Posts Tagged ‘hollywoodstudios’
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.
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
- Long bench
- Shaded from sun
- Conveniently located alcohol cart
Back in Pixar Place
- Multiple nooks, crannies, and benches
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
- Conveniently located coffee
Behind Joffrey's at Tower of Terror exit
- 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
- Multiple tables with chairs and umbrellas
- Shaded from sun
- Covered from rain
In front of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
- Multiple benches
- Not shaded or covered
More quiet spots
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.
An introvert’s guide to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Introversion Insight:
Introverts are planners. They want to be prepared for what the world has in store for them. Let’s avoid surprises at all costs, please. They like knowing how to do things, especially around other people.
***NOTE: The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is now in permanent dry dock.***
Warning: SPOILERS ahead! It’s in our nature as introverts to know what to expect, so let’s do our Galactic Starcruiser homework.
What is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser exactly?
It’s tricky to succinctly describe the Galactic Starcruiser—but let’s try. First off, it’s a hotel. You’ll sleep there for two nights. It has a Star Wars theme. (You don’t have to be a Star Wars überfan, but it certainly helps.) It includes two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, and various snacks. It’s a live action role-playing (LARPing) experience set aboard a simulated starcruiser. (I got some dinner theater/escape room vibes too.) You interact with characters, objects, and locations on the ship, as well as on Batuu a.k.a. Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Your package includes a one-day ticket to Hollywood Studios.
If it sounds intense, it’s because it is. It really doesn’t sound like a place introverts would thrive, right? But with the right planning, maybe a little acting as an extrovert, and some liquid courage (alcohol), I think you’ll discover it’s a pretty unique and amazing experience.
Character interactions
Before we get into your itinerary, we better talk about the one thing that’s giving all the introverts out there the most heartburn: character interactions or the LARPing. If you’ve ever tried to interact with characters at the theme parks, you know it can be awkward. Character meet-and-greets are difficult for introverts. And on the Galactic Starcruiser, it’s more than a meet-and-greet. The nice thing about these characters is you’re part of their storyline, so you’ve been reading about them in the events part of your datapad (more to come on the datapad). You’re completing missions for them. When you see them next, you come equipped with a conversation starter (if needed).
A lot of the time, it’s more about following a character around or congregating around one while they tell you a story or act out a scene. And that’s actually an important tip. If you ever feel like you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing, look for the characters and head toward them. They will sometimes come to you, but most of the time, you need to seek them out. This keeps the storyline going.
You decide how involved you want to be. You can fully participate and join the characters whenever they’re nearby. You can participate sometimes and watch other times. Or you can simply watch and observe from afar. But I really do recommend acting like an extrovert and participating as much as you can.
The cool thing is that there are two levels to the storytelling: the one everyone experiences and then the personal story you end up experiencing with the characters. They are very good about remembering your name and what you did (or didn’t do) earlier in the day—or even the previous day. Introverts love details, so you’ll appreciate this level of storytelling.
DAY 1
Arrival
You made it. You’re excited and probably a little nervous. (It’s going to be fine.) Did you dress up? No pressure if not. You’ll find some go all out, and part of the fun as an introvert is to just see everyone’s costumes. (Remember as a kid when you’d just watch your friends play video games while you observed. It’s kinda like that.)
Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll pick your check-in time in advance when you do your online check-in via the My Disney Experience app. From what I noticed, most guests picked 1 p.m. because there was a long line of cars leading up to the terminal. It took us about 45 minutes before we actually got inside. I still recommend the earliest check-in time—in fact, show up around 12:30 p.m. if you can. As an introvert, maybe you’re used to being early. Tip: When you’re part of the first group somewhere, you feel like you own the place before the rest of the crowd shows up. Try this in all sorts of social situations.
Note: On our first voyage, we showed up right before 1 p.m. On our second voyage, we showed up around 12:30 p.m. The earlier arrival was much more relaxed and less busy. We were inside within 15 minutes.
If you’re driving your own car, it’s all valet parking (tip not included). They’ll take your bags at this point too. You’ll then take a launch pod to the starcruiser. As soon as you board the Halcyon, your party is directed to a Passenger Services Crew Member. They go over some details and escort you directly to your cabin. See? You’re not even lost yet. Your bags will show up a little later. And the beauty of this experience happening at an actual hotel? If it’s ever too much and you need a break from it all, you can walk down to your cabin.
Passenger Services is basically Guest Relations that you’d find in the parks. They are dressed in blue and have a counter in the Atrium. If you’re ever unsure what to do, or if you have any issues with your stay, they are super helpful and kind.
Lunch
Lunch is served from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. At this point, it’s probably close to 2 p.m., and I bet you’re hungry. (I recommend eating a later breakfast on your homeworld before coming.) Head to the Crown of Corellia Dining Room on Deck 4. Lunch is buffet style. You’ll grab a tray, load it up with food from the various stations, and seat yourself. Cups for drinks are on shelves underneath the counter.
Lunch on day one is the busiest, but if you’re a party of two, I have the perfect introvert spot for you.
Tip: Whenever you’re dining at a restaurant—on Disney property or elsewhere—try and avoid tables in the center of the room. Introverts feel more comfortable on the side or in a corner where they can look out, read the room, and take it all in. Also, no need to awkwardly dump your tray somewhere. Just leave it on the table when you’re done.
The datapad
You’re going to be interacting with characters, objects, and locations, which is all linked to an app on your phone, your datapad a.k.a. the Play Disney Parks app. You’ll end up using this datapad a lot, especially on your trip to Batuu on day two, so you’ll want to master it. You may already be familiar with it from previous visits to Galaxy’s Edge, but if not, no worries. In the days leading up to your voyage, they’ll populate your events schedule in the datapad, so definitely take a peek. You can view the in-app tutorials, or better yet, attend a datapad orientation while on board.
Do you like to read? Introverts tend to enjoy reading, which is good because you’ll be doing a fair amount of it within the datapad. The comms part of the datapad is your friend.
This is where characters will communicate with you when you’re not with them. This is really how you keep the storyline moving. Once you complete missions within the comms part of your datapad, you’ll see your schedule update within the events part of your datapad. Tip: Pay attention to any new events (in yellow).
You can passively participate by having someone else in your party run their datapad, but a lot of the fun is doing it yourself. This is also how you can pick a different story path. Warning, though, you may be invited to secret meetings that only you can attend, which means splitting up from your party.
Ship consoles
Throughout the ship, you’ll find consoles. They provide general information, but more importantly, they’ll enable you to unlock (literally) more of the story. The comms part of your datapad will direct you to the consoles when needed. Tip: Watch for the comms that provides you with the console access code.
Ship tours
Passenger Services offers short guided tours of the ship. Great idea for introverts. It will help you get your bearings, and you’ll start to feel like you know where everything’s at. You’re probably a lover of learning, which is perfect because you’ll learn some backstory along the way.
Ship muster
This is when the captain welcomes you and shows you your muster location in case of emergencies. Where you settled in before the start of the muster becomes your muster location. I liked being in a location nearest the balcony and turbolifts.
You have a good view of the characters performing above you. At a certain point, the captain will put you on the spot by asking you to chat with the people around you to get to know them. Oof. Small talk is hard for us. But it’s brief.
Captain's reception
The muster leads right into the reception. A shared nonalcoholic toast happens. Don’t worry if you don’t get a drink right away. They’ll eventually make it around to everyone if you stick around long enough. But be aware the captain may proceed with the toast before everyone has a drink.
Bridge ops training
This was one of my favorite activities, and I think it’s quite introvert friendly. As the name implies, you're learning how to operate the ship’s bridge. Each station is basically a simple video game. Keyword: simple. No pressure to figure out a complicated game in front of others. You’ll rotate so you can try out each station, but you’re more or less just doing your own thing at your own station.
Dance lessons
Nope. Just nope. This is definitely an optional activity, and if you’re an introvert, you’re probably going to stay clear. Don’t be like me and be hanging out in the Atrium when lessons suddenly start up around you.
Sublight Lounge
Ah, one of my favorite locations on the ship, right off the Atrium on Deck 6. You seat yourself at the bar or any of the tables or booths. This is also where the holo-sabacc table is located. For some introverts, adult beverages act like liquid courage, or liquid extroversion. If you imbibe, you’ll want to spend some time at this great lounge. It will help you open up and fully enjoy the Galactic Starcruiser. They have inventive and great-tasting drinks, but they also have spirits from your homeworld. (Tip: The Fiery Mustafarian and Dagobah Vimlet have souvenir glass options.) The bartenders and staff are exceptional. Like Passenger Services, they are extremely friendly. In fact, I’d say the Galactic Starcruiser offers the best Disney guest service you’ll find anywhere on property.
Even if you don’t imbibe, the lounge offers a nonalcoholic drink tasting, complete with stories, which lovers of learning (introverts) will appreciate. This takes place on day two, but you’ll want to sign up for it in advance. Sublight also has snacks starting around 4 or 4:30 p.m. Snacks are included in your voyage. Drinks are not. Also keep in mind, an 18% gratuity is automatically included, which is shared by all; however, if you tip extra, that goes directly to your bartender/server.
Dinner 1
Unlike lunch and breakfast, dinner is table service. You’re taken to your seat, and they bring your food to you. Like at Sublight Lounge, gratuities for food service are included. Tip: When you book your voyage, you have the option to upgrade to the captain’s table. Do it. And do it on night two. (You’ll learn why in a second.) It gives you more food courses as well as a champagne toast. Do keep in mind, though, you’ll be sharing the table with other parties. But it also gives you a great seat in the dining room—both nights. On the night you’re not at the captain’s table (night one), you may just find yourself seated at the table right in front of where the entertainment performs.
What entertainment you ask? Gaya, one of the biggest superstars in the galaxy, as well as keyboardist and DJ Ouannii and guitarist Sandro Alimander. Introverts tend to be lovers of music and artistic expression, so something tells me you’ll get a kick out of this performance. Be prepared—Gaya may ask you to stand up at some point and dance. Not a solo performance. Everyone in the dining room will get up and dance, so you can blend in and not really dance. She may also wander about and ask you where you’re from.
DAY 2
You’ll be happy to know day two is much less busy. It’s a refreshingly quiet day compared to day one. This is when introverts can really explore the ship without a lot of other passengers. Spend more quality time with the Atrium, the ship consoles, the Engineering Room, the Climate Simulator, and the holo-sabacc table.
The reason why it’s so quiet? Everyone is on a day excursion to Batuu! We’ll talk about that in a minute—and it’s definitely something you want to do—but first more food.
Breakfast
You have two options for breakfast: grab-and-go boxed items in the Sublight Lounge or a buffet in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. If day one was too much for you and you need a bit more recharging, the grab-and-go option is great. But you’ll find more (and better) options at the buffet. Breakfast seemed less crowded than lunch. And the setup is the same as lunch, something you’re comfortable with at this point—grab tray, fill with food, and seat yourself.
Batuu excursion
It’s time to leave the quiet ship and head to Batuu. You might be tempted to stay, but I highly recommend you don’t. Here’s what to do. Board the Batuu transports as early as possible. They typically run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. (You’ll notice you have a scheduled time in the events part of your datapad. You don’t have to board at that time.)
Note: A park pass reservation is not required.
You’ll arrive right around the same time as regular day guests. Crowds should still be light. You’re given two Lightning Lanes (LLs): one for Rise of the Resistance and one for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Even if you’ve experienced these rides before, use your LLs. They may actually be part of your storyline and open up more comms and events in your datapad. Speaking of the datapad, as a guest of the starcruiser, you’ll find more is unlocked than if you were just a day guest at the park. This is your time to shine and complete some missions. Remember the comms part of your datapad? Missions will be added there while on Batuu.
To complete a mission, you’ll read the character’s request, accept the mission, go to the location, and perform some sort of action in your datapad. Don’t worry, it’s not too complex. The mission may include an image of the location. This can be super helpful, so tap the image to enlarge.
If that doesn’t help, tap Show Map. Your location is the red circle. The blue arrows show you which direction to head.
Once you’re near the location, tap the blue location marker. This will unlock the action you need to take. It could be as simple as tapping a Hack button. Others require a decryption key, which requires you to construct the key a.k.a. dragging shapes to form the key. Here’s an example:
(If you’re stuck, notice the flashing shape hints.)
Another action might be angling your phone up and down and side to side to align lines on your datapad. One particular mission might stress out introverts. Time to act like an extrovert. It involves telling a Cast Member something at Oga’s Cantina. Your datapad will tell you exactly what to say—and the exchange is brief—but you’ll say your line, they’ll have you scan a code, and you’ll construct the key while standing next to them.
Once you’ve completed all your missions, you might be hungry. Lunch is included on Batuu at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or Ronto Roasters (and does include one alcoholic beverage). Tip: Go back to the ship for lunch. The ship’s lunch buffet is better, you’ll find some new options that weren’t there on day one, and it’s less busy than day one’s lunch. Plus, you’ll have more time on the ship before everyone else gets back.
Lightsaber training
Sounds cool, right? It is, but it needs an introvert warning. You’ll stand in a line, taking turns learning how to use a lightsaber and shield. It’s not difficult. It doesn’t require a lot of coordination, thankfully. Near the end, though, you might feel like you’re on display for the whole class. After the practice rounds, each person steps up to the simulator while the rest of the class stands at the back of the room. Power through! It doesn’t last too long, and everyone else looks just as ridiculous when it’s their turn.
Dinner 2
Dinner on night two isn’t accompanied by Gaya, sorry. But the focus is on the food. Chefs present the courses as they come out. The lighting in the dining room changes with each one. It’s a fun little display.
When you book your voyage, you choose if you want early or late dinners. There are pros and cons to each, and it may be personal preference. I enjoyed having the later dinners. I felt like we had more uninterrupted time to interact with the ship and characters. Now, I don’t want to spoil everything, but if you’re ordering drinks (where you’ll have a tab at the end), pay as soon as you receive the check. You may need to go somewhere quickly…
Note: First and second dinner seating is based on availability. You may find only one option is available. You'll know when you book.
DAY 3
Departure
The time has come. Before experiencing the Galactic Starcuiser, I never would have said I wish the experience was longer than three days. But it’s true. You may not want to leave!
The day before you’ll receive personal cargo tags (luggage tags) to put on your luggage. You’ll set your luggage out by your door by 8 a.m. on day three. This is optional. You can also take your own luggage with you when you disembark and board the launch pod for home. You’ll see a scheduled launch pod time in the events part of your datapad. Like your transport time to Batuu, you don’t have to board at that time. Disembarkation generally happens from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Ignite the spark
Phew, do you feel more prepared for your voyage? There’s so much to experience, and this itinerary doesn’t even cover everything. But I hope this guide gives you reassurance. I was hesitant going into the experience, but from one fellow introvert to another, I think you’ll enjoy it way more than you think. Weeks after, I’m still thinking about my adventure. Despite there being 100 cabins on the Galactic Starcruiser, it feels intimate and you really experience a deep connection to the ship and characters.
May the stars light your way, D•Introverts!
Words or phrases you might hear
a’ deg a’ (ah-deeg-ah) = hello
ba’ ma’ shay (bah-ma-shay) = goodbye
credits = form of payment
datapad = Play Disney Parks app
good journey = hello or farewell
good passage = good morning or good day
Halcyon = name of the ship
holo-sabacc = electronic, holographic version of sabacc card game
holoscan = photo
imaging unit = camera
loth-cat crew = guests 7 and under
M-Band = MagicBand
my honor = you're welcome
personal cargo = luggage
personal cargo tags = luggage tags
sabacc = card game
ship consoles = interactive panels found throughout ship
ta’ bu e tay (ta-boo-eee-tay) = let’s celebrate or cherish the moment
turbolift = elevator
viewport = window into space
Map
Knowing your surroundings can really help an introvert feel comfortable. There’s nothing worse than getting lost and then having to talk to another human for directions. (Although, it may not be a human on the Galactic Starcruiser.) All these ship locations can be found on the map, which can be accessed in your datapad or on the ship consoles.
Deck 6
- Atrium
- Bridge
- Passenger Services
- Sublight Lounge
- The Chandrila Collection (merchandise shop)
- Launch Pod Dock (where you arrive and depart)
Deck 4
- Crown of Corellia Dining Room
- Engineering Room
- Climate Simulator
- Lightsaber Training Pod
- Cargo Hold
Decks 4, 5, and 7 cabins
Dine at the drive-in, walk out with no crowds
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)
Moon monsters launch attack against Earth. Do I have your attention? Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a restaurant called Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater. It resembles a 1950s drive-in where you dine in car-shaped booths. Where the moon monsters come in is with the movie clips. They play sci-fi movie clips from the day as you slurp up your Orbiting Oreos shake.
It’s dark and the car booths make it difficult to engage in conversation with your whole party. Two things introverts might enjoy.
But let’s talk about your reservation time. Book your reservation right around park closing. Why do this? It allows you to exit the park without the mass exodus of guests you typically see when the park closes. While you’re watching Frankenstein meet the space monster, the majority of the guests are leaving. And by the time dinner is over, you can walk down Hollywood Boulevard like you own the place. (You’ve also just avoided the Disney transportation crowds.)
Thank the Maker!
