Posts Tagged ‘californiaadventure’
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.
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.
Five introvert tips while on your Disney Parks vacation
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. They like clear expectations. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people.
You’ve researched and planned your Disney Parks trip for months now (I know you, D•Introvert). It’s finally time to go! Here are five tips to consider while at the parks.
Walk and talk
Small-talk conversations can be hard for introverts. You may be perfectly fine with silence, but the others in your group may turn it into awkward silence while you’re waiting in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This may sound weird to an extrovert, but think of topics ahead of time—even create a list on your phone that you can consult when conversation gets tough.
Another idea is to walk and talk. Instead of sitting around a table, keep walking. You may actually find it’s easier to have a conversation while walking. You don’t have to make eye contact as much, so your brain can more easily concentrate on what you want to say.
Consume liquid extroversion
Did you know Disney Parks pour and brew liquid extroversion? It’s truly a magical place. I call alcohol and coffee liquid extroversion (or sometimes liquid courage). A drink or two can take the edge off your anxiety about socializing, crowds, and attractions.
Help your travel party understand you
Do people ever ask you if you’re having a good time? In your head, you’re thinking, “Duh, of course I am. I’m at a Disney Park.” But it might not be obvious on your straight face. Or maybe you're just being your quiet normal self.
To an extrovert, they may think you’re not enjoying a ride or show because you’re not outwardly expressing your emotions. They need more reassurance that you’re having a good time. I think it’s completely fair to reassure them, but make sure they understand how you experience the parks.
Express who you are
It’s totally okay to stay quiet, reflect, and analyze what you’re experiencing. It’s what we do best as D•Introverts. But I need to remind myself: it’s also okay to show my enjoyment publicly! And this leads me into my last tip…
Don’t be self-conscious
Let’s go back to where you’re waiting in line with your travel party. Do you ever feel self-conscious of what others may think if they overhear what you’re saying to your group? Even though it’s not true, you might think you’re being too loud or what you’re saying is lame to the person overhearing.
One thing I love about Disney Parks is the fact that they are no judgment zones. All walks of life enter the parks, truly. You can feel comfortable being your introverted self inside a Disney Park.
Well, you’re all set. Put those comfortable shoes on and enjoy your Disney day! Let me know if you have any questions.
Early introverts get the worm at Disney Parks
Introversion Insight:
Introverts savor their alone time. It’s a way for them to recharge after being around a bunch of humans. But also, we’re just more comfortable in our skin when we’re alone (probably overthinking something I’m sure). And when we do venture out, getting out there early in the day is key.
Alone time while on a family or friend vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland—it may be hard to come by but not impossible. As much as you love your family and friends, you may get to the point where you wish you had your own space, especially if you’re sharing a hotel room. (Here’s your first tip: pay the extra money for your own room.)
Growing up I wasn’t much of a morning person. I think I dreaded mornings because it meant I had to leave the comfort of my bed and face a stressful school environment. But as an adult, I’ve discovered mornings are prime time for introverts! Have you ever rope dropped Costco? It’s exhilarating. People just don’t like to get up early.
Morning resort walks
But you do. Sleeping in on vacation? That’s for the foolish birds. Wake up early and before the rest of your travel party so you can walk around your Disney resort alone. (This is assuming you’re staying at a Disney resort. You really should.) One reason is they have great lobbies, shops, eateries, and walking paths. Go explore and scope out the place.
Park rope drops
Mornings aren’t just for coffee and contemplation.
And rope dropping isn’t just for Costco. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive early at the park. Have you ever noticed how tired your brain feels as the day goes on? Our noisy, extroverted world is to blame. Start off right when you’re feeling at your best. You’ll enjoy the parks more mentally, and you’ll minimize crowds and lines.
How early should you arrive at the park? A half hour to an hour before official park opening time. This is because the parks actually open before the time you see. They’ll typically let you in to a certain point inside the park and hold you there until the published opening time.
Warning: Here’s a corralled cattle moment. Everyone will crowd as close as possible to the Cast Members blocking the way into the rest of the park. It’s tempting to stand back, but don’t. Brush shoulders with these people. (Since it’s early, their deodorant is freshly applied and working.) It will pay off because you’ll be part of the very first group to experience a ride. And you’ll continue to be the first group experiencing each subsequent ride or attraction. You’ll always be one step ahead of everyone else who foolishly entered the park right at the published opening time.
There’s also 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 Disney Parks.
Five introvert planning tips for your upcoming 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.
Whether it’s your first trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland or your seventh, planning is sometimes just as fun as the actual trip you take. (All the introverts in the room are nodding their heads in unison.) If you’re an introvert, or you’re traveling with introverts, consider these five planning tips.
Start planning early
Do you struggle with coming up with the right thing to say in the moment? That’s actually pretty common for introverts. Our brains need time to think and process. The same can be said about Disney Parks planning. You’ll be better off planning the trip months in advance (twelve months even) for a lot of reasons, but one of them is you need time to think about everything you want to do.
Make your thoughts known
Now that you know what you want to do, make it known. Introverts tend to go with the flow and do what the group wants to do. Don’t be afraid to speak up and mention things you want to do—or sometimes more importantly, things you don’t want to do. (No, Susan, we’re not doing Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. I’m not becoming part of that show again.)
Create a flexible, laid-back plan
Do you live a pretty chill life back home? You probably do. Introverts tend to keep a pretty open and simple schedule. Try to replicate that while on vacation. Take midday breaks from the parks. Recharge time! And you’ll also avoid the hottest part of the day.
Spend two days at each park
It can be overwhelming when you cram too much into one trip. Understand you won’t see and do it all, and that’s okay. But two days in each park will help. The other reason to do this? There’s something reassuring and exciting felt on your second day at each park. By then, the place seems familiar. You’ve got your feet wet (thanks, Kali River Rapids). You know the basic lay of the land. It’s just not as intense on the second day for our introvert brains.
Don’t share a hotel room
Are you planning a friends trip or one with extended family? Book your own hotel room. After being with them all day long, you’re going to appreciate having your own private space to recharge. (And I’m going to say what you’re thinking—you’ll also have your own space to fart to your heart’s content.)
Go forth and plan, D•Introverts! Let me know if you have any questions.
Soarin’ to tower: we are ready for introverts
Introversion Insight:
Introverts may feel like they’re on this carousel of life where they interact with the noisy world but then need to retreat and recharge—before doing it all over again. Round and round we go.
But smart introverts figure out a balance (dare I say a carousel of progress?!). They find experiences, social events, hobbies, and even careers that neither overstimulate nor understimulate. They find their optimal thrill rides.
Soon you’ll be airborne, but first I’d like to acquaint you with what makes a ride or an attraction introvert friendly:
- details
- the right amount of thrill
- an organized queue/boarding
- music
Soarin’ Around the World has it all.
Soarin’ makes you feel like you’re hang gliding—something an introvert may not do in real life—using a lift system and a large projection screen. You’ll feel the “wind” in your hair. You’ll smell things. You’ll hear a relaxing score. You’ll visit twelve different world locations. It’s basically designed for introverts.
As an introvert, you appreciate nature and beauty. You notice and love details. This ride checks all those boxes as you discover natural and human-made wonders from around the world. The details are paired with the perfect thrill level too. It’s a ride that excites and relaxes the whole way through.
Let's talk logistics. The queue and boarding process matters. We’ve all been on that ride where we’ve felt like cattle, corralled from one room to the next. (Sorry, Cosmic Rewind, you’re not very introvert friendly.) It feels crowded and disorganized. You run the risk of getting separated from your group temporarily. Little things like this can stress out introverts. Soarin’ has a refreshingly organized queue. Everyone has their own row to stand in during the preshow, and you can’t help but love the single-file boarding.
And the award for best ride music goes to…
Whether it’s the preflight, ride, or exit music, Soarin’ has one of the best soundtracks. Tip: If work is just too much, put the Soarin’ music on repeat!