Posts Tagged ‘animalkingdom’
An introvert’s guide to Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
Jambo, D•Introverts!
Are you a big fan of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Then something tells me you’re going to love Savor the Savanna. This tour combines a private safari ride through Kilimanjaro Safaris with African-inspired tapas and drinks. You’ll have a guide on board as well as opportunities to chat with zookeepers out in the savanna.
How does it work?
Pick your tour
Currently, tours happen twice a day at 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for available times.
Book your tour
Prices range from $189 to $199, depending on the date. Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Disney Visa Cardmembers can receive a 15% discount. Tours can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. Your tickets will automatically link to your account.
Note: Because this tour takes place inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, theme park admission is required.
Check in
You’ll check in 15 minutes before your tour time at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, which is located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance. They’ll ask for your name and identification and give you a lanyard with a name tag.
On a regular safari, you may be riding with 30+ guests. But with Savor the Savanna, each tour maxes out at 12 guests, so it will feel much more intimate.
Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve
Your private tour follows the same path as the regular safari, but you’ll have opportunities to pull off and talk about the animals. Your guide will have lots of fun facts to share, and you’ll also have a chance to ask a zookeeper any burning questions you may have. You’ll even have moments where you can stand up in the back of the truck to get a better view.
Tip: You get what you put in, so it might not hurt to think of some questions for the zookeeper before the tour. If you’re not comfortable speaking up, that’s okay too. Odds are, the other guests on your tour will pipe up and keep the chat going.
Enjoy tapas and drinks
After 30 minutes of exploring the savanna, you’ll arrive at your dining location called the Boma, a covered platform area overlooking the savanna. This is also where you’ll find restrooms, if needed. They’ve set up a handful of tables with tablecloths and chairs. You don’t have an assigned table, so snag a spot wherever you’d like.
FYI: Based on the number of tables and guests, you’ll most likely be sharing a table with others.
The Cast Members will explain the food and drink offerings. Everything is included in your tour price, including beer and wine. For your food options, think tapas set out family style:
- curry chicken salad
- shrimp (maybe also curry?)
- hummus
- fruit chutney
- green chutney (maybe cilantro?)
- fig bars
- bread
- fruit (strawberries, pineapple, and grapes)
- cheeses
- tomato, cucumber, and onion salad
- olives
- pickles
And if you’re thirsty, you have a few options:
- First Magnitude Brewing Company’s Tiger Eye Gold Ale
(brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom) - Casa Beer (lager from Morocco)
- Indaba Chardonnay (South Africa)
- Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc (South Africa)
- Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage (South Africa)
- Cederberg Merlot Shiraz (South Africa)
- POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava) juice
- water
Save room for dessert! We had three options: a layered s’mores treat served in a small tin, a lighter cake, and a chocolate bar on a stick. I apologize for the lack of description, haha, but they were pretty standard desserts.
While you’re at the Boma, you can take in views of the savanna. Binoculars are provided. You’ll also be invited to walk out across a bridge for a different view. This is where we encountered a second zookeeper who told us all about the ostriches.
Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour in the dining location. I didn’t feel rushed, but it would have been nice to spend a little more time out there, especially as the sun started to go down. If you’re wondering how much alcohol you can drink during this time, I would say two to three drinks without feeling the need to chug.
Enjoy the second half of the savanna
The tour isn’t over at this point. You’ll hop back into the truck and see the other half of the savanna. Your guide will, of course, have more facts to share about the animals and Disney’s conservation efforts. Expect another 30 or so minutes out on the savanna before your tour ends.
The tour concludes with a parting gift: a bamboo coaster with the Savor the Savanna logo.
Overall thoughts
I enjoyed this private safari tour. I like the VIP feeling of doing a tour at a Disney Park. As mentioned, it feels more intimate. For introverts, the smaller the group the better. There’s only a little bit of awkwardness as you’re sitting in the back of the truck because the benches face each other. But everyone is busy looking out at the savanna or listening to the guide, so it’s not so bad.
As sometimes happens on these tours, you may end up chit-chatting with other guests, especially when dining at your communal table. Your guide will keep the safari conversation going, but I would be prepared to ask the zookeeper a question if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
I thought the food was fine, nothing too adventurous or unique. The included adult beverages help support the price point, but I do think the tour is a tad expensive when I think of everything it has to offer.
If you're really into animals and/or Kilimanjaro Safaris, this will be your jam.
Savor the Savanna
Description: Private safari tour (food and drink included)
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When: Daily, 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. currently (times vary)
Length: 2 hours
Age Requirement: 8 years and up
Price: $189–$199 (varies by date)
Discount: 15% for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Disney Visa cardmembers
How to Book: Online or My Disney Experience app
Park Admission Required: Yes
Cancellation Policy: Up to 1 day before
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Mostly standing room
- May be used for character meet-and-greets
EPCOT
World Nature: Across from The Land Pavilion
- Scenic area by water with monorail overhead
- Some benches
World Discovery: Across from Mission: SPACE
- 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
- Scenic area by water
- One of the quietest, tucked-away spots in my experience
- May be used for special events
World Showcase: Italy Pavilion
- Mostly standing room
- Not very tucked away
World Showcase: Between China and Norway Pavilions
- 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
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.
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.
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
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
Tips for a highly sensitive Disney introvert
Introversion Insight:
Not all introverts are highly sensitive. They may just have a hard time with social stimuli. But some introverts do share similarities with highly sensitive people. These individuals process social, physical, and emotional stimuli deeply.
Emotions can run high at Disney Parks, good and bad. If you’re a sensitive D•Introvert, you’re feeling all the feels. You have the ability to recognize and understand emotions. You really should see it as a superpower, but sometimes it can weigh you down.
Let’s talk about situations you might find yourself in while on your Disney Parks vacation, along with ways to manage them.
“Hey, Mr. Grumpy Gills”
Disney has set the bar on guest service, so when they fall short, it’s noticeable. Nine times out of ten you’ll encounter friendly and helpful Cast Members, but it’s possible you might interact with one on an off day.
(Side note: Some of the EPCOT festival booths are operated by a third party, and I’ve noticed some of those Cast Members are not the friendliest.)
If you’re like me, a sour interaction will haunt you for the rest of your park day. Like Beverly, it will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Part of you is thinking about how you could have responded to the Cast Member. Part of you feels chastised in a way. And another part of you is formulating the email you’ll write when you get home.
It’s easier said than done, but don’t let it consume you. Try to be present. If you find yourself ruminating, focus on what’s physically around you: landscaping, buildings, food, or the smile on your partner’s face. I like to get out of my mind and think of the bigger picture. Think of all the positive interactions you’ve had. That one sour interaction doesn’t have to affect your entire vacation.
“You idiots! You fools! You imbeciles!”
If you’ve been to a Disney Park before, you may have witnessed a family in full meltdown mode. And it’s not necessarily because they’re all introverts who have been overstimulated. The crowds, lines, heat, and stress can be intense for anyone.
Emotions may run high, and harsh words may be said. Like the grumpy Cast Member interaction, your instinct might be to brood over a loved one’s hurtful comments. You feel things deeply, to the point where you might think it would be best to just go back to the Resort. That is always an option, but I’d say most of the time, try and brush it off. Know that this person still loves you just as much as they did before the hurtful comments. Clear the air by going on a thrill ride.
“Oh, d-d-dear”
Is Piglet your spirit animal? I can relate to Piglet. I worry. I overthink. I have anxiety. But that all magically goes away when you enter a Disney Park, right? Not exactly. You might be stressing over getting to your next Lightning Lane or dining reservation on time. Maybe it’s finding the stroller parking, exiting an attraction, and then discovering your stroller has been moved. Little things like these might affect you more than other people.
And that’s okay. We learn to manage like we do outside the parks, but one thing that may help is preparation. Being prepared for different park scenarios can give you a lot of peace of mind. My top three suggestions? Read up on park procedures, know the lay of the land, and become familiar with the My Disney Experience app.
“Welcome to Sunnyside, folks”
Sometimes plans change. One minute you’re in the attic, the next you’re at Sunnyside Daycare. Introverts tend to be planners, so I’m guessing you’ve created a well-thought-out and detailed plan for your Disney Parks vacation. Nice work, pal. But how flexible is it? Or should I say how flexible are you?
You might experience a ride going down, a torrential downpour, or a sudden headache. The people in your party may just want to go with the flow and not follow your elaborate plan. I think there are some compromises to be made. Know you can’t do it all. It’s possible you’ll come back for another visit. But as corny as it sounds, I think it’s important to remain proud of your planning. You put a lot of effort into it. You researched everything so now, even if you don’t follow the plan, you can serve as your travel party’s expert.
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:
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.
Dark and cool
The Florida sun is bright and hot. It can zap your energy in no time. This attraction’s dark, bioluminescent rainforest and AC are just what you need.
Slow moving
Your Walt Disney World vacation is go go go. Do this ride, then that ride. Squeeze in lunch. Traverse from one side of the park to the other. Na’vi River Journey forces you to slow down. The ride’s boat slowly floats down a river for four relaxing minutes.
No drops or thrills
I like my attractions with a side of thrill, but sometimes I need something calming. You won’t find any drops on this ride. The thrills come from your eyeballs taking in the glowing scenery.
Pandoran flora and fauna
Speaking of glowing, the visuals are just as impressive and exotic as the ones you see in the Avatar movies. Na’vi River Journey is full of unique plants and animals around every bend.
Calming music
We end where we started. One of the best ways to recharge is by listening to calming music. And you’re in luck because this attraction highlights the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. She changes the energy in the rainforest with her singing—and you’ll probably have the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Sivako, D•Introverts!
Na’vi River Journey
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Genie+ Lightning Lane available: Yes
Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane available: No
Open during early entry: Yes
Height requirement: Any
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.
Planning a solo Disney Parks trip as an introvert
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
Whether you’re in the area for work, can’t get others to come with you (losers!), or you just need a Disney Parks fix, a solo trip may be a good option. As an introvert, you might think a solo trip is perfect. You can be by yourself (albeit with thousands of other guests). But I found the opposite to be true at first. It was challenging! Here are some things I wish I would have considered.
Knowing yourself
Are you an independent, self-confident person? If you’re used to running around town by yourself in your day-to-day life, a solo park visit may come more naturally for you. But I think for some, it can be intimidating.
Consider how comfortable you are in your own skin because when you’re by yourself—at least for me—there’s a degree of self-consciousness. I don’t typically wear Mickey ears in the parks, but if I did, I might feel insecure about wearing them if it’s just me. I’d want to be with a group where we’re all wearing ears.
And depending on the person, you might all of a sudden be insecure about how you walk or talk. I’m pretty sure the odds of tripping over your own feet are greater when you’re solo! That’s just how it works. But I do become hyper-aware of those things when it’s just me. So then it can be harder to live in the moment and enjoy the parks because I’m overanalyzing. Of course, I’ve gotten better the more visits I’ve made, and everyone is different, right? We all have different levels of confidence and images of ourselves.
But you really do learn about yourself. You figure out your level of comfort in different situations. I think you can grow as an adult. I don’t think we ever stop maturing. You end up navigating airports, transportation, hotels, and the parks all on your own. And for me, it forces me to act like an extrovert. It’s good practice for the noisy extroverted world we live in outside the parks.
I sometimes rely on my spouse to hold up a conversation or let them guide a social interaction, so when I’m solo, this is my chance. I talk to more people. I sometimes find Cast Members are more talkative to you as well if they notice you’re solo.
You also might feel a sense of freedom. I think when you live in a certain place for a while and interact with your same social circle, you get stuck in your ways. You act a certain way around these people. So when you take that solo trip, I feel like you can let loose a bit more.
Navigating the parks
You create your schedule. If you want to stare at all the signs in Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a half hour, you can. PS: This is something I’ve done, and it’s glorious—so many small details in those signs. But you decide how early you arrive and how late you stay. You also decide when you need a break to go back to the Resort midday. With a group, you’re at the whim of others in your party.
You don’t have to do rides or attractions you don’t like. And on the flip side, you can do the rides or attractions you like, the ones you can’t get your spouse to go on or experience. When I’m with my spouse, we don’t usually stop to enjoy the parades or the streetmosphere performers. But I can easily do that when it’s just me.
You might use those single rider queues. Normally when I’m with a group or even just my spouse, we’ll still ride together and not do single rider. But when you’re solo, you can take advantage of it, which means a shorter wait for the ride, of course, but also less time awkwardly standing in the long regular line with other groups surrounding you.
For me, it could also mean doing rides or attractions I’ve experienced before because I’m familiar with them. The newness of the solo situation may seem overwhelming, so visiting those places I’m already comfortable with can be reassuring.
You can go at your own pace. If you typically get slowed down by a group of people, this is your chance to get your steps in and walk at your normal fast pace. For me, though, it means I can go at a more leisurely pace. I can take in the sights and stop wherever I want. Disney Parks are known for their attention to detail, so I can really spend time noticing those details and spotting hidden Mickeys. As silly as it sounds, I find myself daydreaming a bit more. It’s definitely a more relaxed experience once you get used to it.
One of my goals in life is to avoid crowds whenever possible, and this includes at the parks. What’s nice about a solo trip is you can steer clear of the crowds. You might normally go with someone who only watches the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the crowded hub area. Great view but it’s also very people-y. So when it’s just you, you can opt for a less crowded fireworks spot and be okay with it.
But let’s not forget—everything is now on you to figure out (no pressure!). You don’t have that support of a small group or significant other who would normally act as that buffer where they’re normally the one to talk to Cast Members.
When I get up to the boarding area for a ride, for example, I don’t typically tell the Cast Member how large my party is because I let someone else go in front of me. They more or less lead the way, and I get to tag along. I tend to do that as we’re walking around the parks too. If we hit a bottleneck of people, my spouse is usually leading the way and breaking through the crowd so I don’t have to. Little things like that are now left up to you as a solo traveler.
Eating solo
What’s nice about a solo Disney Parks trip is you can eat whatever and wherever you want. You don’t have to compromise based on what the group wants.
But we should mention eating alone. Are you comfortable eating alone in a public place? This is something that’s a little awkward for me for some reason. And it’s amplified in a sit-down, table-service restaurant. Quick-service restaurants aren’t as bad.
At a table-service restaurant, I feel like all eyes are on me. I start wondering what the other guests are thinking about this guy eating by himself. And a small part of me feels guilty about taking up a table when a server could have a larger group and receive a larger tip. So when I’m on a solo trip, I don’t do table-service restaurants. It’s just quick-service restaurants or snack carts. (I will make an exception for Nomad Lounge because I love that place so much.) But for most meals as a solo traveler, I’ll typically grab it and go and eat while I’m walking around. I won’t always sit down in the seating area of the quick-service restaurant.
Fighting the loneliness
It can be lonely. You’re still creating memories with the parks, but they’re not shared memories with loved ones. I’m a nostalgic person, so I’m always reminiscing about past trips I went on with friends and family. It’s nice to have that connection. So you might miss that connection. But one thing that may help is sharing your solo trip as you’re going along on social media. So even though you’re by yourself, you’ll still feel connected to those in your social media circle.
Packing your essentials
Logistically, remember to pack what you think you’ll need. I’m the type of person who dislikes carrying anything when I’m at the parks. It’s just easier and less stressful for me when navigating the logistics of rides. So If I’m by myself, I don’t have that spouse who brought everything I might need in a bag. I have to remember what to pack and what I’ll use to haul it around with.
Relaxing with some liquid courage
I jokingly refer to alcohol and coffee as my liquid extroversion or liquid courage. But I really do think there’s some truth there. As you might expect, it helps me loosen up, and it gets me out of my head. Introverts tend to spend a lot of time thinking—and overthinking—life. I’ll sometimes say something to a Cast Member and then an hour later I’ll be analyzing what I said, wondering if what I said made sense or if it was really funny or not. So liquid extroversion helps me relax and be present while at the parks, especially if I’m there by myself.
Realizing you’re not the only one
Vacationing solo may not be as common on a non-Disney vacation, but you’ll be surprised by how many solo travelers you’ll see at the parks. You won’t be the only one! That should give you some reassurance.
You’re going to have a great time. You’re going to a Disney Park after all. I’ll fully admit it was weird—at first—to visit the parks by myself. It’s a different park experience, but I think if you can keep these things in mind, you’ll feel prepared and excited about your upcoming solo trip.
Furthering the discussion
I sat down with Matthew of the Imagination Skyway podcast, and we chatted all about solo trips to Walt Disney World. (It was a very non-introvert thing for me to do. Hello, anxiety. But it was a lot of fun too.) I invite you to listen to that episode (and go easy on me) if you’d like more tips on solo visits to Walt Disney World.
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.
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 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
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
Looking for another introvert idea at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Here's part two.