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6. Start a mini-project

Jedi statue in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge looking out over Lego Darth Revan
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega

If your Disney parks vacation isn’t too packed with activity, you may want to consider starting a mini-project related to your trip as a creative exercise. For writers, this may involve setting aside some time for free writing every day. You could take time to do this at your resort or even sneak away to a quiet place in the parks like Tom Sawyer Island or the World Showcase gardens for a little writing time. Artists can utilize the same concept for free drawing or making art with another portable medium.

For fans of photography, a photo collection is another great mini-project to take on. I’ve done a few of these for my @mykingdomforamouse Instagram (the latest one I’ve been working on is a series of pictures of Lego Darth Revan throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—we geeks like the simple things). You can either pick a specific theme for your collection or run with a broader approach. The goal is simply to practice creativity, whether you choose to share your collection or not.

7. Explore unique spaces that cultivate creativity

Morocco Tower at Epcot
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega

Just like you can hack your creativity by embracing immersive rides and experiences, you can also do so simply by taking some time during your trip to explore unique spaces that promote creativity.

In most cases, the best places to do this will be either immersive areas of Disney parks like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or The World of Pandora (these are both great particularly you write science fiction or fantasy or do art in those categories) or places where you can slow down and just take in the environment. While Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom has a few gardens that could work, our hands down favorite place to getaway and imagine is Tom Sawyer Island (this goes for Disneyland as well). Without fail, it’s usually the quietest part of the park, and there are so many places to just explore or even sit back and think (or immerse yourself in the heebie-jeebies inside of Injun Joe’s Cave). In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the aforementioned walking trails are a good choice. World Showcase at Epcot is a treasure trove for these spaces—a few that come to mind are the winding streets of Morocco or the serene gardens of China, Japan, and Canada.

Disney’s resorts are also great places to wander and flex your creativity, particularly those with strong theming like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian, or even The Grand Californian at Disneyland Resort. The main goal is just take your time—give yourself room to think and dream. Even better, you don’t need a park admission to visit resorts!

8. Set apart time on your vacation to be creative

Bungalow living room at Polynesian Resort
Image: Disney

Every Disney parks vacation is different, as is every creative soul. For some, you may just need a full week off without pouring into any projects. If you’re more the type who likes to utilize creativity on a vacation, make sure you set apart some quiet time during your trip to practice your art.

For solo travelers or couples, this may be as simple as setting aside a little time in your resort room to practice your medium. For those travelling with families, you may need to do a little exploring to find a calm space to get away for a bit. Many resorts—even those not owned by Disney—have great lobby spaces, coffee shops, or even dedicated work cubbies that guests can use to get a little privacy.

At the same time, don’t underestimate the power of rest—studies have shown that quality rest is crucial to creativity. Especially if a creative field is your career, don’t fall into the trap of missing your vacation by working all the way through it. Whatever your situation, make sure you have time to express your creativity without necessarily losing the benefits of vacation rest.

9. Be present

Adorable girl on carousel with Minnie Ears
Image: Disney

If you’re looking to maximize the creative boost that comes with a Disney parks vacation, one of the best things you can do is just be present in the moment.

I do realize I just spent an entire article talking about letting your mind wander—however, even that can be connected to remaining mindful and present. What I specifically mean is don’t let all of your creative energy be consumed by worries and distractions of the past and future. On a vacation, it is okay to just be in the moment and enjoy yourself and your loved ones. Just like our bodies need rest, so do our brains, and making a point to keep an attitude settled in the moment can help do that.

Some may take that a step further and practice meditation, mindfulness, or prayer during your vacation—go for it! The Tomorrowland PeopleMover is probably my favorite space for just letting my mind get settled. A tired mind will have difficulty being creative, but one that has been well-grounded won’t have quite so much trouble. Don’t feel like you have to pack your vacation with activity either. Enjoy the moment.

Do Disney parks help inspire your creativity? How so?

 

 

 
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