All in the details
When introverts plan an afternoon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Part 2
Introversion Insight:
It really is all in the details, and introverts notice them. They have an eye for it. There’s something satisfying about discovering small details that often get overlooked. Introverts pay attention to the small things and ultimately appreciate them more.
Jambo, D•Introverts!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is rich in details. I would venture to say it has more details than all the other parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some are hidden while others are in plain sight, but it requires us to slow down to appreciate them all. We’re in luck, though, because introverts tend to be slow and methodical in nature, so that’s why this tour of the African fishing village of Harambe is perfect for us.
Step 1: Visit Dawa Bar for a drink
Before we start exploring Harambe in the Africa area of the park, let’s find some liquid courage or extroversion (a.k.a. alcohol). You’re in luck because Dawa Bar is located right near the entrance to Africa (next to Tusker House Restaurant).
Dawa Bar is considered a full bar. They can make most common drinks with standard liquors, but if you want to keep things simple and order off the menu, go for it. They typically have four specialty cocktails. My favorite is the African Margarita. They also have white wine, red wine, hard cider, and beer. If you’re looking for a strong beer (9.5% ABV), they have Victory’s Golden Monkey Tripel Ale.
The bar has a small dedicated seating area, but it’s mostly a grab-and-go lounge, which is perfect because that’s exactly what we’re doing. We have details to check out.
Step 2: Check out all the signs
Okay, with drink in hand, you’re ready. The liquid extroversion will help you relax, and it will keep the extroverts in your group from getting too bored. As you wander through the village, notice all the signs on the buildings. You’ll find some advertising fictional places, of course, but you’ll also find ones referencing actual attractions within the park. Many give you a peek into what a villager’s life is like in Harambe.
Tip: Plan this adventure before or after the lunchtime rush. Many of the signs are located in the seating area of Harambe Market, which is a popular quick-service restaurant. This way you don’t have to climb over people eating to read all the signs!
Any Joe Rohde fans out there (as if I need to ask)? Joe is a former Imagineer and lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. See if you can spot the sign with a nod to him. Hint: It can actually be found in a couple locations. You’ll also find signs referencing other Imagineers who worked on the project.
Enjoy your stay in Harambe! If you’ve appreciated all these signs in Africa, you’ll have to take a leisurely stroll through Asia because there are even more signs to read there. But the extroverts in your group are probably bored at this point, so let’s save it for another afternoon.
Dawa Bar
Location: Africa at Animal Kingdom (next to Tusker House Restaurant)
Hours: 10 a.m. – half hour before park close (may vary)
How to Visit: Walk-up only; some dedicated bar seating but mostly grab and go
Park Admission Required: Yes
Looking for another introvert idea at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
Here's part one.
One of the best Disney Parks backstage tours for introverts
Introversion Insight:
It really is all in the details, and introverts notice them. They have an eye for it. There’s something satisfying about discovering small details that often get overlooked. Introverts pay attention to the small things and ultimately appreciate them more.
All magic comes at a price. But for an additional price, you can experience behind-the-scenes magic at Disney Parks—in the form of backstage tours. They’re a great way to learn about the details Disney Parks are known for. But here’s the thing: backstage tours are perfect for introverts, and here’s why.
Small gathering > large gathering
If you had the choice of having a small, close-knit group of friends come over vs. a large group, you’re probably going to choose the former. And it’s not just because of the number of people. You feel more connected in private gatherings. You get a sense of that on a backstage tour, a connection to the other Disney Parks nerds on your tour and a connection to the parks themselves.
Love of learning
Introverts live inside their heads. It’s a nice place to be most of the time (although, it can be exhausting sometimes). We’re always thinking—and overthinking—things. Growing up you actually enjoyed learning new subjects in school. If I had it my way, I’d be a full-time college student the rest of my life.
You probably research and obsess over a particular topic or hobby. It’s just how you roll. And if you’re reading this, I bet one of those obsessions is Disney Parks. Backstage tours help you learn and ponder the parks like you’ve never done before.
Living with the land
Not every introvert likes gardening, but I’d venture to say every introvert enjoys quiet, more solitary activities (like gardening). So one of the best backstage tours for introverts is the Behind the Seeds tour at EPCOT.
If you’re a fan of the Living with the Land attraction, then Behind the Seeds should be one of your (and Stacey’s) must-dos! And even if you’re not, it’s pretty fascinating. You’ll learn about some of the agricultural methods used at The Land, visit labs and greenhouses, sample cucumbers, and touch one particular plant.
Here are some introvert tips:
- The check-in location is inside The Land pavilion to the right of Soarin’ Around the World.
- Check in fifteen minutes early. You’ll sign a waiver and get a name tag.
- Be prepared to introduce yourself. Don’t worry—it’s short and sweet. The tour guide will ask you to say your name and where you’re from.
- You’ll wear an audio device to better hear the guide. The rubber part goes behind your ear.
Behind the Seeds tour
When: Daily, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (every hour)
Length: 1 hour
Price: $39–$45 (depending on date)
Discount: 15% for Annual Passholders, Disney Visa cardmembers (must call to receive discount), and Disney Vacation Club members
How to Book: Online, My Disney Experience app, 407.939.7529, and tour check-in location
Park Admission Required: Yes
Cancellation Policy: Up to 2 days before