Acting like an extrovert
Planning a solo Disney Parks trip as an introvert
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
Whether you’re in the area for work, can’t get others to come with you (losers!), or you just need a Disney Parks fix, a solo trip may be a good option. As an introvert, you might think a solo trip is perfect. You can be by yourself (albeit with thousands of other guests). But I found the opposite to be true at first. It was challenging! Here are some things I wish I would have considered.
Knowing yourself
Are you an independent, self-confident person? If you’re used to running around town by yourself in your day-to-day life, a solo park visit may come more naturally for you. But I think for some, it can be intimidating.
Consider how comfortable you are in your own skin because when you’re by yourself—at least for me—there’s a degree of self-consciousness. I don’t typically wear Mickey ears in the parks, but if I did, I might feel insecure about wearing them if it’s just me. I’d want to be with a group where we’re all wearing ears.
And depending on the person, you might all of a sudden be insecure about how you walk or talk. I’m pretty sure the odds of tripping over your own feet are greater when you’re solo! That’s just how it works. But I do become hyper-aware of those things when it’s just me. So then it can be harder to live in the moment and enjoy the parks because I’m overanalyzing. Of course, I’ve gotten better the more visits I’ve made, and everyone is different, right? We all have different levels of confidence and images of ourselves.
But you really do learn about yourself. You figure out your level of comfort in different situations. I think you can grow as an adult. I don’t think we ever stop maturing. You end up navigating airports, transportation, hotels, and the parks all on your own. And for me, it forces me to act like an extrovert. It’s good practice for the noisy extroverted world we live in outside the parks.
I sometimes rely on my spouse to hold up a conversation or let them guide a social interaction, so when I’m solo, this is my chance. I talk to more people. I sometimes find Cast Members are more talkative to you as well if they notice you’re solo.
You also might feel a sense of freedom. I think when you live in a certain place for a while and interact with your same social circle, you get stuck in your ways. You act a certain way around these people. So when you take that solo trip, I feel like you can let loose a bit more.
Navigating the parks
You create your schedule. If you want to stare at all the signs in Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a half hour, you can. PS: This is something I’ve done, and it’s glorious—so many small details in those signs. But you decide how early you arrive and how late you stay. You also decide when you need a break to go back to the Resort midday. With a group, you’re at the whim of others in your party.
You don’t have to do rides or attractions you don’t like. And on the flip side, you can do the rides or attractions you like, the ones you can’t get your spouse to go on or experience. When I’m with my spouse, we don’t usually stop to enjoy the parades or the streetmosphere performers. But I can easily do that when it’s just me.
You might use those single rider queues. Normally when I’m with a group or even just my spouse, we’ll still ride together and not do single rider. But when you’re solo, you can take advantage of it, which means a shorter wait for the ride, of course, but also less time awkwardly standing in the long regular line with other groups surrounding you.
For me, it could also mean doing rides or attractions I’ve experienced before because I’m familiar with them. The newness of the solo situation may seem overwhelming, so visiting those places I’m already comfortable with can be reassuring.
You can go at your own pace. If you typically get slowed down by a group of people, this is your chance to get your steps in and walk at your normal fast pace. For me, though, it means I can go at a more leisurely pace. I can take in the sights and stop wherever I want. Disney Parks are known for their attention to detail, so I can really spend time noticing those details and spotting hidden Mickeys. As silly as it sounds, I find myself daydreaming a bit more. It’s definitely a more relaxed experience once you get used to it.
One of my goals in life is to avoid crowds whenever possible, and this includes at the parks. What’s nice about a solo trip is you can steer clear of the crowds. You might normally go with someone who only watches the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the crowded hub area. Great view but it’s also very people-y. So when it’s just you, you can opt for a less crowded fireworks spot and be okay with it.
But let’s not forget—everything is now on you to figure out (no pressure!). You don’t have that support of a small group or significant other who would normally act as that buffer where they’re normally the one to talk to Cast Members.
When I get up to the boarding area for a ride, for example, I don’t typically tell the Cast Member how large my party is because I let someone else go in front of me. They more or less lead the way, and I get to tag along. I tend to do that as we’re walking around the parks too. If we hit a bottleneck of people, my spouse is usually leading the way and breaking through the crowd so I don’t have to. Little things like that are now left up to you as a solo traveler.
Eating solo
What’s nice about a solo Disney Parks trip is you can eat whatever and wherever you want. You don’t have to compromise based on what the group wants.
But we should mention eating alone. Are you comfortable eating alone in a public place? This is something that’s a little awkward for me for some reason. And it’s amplified in a sit-down, table-service restaurant. Quick-service restaurants aren’t as bad.
At a table-service restaurant, I feel like all eyes are on me. I start wondering what the other guests are thinking about this guy eating by himself. And a small part of me feels guilty about taking up a table when a server could have a larger group and receive a larger tip. So when I’m on a solo trip, I don’t do table-service restaurants. It’s just quick-service restaurants or snack carts. (I will make an exception for Nomad Lounge because I love that place so much.) But for most meals as a solo traveler, I’ll typically grab it and go and eat while I’m walking around. I won’t always sit down in the seating area of the quick-service restaurant.
Fighting the loneliness
It can be lonely. You’re still creating memories with the parks, but they’re not shared memories with loved ones. I’m a nostalgic person, so I’m always reminiscing about past trips I went on with friends and family. It’s nice to have that connection. So you might miss that connection. But one thing that may help is sharing your solo trip as you’re going along on social media. So even though you’re by yourself, you’ll still feel connected to those in your social media circle.
Packing your essentials
Logistically, remember to pack what you think you’ll need. I’m the type of person who dislikes carrying anything when I’m at the parks. It’s just easier and less stressful for me when navigating the logistics of rides. So If I’m by myself, I don’t have that spouse who brought everything I might need in a bag. I have to remember what to pack and what I’ll use to haul it around with.
Relaxing with some liquid courage
I jokingly refer to alcohol and coffee as my liquid extroversion or liquid courage. But I really do think there’s some truth there. As you might expect, it helps me loosen up, and it gets me out of my head. Introverts tend to spend a lot of time thinking—and overthinking—life. I’ll sometimes say something to a Cast Member and then an hour later I’ll be analyzing what I said, wondering if what I said made sense or if it was really funny or not. So liquid extroversion helps me relax and be present while at the parks, especially if I’m there by myself.
Realizing you’re not the only one
Vacationing solo may not be as common on a non-Disney vacation, but you’ll be surprised by how many solo travelers you’ll see at the parks. You won’t be the only one! That should give you some reassurance.
You’re going to have a great time. You’re going to a Disney Park after all. I’ll fully admit it was weird—at first—to visit the parks by myself. It’s a different park experience, but I think if you can keep these things in mind, you’ll feel prepared and excited about your upcoming solo trip.
Furthering the discussion
I sat down with Matthew of the Imagination Skyway podcast, and we chatted all about solo trips to Walt Disney World. (It was a very non-introvert thing for me to do. Hello, anxiety. But it was a lot of fun too.) I invite you to listen to that episode (and go easy on me) if you’d like more tips on solo visits to Walt Disney World.
“I want to build a lightsaber at Disney, but I’m an introvert.”
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people. At the same time, doing something new, getting out of your comfort zone, and acting like an extrovert can be a lot of fun.
Are you or your child introverted and a little apprehensive about building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) or Disneyland (DL)? I get you. You’re in the spotlight, and now you have to build something in front of other people? Oof. As a D•Introvert, audience-participation attractions—like Savi’s—can be intimidating.
This is one of those moments in life when you act like an extrovert for the sake of doing something you really want to do. May the Force be with you! And to help you feel more prepared—and reassure you it’s not so bad—I’m going to break down the experience of building a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop in DHS.
Warning: As you might expect, potential SPOILERS ahead!
Check in
Look for a “Gatherer” (Cast Member) standing out front of the workshop and give them your name. You can check in up to 15 minutes before your reservation. Each builder can bring one guest.
PIck your hilt theme
They’ll give you a laminated card that describes the four available hilt themes.
You’re then directed to the courtyard area to review which theme you want. If you want to see physical replicas of each theme, pull out the nearby cabinet drawers.
Purchase your lightsaber
A second Gatherer will come over and direct you to the registers. This is when you’ll need to know which hilt theme you’re purchasing.
You’ll buy your lightsaber and receive credentials and a pin. Go ahead and put the pin on your shirt and head toward the gate to the right of the registers.
Update: If you're building a lightsaber at Disney's Hollywood Studios, full payment is due at the time of booking now.
Get excited (and maybe nervous because that's how you roll)
A Gatherer will let you through the gate into a holding area outside the workshop’s entrance. You’ll wait here a few minutes as it fills in. Everyone in the holding area will be going through the experience at the same time.
When it’s time, you’ll enter the workshop single file, first builder then their guest, second builder then their guest, etc. Be sure your pin is prominently displayed and your credentials are held chest high as you go in.
Build your lightsaber
You’re directed to your building station where you’ll place your credentials. The first thing you’ll do is pick the color of your kyber crystal. Red, blue, green, and violet are available through Savi’s Workshop.
You’ll then be presented with the rest of the components. A Gatherer will explain how many of each component you’ll need. In our experience, there was one Gatherer for every two builders, so you’ll have a mostly devoted person helping you the whole way through.
The actual assembly is fairly easy. For two of the pieces, you’ll need to line up the markings by color, blue with the blue and red with the red. I think the toughest part was fitting the kyber crystal in. You don’t have to worry about connecting the lightsaber blade. The Gatherer will do that for you.
You did it! You just built your custom lightsaber. Now relax, be in the moment, and enjoy the theatrics of it all. At a certain point, you’ll activate your lightsaber (switch it on) and raise it high.
One last thing: They’ll give you a carrying case as you exit. You’ll insert the lightsaber blade first into the case.
Have fun with your magical sword, Trekkie!
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at DHS or DL
Price: $249.99 (DHS) or $219.99 (DL)
Discounts Available: No
How to Book: Online (DHS or DL), walk-ins may be available
Duration: ~30 minutes
Party Size: Builder with one guest allowed
Park Admission Required: Yes
Cancellation Policy: Up to 1 day before
Five introvert tips while on your Disney Parks vacation
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. They like clear expectations. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people.
You’ve researched and planned your Disney Parks trip for months now (I know you, D•Introvert). It’s finally time to go! Here are five tips to consider while at the parks.
Walk and talk
Small-talk conversations can be hard for introverts. You may be perfectly fine with silence, but the others in your group may turn it into awkward silence while you’re waiting in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This may sound weird to an extrovert, but think of topics ahead of time—even create a list on your phone that you can consult when conversation gets tough.
Another idea is to walk and talk. Instead of sitting around a table, keep walking. You may actually find it’s easier to have a conversation while walking. You don’t have to make eye contact as much, so your brain can more easily concentrate on what you want to say.
Consume liquid extroversion
Did you know Disney Parks pour and brew liquid extroversion? It’s truly a magical place. I call alcohol and coffee liquid extroversion (or sometimes liquid courage). A drink or two can take the edge off your anxiety about socializing, crowds, and attractions.
Help your travel party understand you
Do people ever ask you if you’re having a good time? In your head, you’re thinking, “Duh, of course I am. I’m at a Disney Park.” But it might not be obvious on your straight face. Or maybe you're just being your quiet normal self.
To an extrovert, they may think you’re not enjoying a ride or show because you’re not outwardly expressing your emotions. They need more reassurance that you’re having a good time. I think it’s completely fair to reassure them, but make sure they understand how you experience the parks.
Express who you are
It’s totally okay to stay quiet, reflect, and analyze what you’re experiencing. It’s what we do best as D•Introverts. But I need to remind myself: it’s also okay to show my enjoyment publicly! And this leads me into my last tip…
Don’t be self-conscious
Let’s go back to where you’re waiting in line with your travel party. Do you ever feel self-conscious of what others may think if they overhear what you’re saying to your group? Even though it’s not true, you might think you’re being too loud or what you’re saying is lame to the person overhearing.
One thing I love about Disney Parks is the fact that they are no judgment zones. All walks of life enter the parks, truly. You can feel comfortable being your introverted self inside a Disney Park.
Well, you’re all set. Put those comfortable shoes on and enjoy your Disney day! Let me know if you have any questions.
An introvert’s guide to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people.
***NOTE: The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is now in permanent dry dock.***
Warning: SPOILERS ahead! It’s in our nature as introverts to know what to expect, so let’s do our Galactic Starcruiser homework.
What is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser exactly?
It’s tricky to succinctly describe the Galactic Starcruiser—but let’s try. First off, it’s a hotel. You’ll sleep there for two nights. It has a Star Wars theme. (You don’t have to be a Star Wars überfan, but it certainly helps.) It includes two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, and various snacks. It’s a live action role-playing (LARPing) experience set aboard a simulated starcruiser. (I got some dinner theater/escape room vibes too.) You interact with characters, objects, and locations on the ship, as well as on Batuu a.k.a. Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Your package includes a one-day ticket to Hollywood Studios.
If it sounds intense, it’s because it is. It really doesn’t sound like a place introverts would thrive, right? But with the right planning, maybe a little acting as an extrovert, and some liquid courage (alcohol), I think you’ll discover it’s a pretty unique and amazing experience.
Character interactions
Before we get into your itinerary, we better talk about the one thing that’s giving all the introverts out there the most heartburn: character interactions or the LARPing. If you’ve ever tried to interact with characters at the theme parks, you know it can be awkward. Character meet-and-greets are difficult for introverts. And on the Galactic Starcruiser, it’s more than a meet-and-greet. The nice thing about these characters is you’re part of their storyline, so you’ve been reading about them in the events part of your datapad (more to come on the datapad). You’re completing missions for them. When you see them next, you come equipped with a conversation starter (if needed).
A lot of the time, it’s more about following a character around or congregating around one while they tell you a story or act out a scene. And that’s actually an important tip. If you ever feel like you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing, look for the characters and head toward them. They will sometimes come to you, but most of the time, you need to seek them out. This keeps the storyline going.
You decide how involved you want to be. You can fully participate and join the characters whenever they’re nearby. You can participate sometimes and watch other times. Or you can simply watch and observe from afar. But I really do recommend acting like an extrovert and participating as much as you can.
The cool thing is that there are two levels to the storytelling: the one everyone experiences and then the personal story you end up experiencing with the characters. They are very good about remembering your name and what you did (or didn’t do) earlier in the day—or even the previous day. Introverts love details, so you’ll appreciate this level of storytelling.
DAY 1
Arrival
You made it. You’re excited and probably a little nervous. (It’s going to be fine.) Did you dress up? No pressure if not. You’ll find some go all out, and part of the fun as an introvert is to just see everyone’s costumes. (Remember as a kid when you’d just watch your friends play video games while you observed. It’s kinda like that.)
Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll pick your check-in time in advance when you do your online check-in via the My Disney Experience app. From what I noticed, most guests picked 1 p.m. because there was a long line of cars leading up to the terminal. It took us about 45 minutes before we actually got inside. I still recommend the earliest check-in time—in fact, show up around 12:30 p.m. if you can. As an introvert, maybe you’re used to being early. Tip: When you’re part of the first group somewhere, you feel like you own the place before the rest of the crowd shows up. Try this in all sorts of social situations.
Note: On our first voyage, we showed up right before 1 p.m. On our second voyage, we showed up around 12:30 p.m. The earlier arrival was much more relaxed and less busy. We were inside within 15 minutes.
If you’re driving your own car, it’s all valet parking (tip not included). They’ll take your bags at this point too. You’ll then take a launch pod to the starcruiser. As soon as you board the Halcyon, your party is directed to a Passenger Services Crew Member. They go over some details and escort you directly to your cabin. See? You’re not even lost yet. Your bags will show up a little later. And the beauty of this experience happening at an actual hotel? If it’s ever too much and you need a break from it all, you can walk down to your cabin.
Passenger Services is basically Guest Relations that you’d find in the parks. They are dressed in blue and have a counter in the Atrium. If you’re ever unsure what to do, or if you have any issues with your stay, they are super helpful and kind.
Lunch
Lunch is served from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. At this point, it’s probably close to 2 p.m., and I bet you’re hungry. (I recommend eating a later breakfast on your homeworld before coming.) Head to the Crown of Corellia Dining Room on Deck 4. Lunch is buffet style. You’ll grab a tray, load it up with food from the various stations, and seat yourself. Cups for drinks are on shelves underneath the counter.
Lunch on day one is the busiest, but if you’re a party of two, I have the perfect introvert spot for you.
Tip: Whenever you’re dining at a restaurant—on Disney property or elsewhere—try and avoid tables in the center of the room. Introverts feel more comfortable on the side or in a corner where they can look out, read the room, and take it all in. Also, no need to awkwardly dump your tray somewhere. Just leave it on the table when you’re done.
The datapad
You’re going to be interacting with characters, objects, and locations, which is all linked to an app on your phone, your datapad a.k.a. the Play Disney Parks app. You’ll end up using this datapad a lot, especially on your trip to Batuu on day two, so you’ll want to master it. You may already be familiar with it from previous visits to Galaxy’s Edge, but if not, no worries. In the days leading up to your voyage, they’ll populate your events schedule in the datapad, so definitely take a peek. You can view the in-app tutorials, or better yet, attend a datapad orientation while on board.
Do you like to read? Introverts tend to enjoy reading, which is good because you’ll be doing a fair amount of it within the datapad. The comms part of the datapad is your friend.
This is where characters will communicate with you when you’re not with them. This is really how you keep the storyline moving. Once you complete missions within the comms part of your datapad, you’ll see your schedule update within the events part of your datapad. Tip: Pay attention to any new events (in yellow).
You can passively participate by having someone else in your party run their datapad, but a lot of the fun is doing it yourself. This is also how you can pick a different story path. Warning, though, you may be invited to secret meetings that only you can attend, which means splitting up from your party.
Ship consoles
Throughout the ship, you’ll find consoles. They provide general information, but more importantly, they’ll enable you to unlock (literally) more of the story. The comms part of your datapad will direct you to the consoles when needed. Tip: Watch for the comms that provides you with the console access code.
Ship tours
Passenger Services offers short guided tours of the ship. Great idea for introverts. It will help you get your bearings, and you’ll start to feel like you know where everything’s at. You’re probably a lover of learning, which is perfect because you’ll learn some backstory along the way.
Ship muster
This is when the captain welcomes you and shows you your muster location in case of emergencies. Where you settled in before the start of the muster becomes your muster location. I liked being in a location nearest the balcony and turbolifts.
You have a good view of the characters performing above you. At a certain point, the captain will put you on the spot by asking you to chat with the people around you to get to know them. Oof. Small talk is hard for us. But it’s brief.
Captain's reception
The muster leads right into the reception. A shared nonalcoholic toast happens. Don’t worry if you don’t get a drink right away. They’ll eventually make it around to everyone if you stick around long enough. But be aware the captain may proceed with the toast before everyone has a drink.
Bridge ops training
This was one of my favorite activities, and I think it’s quite introvert friendly. As the name implies, you're learning how to operate the ship’s bridge. Each station is basically a simple video game. Keyword: simple. No pressure to figure out a complicated game in front of others. You’ll rotate so you can try out each station, but you’re more or less just doing your own thing at your own station.
Dance lessons
Nope. Just nope. This is definitely an optional activity, and if you’re an introvert, you’re probably going to stay clear. Don’t be like me and be hanging out in the Atrium when lessons suddenly start up around you.
Sublight Lounge
Ah, one of my favorite locations on the ship, right off the Atrium on Deck 6. You seat yourself at the bar or any of the tables or booths. This is also where the holo-sabacc table is located. For some introverts, adult beverages act like liquid courage, or liquid extroversion. If you imbibe, you’ll want to spend some time at this great lounge. It will help you open up and fully enjoy the Galactic Starcruiser. They have inventive and great-tasting drinks, but they also have spirits from your homeworld. (Tip: The Fiery Mustafarian and Dagobah Vimlet have souvenir glass options.) The bartenders and staff are exceptional. Like Passenger Services, they are extremely friendly. In fact, I’d say the Galactic Starcruiser offers the best Disney guest service you’ll find anywhere on property.
Even if you don’t imbibe, the lounge offers a nonalcoholic drink tasting, complete with stories, which lovers of learning (introverts) will appreciate. This takes place on day two, but you’ll want to sign up for it in advance. Sublight also has snacks starting around 4 or 4:30 p.m. Snacks are included in your voyage. Drinks are not. Also keep in mind, an 18% gratuity is automatically included, which is shared by all; however, if you tip extra, that goes directly to your bartender/server.
Dinner 1
Unlike lunch and breakfast, dinner is table service. You’re taken to your seat, and they bring your food to you. Like at Sublight Lounge, gratuities for food service are included. Tip: When you book your voyage, you have the option to upgrade to the captain’s table. Do it. And do it on night two. (You’ll learn why in a second.) It gives you more food courses as well as a champagne toast. Do keep in mind, though, you’ll be sharing the table with other parties. But it also gives you a great seat in the dining room—both nights. On the night you’re not at the captain’s table (night one), you may just find yourself seated at the table right in front of where the entertainment performs.
What entertainment you ask? Gaya, one of the biggest superstars in the galaxy, as well as keyboardist and DJ Ouannii and guitarist Sandro Alimander. Introverts tend to be lovers of music and artistic expression, so something tells me you’ll get a kick out of this performance. Be prepared—Gaya may ask you to stand up at some point and dance. Not a solo performance. Everyone in the dining room will get up and dance, so you can blend in and not really dance. She may also wander about and ask you where you’re from.
DAY 2
You’ll be happy to know day two is much less busy. It’s a refreshingly quiet day compared to day one. This is when introverts can really explore the ship without a lot of other passengers. Spend more quality time with the Atrium, the ship consoles, the Engineering Room, the Climate Simulator, and the holo-sabacc table.
The reason why it’s so quiet? Everyone is on a day excursion to Batuu! We’ll talk about that in a minute—and it’s definitely something you want to do—but first more food.
Breakfast
You have two options for breakfast: grab-and-go boxed items in the Sublight Lounge or a buffet in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. If day one was too much for you and you need a bit more recharging, the grab-and-go option is great. But you’ll find more (and better) options at the buffet. Breakfast seemed less crowded than lunch. And the setup is the same as lunch, something you’re comfortable with at this point—grab tray, fill with food, and seat yourself.
Batuu excursion
It’s time to leave the quiet ship and head to Batuu. You might be tempted to stay, but I highly recommend you don’t. Here’s what to do. Board the Batuu transports as early as possible. They typically run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. (You’ll notice you have a scheduled time in the events part of your datapad. You don’t have to board at that time.)
Note: A park pass reservation is not required.
You’ll arrive right around the same time as regular day guests. Crowds should still be light. You’re given two Lightning Lanes (LLs): one for Rise of the Resistance and one for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Even if you’ve experienced these rides before, use your LLs. They may actually be part of your storyline and open up more comms and events in your datapad. Speaking of the datapad, as a guest of the starcruiser, you’ll find more is unlocked than if you were just a day guest at the park. This is your time to shine and complete some missions. Remember the comms part of your datapad? Missions will be added there while on Batuu.
To complete a mission, you’ll read the character’s request, accept the mission, go to the location, and perform some sort of action in your datapad. Don’t worry, it’s not too complex. The mission may include an image of the location. This can be super helpful, so tap the image to enlarge.
If that doesn’t help, tap Show Map. Your location is the red circle. The blue arrows show you which direction to head.
Once you’re near the location, tap the blue location marker. This will unlock the action you need to take. It could be as simple as tapping a Hack button. Others require a decryption key, which requires you to construct the key a.k.a. dragging shapes to form the key. Here’s an example:
(If you’re stuck, notice the flashing shape hints.)
Another action might be angling your phone up and down and side to side to align lines on your datapad. One particular mission might stress out introverts. Time to act like an extrovert. It involves telling a Cast Member something at Oga’s Cantina. Your datapad will tell you exactly what to say—and the exchange is brief—but you’ll say your line, they’ll have you scan a code, and you’ll construct the key while standing next to them.
Once you’ve completed all your missions, you might be hungry. Lunch is included on Batuu at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or Ronto Roasters (and does include one alcoholic beverage). Tip: Go back to the ship for lunch. The ship’s lunch buffet is better, you’ll find some new options that weren’t there on day one, and it’s less busy than day one’s lunch. Plus, you’ll have more time on the ship before everyone else gets back.
Lightsaber training
Sounds cool, right? It is, but it needs an introvert warning. You’ll stand in a line, taking turns learning how to use a lightsaber and shield. It’s not difficult. It doesn’t require a lot of coordination, thankfully. Near the end, though, you might feel like you’re on display for the whole class. After the practice rounds, each person steps up to the simulator while the rest of the class stands at the back of the room. Power through! It doesn’t last too long, and everyone else looks just as ridiculous when it’s their turn.
Dinner 2
Dinner on night two isn’t accompanied by Gaya, sorry. But the focus is on the food. Chefs present the courses as they come out. The lighting in the dining room changes with each one. It’s a fun little display.
When you book your voyage, you choose if you want early or late dinners. There are pros and cons to each, and it may be personal preference. I enjoyed having the later dinners. I felt like we had more uninterrupted time to interact with the ship and characters. Now, I don’t want to spoil everything, but if you’re ordering drinks (where you’ll have a tab at the end), pay as soon as you receive the check. You may need to go somewhere quickly…
Note: First and second dinner seating is based on availability. You may find only one option is available. You'll know when you book.
DAY 3
Departure
The time has come. Before experiencing the Galactic Starcuiser, I never would have said I wish the experience was longer than three days. But it’s true. You may not want to leave!
The day before you’ll receive personal cargo tags (luggage tags) to put on your luggage. You’ll set your luggage out by your door by 8 a.m. on day three. This is optional. You can also take your own luggage with you when you disembark and board the launch pod for home. You’ll see a scheduled launch pod time in the events part of your datapad. Like your transport time to Batuu, you don’t have to board at that time. Disembarkation generally happens from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Ignite the spark
Phew, do you feel more prepared for your voyage? There’s so much to experience, and this itinerary doesn’t even cover everything. But I hope this guide gives you reassurance. I was hesitant going into the experience, but from one fellow introvert to another, I think you’ll enjoy it way more than you think. Weeks after, I’m still thinking about my adventure. Despite there being 100 cabins on the Galactic Starcruiser, it feels intimate and you really experience a deep connection to the ship and characters.
May the stars light your way, D•Introverts!
Words or phrases you might hear
a’ deg a’ (ah-deeg-ah) = hello
ba’ ma’ shay (bah-ma-shay) = goodbye
credits = form of payment
datapad = Play Disney Parks app
good journey = hello or farewell
good passage = good morning or good day
Halcyon = name of the ship
holo-sabacc = electronic, holographic version of sabacc card game
holoscan = photo
imaging unit = camera
loth-cat crew = guests 7 and under
M-Band = MagicBand
my honor = you're welcome
personal cargo = luggage
personal cargo tags = luggage tags
sabacc = card game
ship consoles = interactive panels found throughout ship
ta’ bu e tay (ta-boo-eee-tay) = let’s celebrate or cherish the moment
turbolift = elevator
viewport = window into space
Map
Knowing your surroundings can really help an introvert feel comfortable. There’s nothing worse than getting lost and then having to talk to another human for directions. (Although, it may not be a human on the Galactic Starcruiser.) All these ship locations can be found on the map, which can be accessed in your datapad or on the ship consoles.
Deck 6
- Atrium
- Bridge
- Passenger Services
- Sublight Lounge
- The Chandrila Collection (merchandise shop)
- Launch Pod Dock (where you arrive and depart)
Deck 4
- Crown of Corellia Dining Room
- Engineering Room
- Climate Simulator
- Lightsaber Training Pod
- Cargo Hold
Decks 4, 5, and 7 cabins
