How Much Longer Now?! Tips for Entertaining Little Ones in Disney World Lines

There’s no way around it. Disney World requires a lot of waiting. And although the long waits for attractions, character meetings and firework shows are typically worth it, it can be hard to convince younger travelers of this mindset.

So how do you keep little ones entertained during the long waits at Disney World?

Well, it’s not always easy, but fortunately there are options. I’m going to assume you’ve already decided  whether or not you want to use electronic devices on your trip, so this list will focus on other alternatives. I’m also going to assume you don’t want to carry around gobs of heavy, expensive stuff too. Fair enough?

Here are a few ideas for entertaining little ones in Disney World lines:

(1) Choose attractions wisely.

Perhaps the most obvious one is to choose attractions that will keep your little ones entertained. The waiting area for Dumbo the Flying Elephant at the Magic Kingdom, for example, includes a large playground space under the circus tent for guests to use why they wait for their turn in line. It’s an awesome way to pass the time, assuming you can get your child to stop playing when it’s time to ride!  Most of the rides in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom have interactive queue areas that kids will enjoy, including the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Voyage Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

If you’re venturing into one of the other Disney parks, fun queue areas for little ones are slightly harder to find. It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom provides an up close look at the Tree of Life, but the show itself may be too much for the smallest explorers. Your best bets at Hollywood Studios, at least until Toy Story Land opens next summer, are Toy Story Midway Mania and Muppet*Vision 3D. At Epcot, try The Seas with Nemo and Friends or Frozen Ever After.

Strategically adding attractions that hold the most appeal for your little ones throughout your day will help to keep them engaged and entertained.

(2) Hunt for Hidden Mickeys.

There are literally thousands of Hidden Mickeys (and a few Hidden Donalds too!) stashed throughout Disney World. Some of them serve as signatures for the Disney employees who designed the attractions and others are purely for fun. Making a game of finding the “Mickeys” (large round head and two small ears) in the space around the lines is a fun way to pass the time. Maybe your little ones will find one, or maybe they’ll get pulled into other details throughout the line space.

You can learn more about Hidden Mickeys with this book.

(3) Try classic conversation games.

This one is awesome because it requires no materials whatsoever. Try “I Spy” or “Would you rather?” questions to keep your little one entertained. If you’re waiting in line to meet a character, try to build excitement for the experience. (“What do want to ask Ariel when you see her?” or “Do you think Tinker Bell flew here this morning?”)

There are tons of apps available with these types of games if you want to use your phone for inspiration. We typically see groups of teens playing the popular “Heads Up” app multiple times throughout our Disney World trips.

(4) Bring snacks

Snacks are a classic parenting move, used across the ages to occupy little ones that would rather be doing something else. It’s also helpful for those times the lines end up taking longer than you originally planned! For Disney World, consider treats they haven’t seen before, like the family size snack bags located throughout the gift shops. Many of the bags are included as one snack credit on a Disney World dining plan.

(5) Pack dollar store finds.

This one takes a little more planning, but it’s not expensive or bulky. Pick up some glow necklaces, fidget spinners, stickers, silly putty, puzzle books or bubbles at the dollar store before your trip. Keep them stashed in your bag until you need a little extra entertainment (distraction?) for your travel partners.  It doesn’t have to be something spectacular, just something small and unexpected that will take their minds off the long wait.

(6) Take breaks from the lines.

If you want your little one to be less cranky about being in line, try not to be in line as often. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous at Disney World, but there are options.

It’s tempting to get to Disney World and try to conquer everything. If your travel companions are small, they probably won’t be able to handle a full rope-drop-to-fireworks kind of day. I know plenty of adults that run out of steam too! Consider taking an afternoon break away from the parks to rest and relax before heading back to the parks in the evening.

If you think I’m nuts for even suggesting you waste a moment out of the theme parks, consider, at least taking a break from the lines. Despite the numerous crowds at Disney World you can still find places to get away from the crowds. The Boneyard play area at Animal Kingdom is a great place to let little kids roam freely. Tom Sawyer’s Island in the Magic Kingdom is another one. At Epcot, consider leisurely exploring the sights in International Showcase, where you’re likely to also encounter a street show. Star Wars Launch Bay is a fun option at Hollywood Studios.

(7) Expect them to be upset at times.

I know. Bummer. You’re at Disney World and you want everything to be perfect. Right? Perfectly behaved kids, smiling family members, sunny days with low humidity… kind of like those awesome Disney World commercials. Well, maybe you will! I’m rooting for you! But if the well-behaved kids part isn’t exactly perfect, that’s okay too. Let your younger travel partners experience the wait at times. Maybe they’ll get caught up in the magic and find ways to entertain themselves!

So that’s it. Seven tips and suggestions for keeping little ones entertained during the long lines at Disney World. I can’t promise they won’t keep asking “How much longer NOW?!” but maybe they’ll throw in some other options too. It is a magical place after all. Anything could happen.

Have other ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

Add some magic to your wait!