It’s hard not to assume Walt Disney World is only for certain types of people…
The child at heart. The social butterfly. The gregarious extrovert. The daydreamer. These are the sorts we expect to gleefully flock to the Most Magical Place on Earth—people who thrive on crowds, the nostalgia of youth, and happy parents looking to experience a little magic with their kids.
What about people who don’t fit that mold, however?
Disney overall just a better fit for certain personality types? Why would an introvert enjoy one of the busiest tourist destinations in the nation? Why would a concrete thinker entertain an entire resort based on the fantastical, or why would a go-getter want to waste their energy standing in lines? We’ve talked at length about why Walt Disney World is a great destination for single travelers and families without kids, but what if you just don’t feel your personality is a good fit for Disney parks, whether you have kids or not?
I’m a solid introvert, and I’ve had many people ask me why I like Walt Disney World—isn’t it too loud and busy? I’ve taken other introverts along for visits and learned we all like totally different things. One introverted friend loves Magic Kingdom and Galaxy’s Edge but thinks Epcot is dull. Another was utterly stressed out by Disney’s Hollywood Studios even on a quiet day but couldn’t stop raving about how much they loved the World of Pandora. I’ve even known extroverts who thrive on crowds who found their first visits painfully boring until they were given some directions on which parks might better fit their style.
Personality “types” are not an exact science— they help us understand more about how we think, but every single person is wonderfully unique within any personality grouping. Even widely accepted concepts like introversion (being drained by social interaction and stimuli) and extroversion (being drained by the lack thereof) exist on a broad spectrum with most people falling near the middle. Personality groupings simply help us identify things we may have in common with others in how we experience the world, and those traits can definitely affect how we enjoy a place like Walt Disney World.
Is Disney only for certain types of people? We don’t think so. Indeed, what makes Disney parks so magical is that there really is something for everyone. What makes Disney so special to people with totally different takes on life? Here’s what we found.
1. The Extrovert
The quintessential extrovert is the exact type of person we expect to love Walt Disney World—the social savant who loves interaction, lively activity, and doesn’t mind crowds or tons of stimuli. That’s just one version of extroversion, though– extrovert cover a WIDE range of people who share the common trait that they get a charge from social interaction and sensory-engagement, to the point they feel drained without it. They come in many different varieties– they’re not going to all be thrill-seekers, for example. In general, the sheer energy level at Walt Disney World can be a charge for many extroverts, and they might be less likely to be intimidated by crowds.
At the same time, a Disney vacation can turn dull quickly for an extrovert who feels like their core need for meaningful interaction isn’t being met. They might get bored quickly on dark rides that don’t engage their specific interests and senses, or they may not have as much fun travelling solo unless they make opportunities to meet new people. They also may not enjoy experiences they feel they aren’t sharing with others in a truly-connective way.
For the extrovert who falls in love with The Most Magical Place on Earth, Disney becomes a haven of shared wonder—a symphony of the human experience. Both cast members and characters can prove an exciting source of engagement for extroverts, especially in places like World Showcase where you can meet people from different cultural backgrounds. The opportunities for social stimuli and meeting new people are practically endless at Disney parks, and that can be wonderfully liberating for an extrovert who is constantly told to “dial it back”. When it comes to attractions, finding experiences that match your interests will be key—some extroverts will prefer a more adult environment like Epcot or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Others may thrive on shared nostalgia in the Magic Kingdom or like the extensive opportunities for interactivity in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Most of all, extroverts will appreciate opportunities at Walt Disney World for meaningful, enriching interaction with friends, loved ones, and new people—just “spending time in the same space” might feel shallow and unsatisfying as opposed to truly growing, bonding, and learning more about each other. Make sure to incorporate experiences into your vacation where you can really get to know people around you. Eat at some restaurants with shared tables like The Biergarten or Oga’s Cantina. Stay at a lively resort like The Dolphin, The Contemporary, or The Polynesian. Make new friends on the Skyliner or monorail. Most of all, have fun the way you know how to, and don’t be afraid to press into the excitement of a crowd sharing awe and wonder underneath fireworks after a long day.
2. The Introvert
My very first article for Theme Park Tourist was actually a guide to Walt Disney World for introverts. It’s often assumed being introverted and experiencing social anxiety are the same thing—they are not. Introverts aren’t necessarily anti-social—we just generally prefer quality in our social interactions over quantity. We can even be “outgoing” in measured doses. Like extroverts, introverts can appreciate meaningful social interaction, but unfortunately, even the best interactions can drain us, as can too much stimuli. Ours is the superpower of processing, noticing the details, and enjoying time to reflect and recharge in solitude.
Solitude may seem a virtual impossibility to find at Walt Disney World, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Introverts might need to stay cognizant of crowd trends when planning a Walt Disney World vacation, but that isn’t to say the parks have to be totally dead for an introvert to have a good time. We just have to manage our time and energy a little differently.
For the introvert, a trip to Walt Disney World is an invitation to let your mind drift—it’s an escape from the stress of day to day and an opportunity to daydream. Disney is full of intricate details that can prove a sensory delight to introverts who appreciate noticing the small things. They may prefer to stay away from parade and firework crowds, but every attraction becomes an adventure for the mind. They may even enjoy bursts of meaningful social interaction followed by periods of reflection and recharging.
While solitude may be challenging to find on Main Street or Hollywood Boulevard, the introvert can actually develop a radar for quiet nooks and refuges for peaceful reflection at Walt Disney World—places like Tom Sawyer Island, the courtyards of the Morocco pavilion, the shores of Echo Lake, or the aviaries of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The PeopleMover becomes a private sanctuary while The World of Pandora becomes a garden of wonders to be explored. Even Galaxy’s Edge is astonishingly introvert-friendly with subtle secrets hidden in every corner. Heck, you can even spend the whole time hiding behind your phone and still be taking in the magic.
For the introvert, take the pressure off that a trip to Walt Disney World has to be a frantic social event—take breaks from your party to explore if you need to. If you’re staying on property, take recharge time in the afternoon to return to your room if necessary. Enjoy a quiet walk. Slow down and enjoy the little experiences that others miss. Savor dark rides, thrill rides, or whatever other adventures feed your soul and creativity. Speaking of which…
3. Creatives
There’s no question—Walt Disney World is a sanctuary for dreamers.
You don’t have to be a kid to have a vibrant imagination. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert—Walt Disney World is like a giant workshop to stimulate creativity. It’s one experience after another to massage the imagination and encourage new ideas as we experience the fruit of the creatives behind the magic.
One of the great beauties of Disney parks is that they are a place where not all of the stories you will see have been fully told. Imagineers purposefully don’t show guests everything. They want you to fill in the gaps in the story. Expedition Everest is a great example of this—sure, it’s a great roller coaster with a basic premise, but Imagineers left it to you to fill in the mental details surrounding your excursion into the realm of the Yeti. The World of Pandora is another example. I couldn’t care less about the Avatar films, but I still enjoy visiting the land every time because it feels like an ode to science fiction and fantasy across many tales. There’s an invitation for creativity in every corner.
For creatives, take time during your Walt Disney World visit to remember how to dream again. Rest from the outside world, and let your mind start telling new stories, making new art, and weaving new ideas. I’ve actually found Walt Disney World to be a great environment for coming up with problem-solving solutions—the environment just gets me thinking outside the box and creativity flows freely once I have time to process the day. Spend time during your Disney vacation engaging in the experiences that stimulate your imagination the most, then take dedicated time to express that creativity, whether through writing, art, or any other medium.
By the way, if you’re a performer or comfortable with acting, the parks are also a great place to engage in some subtle role-play and make-believe. An entire subculture of “Batuu-bounders” has formed at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, fans who’ve accepted the invitation to embrace their own Star Wars stories and even dress up appropriately within Disney’s generous guidelines. However you express creativity, let the vibrant environment of Disney parks stir up new ideas.
4. Concrete thinkers
Not everyone is comfortable with day-dreaming, the fantastical, or ultra-immersive environments. Disney can seem like a very frustrating place for “concrete thinkers”, those who really prefer to enjoy life grounded in tangible reality. How is someone who just isn’t into fairy tales and make-believe supposed to enjoy a place as fantastical as Disney parks?
The beauty of Disney for concrete thinkers is the beauty of spectacle, innovation, celebration of the natural world, and tangible experiences. If children’s tales and ultra-immersion make you uncomfortable, that’s okay! While it can be good to embrace some “child at heart” experiences to loosen the screws during a vacation, dreaming takes many different forms. For concrete thinkers, Disney is a place to appreciate creativity, ingenuity, and achievements in storytelling. Not all stories have to be true to speak truly about the human condition, and the themes behind Disney parks and rides are well grounded in reality—the values of compassion, romance, courage, overcoming obstacles, and exploration of new territory are just a few examples.
Some of Disney’s best experiences for concrete thinkers can be found in both Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Epcot continues to highlight the wonders of the human spirit through discovery, science, communication, culinary arts, and care for the environment. Concrete thinkers may find World Showcase idealized, but approach the pavilions as if that’s the very point—what would the world look like if people could get along, treat each other with dignity, and share culture without the drama we see every night on the news? Disney’s Animal Kingdom is another great choice—there’s a timeless joy that comes with observing animals and nature at work. There is so much to savor at this park even if you never step onto a ride, and it can be either a thrilling experience or a truly relaxing one just for the pleasure of enjoying the park’s animal denizens. Most of all, enjoy some top notch dining during your visit—there are few things more universally satisfying than an well-made meal!
5. The Go-getter
There are two sub-categories worth mentioning—the go-getter and the guest who just wants to take it easy. There’s little question that Walt Disney World can definitely meet the needs of those who want to stay moving throughout a busy day. Sitting still is not a refreshing vacation for these individuals—they thrive on activity, and that’s all right!
The trick for those who love to stay moving at Disney is to not get trapped in endless lines or a boring routine—plan your days wisely to reduce line waits as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to walk from one side of the park to the other to outsmart crowds that are touring the rides at a more leisurely pace. If you’re athletic, plan opportunities into your trip for recreation and fitness, such as enjoying walking paths, playing golf, visiting a resort fitness center, or taking a trip to one of Disney’s two excellent water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
The only note for this personality type is to be sensitive if your fellow party members can’t keep up with your pace. It’s okay to split up sometimes if needed. Let people enjoy their vacation at their own speed, and if yours is a fast one, their break can just prove a new opportunity to explore.
6. “I just-want-to-RELAX”
If the description of staying constantly-on-the-move at Walt Disney World made you cringe, you may fall into the category of guests who just want to RELAX.
A Walt Disney World vacation shouldn’t be the type of trip you feel like you have to take another vacation from when you get back. It is okay to slow down the pace, take your time, and rest! Staying on Disney property can make all the difference for this group as it can provide an easy-to-reach refuge for you to retreat to enjoy some R&R throughout your trip, even if the rest of the family wants to keep chugging ahead. The Epcot resorts are an especially good choice for this group thanks to myriad transportation options.
While in the parks, some of the best places to relax can be peaceful dark rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Living with the Land, and Spaceship Earth. Walking trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can allow you to explore at a gentle pace, taking however long you like. Stay at a resort that feeds your need for peace like Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, the Yacht and Beach Club, or even Wilderness Lodge. Plan a day to visit Senses Spa at The Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs (or alternatively, the spas at the Swan or The Four Seasons Orlando). Even if you don’t visit the spa, many of the resorts still offer massage therapy. Take a dip in the pool while everyone else is out at the parks. Make sure you have a resort room you love, and don’t feel like you have to spend your whole trip running around. In short, slow down and treat yo’ self.
No matter your personality type, there really is something for everyone at Walt Disney World. What’s your ideal Disney vacation look like?
