One of the first times I ever had a random panic feeling in my life was in the Magic Kingdom. I was six months pregnant with my first child, and we were watching the afternoon parade. On the fourth of July. Suddenly, I felt as though I was in a very hellish-hot “people wall.” That’s when I told my mother I thought I might faint. She grabbed my hand and led me away. Past the Haunted Mansion. Past the Snow White ride. Past the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. And to the escalator and onto the People Mover.  Since that time, I have realized that crowds and people really can exhaust me, and my Disney Trip Plans are far from typical.  In the midst of scheduling fast passes and dinner reservations, I am also making another set of plans for the one who needs to be quiet to recharge. I am an introvert, and no longer an apologetic one. Paradoxically, the world’s busiest theme resort also has some of the most convenient and enchanted places to center and recharge.

People Mover and Carousel of Progress.

If you find yourself drawn to Tomorrowland, perhaps it is not Space Mountain that’s pulling you in. Tomorrowland is home to both the People Mover and the Carousel of Progress. Each of these is quiet, relaxing, long-lasting, and without lines.  Seriously, you could even take a little nap.

Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge.

Yeah, this is a bar with TVs turned on sports channels, but it also is the epitome of relaxation. Over-sized comfy chairs bleeding to the very edge of Bay Lake. Afternoon sun shining across the water. The tranquilizing effect cannot be overstated.

The Path from Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge.

Spend about a mile walking in nearly untouched Florida (some current construction may temporarily hinder parts of this). You may encounter four or five other walkers or bikers. And maybe not. A near immediate cure for “everybody, please stop talking!” There’s also an interesting small path behind Loop 700 near the dog walk (not dog park). This is good for exploring and trying to find the old train tracks.

The Wilderness (Quiet) Pool at Fort Wilderness.

What a difference from the fun, laughter and games of the party-central Meadows Pool. There are typically very few people here, and they seem to be introverts as well. They read. They don’t make eye contact. They only make conversation with squirrels and the occasional deer. “Oh hey sweet Bambi; how are you doing today?” These are my people. And I love sitting in the chairs along the woods beside the purple potion flowers.

The Land Ride at Epcot.

Yeah, you might be an introvert if you list this among your favorite rides. Getting all giddy about a long, slow ride with rooms and rooms of plants and vegetables at the end is a good sign.

Cleaning your RV.

I admit, I go back to the Kingdom for the smiles of the kids. But I always, always mange to escape. A couple of years ago, I left most of the family and headed back to the cool hum of the RV air conditioning on full blast. The cold and white noise combination is surely bliss. I spent about 20 minutes super-cleaning the RV floor with paper towels and 409 Spray. It was absolutely dreamy. Don’t have an RV? You are welcome to come clean mine. We don’t even have to talk.

The chairs on Clementine Beach.

This is one of my favorite reading spots. It’s also
fantabulous because you can watch the people arriving by boat, but you’re a safe distance away. Seriously – almost like you can see them, but they can’t see you. Yeah, let’s believe that.

Horseback riding at The Fort.

Introverts tend to connect with animals. Even with other folks on the trail ride, this is the Hakuna Matata of the campground and beyond.  Like the late president Ronald Reagan said, “there’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.” Of course.

Sitting in the rocking chairs by the fire at Wilderness Lodge. 

I can sit quietly for an hour here – how about you?

Drinks at Trader Sam’s.

Okay, this is for when we realize that it’s time to get out and have some adult fun and attempt some interaction. Nothing quiet here, but alcohol solves that. And just like that –  I’m the life of the party.