A Question about husbands and Disney......

[HenDuck]

Take him to the Richard Petty Driving Experience! My DH (who likes Disney but is by no means the mouse freak that I am) could not stop talking about it after our last trip to WDW.

I think if you find things in WDW that your hubby would like, he will find a place in his heart for it.

One thing that my dad likes is EpCot, because of the World Showcase and I think because they serve alcohol there.

He can't get a beer at DL, and although he doesn't mind, I think having one in EpCot makes him a happier "bag holder".

Maybe other people can suggest "guy things" in WDW that their hubbies have enjoyed.

Don't expect your hubby to love it like you do. If he likes it enough to go with you on your next trip, I'd say "mission accomplished!"

have a great trip!

 

[NotTooGoofy]

I agree with HenDuck's suggestion. In fact, I'm a DH that does most of the planning for my family's trips to WDW. A couple "guy" things to do - I love going over to DisneyQuest and playing the video games, particular the ones I grew up with in the early 80s. I also enjoy renting water mice at one of the resorts near the MK and go tooling around the Seven Seas lagoon.

Even when I visit Orlando for business, I'll stay at a Disney resort just for thrill of it.

 

[jimmalru80]

Never wanted to go to an "amusement park" for vacation prior to'96. Decided to go that year and was HOOKED. Would not think of any other place to go on vacation and I am the ultimate planner, starting our next trip before we land on our way home.

 

[HauntedMansionFreak]

What are 'water mice'? Do you have to stay at a Disney Resort to rent them?

 

[Jen D]

I'm hoping this vacation my dh will really enjoy. The first time we did WDW (not DL, which we had done in day trips while in LA on business) I planned to death, money was really tight that year but we needed a vacation bad and I scrimped and saved. I was fairly obsessed and he was completely ambivalent, not unexcited, but not planning or talking about it. Our trip was scheduled for 9/23/2001. My husband is a NJ-based journalist. We almost cancelled the trip because of 9/11-- he just didn't want to go-- things were intense at his paper, he wasn't covering the WTC story personally but it was a busy time for everyone and he felt it was an inappropriate time to go to Disney. I sort of thought it was inappropriate too in a way but thought we'd feel better when we got there-- also we'd rented DVC points so we really couldn't cancel. Anyway, long story short, we went, and dh enjoyed it very much, but it was a bittersweet trip, we spent a lot of time at night reading the NY Times and watching CNN and what was going on at home was very much on our minds. We were glad we went, but I kind of feel the vacation had an asterik next to it, if you know what I mean.

The next trip was 18 months later, a short getaway and dd and I went without dh. It is a long story but the previous year had been busy and we had spent a lot of time and money on a personal project of dh's that he was still working on and I had built up a reserve in the favor bank. He was working all his off-work hours on this project and I thought it would help for us to get out of his hair. He was all for the idea, but when the time came for the actual vacation he was feeling a little left out. We won't ever leave him behind again.

This time we were supposed to do it up right! Plan way in advance, get everyone excited and in on it. But he's still not into it, has no interest in talking about the trip, I think he doesn't want to take the time away from work or spend the money. I also think he doesn't really understand why we're doing Disney AGAIN but he's too sweet to complain. Anyway, I'm sure he'll have a pleasant enough time but if he doesn't truly get sucked in by the pixie dust this time I think we'll be off Disney for a while.

 

[tinkerbellsfan]

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND SOMEONE WHO IS MUCH AS A DISNEY FAN AS I AM (13YRS OF MARRIAGE) I DO MUCH OF THE PLANNING AND HE WILL GO ALONG WITH IT AS WILL THE KIDS. CAN'T IMAGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO SHARE THE DISNEY MAGIC WITH MY SPOUSE!!!!!!:HE WAS DEPLOYED LAST YEAR TO IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN AND HE WAS DETERMINED TO FIT A TRIP IN BETWEEN THE TWO DEPLOYMENTS. CHEERS TO DISNEY FOR SUPPORTING THE MILITARY.earsgirl:

 

[goofy4tink]

Here's our story (apologies to those who have heard it before)
1999..my mom and my dd, then 6, and I went to WDW. Mom had just had breast cancer surgery. Dh opted out so it could be ladies only. My first trip, mom had been once before. We had a terrific time. So....we planned a trip with another family in '01. Dd's the same age, had been friends for about 8 yrs. It went just 'okay'. Dh told me he thought maybe we should try it again, but only the three of us. Maybe he might like it more then. Now, understand that all this time he more or less was along for the ride (excuse the pun!). So, we went back down in August '03. As my dd, now 10, says..."I think the Mouse bit Dad!" While dd and I were enjoying one last morning in MK on our departure day, Dad was checking into DVC. Not enough time for a tour but he gave them our phone number at home. He told me this as we were en route to the airport!! He sent my dd and I back in Dec after my mom passed away in Oct. We are now owners at Boardwalk Villas!!! And just added more points!

I was told by someone at my father-in -law's funeral this week-end that my dh had told her, last fall..."Sure, we bought DVC. WDW makes my Katie happy, makes my wife happy. If my ladies are that happy, then I'm happy!" Guess he got the 'magic' finally. While I won't say that he is all excited and doing the 'dance' before we get there in August, he does actually talk about the planning and such now. What a guy. So, there is hope for the guys out there.

 

[Spartan]

Another DH here. I'm actually more into Disney than my wife is, so I do the planning, but she loves it as well. The magic hit for both us us the first time we stayed on site, and realized what a great vacation spot it was - both for relaxing and having some fun. Our early trips were very adult-oriented in the fact that we never did character activities. Instead we spent a lot of time hanging out at the pools, eating nice dinners, spending the evening at PI or Epcot, a lot of time at TL in the lazy river or wave pool, and of course some rides here or there. It was also great in that I could park the car for a week. It was perfect for us, because my wife is not much of a "thrill" ride person, so most everything was right up her alley. I sit at a computer all day, so I don't need a lot of "relaxation" time. We tried that on some vacations, but I drove my wife nuts because I would be bored after the first day. Our friends at the time couldn't believe that we kept going back, seeing as though we were a young couple with no kids at the time. We kept trying to convince them what a great place it was for adults.

When we had our son, the trips took on a whole new meaning. He just turned 4 this week, and will be making his 4th trip this October. We haven't been back to PI since he was born, and don't do nearly as many sit-down dinners (at least not the ones that don't involve characters). A lot of activities now focus around picture taking and standing back watching his expressions when he hugs the characters. He is a night-owl, so we do still close up Epcot or DTD most nights, but it's like it's a totally new vacation each time we go. I'm really looking forward to this trip as he was just a shade under 40" last time, and couldn't get to ride some of the rides that he really wanted to try.

We hope to add another addition to the family soon, and I'm looking forward to all the new experiences that will add when we go. This year we're doing four nights at Clearwater Beach (wife's idea) before heading over to Disney, so we'll see how that goes. It cuts into my Disney time, but I guess even us DH's need to make sacrifices now and again.

 

[mmccoy]

I love these stories! Disney testimonials!

HMF, in case no one's answered your question, Watermice are little boats you can rent. You zip around the Disney lakes in them.

Another thing you might consider is the Segway tour. You tour Epcot World Showcase on them. My SIL isn't a Disney nut - yet - but he's already talking about that one for our next trip.

I think the more people understand the history and background of rides, attractions, and "The World" and "The Land" in general, the more Disney-fied they'll become.

 

[karemore]

I thought when I married my DH that my Disney days were over.

He's more into nature, cycling tours etc.

But when we received a stay at the Grand Floridian for a wedding gift, I was able to schedule a short visit to WDW as part of our two week honeymoon this April.

We stayed off site first and visited the parks, and then we checked into the GF.

EPCOT was our first stop, and from the parking lot he started to smile and never stopped.

He still whistled the "When you wish upon a star song" around the house.

We both have a photo of the Grand Floridian that he took as our computer background.

Before we even left Florida he started talking about going back the same time next year.

He's the one who made us wait in line to have our picure taken with Mickey & Minnie.

I wish I knew who to post a picture on here, because I have one of him with Suzi Mouse at 1900 Park Fare that is adorable. They were flirting shamelessly all through dinner.

Oh, and I didn't say much about the trip at ALL while I was planning it.

I knew there was no way to convey the magic before hand, that I had to let him get there and feel it for himself.

And I planned the trip based on HIS needs primarily. I knew he would need a slower pace to take it all in, since he hadn't been there.

I couldn't rush him down mainstreet at opening to get on the first ride...I had to let him soak in the magic and get his fill of the castle etc. That was hard for a die hard commando like me....but it was worth it.

It was so much fun, and I am so happy to know that my Disney days aren't over....

Karen

 

[Golter]

I must go on record to say the I am the ultimate WDW husband/father. I have been accused of treating other trips that we take as inferior to the WDW and not give them as much attention. We went to Dallas for a long weekend on July 4th. We stayed with our friends and had a great time. But I can tell you that I did not start planning any portion of our trip until 3 hours before we left. DW said "If we were going to Disney you would have a binder with and itenerary in it, the car would have been packed 10 hours before departure, you would be in the best mood even though you had a 15 hour drive ahead of you through the night" (we drive straight through from Houston to Orlando through the night so kids can sleep majority of the way)

I had not even thought about a difference in my vacation planning until she said something. And after a few moments the only response I could come up with was...."So what's your point?" My kids will look back one day and say Dad made our WDW trips awesome."

I'm not commando style in my planning, just thorough. I leave nothing to chance.

 

[WishingOnAStar]

*sigh* Why is it that the *good* ones are always taken?

Oh, well, I'm married anyway.................

 

[Castillo Mom]

Well, this is our first trip to WDW, but we've been to Disneyland several times. Each time we've taken the kids for their first trip to DL, he's gotten misty-eyed. I've been planning our upcoming WDW vacation for 2 years now and he pretty much hasn't wanted to hear anything about it nor be in on the planning. He would roll his eyes and shake his head every time I would get on the DIS. He did say, however, that come July 15th (we leave Aug. 13) he would officially be excited and would be willing to discuss Disney to my heart's content. Last weekend I went shopping and he actually went into the Disney Store with me and picked out a retro Mickey t-shirt. Just a little while ago he called and asked what ever happened to us ordering the custom made Disney tees they sell on the Disney Store website. He wants to make sure we all match our first day there! Boy was I shocked! So I guess there's hope after all.

 

[Mr.BsMom]

Originally posted by Nebsky on another thread... (btw, he's my DH)
My favorite thing is to see the look on my wifes face when we walk from under the Main Street Station onto Main Street. She always tears up. It makes me happy to be able to help provide a vacation that means alot to her and my son.

We always go to the Magic Kingdom on our first day there.

Our first ride and last ride is usually the TTA...

It is really really hard to leave that place because like others have said, there are only a couple places that you can go and be a kid again. Its like when you walk through the gates, you cease to have any worries.

I love Disney World Resort for this very reason. I love sharing it with my wife and son.

Isn't that sweet?

We went on our first trip as a family 2 years ago, and since then he's almost worse than I am when it comes to going there! We learned a lot about what we want out of a WDW vacation on that first trip, and we were both "bitten" by Mickey! We've gone twice since then and have already purchased tickets to go back for our anniversary in December.

He actually asked me the other day... "If we had an extra $2000 to spend on ANYTHING and vacation time scheduled for next week, would you want to go to WDW?" Of course I responded with "Yes!!" He said, "Yeah, me too... In a heartbeat." I really think him seeing it through our son's eyes had a major effect on him!

BTW, our son asks us every day to measure him to see if he's grown tall enough to ride Space Mountain yet! We're definitely a Disney Family!!

 

[LoriMistress]

My DH doesn't get involved in the planning. I let him know what we are going to do on our trip, but he just sits back and let me do everything. He was afraid that I was overly planning, but I made my planning laid back as possible. I just picked out which is the least crowded each day at the parks, and which rides to go on first and that was pretty much it. He thanked me later for doing the planning instead of showing up with nothing planned and being completely frustrated with what to do.


My DH is very monitone...Al Gore style. When we went to WDW for our honeymoon, he was actually having a great time and said, "I'm having a great time." But he was so robot like it makes you shake your head and ask, "No seriously, are you having a good time?"

Though, when we went to Crystal Palace at MK for breakfest we met Eeyore and that is his favorite character...out of all of the characters we met, he was having a full coversation with him. He was asking Eeyore, "So how are you?" And when Eeyore was making a crying motion, my DH was getting all cutisy by saying, "Aww...you're sad! You can't be sad!" I thought it was the cutest thing ever.

 

[candykisses]

My husband is as big a Disney fan as the boys and I am. I consider myself very lucky.

We both read the boards and talk about Disney all the time.

He enjoys the planning part of the trip as much as I do. In fact he makes all the reservations...room, flights and PSs. He takes care of the packing and arranges the transportation from MCO to the resort.

We never went to Disney as children, but on our first trip, we were definitely sprinkled with pixie dust.

 

[chico]

HauntedMansionFreak,

Has DH been to WDW before? Did he go as a child and had an unpleasant time or perhaps memories of a hot summer day when WDW was just MK?

Has he only gone as an adult, and had concerns about the cost of a Disney vacation? Did he feel he was spending alot of money for nothing?

Does he think he'll feel silly or awkward being there? The "how can I possibly have a good time in a child's amusement park?" syndrome, perhaps?

The key to "transforming" him is to stop trying. Instead (if you can) try to get him to discuss why "the power of the Mouse will not and can not affect" him. If you can pinpoint his reasons for not wanting to get hooked on Disney as much as you are - you may be lucky.

Why are you a Disney fanatic? (like the rest of us!!) Does he know why you love Disney so much? How it lives in your soul? How it keeps you young and able to believe that everything will be alright? That we can make it through this 'whatever-it-is"? That we all want to be that little kid again, innocent and naive, full of wonder, and anticipation for the little things in life?

I am the planner in our family for our Disney trips. Its in my blood. Has been for as long as I can remember. My DW loves Disney too, but I suspect not as much as I do. Don't get me wrong - she'd never say no to a WDW trip!! We started buying Disney videos while we wer dating and long before we had DS. We bought them for us.

But I'm the one on the boards. I've got my binder full of ideas, tips, tricks, and itineraries. I make the PS's and have the trips schedule planned out months in advance.

Why? Because I love it!!

Reading other people's trip reports and reliving their trips with them is fascinating! Finding out new tips and ideas for making our trips more memorable allows me to hold on to my memories of our trips more tightly.

But what I really love is watching my DW and DS as we get closer and closer to the Magic Kingdom. Seeing their eyes grow wide; the smiles reaching from ear to ear; DW's eyes getting teary and watching her try to hide the anticipation and joy she is obviously feeling; and DS not even trying to control his!!

That's what Disney means to me.

I could sit on Main Street USA all day, not ride a single ride, and feel like I just won the lottery. Show me the blue tops of Cinderella's castle and that's just a super bonus. Rides? My greatest memory ever - not just Disney- is that of DS and I on the Teacups, spinning that little yellow cup as fast as we can; a 5 yr old and his dad, having plain ol' fun. The look on his face is etched in my memory. Pure joy!

For me WDW means family, and fun. If you can find a special place where the ones you love the most can be truly happy, and have fun at the same time - you've found some magic to hold onto.

I sincerely hope your DH can find that special place at Disney with you.

Good Luck!!

-Reid

 

[HauntedMansionFreak]

Reid, that was an awesome reply. To answer your questions, my DH has NEVER been. His trips (and it's only been a few) have always consisted of Six Flags. The bigger the coaster, the bigger his smile. I, on the otherhand, hate coasters. Space Mountain is my limit and it's only because it's too dark for me to see what I'm riding...lol I was actually quite disappointed to read that it traveled at only 28 mph. I had beefed DH up for that ride telling him that I knew it done at least 60!

He isn't into the planning, watching the video's and really 'nothing' about Disney, except that he will wear mouse ears. He is a total kid at heart - always acting like a kid. He is a daredevil. He could live on Sky Coasters.

I agree that seeing his son at Disney will do something for him, but our little one (DS age 3) is not going on this trip. That is our only child together. I have a DS from a previous marriage, age 10, who we are taking. Although he is technically a step-son to my hubby, they get along great but I don't know if he will 'feel' the emotion my son see's because there is no biological bond there. Maybe some of you with extended families know what I mean. My oldest DS was 6 when we met. So DH was never around him at the infant/toddler/truly special moments stage.

We plan to take both children in 2 years. Our smallest will be 5 at that time. I feel that is a good age to take them. Personally, because of the way we do our trips, I could never take a toddler or infant. I want to ride the rides to and what would I do with him? I don't want to take him and leave him with a baby-sitter. I know alot of ppl take their young children, but I just don't think I could do that. Anyway, on that trip, I'm sure he'll feel it. On this one - I don't know.

We are down to about 26 days and Im excited as ever. I have already been packing - he thinks Im totally insane. If nothing else, he will enjoy IOA, I'm sure. I won't ride anything there - but I will go to be with him. It's like a trade off for us. He doesn't want to go to Disney, but is going for me. I don't want to go to IOA, but am going for him.

More important than anything else though (and I hope this doesn't come out wrong) is the fact that my DS is going. I was 15 before I was able to go the first time. I cried (and still cry!). I wanted to take him sooner, but we weren't able to. This is a special trip for me, because we are taking him. He is kind of 'macho' like my DH - but hey......he's 10! There is NO WAY the magic can escape him!

 

[pandamom]

My dh doesn't want to know any of the planning details, etc. but once he gets there he's as much into it as anyone else in the family!

 

[BrerMom]

Any tips on what I can do or comments on similar experiences you have had would be most appreciated. I think the reason he feels this way is because Disney doesn't have many Thrill rides. I keep trying to explain that he doesn't need to have the mindset of going there for a Thrill - he needs to go for the feeling. Of course, he says ...lol....that there is no difference.

A little history first. I got to go to Disney for the first time when I was 20; I was lucky enough to go with soon-to-be DH. His great-aunt supervised us on the ride down and his grandma and grandpa paid for tickets for me for two days. Can you believe it? What sweet, sweet people.

Anyway, we had a great time staying an hour away and walking from opening to close during spring break. Need I say more?

The next time we went was two separate days staying an hour away again. Enjoyed that trip, too.

Long spell where life happened. Bought a second car, a house, had three kids, ..... lots o' money not going to Disney.

OK, the part you were waiting for. I really didn't want to go. Way too much money, we had to take the kids out of school , my second plane trip (the first for the kids), etc.

Things we did that worked: we stayed on-site. I strongly recommend you do the same if you want to "win him over without pushing the point." There's just something about being immersed in magic 24/7. We didn't go commando, but I had a plan for every day. Our visit was in January, so we didn't mess with sunscreen and weren't hot. We stayed for eight nights, (after all, this was our kids' once in a lifetime trip ) so we weren't rushed. Had a magical time because we watched the kids having a magical time.

Another thing we did was to purchase an annual pass. We were lucky enough to get a huge discount on a room at Port Orleans. We started talking about a second trip in the summer and ended up going back at the beginning of January since the tickets were already paid for, so to speak.

I think we both agreed we could be classified as Disney-fanatics after the second trip with the kids. It can happen.

If your DS10 hasn't been to Disney before, that will even give you more of an advantage. I was just as much a kid as anyone else with my first trip.