15 Ways to Pass Time in Lines
Even with the most meticulous planning, chances are you’re going to spend time in line at some point on your Disney vacation. Here are my tried and true tips for keeping everyone happy while waiting to get to the front of the queue! Enjoy my 15 ways to pass time in lines!
GRAB A PARK MAP OR TWO!
It may seem counterintuitive to grab a park map or two, and not very environmentally friendly, but remember they are great free souvenirs and can be repurposed as other things (I, myself, have decoupaged several vases with park maps to add that Disney magic to my home decor!). So when you enter the parks in the morning, regardless of which park you’re in, grab some maps. As you wait in line, have each member of your group pick out and rank what rides they want to do that day, from must-do to want-to. Then you can compare lists and make sure to do something everyone wants to do! You can also play “I Spy” with the maps, or see who can find secret pathways from land to land or who can come up with the best shortcuts for avoiding crowded areas.
Play the “Heads Up!” Game On Your Phone
“Heads Up!” is a fun game that combines Super Password and Charades (kind of). The app puts the game on your phone, so all you need is that! Just open the app, choose your deck, and then start the game.
One person will hold the phone on their forehead, so that only the other players see the word. Players give verbal clues, and the person holding the phone try to guess the word. We LOVE to play the Disney Parks deck while in line, and we usually get lots of “hey what is that?!” questions from our fellow line-mates.
To get the deck, it is $.99 on iOS or free on Android. You can also get it for free if you “check in” to the Disney parks online via the Heads Up social media.
Play Games on the Disney Play App
Did you know that Disney has made an app full of games and trivia? Well download the Disney Play app now! There are games to play in line queues that interact with the queue, trivia, badges for rides, and more! And, with the all-new Magicband+ launching this week, there will be even MORE games to play!
Stay Hydrated and Snack to Avoid Hanger
Lines are a great place to refuel and rehydrate. Pack small snacks, like fruit snacks, trail mix, goldfish, and keep yourself going. It is very hot in Central Florida, and it’s easy to get dehydrated and then you forget to eat. While you’re standing there, take advantage of the time to drink up and snack up! You could also grab an ice cream treat or popcorn or pretzel, etc. before hopping in line, but beware, it may last longer than the line or make an incredible mess!!
Play Games!
- Pack a small pad of paper and play hangman, Pictionary, tic tac toe, etc.
- Play “I Spy” using the line queue
- Play Disney “Would you rather?”
- Play Disney 20 Questions
Play Disney Eye Found It
Basically a deck of cards to play “I Spy,” but it takes the leg work out of you having to come up with the thing you spy. Get it here on Amazon.
Disney Mad Libs
There are TONS of Mad Lib books available, including Disney Fab 5, Marvel, Star Wars, Princesses, and more. Find one (or more) that your whole group will enjoy and pull it out in line for a fun game to pass the time.
Look for Hidden Mickeys
You can do this on your own, or get one of the MANY books that list in great detail where the Hidden Mickeys are and go from there!
Order Your Next Meal on My Disney Experience
Figure out where everyone wants to eat, and place your mobile ordering order while waiting in line, so you can just quickly pick it up after you finish riding. Read more about Mobile Ordering here!
Journaling
Get a travel journal and keep track of your adventures (or let the kids journal, a good way to keep up with writing skills!). Kid’s Travel Journal: Mouse Edition
Check Out All Your Latest Photos
Take the downtime to check out your latest Memory Maker photos posted to the app! OR talk about what you’re going to do as a group for your next EPIC ride photo!!
Plan Your Next Adventure
Talk to each other (GASP) and decide what you’d like to do next!
Pack Fidgets and Other Small Toys
Sometimes, small toys are a life saver! Get your kids a fanny pack or a small cinch sack and whatever they can carry, they can play with!
Reapply Sunscreen/Freshen Up
Again, it’s hot in Central Florida. Pack additional sunscreen, wipes to clean up your sweaty self, even a travel size deodorant. Don’t be the smelly family!
Talk to Each Other/Other Guests In Line
I know, how dare I suggest communication. How very old-fashioned of me.
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