3. Find the quiet places
Image: daveblogs007, Flickr (license)
While the eye-popping bustle of Fantasyland can test the fortitude of even the stouthearted, a short raft ride away at Tom Sawyer Island, the difference in crowd intensity can be night and day.
Scattered throughout the parks are quiet refuges where the hustle and bustle diminishes. Some of these are purposefully executed, such as the walking trails at Animal Kingdom. Others are areas Disney wishes guests to look away from, such as the stretch of space in Epcot that used to lead to the Wonders of Life pavilion near Universe of Energy.
Another great choice for introverts are dark rides and boat rides. Attractions like Spaceship Earth, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Living With the Land provide great decompression time. World Showcase, in particular, is ideal for introverts with its hidden corners and gardens in the Canada, Japan, China, and UK pavilions.
Here’s a few more options in the parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- The Magic Kingdom Railroad
- The upstairs of Columbia Harbor House
- Sleepy Hollow restaurant
- Epcot
- The path that passes the defunct Odyssey restaurant between Future World and World Showcase (unless a festival is taking place)
- The interior areas of the Morocco Pavilion
- Impressions de France
- Hollywood Studios
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
- Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
- Animal Kingdom
- Pangani Forest and Maharaja Jungle Trails
- The courtyard outside “Dinosaur”
- The train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Outside the parks, the choices are endless. You do not have to be staying at Disney’s resorts to visit them. Go enjoy a cushy chair at Animal Kingdom Lodge, relax on the balcony outside the Boardwalk Resort, or take a quiet hike at Fort Wilderness.
4. Hack your trip
Want to take your introvert’s Disney trip to the next level? It’s time to employ some straight up hacks.
Consider all five of your senses…
First, the Florida sun is cornea-searing bright as is. Bring some dark sunglasses for shade and a bit of privacy. It’ll make it much easier to sit back and reflect in those aforementioned quiet places.
Second, if the crowd noise is draining your energy reserves, bring a pair of in-ear headphones and download a noise generator app like Relax Melodies. Pop on some pink or brown noise, and like magic, the roar of a million tourists vanishes. A web-based option is MyNoise.net which offers ambient soundscapes to match any setting. You can even use YouTube to listen to ambient music for each section of the park.
Third, skip the funnel cake and treat your taste buds to some of Disney’s unique culinary treats. Pick up a soothing cup of tea at Joffrey’s Anandapur Royal Tea Shop in Animal Kingdom or The Joy of Tea in Epcot. Have a healthy, sustainable meal at Sunshine Seasons or savor a tray of comforting delights at Kringla Bakery.
If you’re a natural fidgeter, get yourself a Fidget Cube to engage your sense of touch. This tiny device comes with a wide array of buttons, switches, and dials to busy your hands without anyone being the wiser. When the crowds start to stress you out, you’ll have something to calm that fidgeting impulse. Also, if you’re concerned about germs, you can also bring a light pair of gloves to trick out your Disney gear.
Did you know you can actually hack your brain using your sense of smell? Disney is well aware of this and offers a number of don’t miss aromatic experiences (“Soarin’ Over the World” is one of these— “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” is NOT). However, you can take this concept to the next level using essential oils. Dab some on your wrists and rub them together, then breathe in the scent. Oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary can invigorate and stimulate the mind. On the flip side, lavender, jasmine, and frankincense can calm anxiety and help you relax. Be aware some essential oils need a carrier oil so they don’t burn your skin.
Last, learn how to calm your nerves with anti-anxiety breathing exercises. Inhale through your nose for four seconds hold that breath for seven seconds, then exhale for eight seconds.
Comments
A handful of tips: 1) Arrive to the parking lot about an hour before opening. The lots will be open, and you'll be among the first into the park and can explore the main entryway into the park before it gets crowded. 2) Look for the roaming "street" entertainers/craftspeople for more intimate, up-close, and enjoyable encounters. 3) If there with kids (because this list is also good for doing Disney with kids) pack a lunch, leave around lunchtime (eat the sandwiches in the car on your way back to your hotel) take a nap (Adults too!), visit the pool, eat dinner, then go back for 2-3 hours in the evening. You'll feel refreshed and ready to do more while most of the other kids will have hit the wall hours ago. Your kids will wonder what's wrong with all the other kids they see leaving in tears and screaming fits.