Disney Long Line Survival Guide

It’s inevitable that with daily crowd counts of over 20 million visitors at Disneyland and over 50 million at Walt Disney World, that you are bound to spend some time in a long queue waiting for a seat on your favorite attraction. While it’s draining to spend 60 minutes or more in line, there are ways to make the time more enjoyable and even more productive.

Top Ten 10 Tips for Surviving Long Lines at Disney

1. Travel with Friends

While you can always make friendly conversation with other park-goers around you, it’s not always a guarantee that you’ll find good company. Instead, bring the company with you! Traveling with friends makes the time spent in long queues more enjoyable with friendly conversation and a willing party to all your Disney shenanigans.

2. Plan your Bathroom Strategy

There’s nothing worse than holding your bladder while holding your place in line. Make sure you, and your party, are relieved prior to entering that extra, long queue.

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    3. Look for Hidden Mickeys

    There are over 1,000 documented hidden Mickeys deliberately incorporated across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and they are most commonly found in attractions, stores, and other décor – including ride queues. While you are waiting to see how many hidden Mickeys you can find or document, join an online community and post your photos, or set a prize within your party for who can find the most hidden Mickeys during your trip.

    4. Make Reservations and/or Check Menus

    Take advantage of a long queue by making advance dining reservations (ADRs), using mobile ordering for a venue nearby, or check the menu on any upcoming reservations or venues you might have interest in. It passes the time, helps you save time at the restaurant trying to figure out what to order, and helps review any allergy-friendly options ahead of time.

    5. Plan your Next Move

    Not sure where to go next? When is the parade? Which Fastpass should we collect next? Discussing these during a long queue helps the time pass and keeps your party moving along with a purpose. Not that it’s not fun to randomly wander, it’s just that when the queues are over 60 minutes you don’t want to waste precious time figuring out your next move

    6. Play an Electronic Game

    Whether it is a mobile device or a handheld gaming system, this is an excellent way to pass the time while waiting in a long time. There are a variety of apps you can play alone or with your group that can be downloaded before entering the park. Additionally, playing games that link to other players (in the group or out of the group) is always a fun way to pass the time.

    7. Eat a Snack

    Need a little extra energy? Take advantage of your time in line to snack on something. A piece of fresh fruit, the last of that Dole whip, or maybe a little trail mix will help tide you over between meals. Grab something before hopping in line and use the time to eat it. Just don’t litter! There are plenty of trash cans placed in the queue for your convenience.

    8. Social Media

    Using the time in line to catch up on social media, post silly photos, or upload your favorite images to Instagram is an excellent way to pass the time.

    9. Old School Games

    Okay, sounds cheesy, and maybe it is – but you are in the happiest place on earth and you might as well take full advantage of every second spent in line to maximize the fun. You can play I Spy, thumb wars, or even good old trivia. There’s plenty of ways to pass the time in line and have some good old-fashioned fun.

    10. Listen to Music or Watch a Movie

    Catch up on your favorite TV show or Disney film, or listen to music to pass the time. Just don’t be “that guy” who so rudely annoys everyone without headphones. Remember to keep your sound politely to yourself.

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