is worth its weight in the family backpack when it comes to the lines.
– Younger kids might be interested in new coloring books or small trinkets from a gift shop. Surprise them.
– Use the time to refuel. Bring snacks and drinks for the whole family to consume in line. You’ll need to be done before boarding the ride, but balanced sugar levels generally make for happier times.
– Forgot to bring any of the above? Give kids the digital camera to view what you have photographed so far. Let them take pictures in line — you might be pleasantly surprised by the candids. Look for hidden Mickeys around you or study maps to plan the next several rides or attractions you want to take in. If all else fails, make friends with the families i n line around you.
Tags: Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Epcot, Fastpass, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, waiting in line
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Add to that: Practice, practice, practice! Kids need to practice skills like waiting in lines, and not just the day or two before your vacation. As soon as you know you have a theme park vacation planned, start practicing line-waiting skills. Pick the longer grocery store lines, building up from a five minute wait to a ten and so forth. Practice keeping occupied without bothering those around you by playing word games, playing with that handheld device on silent or earphone mode, or doing flashcards, etc. Build up to longer waits. Visit a local attraction on a busier day to practice. Let your children understand that the reward for waiting is the fun of the ride. Often younger children don’t understand why they have to wait. Explain it in simple terms every time you practice. “We have to wait our turn before we can _________.” Eventually, your child will be sharing that knowledge with other people around him or her!
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