Summer fun in the sun! Does that include an amusement park for you and/or your family? If so, you know that can be daunting to think about. Or, maybe you’re reading this later in the year and headed to a theme park soon. These tips should still apply, just adjust for the season (consider packing layers, temperature-appropriate snacks, supplies, etc.). If you find these helpful, be sure to check out my recent posts on introvert travel and dealing with light sensitivity, as they will likely help you as well!
What does planning ahead for a theme park really look like for sensitive, introverted women?
I had a friend who planned for over two years for her Disney trip. Due to the pandemic, those plans changed from October to August, to November, to December, and finally, she got to go over Spring Break this year. Yes, she and her two kiddos were one of the families who got stranded in Orlando due to a number of factors, but that’s a story for another time!
Please note, that she wasn’t just mapping out the accommodations and parks for two years, but also the packing and organizing. Strategizing. Reading. Visualizing. Planning. Perhaps, that sounds familiar to you! The nice thing about all of her planning for the most magical place on Earth (or, at least, in Florida) was that then when she and her kids took a last-minute trip to Six Flags, she had a proven success plan to pull from. So, a lot of these tips are from her. With a few of my thoughts added in from other tips and tricks, I’ve collected over the years. As always, I would LOVE to hear more from you! What has been helpful for you when preparing to go to a theme park, as an HSP or sensitive, introverted woman? Share in the comments below, or let me know on our first call!
Amusement parks can be overwhelming, especially for HSP women.
Whether you are headed to Orlando, Galveston, Navy Pier, Santa Claus, Cedar Point, Six Flags, California, or somewhere else amazing, you may have mixed feelings about it. Perhaps, you feel like the idea of a hot, crowded, loud, bright, fast-moving setting is going to create an untenable situation for you. But, you want to make it happen for your kids, your friends, and your partner.
So, instead of adjusting your plans and accommodating your needs because you have radically accepted your introversion and feel okay with saying, “no” to the experiences that don’t actually serve you, you are going. Please know that this is a totally acceptable and beautiful move. Radically accepting your introversion doesn’t always mean stepping away from things that aren’t designed for us as sensitive, introverted women. Instead, it’s about making intentional choices and honoring your boundaries. Getting your needs met as much as possible and making accommodations where it makes sense.
Tips for Preparing for a Trip to an Amusement Park as a Sensitive, Introverted Woman
Without further ado, let’s get into the tips. While some of these may seem familiar, I want you to think about them from the HSP lens. You can get whole lists on Pinterest for what to pack in your bag for specific parks. But, as an introvert coach, I want to shift the advice just a tad and allow for you to get the respite you need on a wild (and, hopefully fun) day.
Pack snacks and water.
You can even get these great, collapsible water bottle bags that will roll up in your bag when they aren’t full. Such a great space-saver. And, this will provide you the freedom to find a small nook in a quiet area to rest and recharge with refreshment without having to stand in line with others first. Most places will fill up your water bottle or allow you to fill it up yourself. Often, there are water fountains and/or bottle fillers in strategic locations throughout the park.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
This seems like a no-brainer but opt for comfort, not fashion. This is going to matter so much when everything else hurts or feels physically overwhelming…your feet shouldn’t also be “barking” at you.
Scope out the map ahead of time…
Prioritize your most important or popular attractions to happen early in the day before the lines get too long- Take a look at the drink, snack, and meal shops so you know what your options are and don’t feel too overwhelmed or have the pressure
- Is there a sensory-aware space available? This might be a great pit stop for you to be aware of if you need a moment to yourself to get away from the constant stimuli
- Read about some of the more interesting, but not as well-known, stops on the map so you know if they might also be worth seeing when crowds are higher at other places
Consider packing a cooler with lunch and drinks to keep in the car.
This will not only cut down the cost of food and navigating food sensitivities, but it will give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the park for a little while. My favorite strategy with this is to try to park next to a tree or picnic table so that I can find a shady and comfortable spot to ground myself in nature during this break. You may also want to throw a blanket in the back of the car in case there is green space but no picnic table.
Would Introvert Life Coaching Help You Thrive?
I really hope these tips are helpful and serve you well in your introvert travels and summer plans. As an HSP and introvert coach, I would love to help you figure out more tips and tricks to plan your own introvert travel or just to live life as an introvert. Let’s connect! You can learn more about my radical introvert coaching program with this free, Radical Introvert Audio Training “How to Find Peace in This Fast-Paced World”. When you’re ready to take action, I make it simple to book a free, 30-minute consultation call with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!
