There are many strategies to stay ahead of the crowds and keep your wait times to a minimum when visiting the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks. But, as the saying goes, the best-laid plans often go awry and sometimes lines are unavoidable.
No Lightning Lane? No problem! Is your ride of choice temporarily delayed? No problem! Visiting during peak times? No problem! Magic isn’t measured by the speed of a line, and waiting doesn’t have to be boring! When you or your kids start feeling restless, try these creative ideas to keep busy and make your time together in line just as memorable as the ride!
Download the Play Disney Parks App
With this free mobile app, you’ll enjoy various fun and engaging in-park games and activities. Many of the games are themed to specific attractions, and some feature interactive experiences as well. My favorite game on the app is Disney Parks Trivia. It offers a variety of challenges, covering everything from Disney films and TV shows to characters and park history. Time in line always passes quickly with these fun quizzes!
Play Attraction Queue “I Spy”
A big part of what makes Disney vacations so alluring and downright addicting is the attention to detail throughout the theme parks. Disney Imagineers have expertly mastered the art of surprising and delighting guests at every turn, including in the queue lines of the attractions themselves. Disney ride queues are FULL of magic and feature endless possibilities for a good old-fashioned game of “I spy with my little eye…”
Download the Heads Up App
This popular guessing game is loads of fun and will keep your group laughing and entertained while passing the time in line. After downloading the app, you’ll choose a category, then hold the phone to your forehead while the app displays a word you must guess based on clues you get from the rest of your group. Categories include celebrities, animals, famous characters, pop culture, and more. There are even select Disney-related topics to make your time in the parks feel extra special!
20 Questions: Theme Park Edition
Simple and fun, this classic guessing game can last a while! Put a Disney spin on it and use categories like characters, attractions, and movies. One person thinks of a Disney-related subject, and the others take turns asking yes or no questions to try and figure it out within 20 questions. It’s a fantastic way to engage with your group and test your knowledge of the Disney universe. Whether you’re guessing iconic characters like Mickey Mouse or digging into more obscure Disney trivia, this game will keep everyone busy as you move closer to your ride!
Plan Your Next Move (Or Meal)
With some time to spare, search wait times and entertainment schedules and decide where to go next. You can also look at menus and available Mobile Order arrival times and plan your next meal or snack after the ride.
Search for Hidden Mickeys
When EPCOT opened in 1982, it was the only park that did not feature Disney characters. This inspired Imagineers to hide images of the world’s most famous mouse all across the park. Since then, Hidden Mickeys have become a staple throughout the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They can now be found just about everywhere – in the Resort hotels, restaurants, gift shops, ride queue lines, and even amongst the attractions themselves.
If your kids are starting to feel restless from waiting for a ride, have them try locating the nearest Hidden Mickey. For extra help, consider purchasing a Hidden Mickey guidebook for your visit. The Mickeys are typically hidden in plain sight but can occasionally be tricky to find. These books are filled with hints to help steer you in the right direction. Kids are guaranteed to pass the time happily distracted and will enjoy working through a little magical scavenger hunt for Mickey. And what initially seemed like a long wait will be over before they know it!
Name That Tune
Pull up a Disney playlist on Spotify or Apple Music and play quick clips of songs from the Disney parks and movies. Engage in some friendly competition to see who can guess the song first!
Take Pictures
Not every photo needs to be in front of the castle or with a character. These moments waiting in line can yield some very special memories. Capture them!
Ultimately, your trip to the Disney Parks is all about creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you are able to zip through every attraction queue line or occasionally have to bide your time and wait, every moment is part of the adventure. So pack your bags (and your patience), bring your sense of wonder (and perhaps a few distraction tricks up your sleeves), and get ready for a journey that’s truly out of this world!
