Thursday, February 17, 2011

Long Wait Times

If you have ever been to Disneyland you will understand what I mean. Wait times for attractions can be brutal, especially the Peter Pan attraction. What should you do to keep your preschooler occupied while waiting in line? Here are a few tips:

  1. Play word games with your children - One of my favorite is the Alphabet game. Start with A and continue to Z naming Disney characters, movies, etc. that start with each letter.
  2. Play I spy - This is a fun game that can easily be done with the park maps or just your surroundings. If you don't know how to play, click here for some simple instructions.
  3. Take a bathroom break - Have someone in your party stand in line while you escort your preschooler to the restroom. Other guests in the park are understanding and usually allow you to make your way through the line quickly to catch up with the person waiting in line for you to return.
  4. Review your pictures or videos captured with a digital camera throughout the day - My daughter loves to watch videos we have taken of different rides or experiences with characters.
  5. Talk about what you would like to do next - Children love to be involved in planning what attractions to ride or where to eat. Allow them to voice their opinions then make choices as a family. Always have a back-up plan if your original choice doesn't work out as expected.
  6. Look for Hidden Mickeys - These are representations of Mickey Mouse that have been subtly inserted into the design of attractions, rides, decor and locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. They are everywhere and my daughter enjoys looking for them each time we are waiting in a queue. You might also want to buy a book that will give you hints on where to look. I purchased "Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys" by Steven M. Barrett, but there are others to choose from. Mr. Barrett's book is intriguing and even gives you a treasure hunt to follow.
  7. Use this opportunity for a light snack that is not messy - We like fruit leather. It is small, flat and easily fits into any bag or a back pocket.  















Not all rides have long wait times. The most I have ever waited with my daughter is about 35 minutes. The key: find what works best with your child/children and stick with it.

Until Next Time,
Sean

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