4-minute recharge at Animal Kingdom: Na’vi River Journey
Introversion Insight:
A crowded, lively place is exciting and energizing for some. But for introverts, it can be exhausting. These places actually drain an introvert’s mental energy. This is where recharging comes in.
A Walt Disney World vacation isn’t exactly relaxing. It can be, but my guess is you’ve planned out your whole itinerary for each day. I’m impressed! It’s awfully reassuring to have a plan. But the mental exhaustion from visiting these busy theme parks is real. And if you’re like me, the recharging ends up happening once you get home—and then you tell yourself you need a vacation to recover from the vacation you just had.
What would you say if I told you you could build in “mini-recharges” throughout your Walt Disney World trip? Before we proceed, cue the music:
Ah, much better. Now that we have the proper background music playing, let’s get our Na’vi on.
Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t get enough love. It’s a short, visually stunning boat ride in the dark. It’s the perfect ride for overstimulated introverts. It’s my reset button, and this is why.
Dark and cool
The Florida sun is bright and hot. It can zap your energy in no time. This attraction’s dark, bioluminescent rainforest and AC are just what you need.
Slow moving
Your Walt Disney World vacation is go go go. Do this ride, then that ride. Squeeze in lunch. Traverse from one side of the park to the other. Na’vi River Journey forces you to slow down. The ride’s boat slowly floats down a river for four relaxing minutes.
No drops or thrills
I like my attractions with a side of thrill, but sometimes I need something calming. You won’t find any drops on this ride. The thrills come from your eyeballs taking in the glowing scenery.
Pandoran flora and fauna
Speaking of glowing, the visuals are just as impressive and exotic as the ones you see in the Avatar movies. Na’vi River Journey is full of unique plants and animals around every bend.
Calming music
We end where we started. One of the best ways to recharge is by listening to calming music. And you’re in luck because this attraction highlights the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. She changes the energy in the rainforest with her singing—and you’ll probably have the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Sivako, D•Introverts!
Na’vi River Journey
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Genie+ Lightning Lane available: Yes
Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane available: No
Open during early entry: Yes
Height requirement: Any