Top 9 Standby Attraction Lines At Walt Disney World

Every Disney enthusiast fears one word above all else while on vacation: lines. Lines bring stress and irritation, especially when you have little kids in tow. The last thing you want is to have to wait an hour between your favorite ride and a Mickey Bar. But Disney, being Disney, took care of that annoyance. Not all lines have to be grueling. In fact, sometimes the lines are just as fun as the attraction.

9. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

Come on, who doesn’t want to be in a Star Wars movie? The Hollywood Studios ride is undoubtedly fun and a great adventure. As you walk through the queue on the way to your interstellar flight, check out the luggage scanner area. As baggage is scanned, you might catch a glimpse of Chip and Dale, C3-PO’s head, Madame Leota (from the Haunted Mansion), Aladdin’s lamp, Mouse Ears, an outfit belonging to the Incredibles, and Wall-E’s eyes. Windows along the inside queue show silhouettes of older droids, and you might catch a glimpse of some famous characters too. Look for R2-D2 wearing a pair of Mickey ears.

8. Mission Space

This ride is definitely a thrill, but its line makes the thrill seem real. Before spinning ridiculously fast and launching into space, you get prepped for your flight by walking through the station. You see old models of ships along with the current prototype. You can see a control room and a photo wall of astronaut, past, present, and future! When you arrive at the launch site, you get prepped by actor Gary Sinise, your flight commander, while being surrounded by flight suits and equipment. Before entering the simulator, you and your family are divided into teams where you’re assigned a unique position and task to complete during the flight. Everything is very official and immerses you in the story of your mission.

7. Test Track

EPCOT’s Test Track has gone through some major renovations recently as has its standby line. Before the change, the line area consisted of a demo studio. There were safety tests and explanations going on everywhere, plus some pretty obnoxious music. But now the line has been brought into the 21st century. Throughout the line are computer kiosks where you can design your own test track. You can now create your own car with all the special additions you could want for the actual ride.

6. Expedition Everest

This attraction makes the list because of how fascinating its standby line is. The line itself is inside a Tibetan building where you can find all your booking needs before taking your journey. You then walk past a temple and store before making your way to the Yeti museum (no foreshadowing there or anything…). As a person who doesn’t even like rollercoasters, I still like to wait with my family to see the museum and the Tibetan architecture. While waiting, you can let yourself get immersed in the history and the fun of what is yet to come.

5. Space Mountain

The standby line for this classic indoor rollercoaster ride is similar to some of the others in that it preps you for the ride but also allows you a chance to play an awesome, interactive game while you wait. In the 90-second games, you will prepare to launch into outer space and be a part of the storyline. Hopefully you’ll avoid any asteroids, but no promises…. This game enthralls every guest waiting for the real deal and truly takes you deeper into the story, making your space travel an amazing experience.

4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

This attraction line is extremely kid friendly. This line was built knowing that little children would be bored out of their skulls waiting to explore the Hundred Acre Wood. There are tunnels to crawl through and tons of things to touch and mess with. Try knocking on Piglet’s door to see if he’s home. Or play with the gophers and draw with the honey on the walls. While this was meant for kids, I’m sure, there have been instances of fully grown adults attempting to fit through Eeyore’s house….

3. Muppet*Vision 3D Disney

This ride is known for being goofy and this attraction is no exception. The twenty-ish minute long movie is preceded by a standby line like no other. When you enter the building, you enter Muppet Labs. The walls, those that aren’t covered by Animal’s destruction that is, are filled with very Muppet-esque signs. Eventually you make your way to a giant room filled with old props from previous Muppet movies and character costumes and shipments. The highlight of the waiting room is the movie that plays before the actual show. This movie is absolutely hilarious and definitely a great way to pass the time. My family and I quote this pre-show more than we do the actual movie. It’s completely filled with foolishness which Sam Eagle very much detests (To which Gonzo responds: “What foolishness would you like to see?”)

2. The Haunted Mansion

Anyone who knows this ride knows that the line can be extremely brutal, especially in the heat. With the newly renovated line experience, the wait turns into less of a hassle. Unfortunately, the cool part of the line means an added five minute wait to the line. But for hot and bored little kids, this additional time is completely worth it. The addition includes an interactive play area with water and music. This very touchable game provides great distraction and is a perfect way to make the wait a little bit easier. Plus, by the time you’re done playing around, you’re right at the entrance of the ride.

1. Journey of the Little Mermaid

Finally on this list is one of WDW’s newest attractions. In the new Fantasyland, this ride shines, but it’s standby line is the best. As you enter the line, you get caught up in Prince Eric’s castle and the surrounding beach. While the actual ride is in the castle, the line goes beneath in a little cave that seems extremely real. The cave zigzags and goes deeper into the ride and the story. On the walls are signs directing you in the adventure. Similar to the Haunted Mansion line, there are plenty of interactive, touchable things for little kids to do. On these kiosks are little blue crabs that need help determining what’s trash and treasure. Not only are the crabs adorable, it’s extremely entertaining. Scuttle is at the end of the line, explaining the objects the crabs just gathered and the upcoming ride. Being new and Little Mermaid related, this ride is destined to be a popular one. But don’t worry when the standby line resembles that of Toy Story Mania, this line is worth the wait.