How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours

An introvert’s guide to 2024 Disney After Hours at EPCOT

 

Introversion Insight:

A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)

 

Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have three hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.

 

That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference. 

 

Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life

 

What’s included?

This is what you’re paying for:

  • Lower wait times for attractions
  • No blazing sun at night (especially important for the summer)
  • Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
  • Characters 

 

And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds. 

 

Who should attend?

If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win. 

 

If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.

 

If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event because you don’t need them. 

 

If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.  

 

If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience. 

 

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.

 

Which park?

At different times during the year, you have four options:

 

Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at EPCOT in 2024.

 

How does it work?

Pick your night

The event takes place on select nights in February through July 2024:

  • February 2, 8, and 15
  • March 7 and 28
  • April 4 and 25
  • May 9, 23, and 30
  • June 6 and 20
  • July 18

All are on Thursdays except February 2, which is a Friday.

 

Buy your ticket

Prices range from $149 to $159, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a $30 discount. 

 

Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. You have the option of electronic (mobile) delivery or postal delivery. Electronic is preferred because it links with your account, and then you can just use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.

 

(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile and you don’t have your ticket mailed to you, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.) 

 

On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours. 

 

Create a plan

Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Ice cream? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!) 

 

What’s available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT

Attractions
disney_after_hours_epcot_guardians_standby

You have twelve options (thirteen if you count both missions on Mission: SPACE):

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Did you notice the image above? Guardians is only standby during After Hours! No need to mess with the virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane.

Tip: Be near this ride shortly after 9 p.m. when it switches to standby. In my experience, they had us queue up early and reopened the ride before the official event start time. We were on and off by 9:50 p.m.

If you plan on watching the fireworks, watch them closer to Mexico so you can quickly escape to Guardians when the show is over.

  • Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
  • Soarin' around the World
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Journey into Imagination with Figment
  • Mission: SPACE (Green and Orange Missions)
  • Living with the Land
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends 
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

 

Note: Compared to other parks with After Hours, EPCOT doesn’t have as many headliner attractions where you’d typically find longer wait times on a regular park day. 

 

They are also spread out more. With EPCOT being a large park, be prepared to do some walking in these 3 hours!

 

Food and beverages

As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts near Mission: SPACE, Creations Shop, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Imagination! pavilion, Norway, and Canada.

 

Note: Locations subject to change.

disney_after_hours_epcot_maple_popcorn_canada

Tip: Maple popcorn from the Canada popcorn cart is included in After Hours!

 

For purchase, you have limited options and many close early:

  • Connections Eatery (until 10 p.m.)
  • Connections Café (until 10 p.m.)
  • Yorkshire County Fish Shop (until 11 p.m.)
  • Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (select menu items)
  • World Discovery Hot Dog Cart
  • Rose & Crown Pub

 

Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT. 

 

Entertainment

Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:

  • DJ in World Discovery

The music is piped throughout the entire park. (I must admit it’s a little odd to hear DJ music being played within the World Showcase.)

  • Mariachi Cobre in Mexico
    • 10:10 p.m.
    • 11:10 p.m.
    • 12:10 a.m.
  • Live bands at the Canada Mill Stage
    • 10:30 p.m.
    • 11:30 p.m.
  • Classic characters (I spotted Mickey and Pluto, but characters seemed hard to find.)

 

Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at EPCOT.

 

Merchandise

Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:

  • Creations Shop
  • ImageWorks—The “What If” Labs
  • Treasures of Xandar
  • Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
  • Test Track SIMporium
  • SeaBase Gift Shop
  • Plaza de los Amigos
  • World Traveler

 

Head in to the park

Your plan is planned. The 1,861 points of light on Spaceship Earth await.

 

Event hours go from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

 

Your ticket actually gets you into EPCOT at 7 p.m., so you have 6 hours in the park—roughly half the time with all the regular day guests and the other half with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.

 

(Official park closing time is 9 p.m., but that’s when Luminous: The Symphony of Us starts. By the time it’s over and the day guests have filtered out of the park, it may be closer to 9:30 p.m. before crowd levels seem low.)

 

Note: After the fireworks crowd leaves, they block off a large portion of the World Showcase. You’ll find it’s blocked off from China to Morocco. 

disney_after_hours_epcot_world_showcase_map

Check-in

Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the far left side as well as the International Gateway entrance. You’ll see large yellow signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the left as the right side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets. 

disney_after_hours_epcot_event_guest_entrance

In my experience, guests started queuing up between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

 

A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides.

 

If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you’ll need to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. I only found check-in locations at the main park entrance and the International Gateway entrance.

 

General Tips

  • Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do. 

 

  • Eat dinner before the event starts.

 

  • Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.

    However, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 55 minutes, and that was for Test Track.

 

  • As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk. 

More After Hours

Disney's Hollywood Studios

How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours

An introvert’s guide to 2024 Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

 

Introversion Insight:

A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)

 

Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have 3 hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.

 

That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference. 

 

Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life

 

What’s included?

This is what you’re paying for:

  • Lower wait times for attractions
  • No blazing sun at night
  • Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
  • Characters 

 

And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds. 

 

Who should attend?

If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win. 

 

If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.

 

If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event—because you don’t need them. 

 

If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.  

 

If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience. 

 

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.

 

Which park?

At different times during the year, you have four options:

  • Magic Kingdom
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • EPCOT
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

 

Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024.

 

How does it work?

Pick your night

The event takes place on select nights in January through August 2024:

  • January 10 and 24
  • February 21 and 26
  • March 13, 20, and 27
  • April 3 and 10
  • May 22 and 29
  • June 12, 19, and 26
  • July 10, 17, and 24
  • August 7, 14, 21, and 29

Buy your ticket

Prices range from $145 to $175, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a $30 discount. 

 

Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. The only delivery method is electronic (mobile). Your tickets will link to your account, and then you can use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.

 

(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.) 

 

Note: You don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours.

Create a plan

Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Shows? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!) 

 

What’s available during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios

Attractions
disney_after_hours_hollywood_studios_tower_of_terror_wait_time

You have eight options:

  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
  • Alien Swirling Saucers

 

Note: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is closed for refurbishment and is not expected to reopen in time for Disney After Hours 2024.

 

Food and beverages

As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and in Toy Story Land. 

 

For purchase, you have limited options:

  • Woody’s Lunch Box (mobile order available)
  • Milk Stand (mobile order available)
  • Oga’s Cantina (walk-up availability)
  • Some outdoor bars

 

Entertainment

Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:

  • Fantasmic!
  • Disney Movie Magic
  • Wonderful World of Animation
  • Select characters (subject to change): Donald Duck, Duffy the Disney Bear, Thumper, Jiminy Cricket, Goofy, Minnie Mouse, Jasmine, Tiana, Mary Poppins, Penguin Waiter, Pocahontas, Meeko, and Rafiki have been spotted.

 

Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios. 

 

Merchandise

Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:

  • Mickey’s of Hollywood
  • Tatooine Traders
  • The Market Merchants in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
  • Jessie’s Trading Post
  • Tower Hotel Gifts
  • Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (walk-up availability)
  • Droid Depot (walk-up availability)

 

Head in to the park

Your plan is planned. The neon lights of Hollywood Boulevard await.

 

Event hours go from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. But your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have 5.5 hours in the park—2.5 hours with all the regular day guests and 3 hours with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.

 

Check-in

Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the right side. You’ll see large signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the right as the left side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets. 

disney_after_hours_hollywod_studios_check-in

In my experience, guests started queuing up around 6:30 p.m.

 

A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides or walk farther back into the park. 

 

If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you don’t have to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. You’ll find a second check-in location at the end of Hollywood Boulevard (at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard).

 

Tips

  • Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do. 

 

  • Eat dinner before the event starts.

 

  • Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.

    Although, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 40 minutes, and that was for Slinky Dog Dash. 

 

  • As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk. 

More After Hours

EPCOT

Need a quiet spot at Walt Disney World? Look for the old smoking areas!

Introversion Insight:

Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.    

 

On May 1, 2019, Disney Parks banned smoking inside the parks. As a result, all these off-the-beaten-path, tucked-way smoking areas were now empty. Disney inadvertently created what I’m affectionately calling D•Introvert Zones, quiet areas where introverts can take a breather and escape the crowds!

 

Leading up to the smoking ban, Disney had reduced the number of smoking areas, and as of 2019, eleven areas remained. Some of these areas have been repurposed, but many of them remain accessible and are surprisingly quiet. Let’s go over each area.

 

Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland: Near Space Mountain

smoking_area_space_mountain_map_magic_kingdom
  • Shaded area with benches
  • One of the quietest, tucked-away spots in my experience

 

Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.

 

Frontierland: Near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

smoking_area_big_thunder_mountain_railroad_magic_kingdom
  • Scenic area next to the water
  • Not as tucked away

 

Because everyone passes this area as they exit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it may not be as quiet or empty.

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Africa/Asia: Pathway in between

smoking_area_asia_animal_kingdom
  • Scenic pathway
  • Covered area with tables and chairs

 

Tip: Get some fries at Mr. Kamal’s nearby and take it up to this area.

 

DinoLand U.S.A.: Near DINOSAUR

smoking_area_dinosaur_animal_kingdom
  • Secluded pathway
  • Not always accessible

 

Cast Members are sometimes positioned just to the right of the DINOSAUR entrance, blocking access to this area.

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard: Near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror exit

smoking_area_tower_of_terror_hollywood_studios
  • Shaded area with benches
  • Tucked-away spot

 

Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.

 

Grand Avenue: End of street before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge entrance

smoking_area_grand_avenue_hollywood_studios
  • Mostly standing room
  • May be used for character meet-and-greets

 

EPCOT

World Nature: Across from The Land Pavilion

smoking_area_the_land_epcot
  • Scenic area by water with monorail overhead
  • Some benches

World Discovery: Across from Mission: SPACE

smoking_area_mission_space_epcot
  • Multiple benches
  • Tucked-away spots

 

Tip: Get some Joffrey’s coffee nearby and enjoy it in this area.

 

World Showcase: Between France and United Kingdom Pavilions

smoking_area_france_epcot
  • Scenic area by water
  • One of the quietest, tucked-away spots in my experience
  • May be used for special events

 

World Showcase: Italy Pavilion

smoking_area_italy_epcot
  • Mostly standing room
  • Not very tucked away

 

World Showcase: Between China and Norway Pavilions

smoking_area_norway_epcot
  • Standing room
  • Not very tucked away

Best Animal Kingdom quick-service restaurant for introverts

Introversion Insight:

Crowded places can be overstimulating for introverts. Crowded eating establishments add a whole other layer of anxiety. (I still get anxious thinking about the school cafeteria.) Introversion and anxiety tend to be two peas in a pod. Being prepared and knowing how to navigate these situations can help you find your inner peas.  

 

If you’re new around here, a quick-service restaurant at the parks is basically a fast-food or counter-service restaurant. A table-service restaurant is more of a sit-down location with a server. Table service is best for introverts because they seat you, they bring your food to you, and they clean up after you. Easy peasy. But it generally requires a reservation which, depending on the restaurant and time of year, may be hard to secure. And even if you make one, they can take up a good chunk of your park day. No worries, though. You have plenty of quick-service options. 

 

But before we dive in, what’s the first rule of Disney dining (fight club)?! Avoid the lunch and dinnertime rush. We want to avoid the masses of hangry guests. 

 

Okay, so what makes a quick-service restaurant good for introverts?

 

Plenty of seating

There’s nothing worse than having your tray of food, carefully balancing everything, and trying to find a place to sit. It feels like all eyes are on you, am I right? We need lots of seating so we don’t have to trek too far or hunt too long.   

 

Different types of seating 

Booths, corner tables, and spots along the perimeter are all great for introverts. We want to avoid places with just a bunch of tables close together in the center of a room. 

 

Easy to navigate

Thankfully, most Disney Parks restaurants are organized and set up in a way that’s easy to navigate. Things we pay attention to: where to order, pick up food, and grab utensils, condiments, and napkins. Tip: Always do mobile order if it’s available. (Since the pandemic, that seems to be the company’s preference anyway.) You’ll avoid the ordering line, and the most talking you’ll have to do is telling them your order number at pickup.   

 

Flame Tree Barbecue, home of the saucy views

flame_tree_barbecue_entrance_animal_kingdom

So here it is. The best Animal Kingdom quick-service restaurant for introverts is... Flame Tree Barbecue. 

 

The atmosphere

Flame Tree is pleasantly deceiving. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. You see a bunch of ordering windows, but you don’t realize how far back the restaurant goes. It opens up into a large outdoor space—complete with trails leading to tucked-away pavilions, saucy views of the river and Expedition Everest, and a beautiful water feature that has no business being in a quick-service restaurant (but it does because it’s Animal Kingdom).

 

Tip: Wander a bit and check out the different animal details within each of the pavilions. 

 

This place truly has a relaxing vibe, a welcome change from the narrow and sometimes crowded pathways in Animal Kingdom. The tables near the river are the most popular but offer the best views if you ask me.   

flame_tree_barbecue_outdoor_seating_river_view_animal_kingdom

Note: Flame Tree is an outdoor restaurant, so keep this in mind if it’s a really hot day.  

 

The seating

This restaurant is big. This means you’ll be able to find an empty table quickly and easily. Most of the tables are grouped in these pavilions, which offer cover from the rain and sun. If you reach one pavilion and it’s crowded, just keep wandering. You have lots of tucked-away pavilions to choose from, emphasis on the tucked-away part. Even though this restaurant has a high capacity, you wouldn’t know it because people are spread out into these various areas.

flame_tree_barbecue_outdoor_seating_pavilion_animal_kingdom

The logistics

Ordering is done at the front of the restaurant, with pickup windows all in a row. Mobile order is available—and highly encouraged by the Cast Members—with those pickup windows clearly marked. You’ll find condiments, utensils, and napkins at the front, but some of the pavilions have them too. Trash cans are throughout for when you’re ready to dump your tray. 

 

With such a relaxing atmosphere and multiple secluded seating areas, Flame Tree Barbecue is my pick for the best quick-service restaurant for introverts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I hope you’ll check it out on your next visit and let me know if you agree!

flame_tree_barbecue_food_animal_kingdom

Flame Tree Barbecue

Type: Quick service
Food options: Traditional barbecue; loaded mac & cheese; loaded fries; sandwich, salad, and plant-based items
Location: Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Price: $20 and under
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – park close (may vary)
Mobile order: Yes
Menu: Lunch and dinner

 

More introvert-friendly restaurants

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Need a quiet indoor spot at EPCOT? Take a gallery stroll!

Introversion Insight:

Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.    

 

Florida can get hot, especially in the summer. I would never tell you not to visit Walt Disney World, but if there’s a time I’d highly discourage you from visiting, it’s in the summer. It’s toasty. But magic can still be found in the sunscreen you’re sweating into your eyeballs. 

 

These restorative niches Susan Cain wrote about—they can be quiet spots, but maybe just as important, they are cool spots. Never underestimate the recharging power of air-conditioning.

 

Sure, you can find AC if you want to go on Soarin’ Around the World, watch Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, dine at Connections Eatery, or get in line to meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus. But what if you just want a quiet spot with AC without rides, shows, restaurants, or characters?

 

Take a gallery stroll! 

 

Morocco: Gallery of Arts and History

morocco_gallery_epcot_combined
  • “Race Against the Sun: Ancient Technique to Modern Competition” – exhibit showcasing life and events in the Sahara
  • Limited benches

 

Japan: Bijutsu-kan Gallery

japan_gallery_ epcot_combined
  • “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture” – items representing the kawaii pop-culture aesthetic 
  • Limited benches

 

China: House of the Whispering Willows

china_gallery_epcot_combined
  • Costumes, drawing, photos, and artwork of the Shanghai Disney Resort
  • One highly coveted bench near the exit
  • Additional benches if you walk through to the Reflections of China side

 

Norway: Stave Church Gallery

norway_gallery_epcot_combined
  • Artifacts and exhibit about the Vikings
  • Small, cozy space
  • Standing room only

 

Honorable mention – Mexico: Folk Art Gallery

epcot_mexico_pavilion_building
  • “Remember Me!” – La Celebración del Día de Muertos” – exhibit with art from Mexican artists inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Coco
  • Standing room only 

 

Note: This tends to be a high-traffic area, so it’s not necessarily a quiet spot.

quiet_galleries_at_epcot_screenshot

Need a quiet spot (with AC!) at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Six introvert spots with AC at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Introversion Insight:

Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.   

 

Florida can get hot, especially in the summer. I would never tell you not to visit Walt Disney World, but if there’s a time I’d highly discourage you from visiting, it’s in the summer. It’s toasty. But magic can still be found in the sunscreen you’re sweating into your eyeballs. 

 

These restorative niches Susan Cain wrote about—they can be quiet spots—but maybe just as importantly, they are cool spots. Never underestimate the recharging power of air-conditioning.

 

And it may seem like it’s in short supply at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sure, you can find AC if you want to go on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, watch For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby, or get in line to meet Minnie Mouse inside Red Carpet Dreams. But what if you just want a quiet spot with AC without rides, shows, restaurants, or characters?

 

Here are six relatively quiet spots with AC that will help you recharge and stay cool at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

Star Wars Launch Bay

star_wars_launch_bay_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Large indoor area with lots of dark nooks and crannies
  • Some benches
  • Exhibits to look at

 

Walt Disney Presents

walt_disney_presents_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Limited benches
  • Exhibits to look at

 

Tower Hotel Gifts
(The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ exit)

tower_hotel_gifts_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Limited benches
  • Merchandise to look at

 

Note: You’ll be walking against some traffic if you go all the way back inside as most everyone else will be exiting.

 

Vacation Fun exit

vacation_fun_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Limited benches
  • Photo ops 

 

Note: The entrance to the exit area is just to the right of the theater’s entrance. Look for the red and yellow doors. When the theater lets out, you’ll be joined by the guests exiting; however, most don’t stick around too long.  

 

Rock Around the Shop (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith exit)

rock_around_the_shop_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • No seating
  • Merchandise to look at

 

Note: The entrance is just to the right of the KRNR The Rock Station food truck. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting.

 

Jessie’s Trading Post (Toy Story Mania! exit)

jessies_trading_post_cool_spot_hollywood_studios
  • No seating
  • Merchandise to look at

 

Note: Look for the Pixar Ball in Toy Story Land. The entrance is just to the left of the ball down a long pathway. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting. 

 

Honorable mentions

In case you need a restorative niche that has AC as well as liquid courage/extroversion (alcohol), look no further than Tune-In Lounge and BaseLine Tap House. I didn’t list these two earlier because they involve ordering something. (Yes, you can sit inside these establishments and not order anything, but I try to be a courtesy D•Introvert.)

tune-in_lounge_cool_spot_hollywood_studios

Tune-In Lounge doesn’t have a lot of seating, but it does have retro decor that will transport you to the 1950s. BaseLine Tap House has limited indoor seating and the best background music loop.

six_introvert_spots_with_AC_at_hollywood_studios

Need a quiet spot (with AC!) at EPCOT?

How to survive as an introvert at Walt Disney World

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 why conserving and recharging our energy is key.

 

Disney Parks are busy, crowded places. They can be physically exhausting, but let’s not forget about how mentally exhausting they can be for introverts. Here are some tips for preventing an introvert hangover. 

 

Lay low on the first day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom promotes a message of conservation. What they don’t promote is conserving your energy before you even step foot in a park. But in all seriousness, take it easy on your arrival day. Definitely don’t hit up a park on your first day. Travel days are hard enough. This is the perfect time to charge your social battery for what’s to come. 

 

Ease into it. Ever notice how slow and deliberate you are in life? Keep it up, even when you’re full-on excited to explore the parks. You’ll prevent an early burnout.

 

Become a photographer 

Offer to be the photographer for the group. If you’re the one taking the picture, you’re not in the spotlight. It’s a way to regulate how much attention is on you—or in other words—how much stimulation you receive. The more stimulation received the faster you’ll deplete your social battery. 

 

As you’re walking around the park, watching a parade, and taking in the sights, you can distance yourself from the action by placing a camera between you and the environment. It’s good to be present, of course, but your camera can act as a buffer.   

 

Have an exit strategy

Because introverts tend to be planners, you’ve probably mapped out each day of your Disney Parks vacation. Might I suggest a bit of flexibility? You may go into a park day thinking you’ll be there from open to close, but your social battery may not last. 

 

I like to have an exit strategy in place before entering the park. Here’s an example: “We will leave the park for a midday break at 2 p.m.” If you get to that point and feel like you need a break, do it. If you’re feeling fine, feel free to stay longer. But deciding this up front may help if you’re concerned about how long you can handle the parks. 

 

Know your escape route

Speaking of an exit strategy, do you know all your transportation options if you want to take a break from the parks? A midday break is easiest when you stay on property since you can use Disney’s various modes of transportation. But it can get complicated when you realize they have buses, boats, monorails, and gondolas. Here are your Walt Disney World transportation options from each park to each resort:

resort_transportation_from_magic_kingdom
resort_transportation_from_hollywood_studios
resort_transportation_from_epcot
resort_transportation_from_animal_kingdom

You’re going to have a great time! 

More tips

Five introvert planning tips for your upcoming Disney Parks vacation

Five introvert tips while on your Disney Parks vacation

How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours

An introvert’s guide to Disney After Hours at EPCOT

 

Introversion Insight:

A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)

 

Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have three hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.

 

That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference. 

 

Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life

 

What’s included?

This is what you’re paying for:

  • Lower wait times for attractions
  • No blazing sun at night (especially important for the summer)
  • Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
  • Characters 

 

And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds. 

 

Who should attend?

If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win. 

 

If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.

 

If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event because you don’t need them. 

 

If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.  

 

If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience. 

 

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.

 

Which park?

At different times during the year, you have four options:

 

Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at EPCOT in 2023.

 

How does it work?

Pick your night

The event takes place on select nights in June through August 2023: 

  • June 1, 15, 22, and 29
  • July 6, 12, 20, and 27
  • August 3, 10, 17, 24

 

All are on Thursdays except July 12, which is a Wednesday.

 

Buy your ticket

Prices range from $129 to $139, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase tickets for $99. 

 

Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. You have the option of electronic (mobile) delivery or postal delivery. Electronic is preferred because it links with your account, and then you can just use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.

 

(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile and you don’t have your ticket mailed to you, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.) 

 

On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours. 

 

Create a plan

Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Ice cream? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!) 

 

What’s available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT

Attractions
disney_after_hours_epcot_guardians_standby

You have eleven options (twelve if you count both missions on Mission: SPACE):

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Did you notice the image above? Guardians is only standby during After Hours! No need to mess with the virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane.

Tip: Be near this ride shortly after 9 p.m. when it switches to standby. In my experience, they had us queue up early and reopened the ride before the official event start time. We were on and off by 9:50 p.m.

If you plan on watching the fireworks, watch them closer to Mexico so you can quickly escape to Guardians when the show is over.

  • Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • Soarin around the World
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Journey into Imagination with Figment
  • Mission: SPACE (Green and Orange Missions)
  • Living with the Land
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends 
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

 

Note: Compared to other parks with After Hours, EPCOT doesn’t have as many headliner attractions where you’d typically find longer wait times on a regular park day. 

 

They are also spread out more. With EPCOT being a large park, be prepared to do some walking in these 3 hours!

 

Food and beverages

As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts near Mission: SPACE, Creations Shop, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Imagination! pavilion, Norway, and Canada.

disney_after_hours_epcot_maple_popcorn_canada

Tip: Maple popcorn from the Canada popcorn cart is included in After Hours!

 

For purchase, you have limited options and many close early:

  • Connections Eatery (until 10 p.m.)
  • Connections Café (until 11 p.m.)
  • Yorkshire County Fish Shop (until 11 p.m.)
  • Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (select menu items)
  • World Discovery Hot Dog Cart
  • Rose & Crown Pub

 

Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT. 

 

Entertainment

Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:

  • DJ in World Discovery

The music is piped throughout the entire park. (I must admit it’s a little odd to hear DJ music being played within the World Showcase.)

  • Mariachi Cobre in Mexico
  • Classic characters (I spotted Mickey and Pluto, but characters seemed hard to find.)

 

Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at EPCOT.

 

Merchandise

Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:

  • Creations Shop
  • ImageWorks—The “What If” Labs
  • Treasures of Xandar
  • Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
  • Test Track SIMporium
  • SeaBase Gift Shop
  • Plaza de los Amigos
  • World Traveler

 

Head in to the park

Your plan is planned. The 1,861 points of light on Spaceship Earth await.

 

Event hours go from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

 

Your ticket actually gets you into EPCOT at 7 p.m., so you have 6 hours in the park—roughly half the time with all the regular day guests and the other half with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.

 

(Official park closing time is 9 p.m., but that’s when the EPCOT Forever fireworks start. By the time it’s over and the day guests have filtered out of the park, it may be closer to 9:30 p.m. before crowd levels seem low.)

 

Note: After the fireworks crowd leaves, they block off a large portion of the World Showcase. You’ll find it’s blocked off from China to Morocco. 

disney_after_hours_epcot_world_showcase_map

Check-in

Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the far left side as well as the International Gateway entrance. You’ll see large yellow signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the left as the right side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets. 

disney_after_hours_epcot_event_guest_entrance

In my experience, guests started queuing up between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

 

A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides.

 

If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you’ll need to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. I only found check-in locations at the main park entrance and the International Gateway entrance.

 

General Tips

  • Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do. 

 

  • Eat dinner before the event starts.

 

  • Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.

    However, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 55 minutes, and that was for Test Track.

 

  • As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk. 

More After Hours

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Best Hollywood Studios quick-service restaurant for introverts

Introversion Insight:

Crowded places can be overstimulating for introverts. Crowded eating establishments add a whole other layer of anxiety. (I still get anxious thinking about the school cafeteria.) Introversion and anxiety tend to be two peas in a pod. Being prepared and knowing how to navigate these situations can help you find your inner peas.  

 

If you’re new around here, a quick-service restaurant at the parks is basically a fast-food or counter-service restaurant. A table-service restaurant is more of a sit-down location with a server. Table service is best for introverts because they seat you, they bring your food to you, and they clean up after you. Easy peasy. But it generally requires a reservation which, depending on the restaurant and time of year, may be hard to secure. No worries, though. You have plenty of quick-service options. 

 

But first, the number one rule for any location—avoid the lunch and dinnertime rush. We want to avoid the masses of hangry guests. 

 

So what makes a quick-service restaurant good for introverts?

 

Plenty of seating

There’s nothing worse than having your tray of food, carefully balancing everything, and trying to find a place to sit. It feels like all eyes are on you, am I right? We need lots of seating so we don’t have to trek too far or hunt too long.   

 

Different types of seating 

Booths, corner tables, and spots along the perimeter are all great for introverts. We want to avoid places with just a bunch of tables close together in the center of a room. 

 

Easy to navigate

Thankfully, most Disney Parks restaurants are organized and set up in a way that’s easy to navigate. Things we pay attention to: where to order, pick up food, and grab utensils, condiments, and napkins. Tip: Always do mobile order if it’s available. (Since the pandemic, that seems to be the company’s preference anyway.) You’ll avoid the ordering line, and the most talking you’ll have to do is telling them your order number at pickup.   

 

Backlot Express, “A Warehouse of Good Eating”

backlot_express_entrance_hollywood_studios

So here it is. The best Hollywood Studios quick-service restaurant for introverts is Backlot Express. 

 

I should first mention that if you don’t understand the theme, you might think Backlot Express is just an old, dark, and cluttered space. I mean, you’re not completely wrong, but you’ll appreciate all the details more if you know the story behind it—and we know introverts love details. 

 

The details

It’s themed like a warehouse you might find on a typical movie studio’s backlot. The restaurant harkens back to the early days of Disney-MGM Studios when actual movie production took place. They want you immersed in the world of moviemaking, including in the behind-the-scenes studio shops like the paint shop, sculpture shop, and model shop. 

 

Who doesn’t want to enjoy their Wookiee Cookie next to splattered paint?!

 

For those nostalgic D•Introverts, it remains relatively untouched since the park opened. 

 

Spend some time wandering around each shop. You’ll find all kinds of signs, props, and references to movies and TV. 

backlot_express_details_hollywood_studios

The seating

This restaurant is big—600 seats big. This means you’ll be able to find an empty table quickly and easily. I also want to point out the layout. Because each area is themed as a studio shop, you have multiple tucked-away areas. It’s not just one large dining room. I find myself going to a dark corner table. (It really is fairly dark in there, which may help you decompress.) And if you prefer to dine alfresco, Backlot Express boasts lots of covered patio seating. 

backlot_express_food_hollywood_studios

The logistics

As soon as you go through the main entrance, you’re greeted with a large open area. You have all the pickup zones in a row. Mobile order is available, and those pickup zones are clearly marked. The drink and condiment stations are prominently themed, so they’re easy to locate as well.

backlot_express_ordering_hollywood_studios

I hope you’ll check out this introvert-friendly restaurant the next time you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Do you think it’s the best quick-service restaurant for introverts at Hollywood Studios? Let me know!

Backlot Express

Type: Quick service
Location: Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
(next to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue)
Price: $15 and under
Hours: 11 a.m. – hour before park close (may vary)
Menu: Lunch and dinner

 

More introvert-friendly restaurants

Magic Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom

How to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks without crowds

Introversion Insight:

A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, they can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. Our brains actually process our environment differently than someone who’s more extroverted. Crowds wear us down quickly.  

 

Magic Kingdom offers a nighttime spectacular like no other. I consider it a can’t-miss fireworks show. And with the return of fan-favorite Happily Ever After, it’s popular—and crowded. If you want a good view of the castle and fireworks, you’ll have to stand shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of strangers near the hub area. It’s intense. And then the mass exodus after the fireworks is an adventure. But I have a solution for you!

 

Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties

For a price, you can secure yourself a reserved viewing area for the fireworks. Oh, and you also get desserts and drinks—including beer and wine (hey, liquid extroversion!). You have three party options:

  • Pre-Party: Enjoy your desserts and drinks before the fireworks and then move to your fireworks viewing area. 
  • Seats & Sweets: Enjoy your desserts and drinks before the fireworks and then stay seated to view the fireworks. 
  • Post-Party: Enjoy the fireworks from your viewing area and then move to the dessert party location after the fireworks. 

 

I think the post-party is the best option for introverts, so I’m going to focus solely on this option. Let’s go over how it works so you can feel prepared and then explain why it’s worth it for introverts.

tomorrowland_terrace_fireworks_dessert_parties_magic_kingdom

Book your post-party

You can reserve this Enchanting Extra up to 60 days in advance online. On “slower” nights, they may accept walk-up reservations. The price for the post-party is $99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $59 for children (ages 3 to 9). Tax is included in those prices. Gratuity is not included or required. Unfortunately, discounts are not offered on Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties. There’s a 7-day cancellation policy. If you cancel within 7 days, the fee is the full party price. Separate theme park admission and park pass reservation are required.  

 

Note: The party will show up as a dining reservation in the My Disney Experience app (not a separate ticket).

 

Check in to your post-party

fireworks_dessert_parties_post-party_check-in_sign_magic_kingdom

You’ll check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant 60 minutes before Happily Ever After. Your reservation in the app should display this check-in time. You’ll see three podiums set up throughout the restaurant, one for each party check-in: Pre-Party, Seats & Sweets, and Post-Party. (On my night it was the one closest to the hub area.) Look for the sign that says “Post-Party Check-In.” They may ask to see your ID and then attach a wristband.   

 

Tip: Check in 90 minutes before if you want the very first pick of where you’ll stand in the reserved viewing area. 

 

Head to your viewing area

Your reserved viewing area is Plaza Garden East. The entrance is on the right side. 

fireworks_dessert_parties_reserved_viewing_area_map_magic_kingdom

The party does guarantee this reserved area but not a specific spot. For the best fireworks view, you may want to be on the far left side of the garden. But keep in mind—when the fireworks end, everyone will be exiting on the right side and heading to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for the dessert party. So if you’re on the right side, you’re one of the first to exit the viewing area and line up for the party.

 

Which is most important to you? The best fireworks view or first in line for the party?

 

You can bring food and drink into the reserved viewing area, and if you checked in 60–90 minutes before Happily Ever After, you’ll have some time to kill. I recommend grabbing something and having a picnic on the hub grass. (Casey’s Corner is the closest quick-service restaurant that has mobile order.) The party has mostly sweets, so this is your chance to have something savory. 

 

You can sit on the hub grass until Happily Ever After starts. You’ll find people will start standing up 10 or so minutes before showtime. 

 

Enjoy the dessert post-party

fireworks_dessert_parties_seating_area_tomorrowland_terrace_magic_kingdom

Once Happily Ever After is over, you’ll head back to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and check in again. You’ll be taken to your reserved table. It’s now time to enjoy the unlimited desserts and drinks! 

 

Everything is set up buffet style. Lines will form as people fill in. There are two separate buffet lines (left and right sides). They each have mostly the same options; however, I noticed a couple differences so you may want to visit both sides.

fireworks_dessert_parties_buffet__magic_kingdom

You have an impressive spread. Here are your drink choices:

  • Veramonte Chardonnay
  • Zolo Malbec (and sometimes Signature Red Blend)
  • Saracco Moscato d’Asti 
  • Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Brut
  • Bud Light Lager
  • Blue Moon Belgian White Ale
  • Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider (nonalcoholic)
  • Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea
  • Minute Maid Premium Lemonade
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • POG Juice
  • Joffrey’s Coffee (regular and decaf)
  • Twinings Hot Teas
  • Milk
  • Water

 

Note: You can have two alcoholic drinks at a time (per person) on your table. 

 

Here are your food choices:

  • Chocolate Silk Pie (chocolate tart shell, chocolate filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings)
  • Cookies ‘n Cream Cheesecake Mousse
  • Chilling Chamber Pop (chocolate crumbs, white buttercream, and chocolate popping candy)
  • Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
  • Tres Leches
  • Devil’s Chocolate Pudding (chocolate filling, crumble brownie, and milk chocolate whipped cream)
  • Firehouse Doughnuts (ricotta doughnuts rolled in cinnamon-sugar served with strawberry topping)
  • Butterscotch Pudding
  • Pistachio Crunch Bar
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Caramel Apple Crepe (with toasted pecans and sweet cream)
  • Celebration Cupcake
  • Birthday Cupcake
  • Assorted Fruits
  • Assorted Cheeses
  • Assorted Breads (plain and olive)

 

There’s even a table set up where you can decorate cookies with icing.

fireworks_dessert_parties_options_magic_kingdom

The party lasts more or less an hour. On my night, the buffet shut down at 10:45. (Fireworks were at 9:20, which lasted about 20 minutes. By the time everyone got settled in at the party, it was around 9:45.)

 

Why it’s worth it for introverts

The Magic Kingdom dessert post-party is an enjoyable experience for all, but there are specific reasons why I think it’s worth it for introverts.

  • No camping out for a fireworks spot: If you want a good spot for Happily Ever After, you’ll have to fight the crowds and claim your spot early. You’ll then find yourself shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of guests (who may be hot, sweaty, and tired).

 

With the post-party, you’ll still be standing next to others, but you’ll find the viewing area is much less crowded and reserved, just waiting for you when you're ready.

 

  • Calling first dibs in the reserved viewing area: With the post-party, you can enter the reserved area before any of the pre-party guests. These guests are enjoying their dessert and drinks while you snag your spot for the fireworks. You’ll be all settled in by the time they join you.

 

There’s something reassuring about being in a space before the masses arrive. I bet you arrive early to events at home and work. You’ve learned you’re more comfortable when others join you in your space instead of you inserting yourself into an existing crowd. The same holds true at the dessert party. 

 

  • Enjoying the party pressure-free: If you do the pre-party, you might feel rushed to finish your desserts and drinks so that you can get to the viewing area and stake out your spot.

 

With the post-party, the party feels much more relaxed. You’re on a high after seeing Happily Ever After. You can take your time and enjoy it. It’s (quite literally) a nice nightcap to your evening. 

 

  • Drinking liquid extroversion: An extroverted place like Walt Disney World can be uncomfortable for an introvert. Adult beverages may help so that you can relax and enjoy the experience more, so I’m awfully glad the dessert party offers us some options. 

 

Also, it’s kind of a bizarre, unique feeling to be drinking alcohol out on a terrace in the middle of Magic Kingdom. Cheers!  

 

  • Bypassing the park exit crowd: As soon as the fireworks are over, you’ll find yourself in a mass exodus of people trying to leave the park. The fun’s not over when you exit, though, because then you’re faced with lines waiting for the ferryboat, monorail, or bus. 

 

But if you do the post-party, you can relax at the party, enjoying dessert and drinks, while everyone else is making a mad dash. Once the party concludes, you can casually browse the shops on Main Street, U.S.A., and eventually leave the park with a smaller crowd.