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

An introvert’s escape: Blue Launch boat crawl in Magic Kingdom Resort area

Introversion Insight:

It’s inevitable that introverts will find themselves in busy places with crowds. And sometimes they voluntarily put themselves in these places to have fun or see something new. To avoid an introvert hangover, though, it’s important to find ways to recharge—away from the action.

 

You’ve just watched the 3 o’clock parade at Magic Kingdom. Are you starting to feel tired, physically and mentally? Here’s a way to recharge so that you’ll make it through the whole park day.

 

(And if you’re just having a Resort day or wanting a new way to experience the parks as a local, this is for you as well.)

 

Hop on a boat and explore three Disney Resorts!

 

Stop 1: Disney’s Contemporary Resort

mariner_boat_contemporary_resort

Step 1: Hobble your way to the Magic Kingdom exit and make a left. You’ll follow a path and cross the street to reach the Contemporary.

 

Note: If you’re a local and not visiting the park, you may find it difficult to park at the Contemporary without a stay or dining reservation. I suggest parking at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and making that Resort your first stop in this boat crawl.  

 

Step 2: Grab a spot at the Steakhouse 71 lounge or bar.

 

After entering the Contemporary, make a left and walk past the check-in area. Steakhouse 71 will be on your left. The lounge and bar don’t require a reservation, so just ask the host if there’s room. You’ll find tables and chairs on the right, which are part of the lounge, and then traditional bar seating at the bar itself. 

 

Tip: Opt for the lounge. I find that if I sit at the bar, the bartender is more likely to engage in small talk.

 

My favorite drink?
Heron Gimlet – Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chartreuse Green Liqueur, Seedlip Garden, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and Lemonade

 

Stop 2: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

geyser_point_bar_grill_wilderness_lodge

Step 3: Hop on a boat to Wilderness Lodge.

 

Once you exit Steakhouse 71, make a left out the back of the Resort. The boat dock is straight out from there.

 

Note: You’ll be taking what’s called the Blue Launch (or Flag) route. Interestingly enough, the signs at the Contemporary’s dock don’t say it’s the Blue Launch route. Just look for the sign that says, “Boat to Wilderness Lodge.” It will be on the left. The boat itself also has a blue flag—hence the route name.       

 

Step 4: Grab a spot at Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

 

Once you disembark, head left, taking the path near the water. You’ll pass the pool area and, if you’re lucky, catch a geyser going off on the left. Geyser Point doesn’t require a reservation, but you can join the walk-up list in the My Disney Experience app as you get closer to the restaurant. If you don’t use the app, you can walk right up and put your name down.   

 

My favorite drink?
Seasonal margarita flight – It’s not typically on the menu, so be sure to ask if they have one.  

 

Stop 3: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

crocketts_tavern_interior_fort_wilderness

Step 5: Hop on a boat to Fort Wilderness.

 

You’ll head back to the same dock to board the boat to your final spot. Look for the sign for the Blue Flag route (right side).

 

Step 6: Grab a spot at Crockett’s Tavern. 

 

Once you go ashore, follow the path past the beach area. The first building you’ll encounter on your right is Crockett’s Tavern. Once again, no reservation is needed. You can seat yourself at a table, or you can get drinks or food items to go from the pickup window. If you opt for to-go items, walk around the building and sit in the rocking chairs that face the water.

 

My favorite drink?
Meadows Cup – Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur Cup, Hendrick’s Gin, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and Strawberry

 

Step 7: Hop on a boat back to the Contemporary.

 

You’ll head back to the same dock to return to your starting point. Look for the sign for the Blue Flag route (right side).

 

You’ve now done the loop! I hope you’re feeling recharged (and maybe a little buzzed). Time to finish out your magical evening at Magic Kingdom.

 

An introvert’s escape

blue_launch_boat_magic_kingdom_on_the_water

The Blue Launch boat crawl is fun for all, but I think it’s especially great for D•Introverts who need a reset from the hustle and bustle that is Magic Kingdom. 

 

  • I chose these lounge locations because they’re close to the boat docks. There’s less of a chance of getting lost this way! 
  • If you imbibe, liquid extroversion is always a nice option, especially since Magic Kingdom is mostly a dry park.
  • Boat transportation can be relaxing and recharging. Just being on the water helps.

Blue Launch boat crawl

Route: Magic Kingdom Resort area with stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (in that order typically)

Time required: 2–3 hours
(depending on how long you stay at each stop)

Operating hours: 3 p.m.–10:45 p.m.

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! 

4-minute recharge at Animal Kingdom: Na’vi River Journey

Introversion Insight:

A crowded, lively place is exciting and energizing for some. But for introverts, it can be exhausting. These places actually drain an introvert’s mental energy. This is where recharging comes in. 

 

A Walt Disney World vacation isn’t exactly relaxing. It can be, but my guess is you’ve planned out your whole itinerary for each day. I’m impressed! It’s awfully reassuring to have a plan. But the mental exhaustion from visiting these busy theme parks is real. And if you’re like me, the recharging ends up happening once you get home—and then you tell yourself you need a vacation to recover from the vacation you just had. 

 

What would you say if I told you you could build in “mini-recharges” throughout your Walt Disney World trip? Before we proceed, cue the music:

Ah, much better. Now that we have the proper background music playing, let’s get our Na’vi on. 

 

Na’vi River Journey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom doesn’t get enough love. It’s a short, visually stunning boat ride in the dark. It’s the perfect ride for overstimulated introverts. It’s my reset button, and this is why.

navi_river_journey_fauna_pandora_world_of_avatar_animal_kingdom

Dark and cool

The Florida sun is bright and hot. It can zap your energy in no time. This attraction’s dark, bioluminescent rainforest and AC are just what you need.

 

Slow moving

Your Walt Disney World vacation is go go go. Do this ride, then that ride. Squeeze in lunch. Traverse from one side of the park to the other. Na’vi River Journey forces you to slow down. The ride’s boat slowly floats down a river for four relaxing minutes. 

 

No drops or thrills

I like my attractions with a side of thrill, but sometimes I need something calming. You won’t find any drops on this ride. The thrills come from your eyeballs taking in the glowing scenery. 

 

Pandoran flora and fauna

Speaking of glowing, the visuals are just as impressive and exotic as the ones you see in the Avatar movies. Na’vi River Journey is full of unique plants and animals around every bend.

 

Calming music

navi_river_journey_shaman_of_songs_pandora_world_of_avatar_animal_kingdom

We end where we started. One of the best ways to recharge is by listening to calming music. And you’re in luck because this attraction highlights the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. She changes the energy in the rainforest with her singing—and you’ll probably have the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. 

 

Sivako, D•Introverts! 

Na’vi River Journey

Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Genie+ Lightning Lane available: Yes
Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane available: No
Open during early entry: Yes
Height requirement: Any

Five things introverts should do before their 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.

 

Planning ahead offers introverts peace of mind, especially when we’re navigating a busy theme park. Whether you’re an introvert, or you’ll be traveling with introverts, do these five things before leaving. 

 

Download and learn the mobile app

We are in the age of apps—and Disney Parks are no exception. Walt Disney World Resort’s app is called My Disney Experience. Disneyland Resort’s app is just called Disneyland. (They have separate apps, but you use the same Disney account login.)

 

You can still find physical guidemaps at the parks, but the apps have maps plus a lot more.

  • Dining reservations
  • Mobile food orders
  • PhotoPass photos
  • Wait times
  • Show times

 

Download, log in, and learn the app before leaving home. It is mostly user friendly, but there’s something that happens to my brain when I’m hot, tired, and surrounded by people. I feel this invisible pressure that makes it harder for me to focus on a task—in this case the park’s app. Anybody else?  

 

If you plan on using Genie+ during your trip, brush up on this relatively new service. It’s a beast in and of itself. 

 

Study the park maps

Speaking of maps, you can find interactive maps within the app. You can also download PDFs online. Vacations can be fun but stressful if you don’t know where you’re going, and the parks are big. Spend some time reviewing the maps before leaving to get the lay of the land. You’ll also save yourself some time.  

 

Figure out transportation

On a related note, how do you get from point A to point B on the map? Transportation may not be as overwhelming at Disneyland Resort since destinations are closer together, but Walt Disney World Resort is another story. It’s like a mini-city with buses, monorails, boats, and gondolas. 

 

Spend some time mapping out where you’ll be going and how you’ll be getting there. Tip: Use the Get Directions feature in the My Disney Experience app. Just pull up a location, tap Get Directions, and enter where you want to go. 

my_disney_experience_app_get_directions_feature

Build table-service restaurants into schedule

Make some table-service restaurant reservations. After a while, you may get sick of quick-service food, but maybe more importantly, table-service restaurants are more introvert friendly. They allow you to slow down. They often have a more relaxing atmosphere. 

 

And one huge perk? They seat you so you don’t have to hunt for a table. (Does your anxiety go through the roof when you’re wandering through a crowded restaurant with a tray full of food, trying to find an empty and clean table? No, just me?!)

 

Request an extra PTO day

For me, my PTO days are precious, but I always try to request one extra PTO day at the end of my vacation time. Why do this? It gives you a whole day at home to decompress, recharge, and settle back into your normal routine—not to mention time for laundry. Going from an action-packed Disney Parks vacation straight into (most likely) an action-packed workday can be tough for introverts. Build in that buffer.  

 

Good luck planning, D•Introverts! You’re going to have a great time. Let me know if you have any questions.

When introverts plan an afternoon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Introversion Insight:

A noisy, extroverted human world can be a lot to take in for an introvert. They may find ways to recharge by connecting with animals, listening to music, or decorating their personal space in earth tones. Did I just describe the perfect scenario?!

 

Escaping the hustle and bustle of a Disney Park doesn’t have to mean finding a quiet corner to sit in. Carve out a couple hours for this introvert break idea at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

 

Step 1: Visit Nomad Lounge for drink #1

nomad_lounge_animal_kingdom

Nomad Lounge is a great introvert spot in and of itself. It’s a relaxing environment decorated in warm colors and cushy chairs. You have indoor and outdoor seating to choose from. (My favorite is outside near the Discovery River. You may even spot some characters on boats.) 

 

And because music can be a means of escape for a lot of introverts, I must mention the background music (BGM). You’ll love it. In fact, here’s the BGM loop (White Lotus vibes incoming).

But you came here for more than just music and ambiance. You came for some liquid courage or extroversion (a.k.a. alcohol)! The inventive specialty cocktails are where it’s at, but they also have beer and wine.

 

Beer fans, Nomad is one of the few locations where you can find the Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale, brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World. Take the edge off and relax from the crowds.

 

Step 2: Order drink #2 to go

Take Nomad Lounge with you! You can order drinks to go, and that’s a crucial next step in this D•Introvert idea. Order your second drink to go and head toward the front of the park.

 

Step 3: Explore Oasis Exhibits

oasis_exhibits_animal_kingdom

Have you been to the Oasis? You have! It’s right at the front of the park. You speed-walk right through it as you’re elbowing children to get to Flight of Passage before everyone else. Not many slow down to check it out, but you are—with a drink in hand. 

 

You have your liquid courage, and for the extroverts in the group, they have their…boredom buster? That’s what I’m going to call it. The quiet trails, relaxing waterfalls, lush flora, and sometimes hard-to-spot creatures may not offer a lot of stimulation for extroverts. But you’ll find this second drink does wonders for your loved ones.

 

Introverts often feel a connection to animals. (I may or may not like my dogs more than most humans.) So if you make use of your keen introvert eye, you may get to hang out with a wallaby, anteater, babirusa (warthog-ish), muntjac (deer-ish), ducks, and swans.    

 

Tip: Some may disagree, but I think earlier in the day is best for spotting these animals. I’ve tried in the late afternoon, and I’m pretty sure some of them were already off exhibit. 

 

Second Tip: Enjoy Nomad Lounge early so you don’t end up at the Oasis late in the day.

 

I hope you can try out this introvert idea on your next park day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Let me know how it goes!

Nomad Lounge

Location: Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom
(next to Tiffins Restaurant)

Hours: 10:30 or 11 a.m. - park close
How to Reserve: Join walk-up list in My Disney Experience app or visit in person
*If in person, you may request indoor or outdoor seating and to-go drinks at bar.
Park Admission Required: Yes

an_introvert_afternoon_at_animal_kingdom

Looking for another introvert idea at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Here's part two.

Top five quiet spots 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. 

 

Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.

 

I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

To the right of Hollywood Studios archway

hollywood_studios_archway_quiet_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Long bench
  • Shaded from sun
  • Conveniently located alcohol cart

 

Back in Pixar Place

pixar_place_quiet_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Multiple nooks, crannies, and benches
  • Shaded from sun
  • Covered from rain
  • Conveniently located coffee

 

Behind Joffrey's at Tower of Terror exit

tower_of_terror_exit_quiet_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Multiple benches
  • Shaded from sun
  • Conveniently located coffee

Note: The spot right behind Joffrey’s may not be as quiet. Opt for a bench on the sides.

 

To the right of Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

 

hollywood_brown_derby_lounge_quiet_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Multiple tables with chairs and umbrellas
  • Shaded from sun
  • Covered from rain

 

In front of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

lightning_mcqueens_racing_academy_quiet_spot_hollywood_studios
  • Multiple benches
  • Not shaded or covered

 

five_quiet_spots_at_hollywood_studios

Top five quiet spots at EPCOT

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.   

 

Back home, I bet you have a quiet space you retreat to. Those can be harder to find while on vacation, or more specifically at Walt Disney World. We love the parks because they truly feel like safe havens from the noisy real world we live in, but they’re also loud, crowded, and draining.

 

I’m always scoping out quiet or often overlooked areas of the parks where I can recharge or just distance myself from the action for a few minutes without leaving the parks. I’m happy to share these five spots at EPCOT.

 

Katsura Grill outdoor seating area

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  • Multiple tables with chairs
  • Shaded from sun

 

Back in Morocco

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  • Multiple spots: benches or tables with chairs
  • Immersive theming

 

By the exit of Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

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  • One covered bench
  • Shaded from sun
  • Covered from rain

 

To the right of Mission: SPACE

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  • Long benches
  • Shaded from sun

 

Walkway over to the Odyssey

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  • Benches with umbrellas
  • Shaded from sun
  • Covered from rain
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