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How to Avoid Meltdowns While Waiting in Line at Disney

It would be wonderful to head to Walt Disney World and experience all four Disney Parks without waiting in line. Although there are ways to shorten your waits, see those tips here; the reality is that at some point, you will end up waiting at Disney.

This might be waiting for a ride, a show, food, or transportation. No matter what line you are waiting in, it is good to plan to avoid meltdowns while you wait. We have a few ways to help keep the lines from being tedious or frustrating.

See which of these tips will be the best for your travel party as they wait in line during their Disney vacation.

Disney family
Credit: Disney

Phones

Phones are the number one way to avoid significant meltdowns while waiting in line. Although we have many other suggestions that don’t require your phones, there are a handful of games and activities you can do while waiting in line as a whole family.

EllenDegeneres-HeadsUpApp
Credit: Heads Up
Heads Up!

One of the most popular apps to play at Walt Disney World while waiting in line is Heads Up! Game. This charades-style game allows Guests to choose a specific topic, such as Disney characters or Pixar movies, and then hold the phone up. Others in their party work to give clues to help that person guess.

All ages play this game together at Walt Disney World as they stand in line. Because you can choose categories, you can adjust based on who is turn it is to guess. This makes it fun for everyone to participate.

We highly recommend downloading this app before heading to Walt Disney World. It could even be great while waiting at the airport.

Play Now App
Photo Credit: Disney
Play Disney Parks App

Disney has a specific app for entertaining Guests while they wait in line for experiences in the Parks. The Play Disney Parks app has both trivia and games that connect to the area of the Disney Parks you are in at the moment. While waiting for Peter Pan’s Flight, you will find trivia about Fantasyland. Over in Toy Story Land, find games featuring Pixar characters.

Because there are both trivia and games available, Guests of all ages can find something to enjoy on the app. It is also fun to learn trivia throughout Walt Disney World.

There are many other ways you can use your phone to help avoid meltdowns in lines at Walt Disney World; however, these are the most interactive ones we recommend.

Mini Train Village Decor

Notice the Details

Each queue at Walt Disney World is specifically designed to help bring the story to the Guests. When waiting in line, take the phones away and check out the amazing theming. Disney Imagineers take great care in creating these fantastic queues.

Many queues now feature interactive areas or updated experiences that bring Guests right into the story. Don’t rush past it or be so focused on your phone that you miss all the details.

Eye Spy

Because there is so much to see throughout the queues at Walt Disney World, one game we like to play is eye spy. So many hidden details can be used, making this game a lot of fun. Not only can everyone play together, but the game helps everyone notice some magical details that might otherwise be missed.

Hidden Mickey

Hidden Mickeys

Like enjoying the theming as you step away from your phone, taking time to find hidden Mickeys also does. Imagineers have built-in little Mickey heads throughout all of Walt Disney World. Some are super easy to find, while others might be more difficult.

There are books out there you can get that will help you find those hidden Mickeys, or you can enjoy searching for them on your own.

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

Take Pictures

Take advantage of being in the queue back to taking some pictures. Capture some of those hidden details by snapping pictures as you wait. Pictures are a fantastic way to remember your trip. Having beautiful queues will help you reflect on those memories when you get home.

We understand that waiting in the queue for a ride isn’t exactly where you want to be, but take time to enjoy the details that went into the area.

genie
genie

Plan

While waiting in line for a ride, it is an excellent time to discuss and update your plans. Use this time in line to mobile order food, make your next Genie+ reservation, or talk through the following steps.

Take time to hop on the app and see if you can update or adjust any plans you have been waiting for. This is a good use of that time in line.

Memory Maker Family
Photo Credit: Disney

Family Time

For most families, the time in line is one of the few times everyone must slow down during a Disney vacation. Use that time to talk about the vacation. Reflect on everything you have done so far. What does everyone what to do in the upcoming days?

Using the time in line for family chats is an excellent use of that time together.

bottled water
Credit: Amazon

Refuel

Finally, use the time in line to refuel. Make sure that everyone has had water and is staying hydrated. This is so important throughout the trip. Having time to check in on everyone is a good plan. Use this time also to have some snacks. Although there are great snacks throughout Disney, having some granola bars or fruit snacks in line can keep everyone happy.

Waiting in line at Walt Disney World is not any fun. You can avoid major meltdowns if you go in with some of these options. We hope these tips help you navigate the lines and have a magical time.

 

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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