5. Accept the crowds
"They told me I was daft to build a castle in a swamp..."
Image: ckramer, Flickr (license)
This is something of a Zen statement, but it’s true. It is almost impossible to completely avoid crowds at Disney World. At some point, you are probably going to end up next to a bellowing extrovert, bump into someone’s dear grandma, or nearly get run over by a stroller. People will get in your way and you will do the same despite your best efforts.
The key is to accept that this is okay. You’re not the only one, and these human-bumper-cars situations are perfectly normal.
You have three choices to deal with moments when the sea of humanity becomes overwhelming: retreat to your resort, withdraw to a quieter part of the park, or use your toolkit of hacks to withstand the storm. Learn how to move like water through the crowd. Unless you are dead set on seeing a parade or fireworks display, avoid areas where guests are staking out viewing spots. Those times are actually a great opportunity to get on attractions that normally have long lines!
If you have a seriously unpleasant situation with a guest, alert a nearby cast member. They’re well equipped to handle it.
6. Stop and smell the roses
Image: Disney
Just like extroversion can seem like a superpower in social situations, the very thing that gives introverts their power is introspection. We notice the little details, reflect on what we see, and let our imaginations wander.
The amount of detail Disney puts into their parks is insane. A cast member once told us a whole story about an end table in the lobby of the Hollywood Tower of Terror, how Imagineers purposefully installed a slow drip above it (one that’s almost impossible to notice) just to add to the ambience. Disney’s attractions brim with rich details in their costumes, props, and scenery. They’ve gone to extraordinary lengths to make every guest experience as immersive as possible, and introverts are just the type of people who may appreciate this.
So get lost in your imagination next time you’re on Pirates of the Caribbean. Soak in the fine craftsmanship of the micro-village next to the Germany pavilion. Linger in the aviary on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and watch the birds creep out of hiding. Try to decipher the Aurebesh letters in Star Wars Launch Bay. Read every placard you come across. Search for Hidden Mickeys.
This is your vacation after all.
What tips do you have for introverts visiting Disney World?
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.