Waiting In Line At Disney Parks-How To Keep Everyone Happy!

You’re heading to the Disney Parks for your vacation! You’re probably wondering how you’re going to keep everyone happy while waiting in line at Disney Parks? Whether visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland Park, waiting in line at Disney Parks is just part of the experience. There’s just no getting around it. Luckily, waiting in line at Disney parks doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. In this post, I’ll share ideas on how to keep everyone happy while waiting in line at Disney parks and share some tips and info so you can avoid the longest lines.

Amidst the enchantment and exhilaration, there’s a reality that every Disney park-goer must face: the notorious lines. Long queues winding their way to the most sought-after attractions can test the patience of even the most dedicated Disney enthusiasts. Yet, it’s precisely within these lines that some of the most treasured memories are created – moments of bonding, excitement, and the chance to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the park entirely. Would you believe me if I told you some of my best memories with my family from the happiest place on earth happened while we were stuck in a long line? 

In a world where instant gratification often takes precedence, waiting in line might seem daunting. But fear not! This post on waiting in line at Disney Parks is here to guide you so you can still have a great time, even while you’re waiting in lines at Disney Parks. Don’t stress about the long lines too much, you’re still going to have a great time on your Disney Park vacation! 

In this post, I will share strategies, tips, and creative ideas that will help pass the time more quickly and make your Disney trip more fun! Let’s get started!

Discount Disney Park Tickets And Hotels

Please be aware that all Disney parks require park tickets and a theme park reservation. Make sure you have both! Please don’t pay the full price for your Disneyland tickets or hotel. My partners at Get Away Today have the very best deals on tickets and hotels. Their customer service is top-notch, and they even have layaway plans. You can find them by clicking on the image below or by calling 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Melissa from Mix In Some Magic, sent you the best deal!

They have great deals on hotels! Many of their properties offer a free night with a stay, free parking, extra discounts, or a complimentary breakfast! You save the most money when you purchase a vacation package and bundle your hotel rooms with one of their discount resort ticket offers.

If you book a package with park tickets and a hotel room, you can use my code MIX10 to save an extra $10. That’s more churro money, friends!

I have a bunch of hotel reviews that might be helpful for you if you’re still trying to decide where you’d like to stay.

Keeping Everyone Happy While Waiting In Line At Disney Parks

 Plan Ahead for Success

Utilize Disney Genie Plus

One of the most effective ways to minimize your time spent waiting in lines at Disney parks is by taking advantage of the Genie Plus system. This ingenious innovation allows you to reserve access to select attractions, entertainment, and character meet-and-greets in advance. By booking these experiences using the Disneyland app or Disney World app, you’re granted a designated window of time to enjoy them without enduring the full extent of the regular queue.

Genie Plus not only slashes your waiting time but also enables you to strategically schedule your day, ensuring you experience the attractions that matter most to you. Be sure to download the official Disney park app, which often serves as the hub for managing your Genie Plus selections, so you can effortlessly navigate the parks and make the most of your precious time.

Check out my guide to using Genie Plus at Disneyland for helpful tips and information. 

 Check Crowd Calendars and Visit During Off-Peak Times

Timing can be everything when it comes to minimizing wait times at Disney parks. Before embarking on your magical journey, take a moment to consult crowd calendars, which provide insights into peak and off-peak periods. Generally, weekdays, school days, and non-holiday periods tend to have fewer visitors, resulting in shorter lines and a more enjoyable overall experience.

Remember that Disney parks are always crowded, but if you can visit during a less crowded time, you might have short lines for some of the more popular attractions like Radiator Springs Racers, Rise of the Resistance, or the Haunted Mansion.

I have crowd calendars for Disneyland to help you plan your Disneyland trip. 

 Make a Prioritized Ride List to Maximize Your Time

With so many captivating attractions to choose from, it’s a good idea to create a prioritized ride list before you arrive at the park. By identifying the must-see rides and experiences on your list, you can strategically plan your route through the park, ensuring you hit your top priorities early in the day when lines are generally shorter.

Consider the thrill level, interests of your group members, and any height restrictions when compiling your list. This way, you’ll maximize your time by minimizing backtracking and optimizing your path through the park. Remember, the key is not just about reducing wait times but also crafting a seamless and enjoyable park experience for everyone in your party.

Use Single Rider Line

The single-rider line is one of the best-kept secrets for reducing wait times at Disney parks. This option is a fantastic way to experience popular attractions with considerably shorter waits. Single-rider lines are designed for individuals or smaller groups who don’t mind being separated during the ride, allowing you to fill in empty seats and expedite the loading process.

While you might not experience the ride together with your companions, the single-rider line is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their time and enjoy multiple attractions. It’s a win-win situation: you get to experience the thrill of the ride while bypassing much of the regular queue. 

The single rider is only available at some attractions. Check with a cast member to see which attractions offer single-rider lines during your visit. 

Use A Touring Plan

Probably the best way to keep everyone happy in line at Disney Parks is to avoid long lines altogether! I have created touring plans to guide you through the parks and help you avoid long lines. My touring plans help take the stress out of your day, so you can focus on enjoying your time at Disney!

Stay Entertained

 You need a game plan to keep kids(and adults!) happy while waiting in line at Disney Parks. Don’t wander into a long line without a game plan! Coming up with some ideas beforehand about how you’ll pass the time is a great way to make your Disney vacation more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to keep everyone happy while you wait.

1. Snacks and treats- Heading into a long line? Grab a snack or a treat to keep everyone occupied! People are grumpy when they’re hungry. Throw in a long line in addition to your hunger, and it’s a recipe for disaster! It’s incredible what a churro or Mickey ice cream bar will do to lift spirits in a long line. Or, you can bring your favorite snacks from home. I like to keep a small bag of suckers and Smarties in my backpack to help keep littles occupied. I can’t tell you how many in-line meltdowns have been avoided because I pulled out a bag of suckers! Check out my post about what food you can bring to Disney Parks. 

 2. Disney Play App- Download the free Play Disney Parks app and enjoy some fun games and interactive activities. They even have games to play as a group! My kids love this, and we look forward to playing these games while waiting in line at Disney parks.

3. Bubbles- There’s something magical about bubbles for a child. Pulling out bubbles when you spot a meltdown building can save you! Bonus points if they’re Mickey Bubbles! Be courteous to those around you, but in my experience, bubbles make everyone happy! 

 4. Hidden Mickey Book- Buy a Hidden Mickey book before your trip and use it to spot all the hidden Mickeys in your area! Before your trip and use it, look for the Mickeys hidden all over the parks! This is my big kid’s favorite way to pass the time in line. They have the best time searching for hidden Mickeys. You’ll be amazed at how many there are once you start looking for them! 

5. Browse park maps– You can grab a paper map of the park at the entrance to the Disney parks. Many kids love looking at the maps and seeing where everything is located. This is a great way to pass the time in long lines at Disney parks. You could name certain attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight or Indiana Jones Adventure and have them look for them on the map. 

6. Play I Spy- I Spy is a great game that everyone in your family will enjoy. I Spy is a guessing game where one player (the Spy or it) chooses an object within sight of everyone and announces to the other players, “I spy with my little eye something beginning with… or something that is(name color)”. Other players attempt to guess this object. 

7. Mad Libs- Did you play Mad Libs growing up? I totally did, and it’s been really fun to introduce my kids to this fun game! Disney Mad Libs are available and just add to the magic of the Disney Parks. 

8. Browse menus on the app- Decide what you will eat for your next meal. Waiting in line is the perfect time to figure out where you want to eat next. Browse the Disney Park app and have everyone choose what they will eat. Then, you can mobile order it for whenever you’re hungry and skip the long lines at Disney parks for food! 

9. Small toys- I like to bring some little toys that I purchase on Amazon or at the Dollar Store to pull out when small children are struggling in line. It’s amazing what a little toy can do to really make young children happy for a little while! 

10. Chat with other guests– If you’re feeling friendly, you could chat with other guests who are near you in the Disney line. Making new friends is always fun! You could ask them about their favorite rides and have them tell you about the fun things they’ve done that day. 

11. Play 20 questions– We love playing 20 questions while waiting in long Disney parks lines! We like to put a little Disney spin on it and do it with park attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, small world, or Space Mountain. You could also do it with your favorite Disney Characters. To play, One person, called the “answerer,” thinks of a ride or character. The other players — the “questioners” — ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to determine what ride or character the answerer is thinking about. If the questioners guess correctly within 20 questions, they win.

12. Thumb wrestling- Have you introduced your kids to thumb wrestling yet? They might think it’s a fun way to pass the time. 

13. Play Rock, Paper Scissors- Everyone knows how to play rock, paper, scissors! It’s an easy way to pass the time, and our family has had some epic rock, paper, and scissor battles while waiting in long lines at Disney parks! 

14. Pipe cleaners- Bringing a package of pipe cleaners might be a fun way for young kids to pass the time in long lines at Disney parks. They can use pipe cleaners to make all kinds of delightful creations! 

15. Play heads up- Our family loves playing heads up while waiting in long lines at Disney parks. You can download the game from the app store on your phone. 

Enjoy the Atmosphere

Remember, the magic of Disney isn’t confined to the attractions alone, although Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is amazing – it permeates every corner of the park. From the intricate theming and captivating details to the lively entertainment and heartwarming interactions, every moment at a Disney park is an opportunity to experience enchantment. By immersing yourself fully in the atmosphere, you’re not just waiting in line – you’re actively participating in the story and embracing the spirit that makes these parks unique.

Disneyland Tips and Tricks

​Are you visiting Disneyland? Here are some tips and helpful information that will help you make the most of your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth! 

1. Get there early: Arriving at the park before it opens can save you a lot of time waiting in line for popular rides. Plus, you can take advantage of the shorter lines for some of the more popular attractions before the crowds arrive. Check out this post for info on rope-dropping Disneyland. 
2.  Use Genie Plus: The Genie Plus system allows you to reserve a spot in line for popular rides, so you don’t have to wait in the regular line. Read this post for more information on Genie Plus at Disneyland. 
3.  Take advantage of single-rider lines: If you are okay with riding alone or being separated from your group, single-rider lines can be a great way to save time waiting in line. Check out this attractions guide for more info. 
4.  Pack snacks and water: Bringing your own snacks and water can save money and keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day. Here’s info on what food you can bring into the park.
5.  Take advantage of the parades and shows: The parades and shows at Disneyland and California Adventure are not to be missed! Check the schedule for times and plan your day accordingly.
6.  Visit during off-peak times: If possible, visit the park during off-peak times, such as weekdays or off-season. This can help you avoid crowds and save money on tickets and accommodations. Find my guide on when to visit Disneyland to help you pick a time to visit.
7.  Download the Disneyland app: The Disneyland app is an excellent tool for checking wait times, finding your way around the park, and even making dining reservations.
8. Make sure you have a well-packed park bag! You want to avoid paying extra for something at the Disney theme parks that you could easily bring from home! Here’s my guide to what to pack in your park bag. 
9. Don’t miss my top 10 Disneyland tips!
10. Bring a good attitude and go with the flow. Your attitude is part of having a great vacation at the Happiest place on earth! Make sure you’re family has a positive outlook, and you’ll have a great time.

I hope this guide to waiting in lines at Disney parks was helpful! I encourage you to approach your next Disney park visit with a renewed perspective on waiting. Try to see it not as a challenge but as a chance to infuse your adventure with fun, connection, and excitement. Take the time to bond with fellow park-goers, engage in creative games, or explore hidden gems around you. Every moment counts, whether you’re exchanging stories, discovering new attractions, or simply basking in the ambiance.

Remember, the magic of Disney isn’t just found in the attractions; it’s in the smiles you share, the laughter you create, and the memories you forge. So, as you step into those lines, embrace the opportunity to make the most of every second. Because in the end, it’s these small, seemingly mundane moments contribute to the overall enchantment and wonder of your Disney park journey.

With these strategies in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to turn waiting in line into an integral part of your magical adventure. I know you’re going to have the best time! 

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for lots of Disney tips and fun!