I listed five things that appealed to me:
- The People. It's heard all the time, the impression from others that the introverts (a.k.a. quiet ones) are shy and anti-social. I confess I have my moments of shyness, but not all the time. The crowds at Disneyland can be overwhelming, but there's a secret to getting out of them. That's for another topic. This is on my list, because there's something comforting in being surrounded by a group of people having fun together. It was also through the friendly conversation or smile on a fellow guest or CM that helped me feel more at ease in my environment and helped me feel better during times that I might have needed a little uplift.
- Activity. This sounds like an introvert's nightmare, but hold on while I explain this. Yes, there are many sights, movement, and sounds that could easily drive someone highly sensitive mad. As explained in my video, the one plus in this is that there's at least one activity being offered that appeals to every personality. There are low key activities available for those of us not thrilled about experiencing the anxiety we get over the constant drops on Guardians of the Galaxy. BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE!!!! This doesn't apply only to attractions. Entertainment is going on almost constantly, and there's shopping for the shopaholics. Believe it or not, there are also places with space and away from the crowd, a few are even quiet! Night time is amazing just for a nice walk around. Lots of introvert-friendly activities are out there.
- New Explorations. I'm curious enough that it's a must to do explorations where ever I'm at, be it a new place, or old. There's always something new to discover, whether it's a detail I never noticed before, or something that's literally new as in new after the last time I was there. Disneyland is exploding with details and thus there's always something interesting to find. I always leave the place feeling like there's something more I've left undiscovered, which I suppose is why it appeals to me so much.
- Personal Challenges. Seems strange to say that I enjoy this, but in a way it's true. Even from the first time I visited I was extremely aware that because of being quiet, occasionally shy, and sensitive, there could be some struggles I'd have to face. It's always interesting to me what challenges come up. Some of them get extremely uncomfortable, and while in the middle of them I question myself in whether or not this is all worth it, but somehow it all turns out to be an advantage. Those struggles I experience actually become the catalyst for what becomes the most memorable and magical moments of my visit. I feel a bit bad for others who might have to go through them with me, but hopefully they were able to handle the awkwardness these things tend to bring out. The awkwardness comes to an advantage eventually. One of my better qualities is the ability to laugh at myself, and these situations are awesome for storytelling. They make life more interesting.
- Imagination Haven. Creativity is a mutual interest in all types of people, and this is the one link that brings us all together. My personal history is rich in imaginative moments, whether it was at play with friends or family, or whether it was a little bit of my own creative projects. It's something that makes life interesting for me, and I know a good many other quiet ones I've known who appreciate the value of it also. It's not completely about the crowds and having to deal with people. There's something to spark the imagination literally at every corner, even the quiet ones where a retreat is needed. This is what makes the fun. I don't think it's necessary to say much more about it.
So there you are. This is the expanded version of my 5 reasons. What I want really want to do is provide some information about my personal perspective about things I deal with when going to places like this and to perhaps provide some secrets I have for those of us who need the break from the hustle, bustle and noise. We'll see. With this pandemic this might be quite an adventure.
