Standing in line is going to be a part of every Walt Disney World vacation. Even if you use FastPass on a day that is not busy you will still need to wait at some point. When you have to wait in line you have two choices; you can complain about the line and ruin your mood, or you can make the most of the time. If you know how to pass the time, the wait will not seem as long. You might not even mind the line quite as much.
One quick word about waiting in line; cutting is an offense that can have you removed from an attraction or even thrown out of the parks. Cutting includes holding spots for others, although that is a practice that is all too common. It is not fair to the other guests if one person holds the spot while everyone else in your party rides something with a shorter line. You wouldn’t want a large group suddenly cutting in front of you, have the same courtesy for others. Wait together as a group and try the suggestions listed here to pass the time.
10. People Watch
While at Disney you will see people from all over the world. Watch the others who are waiting with you, without being creepy. Pay attention to accents and other languages that you might hear. See how little ones are enjoying their first trip to Florida. Smile at the newlyweds or the couple that just became engaged. People can be fascinating if you pay a little bit of attention.
9. Relax for a Minute
While most of the lines do not have a place to sit down, you can still take a breather while you wait. Lean against the railing and close your eyes for a moment. Shift your weight to give one foot and then the other a break. Let your mind drift for a few minutes. If you’re inside, enjoy the air conditioning and being out of the sun. Waiting in a long line can help you to recharge if you try.
8. Brag to Those Back Home
What better place to update your Facebook status than the line for Tower of Terror? Use the “check in” feature while you are waiting so that your friends will know exactly what you are doing. Add pictures while in the line as well. You can also email your friends from your smartphone to let them know what a great time you are having. You might want to stay off the actual phone, unless you don’t care that hundreds of people will hear your side of the conversation. Remember that having a loud phone conversation in a small space is not very courteous, so text your friends to brag instead of calling them.
7. Teach Your Children Manners
A family vacation does not mean that your kids can take a vacation from their manners. Teach them to not push ahead in the lines. If they bump into someone, make sure that your children apologize. Let your kids know that the others in line are also excited about the ride and that everyone needs to take a turn. You want your children to be the ones that people remember because of their manners, not those that are remembered because of a lack of them.
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6. Pay Attention to the Details
Some of the queue lines at Walt Disney World are amazing! Use your wait to notice the little things. Check for fossils while waiting to ride DINOSAUR or the train track before Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Some of the rides now have interactive queues that will help you to pass the time. Young children will often have such a good time in the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh line that they don’t want to leave it and get on the ride.
5. Peruse the Menus & Place Orders
Chances are that someone in your party has a smartphone. Use it while waiting in line to read the restaurant menus, especially if you are getting hungry. Menus are available on the My Disney Experience App. You can also place an order while waiting in attraction lines with the Mobile Ordering option available at numerous Quick Service Restaurants throughout Disney World Property. Order and pay for your food from the MyDisneyExperience app and pick up your food when you arrive. It’s awesome! Quick Service locations accepting Mobile Ordering are growing quickly and include numerous locations throughout Disney property.
4. Make Dining Reservations
After you’ve finished looking at the menus and are seeking a Table Service Restaurant, you can make your dining reservations. You can annoy the people around you and call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) to find out if any restaurants have openings. Better yet, download the My Disney Experience app and search for openings that way. You can search by restaurant name, by location, or by experience. You might want to see what is available for later in your trip as well. It is always a good idea to have a reservation for a full service restaurant, if you don’t have one you might as well try to get it while you wait in line.
3. Make Small Talk
As already stated, people from all over the world will be waiting in the same lines that you wait in. Try making small talk with the people who are around you. A simple, “Have you ridden this before?” might lead to an incredible conversation. Take your cue from the person who you are attempting to talk to, if he or she does not wait to talk do not push the matter. If your fellow guest is open to a conversation you might both enjoy the wait a bit more. Who knows, you might end up with a new Facebook friend from the encounter.
2. Plan Your Next Move
Too many people show up at a Disney park without any idea of what there is to see and do. Pick up a park map and a Times Guide when you arrive, or be sure to download the MyDisneyExperience App, and use the line to plan your next move. Decide which shows you want to see and when, and then work from there. Look to see which attractions offer FastPass. If you have an app on your phone that gives wait times you might want to check it to see which lines are growing long. You might even want to map out the best path to get to your next destination. That will help you to save some time.
1. Look for Hidden Mickeys
The Disney Imagineers take great pride in adding Hidden Mickeys. They are everywhere! In case you’re not familiar with the term, Hidden Mickeys are a real treat. Look for a large circle with two small circles, that is the classic design. You might also find a side profile of everyone’s favorite mouse. Hidden Mickeys are on the walls, in the floors, and a thousand other places as well. While you can find lists and even a book of Hidden Mickeys, there is no master guide anywhere that includes all of them. Some of the queue lines have plenty of them to keep park guests busy while they wait. See how many you can find, you might even want to write them down. Make a game out of it so that your whole family can search. While you can’t cut in line to look for more Hidden Mickeys, you might find a couple near where you are waiting. You will never know if you don’t look for them. Some Hidden Mickeys are simple, while others are more sophisticated or even high tech. Check the movies and other features that run in some queue lines. Don’t be surprised if you’re still looking for Hidden Mickeys once you return home. The gum on the sidewalk or the pattern on your bedspread could take on a whole new shape.
