An Introvert’s Guide to Disney World: 10 Tips

Given that this blog covers both introvert life and Disney World, it seemed like it was about time the two found a way to meet.

This guide will be particularly helpful to introverts who haven’t been to Disney World before.

I’m not a theme park person–I think this is largely because I’m both an introvert and highly sensitive and in most cases, the crowds, consistent or loud sounds, and the adrenaline rush that comes with thrill rides has always been way too much stimulation for me.

And yet, I love Disney World. I am always tired when I get home, but it’s absolutely worth it to me.

Part of my love is the Disney atmosphere. Disney World goes beyond rides and attractions. There are stories and magic everywhere which my introverted inner world absolutely loves.

The other part of my love stems from the various options that take away from the over-stimulative nature I find in most theme parks without dampening the fun.

Here are ten tips for introverts who are going (or might want to go) to Disney World.

Take Breaks

Disney World is massive. It’s also often crowded and at times it can be loud. Seriously, there’s a lot going on.

Make it a point to take breaks periodically throughout the day. This can mean planning some sit-down meals (there’s a ton of fabulous food in Disney), going back to your room for a bit, or simply parking yourself on an out-of-the-way bench for a while.

Disney’s rides and shows get a lot of attention, but there are also plenty of quieter places that don’t get very much traffic.

For example, many pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase have some small museums or displays that don’t get all that much traffic. They’re typically cool and quiet, making for a great place to relax for half an hour.

Stay on property (or very close to it) if you can

Staying on Disney Property (or very close to it) will make it easy and possible for you to spend the morning in a park, duck out for a mid-day break and come back later when you’re recharged.

One thing I always hate about most of my trips to other theme parks is how long the day is and how trapped I often feel when I’m there.

Personally, this is because every other theme park experience I’ve had has been in a day trip situation. This means there’s no real opportunity to leave and take a break from the park atmosphere.

Disney World is different. In most cases, people travel to Disney and stay for days. This means you can have fairly easy access to a nearby hotel room.

But again, Disney World is massive. It’s also expensive. As a result, it may be a lot harder for your to convince yourself or members of your group that it’s worth leaving to go back to your room if you’re staying far away from the park’s gates.

Disney has plenty of resorts on their property and they have multiple transportation systems in place to get you to and from, making it easy and convenient to break up your day.

It’s even painfully easy for you to split from your group and take a break if that’s what you need, but the rest of your group is looking to keep going.

There are some non-Disney properties close to the parks (like those in the Disney Springs area), so it’s possible to stay pretty close even if you’re looking for something less pricy than a Disney hotel.

Don’t try to do it all

There’s a lot to do in Disney World. One big mistake anyone can make at Disney is trying to do it all. This is especially true for introverts.

Do your research before you go. Know what your must-dos are and know what you would like to do if you can, but don’t try to do everything.

If you do, you’re more likely to start sacrificing your breaks and that likely won’t end well.

Don’t follow the crowd

If you’re anything like me, you may find that you get more enjoyment standing a little farther back from the fireworks or the beginning of the parade before it hits Main Street.

This may mean you can’t see every detail of the show or you don’t get the backdrop of the Castle while the floats roll out, but you’ll have bought your self a little more separation between yourself and those around you.

There are often plenty of opportunities to give yourself a little space at more crowded events. Do your research a head of time, and when in doubt, it can’t hurt to ask a cast member if they have any tips that can help you.

And in my experience, these modifications are just as magical!

Go during a less popular time

Disney is often less crowded in the earlier winter (right after the holidays) and end of summer/early fall (right after school starts up again).

If you go during these times of the year, you’re more likely to have a little more breathing room in the parks and transportation services, as well as reduced wait times.

(Though, it’s hard to say if that will be true for this year with all the park closures currently going on. Needless to say, things are weird right now, so again, do your research before you book.)

Plan off days

If you can, plan an extra day or two into your trip where you don’t go in to the parks.

If you can break up your park days with an off day here and there, you’ll give yourself a chance to recharge and rest up so you can get the most out of the park days you have left.

But just because they’re down days, doesn’t mean you have to stick around your hotel. One great down day activity is visiting Disney Resorts.

You can visit it any resort on the property even if you’re not staying there (and even if you’re not staying at any Disney resort).

They’re as themed and imaginative as the parks, and since most people are at the parks during the day, they’re also pretty quiet and relaxing.

Wait out the crowds at the end of the night

There is often a mad rush to get to the Disney Transportation and parking lots after the fireworks at the end of the night.

If you’re an introvert who’s exhausted by this point, the idea of standing in a crowd to get on a bus or make it back to your car may just be enough to push you over the edge.

Instead, consider hanging out in the parks for a little while. Buses run for an hour after the park closes (and the parks don’t always close immediately after the fireworks), so you’ve often got some time to play with.

And staying in an emptying park will likely be more introvert-friendly that being packed in a crowded bus line.

Ask a cast member if you need help

I have yet to meet more helpful and approachable employees than Disney World cast members.

If you need help or have any question or concern, it truly doesn’t hurt to ask. A lot of introverts aren’t big on asking for help or approaching employees, but trust me, this is the place to go for it.

You may not always be able to get what you ask for, but if it’s at all possible for a cast member to help you, they will. And if they can’t you won’t ever be made to feel like a problem for asking.

(Related, do everything you can to be polite and cooperative with cast members. They are do try their best.)

Take a break on a longer, chill ride or show

Disney has a handful or longer, more relaxing rides that are ideal for times when you just need a break, but don’t really want to head back to your hotel.

These rides include The Peoplemover in Tomorrowland (a tram ride that takes you around Tomorrowland), the Carousel of Progress (a 20-minute revolving ride that takes you through the evolution of technology), or Spaceship Earth in Epcot (this is down for refurbishment for now, but definitely check to see if it’s back up when you’re going).

Additionally, there are plenty of 10-20 minute shows in each park that take place in dark, air conditions rooms and auditoriums that can give you a bit of a breather.

Go alone

I have never done a solo Disney trip, but I hope to sometime soon! As far as I’m concerned, there’s no place that makes it easier to travel and get around on your own.

Plus, the ability to do what you want, when you want, and take a break when you want would make Disney World an introvert’s dream.

Looking for more in-depth tips on how to manage your introverted life?

If you want to dig a little deeper, check out the Introvert Life Guide!

This guide was designed to help you build the introvert life of your dreams. And it’s full of plenty of tips and tricks to help you manage the five biggest areas of your introvert life.

It will also help you embrace your introverted nature and build a life to help you thrive!

For more introvert life tips, check out the other introvert posts!

For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!

Sound off: What are your tips and tricks for going to Disney World as an Introvert? Tell us about it in the comments!