(Without Losing the Magic)
Disneyland is magical… but let’s be honest, sometimes the lines are not. Big rides and nighttime shows can mean long waits, and if you’re traveling with kids, teens, or tired adults (hi, it’s me), those minutes can feel extra dramatic.
The good news? With a little strategy, you can turn long waits for rides or parades into built-in breaks, silly memory-makers, and even some of the calmest moments of your day.
1. Snacks Are Your Secret Weapon
Hungry + hot + waiting = disaster.
Snacks + waiting = peaceful, occupied children and happier grown-ups.
Pack or grab:
- Easy, non-melty snacks (pretzels, crackers, fruit leather, Goldfish)
- Refillable water bottles (huge win on hot days)
- Little treats you can “reveal” when the line mood starts to slide downhill
For parade spots, I love having:
- Snack cups or zip-top bags for each kid
- Something small but special (like a Mickey-shaped snack or popcorn) to make the wait feel fun, not frustrating
2. Turn Waiting Into Game Time
Lines are the perfect place to pull out quick, no-supplies-needed games. Some favorites:
- “I Spy” Disney Edition
“I spy something with ears…”, “I spy something sparkly…”—let the kids take turns leading. - Would You Rather (Disney style)
“Would you rather ride Space Mountain five times or eat five churros?”
“Would you rather be best friends with Goofy or Donald?” - Guess the Ride Soundtrack
Hum a tune from a ride or show and see who can guess it first. - Park Scavenger Hunt
Before your trip, make a simple list on your phone: balloons, Mickey ears, bubble wand, churro cart, character shirt, etc. Check things off while you wait in different lines.
Teens might not jump at “I Spy,” but they’ll usually join in on funny “Would You Rather” or guessing trivia about rides.
3. Use the Time to Plan Your Next Moves
Long line? Perfect time to:
- Check the Disneyland app for wait times elsewhere
- Decide where you’re heading after this ride
- Place a mobile order for your next snack, meal, or coffee
- Look at showtimes and pick your next parade or nighttime entertainment
It makes the line feel productive instead of just… standing.
4. Bring Little Distractions (Especially for Littles)
A few tiny “line time” items can save the day:
- Sticker sheets
- A small fidget toy
- A mini notebook + pen for doodling
- Bubbles for parade waits (if allowed in your area and used thoughtfully)
- Kindle for reading
Nothing huge—you don’t want your whole stroller unpacked in the middle of a queue—but a couple of small surprises go a long way.
5. For Parades: Think of It as Rest Time, Not Just Wait Time
When you’re saving a spot for a parade or nighttime show, you’re not just “waiting”—you’re actually resting your feet and giving everyone a break.
To make it comfy:
- Bring a light blanket or small towel to sit on
- Give everyone a water + snack “refuel”
- Reapply sunscreen and adjust layers (jackets, hats, etc.)
- Take turns: one adult can hold the spot while the other takes kids to use the restroom or grab a snack
You’re going to be on your feet a lot at Disneyland. Sitting on the curb for a bit—even if it’s to hold your spot—can be a gift.
6. Set Expectations Before You Even Get in Line
Sometimes the meltdown isn’t about the line—it’s about the surprise.
For kids, try:
- “This line is going to be about as long as watching one TV show. We can play games, eat snacks, and then it’ll be our turn.”
- “We’re going to wait for this ride because it’s really special, and we might not get to ride it again today.”
For teens and adults:
- Talk about which rides or shows are “worth the wait” for your family and choose ahead of time.
- Agree that some lines are a “yes” and some are a “not worth it today.”
When everyone knows what to expect, there’s less grumpiness and less pressure in the moment.
7. Know When to Bail
Real talk: sometimes, it’s just not worth it.
It’s okay to say:
- “This line is moving slower than we thought—let’s try again later.”
- “Everyone’s tired and hot; let’s grab a snack in the shade instead.”
You’re not “wasting time” by changing plans. You’re protecting the energy and mood for the rest of the day. Disneyland is supposed to be fun, not a line endurance challenge. 😉
8. Turn It into Connection Time
Some of my favorite Disneyland memories have actually happened in line:
- Talking with my kids about their favorite moments so far
- Laughing over something silly that happened on the last ride
- Planning “if we could do anything in the park next, what would it be?”
Lines force you to slow down in a day that’s usually go-go-go. Use that pause to connect, chat, and soak it all in.
Final Thoughts: The Lines Are Part of the Story
Yes, Disneyland lines and parade waits can be long. But they don’t have to be miserable.
With a backpack full of snacks, a couple of easy games, a flexible mindset, and a little bit of Disney magic, you can turn those in-between moments into part of the fun—not just something to suffer through.
At the end of the day, your kids might not remember exactly how many minutes you waited for a ride… but they will remember giggling with you in line, trading silly “Would You Rather” questions, and munching popcorn on the curb while they waited for their favorite characters to float by.
And honestly? That’s the good stuff. 💛
