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.