How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END ** - The DIS Discussion Forums

cdotla · 05-22-2010, 11:21 PM

It's our "Last" Trip to Disney, so we're going DELUXE!!!

This is for all the girls (and guys) whose spouse doesn't share an unending love of all things Disney.

Before this trip, I wasn't quite ready to admit that I fell into this category.

DH had already accompanied me and the kids on past trips to Walt Disney World in 2007 and 2008, but wasn't exactly clamouring to return. However, I had chalked this up to the fact that he had never stayed on Walt Disney World property. I kept clinging to the hope and belief that once he had "properly" experienced Walt Disney World, magic and pixie dust would invade his heart and turn him into a true Disney lover like me.

Well, there is not going to be any suspense here. Despite what should have been 11 fantastically wonderful days in Walt Disney World, DH's status as a Disney Resister remains intact.

Over the course of 11 days, 3 deluxe resorts, 4 parks and 28 meals in Walt Disney World it slowly became apparent that I was not winning the war. Somewhere along the way I waved the white flag and surrendered any notion that I could ever turn DH into a true Disney fan...you know, the one (like me) who has to have their next trip booked before they leave the parks.

While we still had a great time, unfortunately our entire trip wasn't full of magical experiences like those recounted on my past two trip reports. For anyone who can relate to my story even a tiny bit, perhaps this account of "the good, the bad and the ugly" of our trip will strike a chord. And for everyone who has a spouse who does share their love of the Mouse, perhaps this will make you appreciate them just a little bit more!

So, without further delay, here's the cast of characters in a photo taken on our last trip involving the entire family in May 2008.

The primary planner of the trip, if you haven't guessed, was me, Trish. I am the seasoned WDW veteran of the family, having travelled to WDW countless times while growing up, starting with my first trip in 1977 at 4 years old.

Since May of 2007, when my husband and I took our 1st family trip with the kids (then ages 2 and 4), I have been back 7 times for various trips, including family vacations, business trips and trips with girlfriends. Plus, I also took my first ever trip to Disneyland in September last year!

DH, Chris (aka Disney Resister), was introduced to WDW late in life when I took him to the Parks for his first trip in 1998 for the opening of Animal Kingdom. Since then, he has been back only 3 other times for trips with our kids in 2007 and 2008, and of course our latest trip in May 2010.

Next up is Katie, who turned 7 the day before we left, and who has already been to WDW 5 times.

Finally, we have Declan, age 4, who just made his 3rd trip to WDW.

Also along for the ride was my mother-in-law Carol, who just made her first ever visit to Walt Disney World. Her last visit to a Disney Park was almost 40 years ago when she took a family trip to Disneyland. We were also briefly joined by my sister-in-law and her 2 boys, aged 15 and 17.

So if you can stomach some good times (and bad), some ups (and some downs), some highs (and some lows), I would love it if you would join me in recounting our latest experiences at Walt Disney World!

UP NEXT: The Back Story on why this was to be our "Last" Trip

cdotla · 05-22-2010, 11:22 PM

Table of Contents (with links!)

1. It's Our Last Trip to Disney, so we're going DELUXE!!!

2. The Back Story on why this was to be our "Last" Trip

DAY 1

3. We're on our Way!!!

4. Away We Go...

5. Arrival Dinner at Chef Mickey's

6. 1st Nite at Disney...CR Tower, Magic Kingom View Room for Wishes....What could possibly go Wrong???

DAY 2

7. We're Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A.!!!

8. Doing the Dumbo Dash...

9. A Family Milestone: Someone hits 44 Inches

10. Goodbye Contemporary

11. Hello Beach Club!

12. A Taste of the Good Life...at the Beach Club and Stormalong Bay!

13. Dinner at Brown Derby and Fantasmic!

DAY 3

14. Day 3 and off to Animal Kingdom!

15. The Kids Meet the Yeti!

16. Checking In...again...at the Beach Club Villas

17. Mickey's Backyard BBQ

Interrupting This TR for a Big Announcement...This Won't be Our "Last" Trip!!!

DAY 4

18. Meeting More Family & Princess Breakfast at Akerhaus

19. Our Day at the Beach in Tampa and Honeymoon Island - Part One

20. Our Day at the Beach in Tampa and Honeymoon Island - Part Two

DAY 5

21. Touring Hollywood Studios - Part One

22. Touring Hollywood Studios - Part Two

23. Lunch in Canada...at Le Cellier!

24. Backstory to our Photo Session with the Roots

25. Photo Session with the Roots - Part 1

26. Photo Session with the Roots - Part 2

27. Dinner in France and Illuminations

DAY 6

28. Another Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom

29. Adventures with Pirates & Tiki Birds

30. Dining at the Plaza

31. There's A SNAKE in the Pool??!!!

32. Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table

33. The Best Wishes Viewing Spot for Tinkerbell!!!

DAY 7

34. Birthday Breakfast at the Cape May Cafe

34. Someone takes a First Flight on Soarin'

35.Cinco de Mayo DisMeet!

36.Exploring World Showcase

36.Birthday Dinner at Jiko

DAY 8

37.Lazy Morning in the Lazy River & Lunch at Coral Reef

38.Picking a Pearl in Japan

39.Dinner at California Grill

DAY 9

40.Last Day at the Beach Club

41.Building a Light Saber

42.Dinner at Narcoossee's

DAY 10

43.Goodbye Beach Club...Hello Poly!

44.Last Night at the Polynesian

DAY 11

45.Our Last Morning at the Poly

46.Downtown Disney and House of Blues Gospel Brunch

47.Souvenirs

48.Final Thoughts

PrincessInOz · 05-22-2010, 11:23 PM

Hey Trish! I was wondering where your TR was. I'm hoping that I get to be first to sub in!

sstewart · 05-22-2010, 11:55 PM

Can't wait to hear about your trip!!

lumpy08 · 05-23-2010, 12:04 AM

Can't wait to hear about your trip. We went 2 years ago and had a ball. Going again in a few months. I always have been having the fear of this trip not living up to the last one. Would love to hear your reviews on the resorts. But my one question --- Where did you get the AG mickey ears????

drmommy · 05-23-2010, 12:07 AM

Glad I ran into your TR early on. And I hope it's not your 'last'...maybe you can disguise your next trip as a Disney cruise?!?

kcandbella · 05-23-2010, 12:19 AM

I'm here and ready for it all!

jenniferkeala808 · 05-23-2010, 12:56 AM

i'm here!! alrighty, going back to catch up!!

2xcited2sleep · 05-23-2010, 06:17 AM

Signing up! Bring it on!!

Adrienne · 05-23-2010, 06:57 AM

subbing in cause my other half is not a dis nut either...

dismagiclover · 05-23-2010, 07:31 AM

I'm here! And I can handle the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Nicole786 · 05-23-2010, 07:33 AM

Signing on board for this one!!

Disney_Jill · 05-23-2010, 07:40 AM

Can't wait to hear more about your trip! My dh HATES Disney,can't you believe it? I am planning one big family trip next year, so maybe he'll like it more if he does it right. If he still doesn't like it,that's fine, we just go without him. I am a teacher, so I get a lot more time off.

SoonerGirl · 05-23-2010, 08:09 AM

Hey Trish! I'm here - you know I can relate to be married to a Disney Resister.

I'm strapped in and ready for the ride through the good, the bad and the ugly!

Native NYer · 05-23-2010, 08:37 AM

Can't wait to read more!

05-22-2010, 11:21 PM	#1
cdotla DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North of the Border Posts: 2,883	How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband 2/20 THE END It's our "Last" Trip to Disney, so we're going DELUXE!!! This is for all the girls (and guys) whose spouse doesn't share an unending love of all things Disney. Before this trip, I wasn't quite ready to admit that I fell into this category. DH had already accompanied me and the kids on past trips to Walt Disney World in 2007 and 2008, but wasn't exactly clamouring to return. However, I had chalked this up to the fact that he had never stayed on Walt Disney World property. I kept clinging to the hope and belief that once he had "properly" experienced Walt Disney World, magic and pixie dust would invade his heart and turn him into a true Disney lover like me. Well, there is not going to be any suspense here. Despite what should have been 11 fantastically wonderful days in Walt Disney World, DH's status as a Disney Resister remains intact. Over the course of 11 days, 3 deluxe resorts, 4 parks and 28 meals in Walt Disney World it slowly became apparent that I was not winning the war. Somewhere along the way I waved the white flag and surrendered any notion that I could ever turn DH into a true Disney fan...you know, the one (like me) who has to have their next trip booked before they leave the parks. While we still had a great time, unfortunately our entire trip wasn't full of magical experiences like those recounted on my past two trip reports. For anyone who can relate to my story even a tiny bit, perhaps this account of "the good, the bad and the ugly" of our trip will strike a chord. And for everyone who has a spouse who does share their love of the Mouse, perhaps this will make you appreciate them just a little bit more! So, without further delay, here's the cast of characters in a photo taken on our last trip involving the entire family in May 2008. The primary planner of the trip, if you haven't guessed, was me, Trish. I am the seasoned WDW veteran of the family, having travelled to WDW countless times while growing up, starting with my first trip in 1977 at 4 years old. Since May of 2007, when my husband and I took our 1st family trip with the kids (then ages 2 and 4), I have been back 7 times for various trips, including family vacations, business trips and trips with girlfriends. Plus, I also took my first ever trip to Disneyland in September last year! DH, Chris (aka Disney Resister), was introduced to WDW late in life when I took him to the Parks for his first trip in 1998 for the opening of Animal Kingdom. Since then, he has been back only 3 other times for trips with our kids in 2007 and 2008, and of course our latest trip in May 2010. Next up is Katie, who turned 7 the day before we left, and who has already been to WDW 5 times. Finally, we have Declan, age 4, who just made his 3rd trip to WDW. Also along for the ride was my mother-in-law Carol, who just made her first ever visit to Walt Disney World. Her last visit to a Disney Park was almost 40 years ago when she took a family trip to Disneyland. We were also briefly joined by my sister-in-law and her 2 boys, aged 15 and 17. So if you can stomach some good times (and bad), some ups (and some downs), some highs (and some lows), I would love it if you would join me in recounting our latest experiences at Walt Disney World! UP NEXT: The Back Story on why this was to be our "Last" Trip __________________ How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband Childless Mommies take on EEC, Food & Wine and Pleasure Island Our Mommy - Daughter PRINCESS Trip, incl. BBB, CRT and Princess Tea with Video Musical Highlights at End 2013 May -Celebrating 10th & 40th Birthdays (BCV & AKL) 2012 August - DL & D23 Destination D (GC) Sept-Oct D23, Epcot30th TOT10miler (BCV) 2011 May -D23 Destination D (CR, GF) & Sept-Oct (BC, OKW) & Dec - Reunion & Magic & Merriment (Poly) 2010 April-May (CR, BCV, Poly) & October -D23 Sip N Stroll (BC) 2009 March (CR) & Sept -1st ever trip to DL...and Walt Disney Tour of LA with Lurkyloo! 2008 May & June (YC) Sept-Oct (Poly) 2007 May & Sept-Oct (CBR)...and countless other trips, dating back to 1st trip in 1977 at the Poly Last edited by cdotla; 02-20-2011 at 10:06 AM.

05-22-2010, 11:22 PM	#2
cdotla DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North of the Border Posts: 2,883	Table of Contents (with links!) 1. It's Our Last Trip to Disney, so we're going DELUXE!!! 2. The Back Story on why this was to be our "Last" Trip DAY 1 3. We're on our Way!!! 4. Away We Go... 5. Arrival Dinner at Chef Mickey's 6. 1st Nite at Disney...CR Tower, Magic Kingom View Room for Wishes....What could possibly go Wrong??? DAY 2 7. We're Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A.!!! 8. Doing the Dumbo Dash... 9. A Family Milestone: Someone hits 44 Inches 10. Goodbye Contemporary 11. Hello Beach Club! 12. A Taste of the Good Life...at the Beach Club and Stormalong Bay! 13. Dinner at Brown Derby and Fantasmic! DAY 3 14. Day 3 and off to Animal Kingdom! 15. The Kids Meet the Yeti! 16. Checking In...again...at the Beach Club Villas 17. Mickey's Backyard BBQ Interrupting This TR for a Big Announcement...This Won't be Our "Last" Trip!!! DAY 4 18. Meeting More Family & Princess Breakfast at Akerhaus 19. Our Day at the Beach in Tampa and Honeymoon Island - Part One 20. Our Day at the Beach in Tampa and Honeymoon Island - Part Two DAY 5 21. Touring Hollywood Studios - Part One 22. Touring Hollywood Studios - Part Two 23. Lunch in Canada...at Le Cellier! 24. Backstory to our Photo Session with the Roots 25. Photo Session with the Roots - Part 1 26. Photo Session with the Roots - Part 2 27. Dinner in France and Illuminations DAY 6 28. Another Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom 29. Adventures with Pirates & Tiki Birds 30. Dining at the Plaza 31. There's A SNAKE in the Pool??!!! 32. Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table 33. The Best Wishes Viewing Spot for Tinkerbell!!! DAY 7 34. Birthday Breakfast at the Cape May Cafe 34. Someone takes a First Flight on Soarin' 35.Cinco de Mayo DisMeet! 36.Exploring World Showcase 36.Birthday Dinner at Jiko DAY 8 37.Lazy Morning in the Lazy River & Lunch at Coral Reef 38.Picking a Pearl in Japan 39.Dinner at California Grill DAY 9 40.Last Day at the Beach Club 41.Building a Light Saber 42.Dinner at Narcoossee's DAY 10 43.Goodbye Beach Club...Hello Poly! 44.Last Night at the Polynesian DAY 11 45.Our Last Morning at the Poly 46.Downtown Disney and House of Blues Gospel Brunch 47.Souvenirs 48.Final Thoughts __________________ How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband Childless Mommies take on EEC, Food & Wine and Pleasure Island Our Mommy - Daughter PRINCESS Trip, incl. BBB, CRT and Princess Tea with Video Musical Highlights at End 2013 May -Celebrating 10th & 40th Birthdays (BCV & AKL) 2012 August - DL & D23 Destination D (GC) Sept-Oct D23, Epcot30th TOT10miler (BCV) 2011 May -D23 Destination D (CR, GF) & Sept-Oct (BC, OKW) & Dec - Reunion & Magic & Merriment (Poly) 2010 April-May (CR, BCV, Poly) & October -D23 Sip N Stroll (BC) 2009 March (CR) & Sept -1st ever trip to DL...and Walt Disney Tour of LA with Lurkyloo! 2008 May & June (YC) Sept-Oct (Poly) 2007 May & Sept-Oct (CBR)...and countless other trips, dating back to 1st trip in 1977 at the Poly Last edited by cdotla; 02-20-2011 at 10:02 AM.

05-22-2010, 11:23 PM	#3
PrincessInOz New Year PiO Boo Boo Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 64,654	Hey Trish! I was wondering where your TR was. I'm hoping that I get to be first to sub in! __________________ Disneyland - Dec 1986, May 1990, Dec 1997, Aug 2003, Jun 2005, Jul 2007 TR, Nov 2008, Jan 2011 and Nov 2012 Another Mad Dash TR Walt Disney World - Jun 2005, May 2010 (POR, BCV) PTR \|\| TR, Oct 2010 (CSR) PTR \|\| TR, Oct 2013 Anyone Game? PTR In Progress Hong Kong Disneyland - Mar/Apr 2012 TR

05-23-2010, 12:04 AM	#5
lumpy08 Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 332	Can't wait to hear about your trip. We went 2 years ago and had a ball. Going again in a few months. I always have been having the fear of this trip not living up to the last one. Would love to hear your reviews on the resorts. But my one question --- Where did you get the AG mickey ears???? __________________

05-23-2010, 12:07 AM	#6
drmommy Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 257	Glad I ran into your TR early on. And I hope it's not your 'last'...maybe you can disguise your next trip as a Disney cruise?!? __________________ me DH DS8 DS2 July 2008 - AKL - First Trip - 18 weeks pregnant with DS#2 May 2009 - Contemporary Resort September 2009 - Contemporary Resort June 2010 - Bay Lake Tower December 2010 - Bay Lake Tower May 2011 - Boardwalk Villas December 2011 - Bay Lake Tower/CSR

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05-22-2010, 11:55 PM	#4
sstewart Earning My Ears Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 69	Can't wait to hear about your trip!!

05-23-2010, 12:19 AM	#7
kcandbella DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: IL Posts: 951	I'm here and ready for it all! __________________ Me (Kayce, 32) DD Bella (7) June 2012 POR Sept/Oct 2011 Pop May 2010 POR Many offsite stays as a child

05-23-2010, 12:56 AM	#8
jenniferkeala808 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hawaii Posts: 652	i'm here!! alrighty, going back to catch up!! __________________ I'm Surprising my Boyfriend for my Birthday- An April/May 2010 TR Sharing the Magic...My First PTR! me(keala) DBF(roman) June 1998- AS MUSIC, Feb 2001- CBR, Feb 2002- CBR, Apr/May 2010- CBR/POR DBF'S FIRST TRIP!!

05-23-2010, 06:17 AM	#9
2xcited2sleep DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7,097	Signing up! Bring it on!! __________________ Christine

05-23-2010, 06:57 AM	#10
Adrienne Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 481	subbing in cause my other half is not a dis nut either... __________________ Adrienne- Disney fanatic from 6 weeks old First trip to WDW- Dec 1984 with DM,DGM,DGF- don't know where we stayed. prob off site First trip to DL- July 2003 on my own off site DL -Dec 2004 with my ex gf- off site WDW- June/July 2006 with other ex gf- at POP - first WDW trip as an adult IT ROCKED!! DL- Feb 2009 alone @ Ramada across the road HONG KONG DISNEYLAND! - feb 2012 with beautiful lover girl

05-23-2010, 07:31 AM	#11
dismagiclover Mrs. Darling: Mom to Wendy, John & Michael Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,849	I'm here! And I can handle the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly __________________ Me(Jenny) DH DD12 DS10 DS8 Nov. 06 Shades of Green; Jan. 08 Shades of Green; June 09 Beach Club & SSR; Jan. 10 Bay Lake Tower; June '10 Old Key West; Oct. '10 Kidani; Jan. 11 Boardwalk Villas; June '11 Old Key West; Jan. 12 Bay Lake Tower/Wilderness Lodge Villas; July '12 Disney Wonder to Alaska

05-23-2010, 07:33 AM	#12
Nicole786 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,800	Signing on board for this one!! __________________ WATCH US SURPRISE OUR PARENTS WITH A DISNEY CRUISE! Now featured on the castle during Magic, Memories and You! Next Trip: September 1, 2013! Disney Dream & Boardwalk Inn!

05-23-2010, 07:40 AM	#13
Disney_Jill Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 498	Can't wait to hear more about your trip! My dh HATES Disney,can't you believe it? I am planning one big family trip next year, so maybe he'll like it more if he does it right. If he still doesn't like it,that's fine, we just go without him. I am a teacher, so I get a lot more time off.

05-23-2010, 08:09 AM	#14
SoonerGirl DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 4,853	Hey Trish! I'm here - you know I can relate to be married to a Disney Resister. I'm strapped in and ready for the ride through the good, the bad and the ugly! __________________ Michelle (Me), Don, Justin (16) & Jared (12) CurrentTR: Grumpless in Orlando Sept 2012 PTR Leaving the Grump at Home June 2011 TRCould the Dream Turn the Grump into a Believer?June 2011 PTRGrump is taking me on a DREAM vacationMay 2010 TRFlowers, Segways & DIS Meets, Oh My! May 2010 PTR Flowers & Firsts Christmas 2009 TR The Disney Grump & Family Take on the World August 2008 TR Our Very Own California Adventure!

05-23-2010, 08:37 AM	#15
Native NYer DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York City Posts: 7,953	Can't wait to read more! __________________ Jennifer

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