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.
Six introvert spots with AC at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Introversion Insight:
Susan Cain wrote one of the best books about introversion called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. In it she talks about creating “restorative niches” in your life. These are places you go when you want to return to your true self. In our noisy, extroverted world, we’ve learned how to act more extroverted and get out of our comfort zones—but only if we have the accompanying restorative niches to balance it all out.
Florida can get hot, especially in the summer. I would never tell you not to visit Walt Disney World, but if there’s a time I’d highly discourage you from visiting, it’s in the summer. It’s toasty. But magic can still be found in the sunscreen you’re sweating into your eyeballs.
These restorative niches Susan Cain wrote about—they can be quiet spots—but maybe just as importantly, they are cool spots. Never underestimate the recharging power of air-conditioning.
And it may seem like it’s in short supply at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sure, you can find AC if you want to go on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, watch For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby, or get in line to meet Minnie Mouse inside Red Carpet Dreams. But what if you just want a quiet spot with AC without rides, shows, restaurants, or characters?
Here are six relatively quiet spots with AC that will help you recharge and stay cool at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Launch Bay
- Large indoor area with lots of dark nooks and crannies
- Some benches
- Exhibits to look at
Walt Disney Presents
- Limited benches
- Exhibits to look at
Tower Hotel Gifts
(The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ exit)
- Limited benches
- Merchandise to look at
Note: You’ll be walking against some traffic if you go all the way back inside as most everyone else will be exiting.
Vacation Fun exit
- Limited benches
- Photo ops
Note: The entrance to the exit area is just to the right of the theater’s entrance. Look for the red and yellow doors. When the theater lets out, you’ll be joined by the guests exiting; however, most don’t stick around too long.
Rock Around the Shop (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith exit)
- No seating
- Merchandise to look at
Note: The entrance is just to the right of the KRNR The Rock Station food truck. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting.
Jessie’s Trading Post (Toy Story Mania! exit)
- No seating
- Merchandise to look at
Note: Look for the Pixar Ball in Toy Story Land. The entrance is just to the left of the ball down a long pathway. You’ll be walking against traffic as most everyone else will be exiting.
Honorable mentions
In case you need a restorative niche that has AC as well as liquid courage/extroversion (alcohol), look no further than Tune-In Lounge and BaseLine Tap House. I didn’t list these two earlier because they involve ordering something. (Yes, you can sit inside these establishments and not order anything, but I try to be a courtesy D•Introvert.)
Tune-In Lounge doesn’t have a lot of seating, but it does have retro decor that will transport you to the 1950s. BaseLine Tap House has limited indoor seating and the best background music loop.
Need a quiet spot (with AC!) at EPCOT?
How to survive as an introvert at Walt Disney World
Introversion Insight:
A crowded, lively place is exciting and energizing for some. But for introverts, it can be exhausting. These places actually drain an introvert’s mental energy. This is why conserving and recharging our energy is key.
Disney Parks are busy, crowded places. They can be physically exhausting, but let’s not forget about how mentally exhausting they can be for introverts. Here are some tips for preventing an introvert hangover.
Lay low on the first day
Disney’s Animal Kingdom promotes a message of conservation. What they don’t promote is conserving your energy before you even step foot in a park. But in all seriousness, take it easy on your arrival day. Definitely don’t hit up a park on your first day. Travel days are hard enough. This is the perfect time to charge your social battery for what’s to come.
Ease into it. Ever notice how slow and deliberate you are in life? Keep it up, even when you’re full-on excited to explore the parks. You’ll prevent an early burnout.
Become a photographer
Offer to be the photographer for the group. If you’re the one taking the picture, you’re not in the spotlight. It’s a way to regulate how much attention is on you—or in other words—how much stimulation you receive. The more stimulation received the faster you’ll deplete your social battery.
As you’re walking around the park, watching a parade, and taking in the sights, you can distance yourself from the action by placing a camera between you and the environment. It’s good to be present, of course, but your camera can act as a buffer.
Have an exit strategy
Because introverts tend to be planners, you’ve probably mapped out each day of your Disney Parks vacation. Might I suggest a bit of flexibility? You may go into a park day thinking you’ll be there from open to close, but your social battery may not last.
I like to have an exit strategy in place before entering the park. Here’s an example: “We will leave the park for a midday break at 2 p.m.” If you get to that point and feel like you need a break, do it. If you’re feeling fine, feel free to stay longer. But deciding this up front may help if you’re concerned about how long you can handle the parks.
Know your escape route
Speaking of an exit strategy, do you know all your transportation options if you want to take a break from the parks? A midday break is easiest when you stay on property since you can use Disney’s various modes of transportation. But it can get complicated when you realize they have buses, boats, monorails, and gondolas. Here are your Walt Disney World transportation options from each park to each resort:
You’re going to have a great time!
How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours
An introvert’s guide to Disney After Hours at EPCOT
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have three hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.
That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference.
Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life
What’s included?
This is what you’re paying for:
- Lower wait times for attractions
- No blazing sun at night (especially important for the summer)
- Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
- Characters
And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds.
Who should attend?
If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win.
If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.
If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event because you don’t need them.
If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.
If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.
Which park?
At different times during the year, you have four options:
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at EPCOT in 2023.
How does it work?
Pick your night
The event takes place on select nights in June through August 2023:
- June 1, 15, 22, and 29
- July 6, 12, 20, and 27
- August 3, 10, 17, 24
All are on Thursdays except July 12, which is a Wednesday.
Buy your ticket
Prices range from $129 to $139, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase tickets for $99.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. You have the option of electronic (mobile) delivery or postal delivery. Electronic is preferred because it links with your account, and then you can just use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile and you don’t have your ticket mailed to you, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.)
On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours.
Create a plan
Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Ice cream? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!)
What’s available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT
Attractions
You have eleven options (twelve if you count both missions on Mission: SPACE):
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Did you notice the image above? Guardians is only standby during After Hours! No need to mess with the virtual queue or Individual Lightning Lane.
Tip: Be near this ride shortly after 9 p.m. when it switches to standby. In my experience, they had us queue up early and reopened the ride before the official event start time. We were on and off by 9:50 p.m.
If you plan on watching the fireworks, watch them closer to Mexico so you can quickly escape to Guardians when the show is over.
- Test Track Presented by Chevrolet
- Frozen Ever After
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Soarin around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Journey into Imagination with Figment
- Mission: SPACE (Green and Orange Missions)
- Living with the Land
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Note: Compared to other parks with After Hours, EPCOT doesn’t have as many headliner attractions where you’d typically find longer wait times on a regular park day.
They are also spread out more. With EPCOT being a large park, be prepared to do some walking in these 3 hours!
Food and beverages
As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts near Mission: SPACE, Creations Shop, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Imagination! pavilion, Norway, and Canada.
Tip: Maple popcorn from the Canada popcorn cart is included in After Hours!
For purchase, you have limited options and many close early:
- Connections Eatery (until 10 p.m.)
- Connections Café (until 11 p.m.)
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop (until 11 p.m.)
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (select menu items)
- World Discovery Hot Dog Cart
- Rose & Crown Pub
Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney After Hours at EPCOT.
Entertainment
Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:
- DJ in World Discovery
The music is piped throughout the entire park. (I must admit it’s a little odd to hear DJ music being played within the World Showcase.)
- Mariachi Cobre in Mexico
- Classic characters (I spotted Mickey and Pluto, but characters seemed hard to find.)
Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at EPCOT.
Merchandise
Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:
- Creations Shop
- ImageWorks—The “What If” Labs
- Treasures of Xandar
- Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
- Test Track SIMporium
- SeaBase Gift Shop
- Plaza de los Amigos
- World Traveler
Head in to the park
Your plan is planned. The 1,861 points of light on Spaceship Earth await.
Event hours go from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Your ticket actually gets you into EPCOT at 7 p.m., so you have 6 hours in the park—roughly half the time with all the regular day guests and the other half with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.
(Official park closing time is 9 p.m., but that’s when the EPCOT Forever fireworks start. By the time it’s over and the day guests have filtered out of the park, it may be closer to 9:30 p.m. before crowd levels seem low.)
Note: After the fireworks crowd leaves, they block off a large portion of the World Showcase. You’ll find it’s blocked off from China to Morocco.
Check-in
Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the far left side as well as the International Gateway entrance. You’ll see large yellow signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the left as the right side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets.
In my experience, guests started queuing up between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides.
If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you’ll need to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. I only found check-in locations at the main park entrance and the International Gateway entrance.
General Tips
- Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do.
- Eat dinner before the event starts.
- Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.
However, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 55 minutes, and that was for Test Track.
- As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk.
More After Hours
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
Best Hollywood Studios quick-service restaurant for introverts
Introversion Insight:
Crowded places can be overstimulating for introverts. Crowded eating establishments add a whole other layer of anxiety. (I still get anxious thinking about the school cafeteria.) Introversion and anxiety tend to be two peas in a pod. Being prepared and knowing how to navigate these situations can help you find your inner peas.
If you’re new around here, a quick-service restaurant at the parks is basically a fast-food or counter-service restaurant. A table-service restaurant is more of a sit-down location with a server. Table service is best for introverts because they seat you, they bring your food to you, and they clean up after you. Easy peasy. But it generally requires a reservation which, depending on the restaurant and time of year, may be hard to secure. No worries, though. You have plenty of quick-service options.
But first, the number one rule for any location—avoid the lunch and dinnertime rush. We want to avoid the masses of hangry guests.
So what makes a quick-service restaurant good for introverts?
Plenty of seating
There’s nothing worse than having your tray of food, carefully balancing everything, and trying to find a place to sit. It feels like all eyes are on you, am I right? We need lots of seating so we don’t have to trek too far or hunt too long.
Different types of seating
Booths, corner tables, and spots along the perimeter are all great for introverts. We want to avoid places with just a bunch of tables close together in the center of a room.
Easy to navigate
Thankfully, most Disney Parks restaurants are organized and set up in a way that’s easy to navigate. Things we pay attention to: where to order, pick up food, and grab utensils, condiments, and napkins. Tip: Always do mobile order if it’s available. (Since the pandemic, that seems to be the company’s preference anyway.) You’ll avoid the ordering line, and the most talking you’ll have to do is telling them your order number at pickup.
Backlot Express, “A Warehouse of Good Eating”
So here it is. The best Hollywood Studios quick-service restaurant for introverts is Backlot Express.
I should first mention that if you don’t understand the theme, you might think Backlot Express is just an old, dark, and cluttered space. I mean, you’re not completely wrong, but you’ll appreciate all the details more if you know the story behind it—and we know introverts love details.
The details
It’s themed like a warehouse you might find on a typical movie studio’s backlot. The restaurant harkens back to the early days of Disney-MGM Studios when actual movie production took place. They want you immersed in the world of moviemaking, including in the behind-the-scenes studio shops like the paint shop, sculpture shop, and model shop.
Who doesn’t want to enjoy their Wookiee Cookie next to splattered paint?!
For those nostalgic D•Introverts, it remains relatively untouched since the park opened.
Spend some time wandering around each shop. You’ll find all kinds of signs, props, and references to movies and TV.
The seating
This restaurant is big—600 seats big. This means you’ll be able to find an empty table quickly and easily. I also want to point out the layout. Because each area is themed as a studio shop, you have multiple tucked-away areas. It’s not just one large dining room. I find myself going to a dark corner table. (It really is fairly dark in there, which may help you decompress.) And if you prefer to dine alfresco, Backlot Express boasts lots of covered patio seating.
The logistics
As soon as you go through the main entrance, you’re greeted with a large open area. You have all the pickup zones in a row. Mobile order is available, and those pickup zones are clearly marked. The drink and condiment stations are prominently themed, so they’re easy to locate as well.
I hope you’ll check out this introvert-friendly restaurant the next time you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Do you think it’s the best quick-service restaurant for introverts at Hollywood Studios? Let me know!
Backlot Express
Type: Quick service
Location: Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
(next to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue)
Price: $15 and under
Hours: 11 a.m. – hour before park close (may vary)
Menu: Lunch and dinner
More introvert-friendly restaurants
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.
How to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks without crowds
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, they can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. Our brains actually process our environment differently than someone who’s more extroverted. Crowds wear us down quickly.
Magic Kingdom offers a nighttime spectacular like no other. I consider it a can’t-miss fireworks show. And with the return of fan-favorite Happily Ever After, it’s popular—and crowded. If you want a good view of the castle and fireworks, you’ll have to stand shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of strangers near the hub area. It’s intense. And then the mass exodus after the fireworks is an adventure. But I have a solution for you!
Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties
For a price, you can secure yourself a reserved viewing area for the fireworks. Oh, and you also get desserts and drinks—including beer and wine (hey, liquid extroversion!). You have three party options:
- Pre-Party: Enjoy your desserts and drinks before the fireworks and then move to your fireworks viewing area.
- Seats & Sweets: Enjoy your desserts and drinks before the fireworks and then stay seated to view the fireworks.
- Post-Party: Enjoy the fireworks from your viewing area and then move to the dessert party location after the fireworks.
I think the post-party is the best option for introverts, so I’m going to focus solely on this option. Let’s go over how it works so you can feel prepared and then explain why it’s worth it for introverts.
Book your post-party
You can reserve this Enchanting Extra up to 60 days in advance online. On “slower” nights, they may accept walk-up reservations. The price for the post-party is $99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $59 for children (ages 3 to 9). Tax is included in those prices. Gratuity is not included or required. Unfortunately, discounts are not offered on Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties. There’s a 7-day cancellation policy. If you cancel within 7 days, the fee is the full party price. Separate theme park admission and park pass reservation are required.
Note: The party will show up as a dining reservation in the My Disney Experience app (not a separate ticket).
Check in to your post-party
You’ll check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant 60 minutes before Happily Ever After. Your reservation in the app should display this check-in time. You’ll see three podiums set up throughout the restaurant, one for each party check-in: Pre-Party, Seats & Sweets, and Post-Party. (On my night it was the one closest to the hub area.) Look for the sign that says “Post-Party Check-In.” They may ask to see your ID and then attach a wristband.
Tip: Check in 90 minutes before if you want the very first pick of where you’ll stand in the reserved viewing area.
Head to your viewing area
Your reserved viewing area is Plaza Garden East. The entrance is on the right side.
The party does guarantee this reserved area but not a specific spot. For the best fireworks view, you may want to be on the far left side of the garden. But keep in mind—when the fireworks end, everyone will be exiting on the right side and heading to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for the dessert party. So if you’re on the right side, you’re one of the first to exit the viewing area and line up for the party.
Which is most important to you? The best fireworks view or first in line for the party?
You can bring food and drink into the reserved viewing area, and if you checked in 60–90 minutes before Happily Ever After, you’ll have some time to kill. I recommend grabbing something and having a picnic on the hub grass. (Casey’s Corner is the closest quick-service restaurant that has mobile order.) The party has mostly sweets, so this is your chance to have something savory.
You can sit on the hub grass until Happily Ever After starts. You’ll find people will start standing up 10 or so minutes before showtime.
Enjoy the dessert post-party
Once Happily Ever After is over, you’ll head back to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and check in again. You’ll be taken to your reserved table. It’s now time to enjoy the unlimited desserts and drinks!
Everything is set up buffet style. Lines will form as people fill in. There are two separate buffet lines (left and right sides). They each have mostly the same options; however, I noticed a couple differences so you may want to visit both sides.
You have an impressive spread. Here are your drink choices:
- Veramonte Chardonnay
- Zolo Malbec (and sometimes Signature Red Blend)
- Saracco Moscato d’Asti
- Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Brut
- Bud Light Lager
- Blue Moon Belgian White Ale
- Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider (nonalcoholic)
- Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea
- Minute Maid Premium Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade
- POG Juice
- Joffrey’s Coffee (regular and decaf)
- Twinings Hot Teas
- Milk
- Water
Note: You can have two alcoholic drinks at a time (per person) on your table.
Here are your food choices:
- Chocolate Silk Pie (chocolate tart shell, chocolate filling, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings)
- Cookies ‘n Cream Cheesecake Mousse
- Chilling Chamber Pop (chocolate crumbs, white buttercream, and chocolate popping candy)
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
- Tres Leches
- Devil’s Chocolate Pudding (chocolate filling, crumble brownie, and milk chocolate whipped cream)
- Firehouse Doughnuts (ricotta doughnuts rolled in cinnamon-sugar served with strawberry topping)
- Butterscotch Pudding
- Pistachio Crunch Bar
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Sugar Cookie
- Caramel Apple Crepe (with toasted pecans and sweet cream)
- Celebration Cupcake
- Birthday Cupcake
- Assorted Fruits
- Assorted Cheeses
- Assorted Breads (plain and olive)
There’s even a table set up where you can decorate cookies with icing.
The party lasts more or less an hour. On my night, the buffet shut down at 10:45. (Fireworks were at 9:20, which lasted about 20 minutes. By the time everyone got settled in at the party, it was around 9:45.)
Why it’s worth it for introverts
The Magic Kingdom dessert post-party is an enjoyable experience for all, but there are specific reasons why I think it’s worth it for introverts.
- No camping out for a fireworks spot: If you want a good spot for Happily Ever After, you’ll have to fight the crowds and claim your spot early. You’ll then find yourself shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of guests (who may be hot, sweaty, and tired).
With the post-party, you’ll still be standing next to others, but you’ll find the viewing area is much less crowded and reserved, just waiting for you when you're ready.
- Calling first dibs in the reserved viewing area: With the post-party, you can enter the reserved area before any of the pre-party guests. These guests are enjoying their dessert and drinks while you snag your spot for the fireworks. You’ll be all settled in by the time they join you.
There’s something reassuring about being in a space before the masses arrive. I bet you arrive early to events at home and work. You’ve learned you’re more comfortable when others join you in your space instead of you inserting yourself into an existing crowd. The same holds true at the dessert party.
- Enjoying the party pressure-free: If you do the pre-party, you might feel rushed to finish your desserts and drinks so that you can get to the viewing area and stake out your spot.
With the post-party, the party feels much more relaxed. You’re on a high after seeing Happily Ever After. You can take your time and enjoy it. It’s (quite literally) a nice nightcap to your evening.
- Drinking liquid extroversion: An extroverted place like Walt Disney World can be uncomfortable for an introvert. Adult beverages may help so that you can relax and enjoy the experience more, so I’m awfully glad the dessert party offers us some options.
Also, it’s kind of a bizarre, unique feeling to be drinking alcohol out on a terrace in the middle of Magic Kingdom. Cheers!
- Bypassing the park exit crowd: As soon as the fireworks are over, you’ll find yourself in a mass exodus of people trying to leave the park. The fun’s not over when you exit, though, because then you’re faced with lines waiting for the ferryboat, monorail, or bus.
But if you do the post-party, you can relax at the party, enjoying dessert and drinks, while everyone else is making a mad dash. Once the party concludes, you can casually browse the shops on Main Street, U.S.A., and eventually leave the park with a smaller crowd.
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.
How to avoid crowds: attend Disney After Hours
An introvert’s guide to 2023 Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Introversion Insight:
A lot of people don’t like crowded places, but for introverts, it can be overstimulating. Way too many strangers in one place. (And let’s hope they don’t want to strike up a conversation.)
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event that allows you to visit a Walt Disney World park after it closes for the day. You have 3 hours to do all the things—but with fewer people. They limit the number of tickets sold.
That’s why I think Disney After Hours is worth it and perfect for D•Introverts. Guaranteed lower crowd levels! It’s becoming harder and harder to find a “slow season,” so with these limited-capacity events, you’ll notice a difference.
Avoiding the crowds—my mission in life
What’s included?
This is what you’re paying for:
- Lower wait times for attractions
- No blazing sun at night
- Ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water
- Characters
And what I’m really paying for is a way to experience the park without the crowds.
Who should attend?
If crowds zap your energy, this event is for you. Less people-y for the win.
If you have a rest day during your trip, do Disney After Hours on that day. Sleep in and relax at your Resort during the day and then you’ll be ready for the late night.
If you don’t want to mess with Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, or virtual queues for rides, consider Disney After Hours. They’re not used during the event—because you don’t need them.
If it’s your favorite park, try the after-hours event as a different way to experience it.
If you’ve already visited the park on a previous trip, Disney After Hours is a good way to repeat your favorite rides and attractions. If you’ve never visited the park, I don’t recommend Disney After Hours because not everything is open. You won’t receive the full park experience.
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World at a busier time of year, this event allows you to bypass the crowds.
Which park?
At different times during the year, you have four options:
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Let’s talk about Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023.
How does it work?
Pick your night
The event takes place on select nights in January through June 2023:
- January 4, 11, 18, and 25
- February 15 and 22
- March 8, 22, and 29
- April 2, 5, and 19
- May 3, 17, 24, and 31
- June 7, 14, 21, and 28
All are on Wednesdays except April 2, which is a Sunday.
Buy your ticket
Prices range from $129 to $149, depending on the night. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a $30 discount.
Tickets can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. You have the option of electronic (mobile) delivery or postal delivery. Electronic is preferred because it links with your account, and then you can just use your MagicBand or MagicMobile to get in.
(If you don’t want to use a MagicBand or MagicMobile and you don’t have your ticket mailed to you, you’ll need to go to a ticket window where they’ll issue a physical card to you. The purchase confirmation email with barcode can’t be used to get in.)
On a related note, you don’t need to make a park pass reservation for Disney After Hours.
Create a plan
Introverts are planners, so you’re probably already thinking (and overthinking) about what you want to do during the event. You definitely want to have a plan for Disney After Hours. Three hours go by fast. Figure out your priorities. Rides? Characters? Shows? Unfortunately, you can’t do it all. (Oh? Is that a challenge?!)
What’s available during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios
Attractions
You have eight options:
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Slinky Dog Dash
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Toy Story Mania!
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Note: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is currently in a soft opening period after its long refurbishment. If you're attending Disney After Hours 2023 in June, it may be open.
Food and beverages
As mentioned above, ice cream, popcorn, and bottle soda/water are included in your admission. You’ll find them at snack carts on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Grand Avenue, and in Toy Story Land.
For purchase, you have limited options:
- Woody’s Lunch Box
- Anaheim Produce
- Oga’s Cantina (walk-up availability)
- Sunshine Day Bar (full bar)
- Some outdoor bars
Note: Mobile order is not available during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios.
Entertainment
Did I mention 3 hours go by fast? If you can squeeze in some shows and characters, here are your options:
- Green Army Drum Corps
- Fantasmic!
- Disney Movie Magic
- Wonderful World of Animation
- Toy Story characters
- Star Wars characters
Note: Disney PhotoPass Photographers are in the park during Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios.
Merchandise
Since time is limited, I wouldn’t recommend shopping during the event, but in case you do, here are your options:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Tatooine Traders
- The Market Merchants in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
- Jessie’s Trading Post
- Tower Hotel Gifts
- Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (walk-up availability)
- Droid Depot (walk-up availability)
Head in to the park
Your plan is planned. The neon lights of Hollywood Boulevard await.
Event hours vary slightly depending on the month you chose.
For January, February, March, and April nights, it goes from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
For May and June nights, it goes from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.
Your ticket actually gets you into Hollywood Studios at 7 p.m., so you have 5 to 6 hours in the park (5.5 hours for January, February, March, and April nights; 6 hours for May and June nights)—half the time with all the regular day guests and the other half with just event guests. That’s good to remember because that means you won’t escape all the crowds until later.
Check-in
Check-in takes place at the park’s main entrance on the right side. You’ll see large signs to guide you. Oftentimes there will be a Cast Member out front directing guests as well. You’ll want to stay to the right as the left side will still be in use by guests with regular park tickets.
In my experience, guests started queuing up around 6:30 p.m.
A Cast Member will place a wristband on you. Throughout the night you may be asked to show your wristband to go on rides or walk farther back into the park.
If you’re already in the park because you’re using a regular park ticket or Annual Pass, you don’t have to exit the park to check in and get your wristband. You’ll find a second check-in location at the end of Hollywood Boulevard (at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard).
Tips
- Don’t spend all day at a park and then attend Disney After Hours. You’re asking for an introvert hangover if you do.
- Eat dinner before the event starts.
- Don’t expect to walk on all the rides.
Although, it’s not uncommon to find 10- to 20-minute wait times during Disney After Hours. Wait times typically go down the later it gets. The longest wait I experienced was 40 minutes, and that was for Slinky Dog Dash.
- As much as I like to leisurely stroll through the park, I wouldn’t during Disney After Hours. In fact, I would speed walk.