So you’re on vacation at Disney World and you find yourself stuck in a long Disney queue without a Fastpass. Relax – it’s not the worst thing that can happen! As a matter of fact, long waits at Disney attractions have gotten better, not worse, since the invention of the Fastpass. Even though the technology lets you skip the majority of lines in most big attractions, Imagineers have increased their efforts to make the standby lines as fun and engaging as possible. Here are some really fun Walt Disney World Activities to do While in Line and make the wait for your favorite attractions more enjoyable.

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Spot Hidden Mickeys

This is an oldie but a goodie. It’s so much fun to look around and see what you can find hidden in the Disney queues. Some hidden Mickeys are more elaborate than others, like the Steamboat Willie hidden mickey made out of rock formations in the Little Mermaid queue in Magic Kingdom. Some ‘Hidden Mickeys’ are questionable, which can raise some fun discussion and lively debate while you fight off boredom.

‘Unofficial’ Disney Autograph & Activity Book

Of course we have to mention our popular ‘unofficial’ book that’s chock full of not just incredibly designed autograph pages, but also several fun activities – from connect the dots and mazes, to designing your own superhero or jokes!

Find a Game

There are all kinds of games you can play to keep yourself – and your group – entertained. Think about road trip games like eye spy. This can be very fun to play in a Disney park! Paying attention to the details around you also has its rewards. As I mentioned before, Imagineers put extra effort into their queues. They often include key story elements and exposition to prepare you for the story of the attraction (Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest). Other queues literally include games you can play and interactive features Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train).

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Use the Disney Play App

If you don’t already have the Disney Play app downloaded, you’ve really got to! The Disney Play app is a totally new way to experience the parks on your phone. It specifically has play features that are designed to keep you entertained while waiting in line. It’s a lot of fun, so if you’ve taken in enough of the details around you, this is a great way to submit to your electronics while still keeping it Disney. With the opening of Star Wars land, it has a special mode for this area alone to REALLY bring you into the story of Batuu!

Get Fastpasses

For a more practical – yet fun – use of your time, you can try snagging those elusive Fastpasses for other popular attractions. That way you don’t have to wait so long at the next ride! If the attraction you want is unavailable for Fastpass, this is the perfect opportunity to keep refreshing until a Fastpass opens up – you never know what you may be able to get.

Picture Time!

While you’re on your phone, why don’t you take some fun selfies, or pictures of the queue? Many times these environments make for a really unique backdrop for your pictures. Snap a shot of those hidden mickeys, or any other really cool scenes you would like to capture. Edit your photos and air drop them to your friends; or post your photos online and add to your Instagram Story. Go through your favorite photos from your trip and share some laughs. Bonus points if a cast member photobombs your selfie!

What are your favorite Disney World activities to do while in line?

The Disney Dining Plan is a way to enjoy meals during your vacation without having to think about price. Instead of paying the dollar amount each time you eat, you use meal credits which you purchase in advance – or get with free dining. We got to try out the dining plan on our trip last year, and learned some very important tips that will help us do better next time – and today I’m sharing with you those Disney Dining Plan Tips.

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Basics

The plan you get is based on the resort in which you stay, or you can pay to upgrade to a higher tier. So, if you stay in a deluxe resort your plan will be the deluxe plan. There is also a value plan (Quick Service), and of course, the regular plan. We stayed at an All-Star Resort so for the free promotion got the Quick Service, but paid the difference to upgrade to the regular Disney Dining Plan so we could enjoy some table service meals.

The plans reflect the dining opportunities at your resort. Since value resorts have no table service, meal credits are only good for quick service. However – all guests, on all dining plans are allowed to use their credits almost anywhere on property.

Value Quick Service Plan: 2 quick service meals (QS) + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

Regular Dining Plan: 1 table service (TS), 1 quick service + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

Deluxe Plan: 3 meals of any type (QS or TS) + 2 snacks per hotel night, plus resort mug

What’s Included in The Disney Dining Plan

Snacks are a big part of sweetening the Disney Dining Plan deal. You get two snack credits per day which are good for use at vending carts and kiosks as well as select quick service locations. They’re valued at roughly $5, so to get the most value for your dollar pick snacks that are at least that cost. You can also use snack credits on candy store items, or bagged candy in your hotel convenience store.

Meals are obviously included in the plan, but be aware that not every meal is accounted for under the plan. The number of credits you buy with the plan amounts to two meals per night of your stay (or 3 with the deluxe). The quick service dining plan covers an entree and a beverage with each meal credit. Table service credits include entree, dessert and beverage, including alcohol – or a full buffet. There are some restaurants/meals that are ‘fine dining’ or ‘signature dining’ that actually require 2 meal credits, so keep an eye out for that.

Another perk of the Disney Dining Plan is the refillable resort mug. Normally you have to pay for this, but with the plan it’s included. There’s a time limit prohibiting you from getting too many refills at once, but there’s technically no limit on how many times you can get a refill with your cup. Just keep in mind it only works for refills at resorts.

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Disney Dining Plan Secret Tips

Stay away from 2 credit restaurants if you want to make your meal credits last throughout your trip. Some restaurants are worth the extra credit, but they are not the best use of the dining plan – especially with so many wonderful, 1-credit table service options.

Use your snack credits each day to spread them out and seek out best values. Don’t leave money on the table or settle for cheap bags of candy just to recoup some of the value at the last moment. Or save a bunch for the Epcot Festivals and enjoy many high-value snacks at the food booths!

You can use your credits all at once, if you choose. They’re not doled out nightly – you and your party get access to all credits at once on the day you check in until midnight the day you check out. This means more freedom, but you also have to be careful that nobody in your group is over using credits. Along with that, don’t save them until the very end or you may end up with a bunch of extra and just waste them on packaged candy to take home.

Stretch your credits with buffets. The best way to make sure you don’t use up your credits too fast is to load up at buffets, especially for breakfast. Then you may get by on snack credits until dinner time. My favorite is doing a late breakfast/early lunch buffet, then snacking until a later dinner.

You can trade one Quick Service credit for three Snack Credits, as long as it’s in the same transaction. At some places/meals you can exchange your drink for another side or dessert – but not every place allows that.

Bonus Thought: If you have a bunch of picky eaters, I recommend Sunshine Seasons near Soarin’ in Epcot. They have several different stations with a large variety of meals, snacks, drinks and desserts!

What are your best Disney Dining Plan tips?