Anyone ever NOT like Disney?

[tkoran]

I am hoping to take the kids to WDW for the 1st time early next year. My main concern is getting DH to go. He's always been adament about not going to Florida and normally uses all his vacation time for deer hunting. The money has never been there though so it wasn't much of a discussion.

We should be able to swing it next year without too much problem, but DH absolutely hates crowds and waiting in long lines. He is also very heat sensative and has a hard time tolerating temps over say 75 degrees.

Any recommendations for a good time to go when the crowds wouldn't be horrendous and good resorts that are fairly quiet with good CS? I also don't want it too be so cool that we are going to freeze if we get wet. I know, I'm asking a lot.

 

[wilde_oscar]

you are asking a lot of advanced questions right out of the gate. but given you variables, I would say late Jan, early Feb. You'll want to go with a moderate resort, the value resorts while not crowded over all... breakfast is very crowded at the values.

you only get to see WDW though the eye of your child for the first time, once. Families that go and are completely unprepared, thinking that it will be like going to your local amusement park seldom come back raving about the trip. so you want to do some research, a list of must do vs would like to do... what the kids will like. don't push too hard, don't think you can see everything in one trip. hit the library, or the book store for travel guides. And by all means ask questions. These boards will have the answer, and 9 variations on the answer, and 30 opinions about which version of the same answer is the best answer... this is a good thing, as you'll get more than one perspective on everything.

Welcome and enjoy your home work.

 

[Tinkerspell]

If heat is definately an issue, I'd suggest going in December, January or February. When I suggest December, I'm talking the first two weeks of the month. Around the time the rates go up to holiday prices, the parks get crazy crowded. Our band trip there was in that week between Christmas and New Year's. The crowds were nutty.

That time of year, it was comfortable during the day and we needed a light jacket at night. Not bad at all.

I'd take the previous poster's advice and pick up some guidebooks, take the time to read the forums here, and really educate yourself before you go, so you get the most out of your trip.

Oh, and have fun!

 

[KayLuvsMickey]

I would say leave hubby at home!
Just Kidding!
My father in law was sooooo against going, but we drug him kicking and screaming...guess what...he loves it now! (DECEMBER ONLY)

 

[DizzDoll]

Also check out the allears website. Tons of valuable information there, too, incuding resort reviews, restaurant reviews, etc. You can even check out all the menus! Research pays off in the end, but don't be afraid to blow off your "plans" and wing it! Enjoy, welcome, and have fun.

PS - my dad was a hunter as well, and so is one of my brothers, and his son too. I'm reallyreallyreally familiar with the deer hunter thing!!

 

[tkoran]

Thanks everyone!

You really think those are advance questions? I was thinking they were the basics. I may be in deeper than I thought! I figured the 1st thing I needed to get out of the way was when, then where and then the detail stuff since I still have some time. With DH's excuses as to why he doesn't want to go I figured I'd be better off to find a time when he can be the most comfortable crowd and temperature wise before exploring the idea of going any further.

None of us has ever been there so I think he would end up loving it provided the things that have the potential to make him the most miserable at as minimal as possible.

I've picked up some brochures/guides from a Travel agent and read some over the past couple of days both here and a little at allears too and so far am getting some great info. I'm already thinking park hopper pass so that we can be flexible. Is it worth it?

 

[carrie6466]

Hi! I have to say that I just found out 3 days ago my cousin HATES WDW . I almost died when she told me that. She has 5 kids and they have been there a lot, as her father in law lives near WDW. I always just assumed she loved it like I do, as she goes almost every year. I never met anyone who actually hated it before. I told her she was giving the family a bad name

 

[ssmerdel]

These boards will have the answer, and 9 variations on the answer, and 30 opinions about which version of the same answer is the best answer... this is a good thing, as you'll get more than one perspective on everything.

This is so true.

 

[Kaler131]

My sister once "claimed" to hate WDW....now she goes EVERY year!

 

[craigs bride]

we just love disney......we having been going every three yrs since 2001 and next yr we are hoping to get married there

my problem is that we want to take our baby to magic kingdom, she will be 4yrs when we go over can we get a one day ticket to go into magic kingdom
as the rest of of our childen are teenagers

 

[eliza61]

I would say leave hubby at home!
Just Kidding!
My father in law was sooooo against going, but we drug him kicking and screaming...guess what...he loves it now! (DECEMBER ONLY)

Why not. We do it all the time. People get so wrap up with the commercials of a "perfect" vacation with the happy adults and smiling children. If dad has a lot of issues maybe Disney is NOT the place for him. There is a whole big wide world out there for them to do the family thing. We took some one who wasn't a disney person ONCE, they complained, moaned and acted horribly the entire trip. Really suck the joy out of the vacation for the rest of the family. My dh is ok with disney but he could live without it, not only do we leave him home at times, he usually kicks out the extra cash so we can stay concierge.

Op I say plan a great time with you and the kids (of course ask Dh would he mind, my bet is he say go have a wonderful time)

 

[RNtheRN]

Absotootly go in the milder months. If all else fails, try the old guilt trip about the kids would love a Disney vacation.

I went to WDW the second time when I was 19. All I thought about was how bored I would be as a teenager. Three trips and twenty years later I am still magically in love with the place.

The crowds are, unfortunately, part of the experience. But simple setbacks are easily offset by the sheer magic and pure joy of being there.

Everyone, especially adults, offen have doubts about trips like this. Assure him that he will have the time of his life.

 

[beachgrl001]

Why not. We do it all the time. People get so wrap up with the commercials of a "perfect" vacation with the happy adults and smiling children. If dad has a lot of issues maybe Disney is NOT the place for him. There is a whole big wide world out there for them to do the family thing. We took some one who wasn't a disney person ONCE, they complained, moaned and acted horribly the entire trip. Really suck the joy out of the vacation for the rest of the family. My dh is ok with disney but he could live without it, not only do we leave him home at times, he usually kicks out the extra cash so we can stay concierge.

Op I say plan a great time with you and the kids (of course ask Dh would he mind, my bet is he say go have a wonderful time)

This year I AM leaving my DH home! He said he is done with disney I'm not. He compaired it to the shore(jersey) we have a house down the shore and so we go there all the time he says it used to be fun but now its boring Well, I still like the shore and I still like disney so I am going w/the kids and will continue to do so, I think he will regret staying home and miss us so next year he will want to go, but if he doesn't? Im still goin

I really think you should try to get your DH to go at least once, you may be suprised he may have a great time!

 

[jakenjess]

You should pick up a good guidebook (I really like the Unofficial Guide for those who haven't been before, as it's really objective about things), and read, read, read these boards!! You'll get some really great info, and you'll find it is quite addicting!

I agree with those who recommend early Dec., or late Jan/early Feb. The weather may be cool, especially at night, but it really beats the heat of spring/summer/fall. If you go in early Dec. you'll get the benefit of the Christmas decorations and activities.

As far as a resort, I think Port Orleans French Quarter may be a good choice for you. It's compact enough that you'll be fairly close to the pool and food court, and I think it's a beautiful resort. Check out the resort pictures here and on the allears website and see what appeals to you most.

Most importantly, don't try to "do it all". You can't in one trip, and you'll just make yourself crazy trying. Make a list of must dos, and then relax and enjoy. I think your DH may be surprised at how much fun he has!

Happy planning!

 

[Crystal824]

Another good time to go is between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you want to avoid crowds, make sure none of your days at WDW overlap the weeks of those events because the parks go from being almost empty to utterly packed during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anyway, at least when I was a CP, the parks were absolutely empty because most people who are going during those time plan their trips for Thanksgiving or Christmas as they have time of work, etc.

Don't try to do too much in one trip. I say this even though I am the one urging my family up at dawn and keeping them out until 2am. Well, at least my husband, we don't have children yet, but other family members (when they go with us) often go back to the hotel for a nap/pool break sometimes we join them.

Do some research and plan out your days and meals so you don't have to spend time doing this there. Also, figure out what you can't leave without doing and those things that will be ok to miss. Have a great time.

 

[Coach81]

Let me share my own experiences with you. My wife and I went to Disney on our first anniversary together before we had kids. I had a horrible time, I saw the lines and I hated it.. I could not see the point of waiting all that time for a few min ride. It was also very hot, so I was sweaty, and miserable. I complained the entire time, and told my wife no thanks.. we'll never come back.

Then we had kids...

With my wife's encouragement, I went to Disney with a whole different attitude, I put MY CHILDREN FIRST, above my own needs or desires. The first time my childrens saw one of the characters.. I WAS HOOKED. The sheer joy and excitement that my kids had overuled my old attitude.

Now we own DVC and we are going TWICE this year, and at least once a year from now on!!! I love Disney, and we have the most fun there!!!

My advice to you would be to take the same action that my wife did with me... ask him to see Disney through your kid's eyes.

Good luck!!!

 

[tkoran]

Thank you all for your responses.

Coach81 - thank you for sharing your experience. I think that is definately the way to go with my husband. He's much more likely to cave into what the kids want than what I want. He puts on a big front, but when it comes to them he's mushy. Now to find the right time to approach him about it.

Anyone know where I could get the "Unofficial Guide" that has been mentioned? I'm definately big into researching things before I commit, especially when it involves this much money and will most likely be a one time thing.

Someone I work with has stayed at Port Orleans both times they went and her family really liked it. I'll check it out. So far I'm kinda leaning towards the Wilderness cabins though that way we could have cereal, popcorn, etc on hand without having to pay an arm and a leg for every meal/snack.

Do you recommend the Park Hopper Pass or is the one park a day thing fine? I thought the flexibility might be nice in case of lines, meal choices, etc., but maybe there's so much to do in each park that it's not really an issue?

 

[beachgrl001]

Thank you all for your responses.

Coach81 - thank you for sharing your experience. I think that is definately the way to go with my husband. He's much more likely to cave into what the kids want than what I want. He puts on a big front, but when it comes to them he's mushy. Now to find the right time to approach him about it.

Anyone know where I could get the "Unofficial Guide" that has been mentioned? I'm definately big into researching things before I commit, especially when it involves this much money and will most likely be a one time thing.

Someone I work with has stayed at Port Orleans both times they went and her family really liked it. I'll check it out. So far I'm kinda leaning towards the Wilderness cabins though that way we could have cereal, popcorn, etc on hand without having to pay an arm and a leg for every meal/snack.

Do you recommend the Park Hopper Pass or is the one park a day thing fine? I thought the flexibility might be nice in case of lines, meal choices, etc., but maybe there's so much to do in each park that it's not really an issue?

check overstock.com for the unnoficial guide the passporter is also good

 

[eliza61]

Someone I work with has stayed at Port Orleans both times they went and her family really liked it. I'll check it out. So far I'm kinda leaning towards the Wilderness cabins though that way we could have cereal, popcorn, etc on hand without having to pay an arm and a leg for every meal/snack.

Do you recommend the Park Hopper Pass or is the one park a day thing fine? I thought the flexibility might be nice in case of lines, meal choices, etc., but maybe there's so much to do in each park that it's not really an issue?

We always get the park hopper and in your case I would definitely spring for them. If Dh really hates crowds and you get to a park and for some reason it's abnormally crowded, you have the option of going some where else.

 

[tkoran]

Thanks again! I'm thrilled with the response and how friendly everyone here is!