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

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.

8) 10 character questions

Like 20 questions but shorter and easier. Which character is a friend of a crab? She is the youngest of her sisters and wants to be part of our world. Answer - Ariel.

9) Finger hokey-pokey

This is the same as traditional hokey-pokey but in a much smaller scale. You just use your fingers for "right finger in, right finger out." You can attempt traditional hokey-pokey but the people standing around you might not appreciate that.

10) The alphabet game

You start the alphabet, A for Aladdin, B for Balloon and so on. If you know the alphabet, you're all set.

Outside Lines or waiting areas, like bus stops or waiting for the parade.

11) Bubbles

I'm not talking a gallon jug of bubbles just one of those tiny bottles you'll find in a craft store, wedding shop or dollar store. Don't blow them at other people, they could be allergic or just get mad. Also watch that you don't spill the soap on the ground.

12) Sidewalk chalk

This is a good one for bus lines. Just draw a small square on the ground and let your child draw inside of it. Chalk washes away easily when it rains and Florida has rain every day.

I hope these tips help you beat the boredom of standing in a line. The reward of the games is the time you spend with your children. Enjoy your trip and have fun with your family!