DH does not like Disney but going on trip

[dancin Disney style]

I am also known as the Disney freak in my family. As child we went every two years and stayed with my Gpa in Kissimmee. The very last time I visited the world was in 1994 for graduation. Wecamped outside of the world. I am now married and planning OUR first disney trip (he has never been). He is a grump and is only agreeing to go with the thought that we will only go once. I need to change that. We have 3 kids under the age of 7 and they are all super excited. Iam sharing my magical dreams with them and hoping that it passes onto him and we can make it a 2 year plan as well.

I am struggleing with the onsite or offsite resorts as well as dining plan and hopper tickets. He has allowed me 3500.00 from our front door and back. I am just not sure it is possible. any advice would be great. Thanks so much.

You absolutely can do the trip for $3500. I am now considered the queen of cheap WDW trips. We did 2 weeks in July for 4 people at a grand total of $4400. I doubt I can improve on that one but to that point I made it my mission to make each trip cheaper than the last. Which, I proudly say, I did with ease.

 

[loveysbydesign]

DH hasn't ever been to Disney World, but will be coming with us
DS(5 when we go), friends of ours and their 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old.
He does not like Disney (Mainly Mickey & Friends) but he does seem to enjoy several movies such as Darkwing Duck, Cars although he would not admit to it...

He agreed to come to see DS (and me) have a great time

We will just be going for MK 2 days & AK 1 day.

I was thinking about steering him in the direction of Space Mtn, Big Thunder Mountain so he could have fun too while we're in Toontown or watching a parade.

He does not like golf and does not like catch & release fishing (althouh he never seems to catch anything anyway ) so I can't ship him away somewhere for a day

Any ideas on how to get him hooked on the house of mouse Has anyone ever achieved this miracle?

I have to tell you that my dh was the same way, he had never been to WDW either and he flat out told me I should feel darn lucky that he was "letting" me plan our vacation there. Within 2 hours of being in the parks he asked when can we go again!! I hope your dh becomes a convert as well. I've noticed that it seems that people who did not get to go there as a child almost resent not going and therefore do not want to go as an adult.

 

[loveysbydesign]

I am also known as the Disney freak in my family. As child we went every two years and stayed with my Gpa in Kissimmee. The very last time I visited the world was in 1994 for graduation. Wecamped outside of the world. I am now married and planning OUR first disney trip (he has never been). He is a grump and is only agreeing to go with the thought that we will only go once. I need to change that. We have 3 kids under the age of 7 and they are all super excited. Iam sharing my magical dreams with them and hoping that it passes onto him and we can make it a 2 year plan as well.

I am struggleing with the onsite or offsite resorts as well as dining plan and hopper tickets. He has allowed me 3500.00 from our front door and back. I am just not sure it is possible. any advice would be great. Thanks so much.

Also wanted to comment that you should be able to go and spend under $3000 easily, lmk if you need help

 

[Carolina Mouse]

Don't despair. My DH hated DisneyWorld. He had been to DL once but never the world. I made him go once and he was hooked. We've now owned DVC since 2000 and go 2 to 3 times per year.

DH always thought it was a 'hurry up' type of vacation. While we did alot of stuff we never set the alarm and did things at a slow pace (it was August and HOT the first time ) Sometimes the simplest things, sitting on a bench sharing ice cream, a nice cup of coffee watching street performers etc.

Enjoy! He may surprise you .

That's some good advice right there. Most of the newbie Disney Dads have the impression that Disney World = Overgrown State Fair.

After going to Disney since childhood, and taking my own kids for 15 years, for me, the rides are a pleasant sidetrip. People watching and other experiences have topped my list.

Oh, and DVC makes it so much nicer!

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

DH hasn't ever been to Disney World, but will be coming with us
DS(5 when we go), friends of ours and their 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old.
He does not like Disney (Mainly Mickey & Friends) but he does seem to enjoy several movies such as Darkwing Duck, Cars although he would not admit to it...

He agreed to come to see DS (and me) have a great time
We will just be going for MK 2 days & AK 1 day.

I was thinking about steering him in the direction of Space Mtn, Big Thunder Mountain so he could have fun too while we're in Toontown or watching a parade.

He does not like golf and does not like catch & release fishing (althouh he never seems to catch anything anyway ) so I can't ship him away somewhere for a day

Any ideas on how to get him hooked on the house of mouse Has anyone ever achieved this miracle?

Don't send him off on his own at Disney, he's going to watch you and your son enjoy the magic.

Don't try and force the magic on him, let him experience it through your joy.

Don't over plan it, don't get stressed or unhappy about it, just chill and let it flow and take it easy and show him how happy you are when you're at Mickey's house.

 

[Faldred]

I am also known as the Disney freak in my family. As child we went every two years and stayed with my Gpa in Kissimmee. The very last time I visited the world was in 1994 for graduation. Wecamped outside of the world. I am now married and planning OUR first disney trip (he has never been). He is a grump and is only agreeing to go with the thought that we will only go once. I need to change that. We have 3 kids under the age of 7 and they are all super excited. Iam sharing my magical dreams with them and hoping that it passes onto him and we can make it a 2 year plan as well.

I am struggleing with the onsite or offsite resorts as well as dining plan and hopper tickets. He has allowed me 3500.00 from our front door and back. I am just not sure it is possible. any advice would be great. Thanks so much.

Assuming on-site... try for the "free dining" period. A family of 5 can stay in one standard room at Port Orleans Riverside (trundle bed). During the FD period, that's $149/night, so about $1110 (including tax) for 7 nights, covering accommodations, transportation within WDW (and to/from airport), and most food (1 TS, 1 CS, and 1 snack per person per night). You will need to set aside a small budget for tips.

Tickets... let's assume 7 day base tickets (park hoppers would add $250 + tax... best to skip 'em on a budget)... for 2 adults, 3 children, that's $1102, tax included.

So far, we're up to $2332 plus tips. If you can get there and back for $600 or less, you're in business!

 

[RumpleMom]

I second not sending DH off by himself. The magic happens when a family experiences WDW together. He will enjoy seeing the kids happy. When we are having fun at WDW, DH turns to me and says this is why I go to work and work so hard- to be able to enjoy times like these.

The only separate thing I would consider is the Segway tour, either in the park or at Fort Wilderness, as it is only 2 hours. DH thinks this is the coolest thing!

 

[MaryKLady]

I second the notion of getting him to Epcot. Test Track, Mission to Mars, Soarin', games and the whole science thing really appeals to the guys.

I agree, my not-so-excited DH really liked Epcot. As a matter of fact, we are bringing DD to WDW for her B-day and he requested a day in Epcot.

Also, you may experience what I did...my DH was NOT excited about our first trip (he had never been either) but seeing us having so much fun and how excited DD was, was just what he needed to get into the Disney-thing.