Let’s be honest there are very few downsides to a Disney vacation but if there is one it is probably the amount of waiting that can be required. When you stop and think about it, waiting can factor in to just about every part of your day. This means being prepared with ways to help pass the time can be crucial to avoiding the whining, complaining, and potential grumpiness (and I am not just talking about your kids!) that boredom or impatience can evoke. So here are a few ideas of how to help pass the time while keeping everyone engaged and having fun!
No supplies needed:
- Alphabet Game: Go through the alphabet and see how many Disney characters you can name that start with each letter. If you want to have a “cheat sheet” simply Google alphabetic list of Disney characters and you will find all the information you could ever want (and then some)! This activity is fun for all ages and don’t be surprised if other guests around you join in on the fun. This same idea can be done with just about any subject you can think of: bands or music groups, foods, places, famous people, animals, etc.
- Remembering the Movies: If you are in line for a ride that is based on a movie start a discussion about the details of the movie. Things like, favorite part or scene, favorite character(s), funniest lines, best songs, anything you might remember about the first time you saw the movie, and funny memories associated with the movie, etc.
- I Spy: As we all know Disney is all about the details which makes it a great environment for a game of “I spy”. You can play with the usual rules of spying items of a particular color or if it is age appropriate you can vary it to spy items starting with a particular letter.
- 20 Questions: Select Disney themed subjects to focus on (characters, rides, movies), give a hint as a starting point and then let the questions fly! There is also an electronic version of this game available in a generic version as well as a Disney specific version that I will discuss below.
- Hidden Mickeys: Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the ever popular game of spotting hidden Mickeys. You can go at this activity all on your own or if you prefer a little guidance you can always pick up one of the numerous books published on the subject.
Some supplies needed:
- Pipe cleaners: These work best for times when you are sitting and waiting—at a table service meal, waiting for a show or parade, etc. They are inexpensive (typically less than $3 for a pack of 100), lightweight, not messy, and don’t take up a lot of space which in my book makes for an ideal form of entertainment! You will be amazed at what a child’s imagination can come up with when you hand them a stack of pipe cleaners to play with. In addition to creating things they can also be used for counting, sorting, or doing color patterns. My kids have also been known to link a bunch together in a chain and use them to decorate the stroller. The possibilities are almost endless!
- Deck of cards: Cards don’t take up much space and don’t weigh much so they are easy to throw in your bag and can be invaluable if you have to stake out a parade spot an hour or more in advance and need something to help pass the time.
- Namits: This activity is brilliantly simply, durable, and even comes with a hook so it can easily attach to your bag making it readily available when you find yourself waiting. The concept is pretty basic, the cards provide prompts to get you thinking which can also turn into conversation starters. Things like “name three things that fly” or “name something that is sticky.” You could also come up with your own but sometimes all the fun of a vacation combined withthe Florida/California heat can sap our creative powers so this can be a great tool to have on hand. There are multiple versions available and they can be ordered from Amazon.
- 20Q or Disney 20Q: These are electronic versions of the game 20 questions discussed above. Again they are small and lightweight (are you seeing a pattern here?) and can be great for getting everyone engaged. I have seen them on Amazon and at Target and I am sure you could also find them at Toys R US and other box stores as well.
What are your favorite ways to pass the time? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below!