What if there was a way to predict what elements someone might like about Walt Disney World?
The Myers-Briggs personality test has been around for more than 70 years. Originally conceived as a personality “type” indicator based on Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes, the test is extremely popular for helping people learn a little bit more about themselves. While personality types are not hard science—indeed, studies have only found four particularly common personality “types” recently—variants of the Myers-Briggs tests are still very interesting for introspection and learning about the traits that make up our personalities.
My favorite version of the test can be taken for free over at 16Personalities.com. Their version of the test incorporates elements of the Big Five Personality Traits, a model used more commonly by modern psychologists, and it also focuses more on exploring personality traits rather than trying to box people into locked types. It also takes into account that people’s trait-groupings can change over time. Overall, the test gives you a picture of how you fall into 8 categories:
Introverted (I) or Extroverted (E)
Observant (S) or Intuitive (N)
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
Judging (J) or Prospecting (P)
These four letters produce a Myers-Briggs personality “type” based on those common traits, such as ENTJ or ISFP. Each of these trait-groupings can be generally described with an avatar such as “Adventurer” or “Defender”. Honestly, most Disney characters can be divided into the same categories! You can learn more about the types and the test at 16Personalities website.
Could trait-groupings like Myers-Briggs types tell us a little more about how we are likely to enjoy Walt Disney World? We’ve dipped into this topic before, but here’s our crack at what The Most Magical Place on Earth might look like based on Myers-Briggs type. Take the test and tell us if you agree with the results, or if not, what your answers would be.
1. The Introvert Analysts – Architect (INTJ) and Logician (INTP)
Image: The VOID
Analysts (who share the NT trait) are an extremely logical group. They are generally rarer to find, making up only .8%-3% of the population. They are efficient, rational puzzle solvers who appreciate a challenge and don’t appreciate nonsense.
Architects (INTJ) are likely to enjoy more intellectual and challenging pursuits at Walt Disney World. They may appreciate attractions with a challenge element like Test Track or Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, or thrills like Avatar: Flight of Passage. All introverts are more likely to enjoy Walt Disney World in the off-season, and Architects may appreciate the crisp quietness of The Contemporary’s Bay Lake Tower or the Swan.
Logicians (INTP) also appreciate both solitude and the opportunity to stretch their minds. They are a creative group who may enjoy the rich setting of the Boulder Ridge Villas or Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, or even Old Key West for its calmness. Like Architects, they appreciate an intellectual challenge, and are likely to enjoy attractions with a video game feel. This group may end up enjoying the upcoming interactive attractions at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
2. The Extrovert Analysts – Commander (ENTJ) and Debater (ENTP)
While Extroverted Analysts share their introverted cousins’ appreciation for the rational and intellectual, they are less likely to be drained by the busy-ness of Walt Disney World. Commanders (ENTJ) are bold personalities who appreciate constant self-improvement. They are likely to take the lead in trip-planning if someone else doesn’t. Their frequent appreciation for environmental concerns may make them appreciate Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and they will certainly enjoy the challenges and intellectual stimulation throughout Epcot. Their deep appreciation for efficiency will likely make ease-of-access far more important to them than aesthetics, meaning Epcot resorts with easy access to the parks like the Yacht and Beach Club will prove very attractive. They may also enjoy The Dolphin for its many optional classes and events.
The Debater (ENTP) is always on a quest for knowledge—yet again, Epcot is likely the winner for this group with Disney’s Animal Kingdom proving a potential second choice if they love nature. Debaters are easily bored and will appreciate the lively atmosphere of resorts like The Dolphin, The Contemporary, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. No long rests in a hammock introspecting for this type! They might deeply enjoy educational attractions like Spaceship Earth (if for nothing else than to pick it apart), The American Adventure, and The Hall of Presidents.
3. The Introvert Diplomats – Advocate (INFJ) and Mediator (INFP)
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega (@mykingdomforamouse Instagram)
Diplomats (sharing the NF traits) always have a soft spot for a cause. They truly believe in making the world a better place and are very altruistic.
I will admit to a certain bias regarding the Advocate (INFJ) personality type as I am one. The love of imagination and introspection helped me fall in love with Walt Disney World, and the desire to share that with others to improve their trips helped lead me to become a writer for Theme Park Tourist. INFJ are the rarest personality type, making up less than 1% of the population. They love creativity and introspection, but even more-so, they love learning how to improve the world. They are likely to get far more out of long walks in Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom than other areas, most likely (though this INFJ loves the PeopleMover for relaxing and thinking!). Advocates may appear extroverted, but they regularly need times to recharge and escape the craziness. The Magic Kingdom resorts are likely to prove too bonkers for them, though they may love the imagination appeal of their themes. A better choice for INFJ’s are peaceful retreats like the Beach Club, the Boulder Creek Villas, or quieter parts of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Diplomats statistically appreciate video games, so they may enjoy immersive attractions like Avatar: Flight of Passage (minus the line!) and Test Track. They’re also surprisingly likely to enjoy thrill rides. We’re an eclectic bunch.
While Advocates love a general cause, Mediators (INFP) are especially drawn to altruism and beauty. They loathe the overly practical but love seeing creative depictions of a world made harmonious. They will likely take great enjoyment from World Showcase and even attractions like It’s a Small World that show the world as it could be. They could easily get lost in Fantasyland. They are likely to enjoy gardens throughout the park and especially the Epcot festivals. An INFP will appreciate both seclusion and beauty, which would make resorts like the Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Cabins, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Yacht and Beach Club, and even Old Key West ideal, though for a crisper experience, The Swan might be a good choice.
4. The Extrovert Diplomats – Protagonist (ENFJ) and Campaigner (ENFP)
Image: Disney
Protagonists (ENFJ) are both altruistic and social. Diplomats tend to enjoy nature, but protagonists are very likely to appreciate causes like protecting the environment, a huge priority for the Walt Disney Company. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an ideal environment for the Protagonist (though their personality will likely mesh will with Magic Kingdom!). We’ve brought it up a lot—it’s a great resort—but Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great choice for Protagonists. The resort has many great restaurants and social activities to feed the Protagonist’s need for activity. In particular, they might feel like they fit right in in the World of Pandora in the park.
Campaigners (ENFP) are often free-spirits who love deep meaning and relaxing. They are actually the most likely personality type to go camping, so Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge might be a great choice. You can even rent a tent or a more traditional cabin! Campaigners are great at pushing a project forward, but they stress out easily, so the big three Magic Kingdom resorts are probably a bad idea. Their love for deep meaning might lead them to especially enjoy World Showcase and Animal Kingdom’s walking trails, allowing them to explore Disney World at their own pace.
5. The Introvert Sentinels – Logistician (ISTJ) and Defender (ISFJ)
Image: Disney
Unlike the previous groups, Sentinels (sharing the IS traits) have a low tolerance for games and tomfoolery. Making up 13% of the population, both of their introverted groups are extremely common.
Logisticians (ISTJ) are non-nonsense folk who appreciate stability and calm. They are not likely to enjoy the wanton shenanigans of the Art of Animation resort or the endless activity of The Polynesian (though they may appreciate the scenery). They may enjoy traditional resorts like The Contemporary, The Yacht and Beach Club, or even Saratoga Springs for its peacefulness. Rather than zeroing in on a specific attraction, they are most likely to enjoy touring Disney World using a carefully detailed touring plan. They might want to spend a great deal of time at Magic Kingdom, but many Logisticians would probably greatly enjoy Epcot for its practicality.
Defenders (ISFJ) are a similar but wonderfully unique group. They are what many call social introverts—they love helping people! Defenders are likely to actually enjoy a vacation with others where they get to see friends and family enjoy a well-planned trip, so long as time to recharge away from crowds is planned. They are very altruistic and are more likely than Logisticians to enjoy areas like World Showcase where they meet people from around the world. They love seeing others enjoy themselves, so a friendly but low-pressure resort like Yacht and Beach Club, Port Orleans French Quarter, or the Boardwalk Inn may be a good choice. They may especially enjoy attractions where people are helping others, from the practical like Living With the Land to the imaginative like The Navi River Journey.
6. The Extrovert Sentinels – Executive (ESTJ) and Consul (ESFJ)
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega (@mykingdomforamouse Instagram)
You will not find a more traditionally-valued personality group than Executives and Consuls (sharing the ES traits). Like the Introverted Diplomats, they have little use for games or the impractical, and they love order and planning. Both groups are likely to enjoy touring Disney World using a detailed plan with Fastpass+ and dining reservations put in place well before arrival.
Executives (ESTJ) are likely to be model citizens with popular American values. Indeed, they are likely to deeply enjoy attractions like The American Adventure and The Hall of Presidents! They love order and bringing community together, but they commonly care about status and public perception. Such a traditional group is very likely to enjoy visiting Magic Kingdom with their families, and their appreciation for quality accommodations will make resorts like The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian very attractive choices. They prefer to keep moving, so they are far more likely to enjoy the Seven Dwarves Mine Train and Toy Story Land than meandering through World Showcase.
Consuls (ESFJ) are extremely social with a strong sense of both duty and traditional values. They are likely to enjoy the late-night availability of an area like The Boardwalk, though they aren’t types for unusual behavior, so The Bay Lake Tower at The Contemporary might be a good choice. They appreciate the finer things and will likely love areas like Disney Springs, as well as some of Disney’s finer (but still traditional) restaurants like Chefs de France and the Flying Fish café. Like the Executives, they are likely to appreciate a more traditional Walt Disney World touring plan, hitting the most popular attractions in a reasonable flow.
7. The Introvert Explorers – Virtuoso (ISTP) and Adventurer (ISFP)
Image: Disney
While Sentinels may enjoy having a good plan, Explorers (sharing the IS traits) are the exact opposite—they are an unpredictable group and too much structure will drive them bonkers. Virtuosos (ISTP) are hands-on builders, likely to become engineers or artists. They may be private, but they appreciate details, exploration, and especially any hands-on activities. Their introverted traits are likely to cause them to shy away from the busiest resorts, but they will appreciate good craftsmanship in resorts like Wilderness Lodge (including the Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek Villas) or Animal Kingdom Lodge. They love to use their senses to explore, so hands on attractions like Avatar: Flight of Passage, Test Track, the rich halls of World Showcase, and the Discovery Island trails will likely hold great appeal.
Adventurers are a much bolder group, though they still fall into the introvert category. They are extremely likely to enjoy thrills and unpredictable exploration. They love color and beauty and will appreciate gardens and artistic displays throughout the Most Magical Place on Earth. They love massaging their imaginations and deep introspection, so they are just as likely to enjoy exploring the World of Pandora at night or cruising on Soarin’ Over the World as they are white-knuckling it on Mission: Space or Expedition: Everest. Adventurers, surprisingly, can be easily stressed out, so they will likely enjoy Walt Disney World in the off-season staying somewhere relaxing. They may appreciate the scenery of The Polynesian or the Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge but are just as likely to love the peacefulness of The Beach Club.
8. The Extrovert Explorers – Entrepreneur (ESTP) and Entertainer (ESFP)
Image: Disney
Unlike their introverted counterparts, Extroverted Explorers are far bolder. They have little patience for abstracts but love the spotlight. They are extremely perceptive and social.
Entrepreneurs (ESTP) are very risk prone and may be likely to enjoy thrill rides like coasters as well as recreational activities throughout Disney World that provide opportunities for socialization. They don’t like structure, but they do like the stage. They may enjoy elements of Disney’s Hollywood Studios but be annoyed with some of the pithiness of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Their extreme social nature will make them more likely to enjoy a busier resort like The Contemporary, The Dolphin, or The Polynesian.
Entertainers (ESFP) were born for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and all the opportunities for attention. These are the folks likely to burst out of their seats with a friend to volunteer for the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. They are extremely fun and are the life of the party! They are less likely to care if the parks are busy and instead will thrive off social opportunities like fun nights at The Atlantic Dance Club or perusing the latest fashion at Disney Springs. They love having fun and are easily bored, so they will need a trip schedule with lots to do but plenty of room for improvisation. Like Entrepreneurs, they will appreciate the busier, more flamboyant resorts like The Polynesian, The Contemporary, or even possibly Port Orleans Riverside.
Did you take the test? What is your personality trait group? With that in mind, what is your favorite resort and attraction at Walt Disney World?
