I am an introvert, but I love being around people. Weird, I know. Being around people physically, mentally, and emotionally completely drains me, but I still love it because I love my friends more than life. Disneyland is one of my favorite places on the planet. It's magical and wonderful (and has great food), and it allows me to forget about the stresses of the outside world for a while. It never dawned on me that going to Disneyland with my friends was going to be one of the most exhausting things I've ever done, but it absolutely is. Once dinnertime hits (sometimes earlier) I hit a wall, and after that, nothing is fun and I want to cry. Here are some ways that I've found to cope, and put off the exhaustion as long as possible.
1. Make sure you get enough nutritious food (don't eat churros for every snack).
Part of keeping your Introvert Energy up is making sure your body has good fuel. To avoid completely breaking bank on snacks in the park, I pack myself a sandwich and granola bars. If you want to eat snacks from the parks, my personal favorites are the cream cheese-filled pretzels from Refreshment Corner on Main Street, USA, slices of pineapple from Tropical Imports (outside Jungle Cruise), or the fruit platter from River Belle Terrace in New Orleans Square.
2. Do things that aren't rides and don't have lines.
Rest yourself. Standing in lines and going on rides is probably one of the most tiring things. Sit down in Starbucks (pictured above) with a nice coffee and chill. Stroll through the shops (but maybe swap wallets with your friend/family member so you don't buy everything in sight... ain't nobody got money for that). The shops are usually a nicer temperature than the world outside (they're toasty warm in the winter and nice and cool in the summer) which will also help your body rest up a bit.
3. Stop and listen to some music.
This calms your mind, you might be able to get off your feet for a bit, and you don't talk to people when you're listening to music. My favorites are the Dapper Dans on Main Street (classic) and whatever jazz happens to be playing in New Orleans Square. This photo is Christmas jazz on the Rivers of America. I love to just sit in the courtyard outside the French Market Restaurant and watch all the groups.
4. Go to shows.
Though these may require you to stand in line, they are worth it. Again, you don't have to talk to people when you're watching a show! Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater (in California Adventure, pictured above) is an extremely well-done 60-minute show (I actually liked it better than the movie) which was a very welcome rest in the middle of my day. There's always the Tiki Room, which is obnoxious, yes, but it's tradition. Also, it's wayeasier to get Dole Whip from inside the waiting area for the Tiki Room (there's usually no line) so that's a bonus.
5. Find a quiet corner, tuck yourself away, and close your eyes.
Limiting sensory stimulation can work wonders. If you can find a semi-quiet place to hide, shut your eyes and just let yourself rest for a bit. I've found this quiet bench up in Critter Country near Pooh's Corner. You pretty much have to be very lucky to find some semblance of peace and quiet in the parks, but I promise, it can be done.
6. If all else fails, "come to a full and complete stop."
Get your hand stamped and get out of there. If your hotel is close and you've got the time, go back and take a nap. If your hotel is not close or you are short on time, I've found that there's a seating area outside the bagel shop on the left at the beginning of Downtown Disney that is usually almost completely empty, the chairs are surprisingly comfortable, and there's a bathroom right there. It's a wonderful spot to completely get away from it all.
Remember that your mental, emotional, and physical health is the most important thing, even when you're at Disneyland. You're spending lots of money (probably) to be in Disneyland; you don't want to be miserable. If that means intentionally taking time out of your day to go take a nap or somehow resting your body, that's better than being grumpy for 6 hours. Make sure to listen to your body's cues because it will let you know when it's had enough. Have a good time at The Happiest Place On Earth!
