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How to Entertain a Child While Standing in a Disney World Line

A Dozen Ways to Cut the Boredom Without Cutting the Line

By Robin Costello, published Jul 24, 2008
Published Content: 10  Total Views: 12,701  Favorited By: 30 CPs
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Rating: 4.9 of 5
Lines are a fact of life when visiting Walt Disney World. It's best to do what you can to avoid them by not going during peak seasons or utilizing Disney's Fast Pass system but what about those times when a line is just an unavoidable event? No matter what time of year you go to Walt Disney World there will be a time when you'll find yourself standing in a line or waiting for something to start, for example, the parade or fireworks. These tips are designed for kids but can be used/ played by adults too.

1) Pipe cleaners

Children love to use their imagination and pipe cleaners make a great creative toy. You can roll them up and stick them into your pocket when they are finished or when it's your turn in line.

2) Park maps

Park maps are located everywhere throughout Disney. There's a stand at the entrance of each park with maps in every language imaginable. There are a couple of different things you can do with the maps.

Get one in a language you don't understand and try to find different attractions on the map. Try learning the name of the attraction in that language.

Or you can get one in the language you speak and try to be the first to find the bathrooms in Frontierland. You never know, this could come in useful later.

3) Key ring games

These are available at most dollars stores or retail department stores. I've seen everything from little pin ball machines to tiny 'Sorry' games. You can get a clip and attach several to your backpack or your child's belt loop.

4) Post it notes and a crayon

Your child can draw a picture of a crown and stick it to your forehead or a bracelet and stick it to your arm. Post it notes are small and easy to carry. They tuck away nicely in your bag.

5) Candy

There is a lot of fun candy on the market today. Ring pops are popular along with candy necklaces. When is candy ever a bad idea?

6) Thumb wrestling

Anybody can play this anywhere. You weave your fingers together and try to take down their thumb with your thumb. Because your thumb is attached, there are no pieces to lose.

7) I-Spy

This is a classic 'old-timers' game. I spy with my little eye...something white? Maybe made of glass? This game has no end and endless possibilities.

Takeaways
  • Lines are a fact of life when visiting Walt Disney World
  • Children love to use their imaginations
Comments
Comments 1 - 14 of 14
 
 
these are great ideas, thanks for sharing.

Posted on 07/31/2008 at 3:07:01 AM

 
Great ideas. Thanks.

Posted on 07/30/2008 at 9:07:12 PM

 
Great ideas. Thanks.

Posted on 07/30/2008 at 8:07:16 PM

 
Great ideas!!

Posted on 07/29/2008 at 7:07:07 PM

 
The foreign language maps idea is really useful next time I need to occupy my time on a long line! (I don't have kids)

Posted on 07/29/2008 at 12:07:58 PM

 
These are some great ones! We have done the I spy and the thumb wrestle, I like the pipe cleaners! We will have to try that one!

Posted on 07/29/2008 at 7:07:25 AM

 
I'll have to show my girlfriend this article so she knows how to keep me entertained at Disneyland next time!

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 8:07:01 PM

 
I need this in September we are off to Dinseyland with kids - I assume that it will work the same in their lines.

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 5:07:31 PM

 
These are great ideas! I especially like thumb wrestling...I mean who doesn't like to thumb wrestle (at any age, really!)

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 5:07:19 PM

 
This is true creative thinking and very useful. Oh, do I remember the whines and moans of children stuck in long lines. This one is proof that everyday life - or a vacation - can be inspiration for a helpful article :)

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 3:07:48 PM

 
great ideas, I would have never thought of those!

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 3:07:36 PM

 
What a fantastic suggestions!. An excellent article.

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 3:07:15 PM

 
Great suggestions

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 2:07:52 PM

 
These are great ideas! I especially love the thought of trying to decipher a map in a foreign language.

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 1:07:08 PM

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