Tips for entertaining a toddler in line?

[lizzi6692]

Go low tech.

Buy a couple of bottles of bubbles.

When you're waiting in line, pull them out, blow a few bubbles, and watch the reaction of not only your little one, but every other pint-sized fan in line!

I'm not sure that's the best idea since there are other people in line, most of whom won't appreciate being sticky from all of the bubbles.

[indytraveler]

Wow, we were definitely low tech with our kids. How did we ever survive without ipads, smartphones and the like?

We played name games, I spy, which Character do you want to meet today? Pretty much anything to get your child thinking they are not standing in line. Even simple games like which color shoes are the most popular. Which color shirt, etc. Just be creative and let your 3 yr. old use their imagination.

Then when all else fails.... Let them play video games. Then take a break.

[BrerGnat]

Yeah, bubbles are NOT a good idea in lines. I actually can't stand bubbles, and hate when my kids want to play with them. They make such a mess! Save those for open areas if you want to give your little one something to chase after. But, put them away in lines.

[MrPeetrie]

Yeah, bubbles are NOT a good idea in lines. I actually can't stand bubbles, and hate when my kids want to play with them. They make such a mess!

Yeah, i have to second this one. Kids may enjoy them, but I don't think I'd be too happy being sprayed with bubble juice in a queue line...especially from someone I didn't know.

[lynnek]

I always carry 4-5 crayons in a baggy and a pad of paper. We take turns drawing characters with her and turn it into a guessing game. We also have disposable cameras for the kids--some of the best came from the little one--some of the worst as well, but a view from a stroller is kind of neat Also, it seems everywhere we turned, they were giving out stickers--just kept them to give her while in line.

[Mammabruski]

We have a rule that we don't wait in really long lines. If the wait time is over a half hour, forget it

I totally second this! I've been with my oldest DD when she was 7 mo, 22mo, 2.5yrs, and 4 yrs and my youngest DD joined us for the last trip when she was 19 mo. With a good plan, fast pass and realistic expectations, you can avoid long lines. The themed queues themselves and the people watching will keep your little one occupied!

Keep in mind we've been at some busy times, and it is possible to do a lot of fun things and rides while taking it easy and not spending much time in line.

Good luck!

[VWL Mom]

Wow, we were definitely low tech with our kids. How did we ever survive without ipads, smartphones and the like?

We played name games, I spy, which Character do you want to meet today? Pretty much anything to get your child thinking they are not standing in line. Even simple games like which color shoes are the most popular. Which color shirt, etc. Just be creative and let your 3 yr. old use their imagination.

I was wondering the same thing...

We did (and still do) some things you mentioned. I also picked up extra maps and let them plan their next route. Even refolding the map takes time when your 3.

Have some small snacks in your bag and use line time as snack time. Then when the ride is done your ready to move on without hearing "I'm hungry".

IMO line time is a great time to talk and listen.

[Joannelet]

We were just there in May with my 2.5 year old and I didn't have anything in line with us. He loved looking around the area. In It's a Small world we threw in a coin and made a wish while waiting. He just had a good time doing nothing but waiting for the ride and people watching around him. If he got antsy we would pick him up for a bit and point things out to him. He loved the lines and I didn't have to bring anything with us but my camera. Got a lot of good pics while waiting in line as well

[teambricker04]

We have a rule that we don't wait in really long lines. If the wait time is over a half hour, forget it. We usually talk, play ispy, and tell them to stop stepping on people.

If all else fails... we hand over our phones.

I agree... skip the bubbles. Such a mess and then all the kids chase them and run away. Okay, maybe not all kids, but mine still do.