How to make lines at Disney bearable

[Uncle Sorcerer]

It'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 at left.
-- 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.
More...

[Mrs. Peel]

Great tips! Mind if I borrow this for next week's show and of course I will acknowlege they came from you and direct listeners to the site.

[Mouse One]

A few visits ago, we were in line for a meet and greet and in the next line was a mother and young child. This child was crying and yelling, I wanna go now!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't wanna meet anyone, I wanna gooooooooooooooo!!!!!
The mother replied, NO, you are staying and getting your picture taken with them.
Keeping the kids busy is no small task. So I am sure any and all help in ways to keep the youngins busy is a great help.
Thanks U S

[sportzdogz]

Ok if you don't have kids play quarters. Basically you get two rolls of quarters, you take turn guessing mix or match as far as after you flip the coin if both are heads that is a match and obviously if one is head and other tails then mix. If you are right you get the other person's quarter, if not they get yours. Kind of a fun gambling game.

[Pumba]

Did you suggest talking to people next to me in line? It would be so much easier just to send them a text or tweet!!!! LOL social skills will be a thing of the past soon.

[scott9432]

What I do in line normally depends on how friendly others in line are. I remember chatting with a couple for the entire 40 minute queue of Soarin' once, while sometimes I'll get stuck next to screaming children for the entire length of the queue. Otherwise I'll just stand and flick through photos from the trip so far, and I do take a lot of photos.

[soarin2wdw]

My wife and I don't have kids so we can't chime in on that front but use Fastpass and know how to use it. We rarely wait on lines longer than 20 minutes. After years of experience, my lifetime for me and 11 for my wife, we know exactly which attraction to run to first thing in order to avoid getting a Fastpass and which to get the Fastpass for. Eat breakfast at your resort so you can hit the big attractions before the crowds arrive. If you are eating breakfast in the park, send someone to get Fastpasses for the group (Main Street bakery and Space Mountain). Magic Kingdom is the only park we eat breakfast at. Wait until late afternoon for Spaceship Earth (this line moves quickly anyway). Our plan for an Animal Kingdom morning is to hit Expedition Everest and grab a Fastpass then go to Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line for the Safaris is good in the morning. Hit Toy Story first thing and get a Fastpass for Rock n Roller Coaster. Hitting the big attractions in the morning and strolling around in the afternoon is the best part. Don't just run from attraction to attraction, enjoy it.

[pretty_bird]

We play games and goof around in lines. Try to find new Hidden Mickeys. Make sure to spot the ones we already know like the cannon balls in the PotC queue.

The longest line we were ever in was for Toy Story Midway Mania. No surprise there. The time posted was 45 minutes. We waited over 90 in that line. Luckily we had invited another family along with us so my daughter and their daughter kept themselves entertained chatting away. So my thought is if you're able to bring one your child's friends along go for it.

But if the line is list over 45 minutes we skip it and try back later.

[vincenteastman]

People watch. It is hilarious!