Calling all who have Non Disney loving significant other

[anne thomas]

Is there anything available at Disney that Hubby likes to do. For example mine loves golf, so I bribe him with a couple of rounds of Disney golf while we are there. He loves the Florida golf courses and the Disney ones.

Does he like the Star Wars Movies, Indiana Jones etc maybe DHS could be your first park just so that he can see that it is not all fairies and pixie dust. It also has Toy Story Mania and lots of Toy Story character interactions for your Daughter. It also has the car stunt show, backlot tour - more guy stuff.

Does he like beer, you could have a little beer tasting round the world at EPCOT. Does he like a certain type of food, eg. steak, if so check out the dining forum and book some of the restaurants that serve that food and make a game of rating the best place to get that food.

What I am saying is try to think of what he likes and then plan some activities that he will enjoy too.

Disney is so much more than rides and princesses and I think a lot of people who have not been there don't get that.

No golf or Star Wars, or rides but beer is a must so if he begins to torture me he will be drinking around the world alright and any other place I can get one....then he be hung over and we will tour on I want him to have some magic but if he won't have fun......his trip might be a blur

 

[Cin]

My Disney tolerant DH and I have an agreement. We have only made 1 trip so far and he has agreed to return if I go to the parks and do the rides and shows and get fast passes and he can hang at the resort, sleep in, or play golf and then we meet up for lunch and the afternoon together. He will ride the things I collected FP's for and then we leave. He really enjoyed Mickey's Philharmagic, Mission Space, Splash Mountain, Rock 'n Rollercoaster and the stunt car show at DHS. He really enjoyed several of our meals, he raved about Peco's Bill's all week, and he loved the Animal Kingdom Lodge. As long as I can keep hubby's park time to a minimum, he will go back. I plan on a stay at AKL for him but I am thinking he would also love the Fort Wilderness cabins as they are more private and secluded and seem to be less "Disneyfied" than the others that scream "I'm at Disneyworld!" like All Star Music does. He also wants to do the Richard Petty driving experience. I think for a non Disney addict limited park time and lots more resort time is probably better for them as is my DH's preference. Seeing as the Disney resorts offer so much and you can resort hop, you could spend a whole week there and never step 1 foot into a park and still have lots of fun things to do!

 

[Cin]

Sorry guess I should have said, HI! and introduced myself first.

I'm Cindi, 50 and the Disney addict in the family. I love Tigger and Tinkerbell and have a small menagerie of Tiggers and some Tinkerbells too, including jammies and items of clothing. Yes, I wear them proudly in public.

My DH Tony is 51, and only Disney tolerant, but he loves technology and fireworks and science and he will return because he knows it makes me happy. And Disneyworld makes me very happy. That makes him happy, so everyone is happy and life is good. Well, and a margarita at the pool bar for DH helps keep him smiling too.

I was raised with dinner in front of the tv on Sunday nights and Walt Disney right in our living room in black and white telling us a small story and introducing the feature show. I remember the first time we watched it broadcast in color. The Wonderful World of Color I think they called it. I grew up with Mickey Mouse Club.

I have been to WDW 4 times.
DH has been once last Sept/Oct for the opening of the Food & Wine festival. It was hot~hot~hot~ never again in the heat he said. Okay, at least he agreed to return!!!

 

[anne thomas]

Sorry guess I should have said, HI! and introduced myself first.

I'm Cindi, 50 and the Disney addict in the family. I love Tigger and Tinkerbell and have a small menagerie of Tiggers and some Tinkerbells too, including jammies and items of clothing. Yes, I wear them proudly in public.

My DH Tony is 51, and only Disney tolerant, but he loves technology and fireworks and science and he will return because he knows it makes me happy. And Disneyworld makes me very happy. That makes him happy, so everyone is happy and life is good. Well, and a margarita at the pool bar for DH helps keep him smiling too.

I was raised with dinner in front of the tv on Sunday nights and Walt Disney right in our living room in black and white telling us a small story and introducing the feature show. I remember the first time we watched it broadcast in color. The Wonderful World of Color I think they called it. I grew up with Mickey Mouse Club.

I have been to WDW 4 times.
DH has been once last Sept/Oct for the opening of the Food & Wine festival. It was hot~hot~hot~ never again in the heat he said. Okay, at least he agreed to return!!!

Hi Cindi,
Now that is what I'm talking about....that would be perfect he could do anything he wants and let me go to parks, we can meet up later. I like you grew up Disney every Sunday night....I loved everything Disney but my family did not so we never went, and it has taken me 21 years to get DH to go, his childhood was not great (really didn't have one) if he would just slap a smile on his face for 7 days and say nothing bad about wdw I'd be happy. Lets just say he is going to have a smile one way or another....I'm packing alcohol just incase there is down moment I can't find one. He can have drinks at all parks but MK and that is the one I have dreamed about.... I wish he'd just let go and be the child he never was allowed to be.

 

[Cin]

I totally understand where you are with the DH, the best way I found in getting him to tolerate Disney was by not talking about it. Oh yeah I wanted to gush every detail and every plan and include him in all the fun, but it is safer to come here and share with other Disney lovers and let DH have his peace and retain some positive feelings for Disney.
And no he'll never be a theme park commando like me, and I had to accept it. It was hard the first time I left the room without him and explored the resort and the parks on my own. I had visons beforehand of us hand in hand skipping happily through the parks and him as excited as me, well... I had to get over that and accept I was going to be skipping through the parks solo and I teared up at first when I realized it wasn't to be, but I wasn't going to let that ruin my fun and my good time. So I gave myself a mission and went on a photo taking tour of WDW. That made me not miss having my DH beside me and gave me lots of great pics to view back home again.
After the first day it got easier and I was cool with going to breakfast and rope drop solo, and then when I got him to the parks later I already had the navigation figured out and knowing where to get margaritas and beer for DH helped. Hey whatever works, if plying my hubs with alcohol works, then so be it, HA ha ha. The resort gift shops sell alcohol by the bottle and it's cheaper than by the drink just FYI.
There is lots of guy stuff to do. Golf, watersports, parasailing, boating, fishing, the driving experience, maybe even some event going on the the sports complex, maybe you could do a Disney run they have family fun runs, the dine in movie at DD, the big game on tv at ESPN club, the beach hammocks at the resorts for napping, the pool for lounging, and behind the scenes tours.
Good luck with your non Disney lover!

 

[chandlersagirl]

My DH did not grow up Disney the way that I did. I have been able to get him to go twice. He's not going this time, and is it awful that I don't care??

The girls wonder why he's not going and the answer is: he has to work. My Disney Loving parents are going with us.

CAN'T WAIT!

 

[anne thomas]

My DH did not grow up Disney the way that I did. I have been able to get him to go twice. He's not going this time, and is it awful that I don't care??

The girls wonder why he's not going and the answer is: he has to work. My Disney Loving parents are going with us.

CAN'T WAIT!

Do not feel awful, what would be awful is being at Disney with someone who just can't get the magic. If your DH is okay with it be happy, I bet you will see alot of wives wishing their DH was home, and the girls will be fine, its better to see a happy daddy than a miserable one.

 

[Dan1]

If no friends care to get pixie dusted, I know there are all kinds of Disney meets and I have read many who go solo look for them on all forums, one person was going alone for Christmas ....hey you have one thing in common for sure...DISNEY

Exactly!

I'm taking my DD to WDW in April / May 2012 and wouldn't mind meeting others (solo or otherwise) for lunch, etc.

Dan

 

[Dan1]

No golf or Star Wars, or rides but beer is a must so if he begins to torture me he will be drinking around the world alright and any other place I can get one....then he be hung over and we will tour on I want him to have some magic but if he won't have fun......his trip might be a blur

Both the Hoop Dee Do Review and the Aloha dinner shows have free beer, sangria (at least the Hoop Dee Doo does). Sure, it's just plain old Coor or Bud or ... yet, that might convince him to do one of those shows.

Dan

 

[Cin]

He's not going this time, and is it awful that I don't care??



CAN'T WAIT!

Now that's a true Dis'er.

See? this is why we are here. LOL, I'm going again too with my Disney loving Mom while the DH chose to stay home. Also so excited we are almost to double digits!

 

[profgranny]

I have been to Disney 45 times.We went the first time in 1971, not long after we were married. He dutifully went when the boys were young and stood in the lines, etc. but he himself had a hard time letting go and having fun.He gets motion sickness and resents how much things cost, does not like lines etc. and can be a real Scrooge.He like many other guys cannot get into the fantasy part of it that just blows me away and keeps me coming back. What I do is go when there is something he really likes- like the food and wine festivals, and musical outings at the House of Blues helps a lot.And then, girlfriend, I go a lot without him.It keeps me sane!

 

[mm1971]

With my DMom, DD9 and I. Leaving my nonDDad and DW home. Would like to take my DS11, but he has school and I will return with him in May for baseball at ESPN. DW is OK with staying home and just the kids and I. It also lets me spend special time with just one at a time. The agreement is I have to take a non-Disney vacation during the year as well. OK twist my arm.

I like a lot of others grew up watching every Sunday night. I managed to bring the kids over to the light side, but the DW is tolerant at best. It is actually funny sometimes to hear them discussing why she does not enjoy Disney and the kids just talkign about the great experiences we have had.

I say go without and enjoy!

 

[Dynamite626]

I allow my DH to do his own thing. He goes to the park when he wants to, go back to the resort when he wants to, and always go to Ohana's at least once. Last time we were there for 6 days and he went to the parks for 3 of them. Only the last day did he spend more than 4 hours. Said it was the best vacation he ever had.

 

[Tinkerkell007]

Hi, I'm kelly and I'm 26, my BF of 7 years is 29 and he is not a disney lover

After thinking about it a little bit I feel lucky that he will at least suck it up and go with me whenever I ask lol. I wish he was more into it becuase I know how much more he would enjoy the whole experience if he was. He didn't grow up in the USA so he didn't watch all the Disney stuff I did so I kind of get why he could take it or leave it.

As for tips, I'd say try to go at a less crowded time. If he is already not "thrilled" to be there that will just add fuel to the fire if it is busy. Also, try and think of things that might interest him more and do some of those in the begining to get him hooked. For example my BF has never been to Epcot and I can't wait to take him there in January because I know he will love it. I know he will get a kick out of the world showcase.

 

[Mrs. Bob Loblaw]

My husband was not a fan at all when we first started talking about going to Disney (we did land first, then the world). He didn't understand the point in going on a ride more than once, even if it was years later. He had a lot of issues with the parks in general, but said he would go for me.. and I think I converted him.

What worked for us:
Get there at opening so you can get a lot done without the long waits.
Use fastpass as much as possible.
Take a long afternoon break.
Don't go commando. It's better to do less and have everyone enjoy the time than to overdo it and ruin it for the non-lovers.
Food - the way to my hubby's Disney heart was through his stomach. We did the deluxe dining plan and now all he can talk about is going back to 'Ohana, Le Cellier, 'Ohana, and 'Ohana.
Fireworks as often as possible.
I also try to fit in something that's important to him, like watching a sports game at ESPN (which is sooooo much better at Disneyland).
An occasional alcoholic drink doesn't hurt, either.

 

[anne thomas]

I allow my DH to do his own thing. He goes to the park when he wants to, go back to the resort when he wants to, and always go to Ohana's at least once. Last time we were there for 6 days and he went to the parks for 3 of them. Only the last day did he spend more than 4 hours. Said it was the best vacation he ever had.

If only that would happen but I'm sure he will follow behind me with continuous eyerolling

 

[anne thomas]

Hi, I'm kelly and I'm 26, my BF of 7 years is 29 and he is not a disney lover

After thinking about it a little bit I feel lucky that he will at least suck it up and go with me whenever I ask lol. I wish he was more into it becuase I know how much more he would enjoy the whole experience if he was. He didn't grow up in the USA so he didn't watch all the Disney stuff I did so I kind of get why he could take it or leave it.

As for tips, I'd say try to go at a less crowded time. If he is already not "thrilled" to be there that will just add fuel to the fire if it is busy. Also, try and think of things that might interest him more and do some of those in the begining to get him hooked. For example my BF has never been to Epcot and I can't wait to take him there in January because I know he will love it. I know he will get a kick out of the world showcase.

I would love it if he would get into Disney mode, DH didn't grow up with Disney we are there 2nd week of December....he loves christmas lights .....I hope he lets his inner child out.

 

[anne thomas]

My husband was not a fan at all when we first started talking about going to Disney (we did land first, then the world). He didn't understand the point in going on a ride more than once, even if it was years later. He had a lot of issues with the parks in general, but said he would go for me.. and I think I converted him.

What worked for us:
Get there at opening so you can get a lot done without the long waits.
Use fastpass as much as possible.
Take a long afternoon break.
Don't go commando. It's better to do less and have everyone enjoy the time than to overdo it and ruin it for the non-lovers.
Food - the way to my hubby's Disney heart was through his stomach. We did the deluxe dining plan and now all he can talk about is going back to 'Ohana, Le Cellier, 'Ohana, and 'Ohana.
Fireworks as often as possible.

I also try to fit in something that's important to him, like watching a sports game at ESPN (which is sooooo much better at Disneyland).
An occasional alcoholic drink doesn't hurt, either.

No commando here......I hope to win him over with all my OCD research and he will just breeze threw the parks.....and if all fails ALCOHOL....LOTS OF ALCOHOL!

 

[bopper]

Is there anything available at Disney that Hubby likes to do. For example mine loves golf, so I bribe him with a couple of rounds of Disney golf while we are there. He loves the Florida golf courses and the Disney ones.

Does he like the Star Wars Movies, Indiana Jones etc maybe DHS could be your first park just so that he can see that it is not all fairies and pixie dust. It also has Toy Story Mania and lots of Toy Story character interactions for your Daughter. It also has the car stunt show, backlot tour - more guy stuff.

Does he like beer, you could have a little beer tasting round the world at EPCOT. Does he like a certain type of food, eg. steak, if so check out the dining forum and book some of the restaurants that serve that food and make a game of rating the best place to get that food.

What I am saying is try to think of what he likes and then plan some activities that he will enjoy too.

Disney is so much more than rides and princesses and I think a lot of people who have not been there don't get that.

I was going to say the same things. Also maybe choose the rides that you go on first very carefully so they will appeal to him and start of the vacation on a good note. So start with Pirates of the Caribbean (manly) and not Small World (not so manly). Perhaps consider this vacation more for your son and DH so you get your DH bought into the idea for Disney so if it goes well for your son, your DH will want to go back. Then you add back in some princesses.


Also maybe have him rent a boat to drive around Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

[bopper]

Is there anything available at Disney that Hubby likes to do. For example mine loves golf, so I bribe him with a couple of rounds of Disney golf while we are there. He loves the Florida golf courses and the Disney ones.

Does he like the Star Wars Movies, Indiana Jones etc maybe DHS could be your first park just so that he can see that it is not all fairies and pixie dust. It also has Toy Story Mania and lots of Toy Story character interactions for your Daughter. It also has the car stunt show, backlot tour - more guy stuff.

Does he like beer, you could have a little beer tasting round the world at EPCOT. Does he like a certain type of food, eg. steak, if so check out the dining forum and book some of the restaurants that serve that food and make a game of rating the best place to get that food.

What I am saying is try to think of what he likes and then plan some activities that he will enjoy too.

Disney is so much more than rides and princesses and I think a lot of people who have not been there don't get that.

I was going to say the same things. Also maybe choose the rides that you go on first very carefully so they will appeal to him and start of the vacation on a good note. So start with Pirates of the Caribbean (manly) and not Small World (not so manly). Perhaps consider this vacation more for your son and DH so you get your DH bought into the idea for Disney so if it goes well for your son, your DH will want to go back. Then you add back in some princesses.


Also maybe have him rent a boat to drive around Seven Seas Lagoon.

You could also show how a Disney vacation makes it a bit easier to take your DS on vacation (if that is the case)...like if someone needs to go back to the hotel it is no big deal to do that and then venture out later...or that Disney is used to dealing with people of all abilities so it is easier to get the accomodations your son needs and therefore easier on you as parents...