DH Story--

[Dchef]

We are planning our first family Disney trip for January and I have been doing all the research so far and then I found this board--so glad!!
But I have to tell you this small little story and see what others have to say about their first time to DW. I went the first year it was open and I was about 8 or 9 then we went once or twice after that and I haven't been since the mid 70's. My husband has never been at all EVER!!
He is already getting tired of me talking about the trip and reading the books as he falls asleep at night. But I am so excited--even though it has been forever since I have been, I STILL remember the magic even though I know it really is a different place.
He say's I just can't really get excited about an amusement park! He say's things like " all I can imagine it being like a...Kings Dominion or Bush Garden for 7 days". I am horrified!!! I try to explain that it is so much more...but he thinks that if we left him at Universal Studios the whole time he would probably be okay!! AHHHH We have 5 year old twins.

Okay, maybe he is trying to be macho in all of this--but I know he will buckle under to the Disney pressure and succumb to the magic--Won't he.
Looking for other Macho Men stories who just don't have a clue what they are in for.

Darlene

 

[kerry34]

My DH was the same way until one night after all the kids were in bed, we sat down in front of the tv and I told him I wanted to show him something that i taped. I had recorded several of the travel channel specials on DW that were on last month. My DH has not been to DW since he was around 13 years old, so he only remembers some things about it. Well after it was over and he saw how much they have added over the years, he looked at me and said "Hey I am really excited now, we are going to have alot of fun!" I couldn't believe it because he was the same way as your DH, he would just look at me when i was reading my books at bedtime, and kinda roll his eyes and say "you're reading that AGAIN!!" After seeing the video he definately was suprised by what he saw, but even still i dont think he really gets it. I am suprising him with a little gift at Richard Pettys driving experience (He is unaware of this, but has commented on how much he wants to do that), if your husband is into the nascar thing and you have some extra money, it might be worth looking into. Hope you all have a ball, and welcome to the Dis!!

 

[Ambassador]

I was just like your husband seven years ago, before our first trip to WDW for a business conference. I never would have considered going otherwise. I too had never been before as a child, which Mrs. Ambassador jokes explains much of my personality.

We have since been nine times in the last seven years, and love it! It is impossible to explain to one who has never been, perhaps because of their pre-conceived notions. There are countless things to enjoy as adults, but the wonder and excitement in a child's face reminds this parent what-it's-all-about.

Just encourage him to be open-minded, and take a slow pace. And try not to up-chuck on Mission Space.

 

[chesirekate]

We just got back from WDW. My DH had not been since the 70's, when there was only MK. And all he remembered of that trip was being sick, and riding the POTC (which he insists is different now). He wasn't terribly excited about going, just happy to be taking a vacation from work. I mentioned that I wanted to come back every year for DD's birthday and he groaned, thinking it would be boring to go back every year.

Well, he had a great time. Once we got to the room he finally took the time to look through the guide books and figure out what they heck we were doing. We had to leave 2 days early because of Jeanne and I think he was more bummed than I was that we didn't get to AK or Epcot. We had to cancel PSB for Sunday morning and DD's birthday party at Chef Mickey's on Saturday night, and he tried to talk me into doing another character breakfast before we left, but my heart just wasn't in it.

As we were getting ready to pack up and leave on Saturday morning, he said to me: "The remaining days on our tickets (park hoppers) are still valid right?" Me: "Yes, they never expire, we can use them 20 years from now if we want." Him: "So we can use them when we come back?" Me: "What do you mean 'when we come back'? Are you saying you like it here and want to come back?" Him: "Of course! We should come back every year!"

Like it was his idea or something...

 

[mkcp91]

I just got back with my DH who doesn't "get it" at all. We had gone in 1998 and had a pleasant time, but I think the only reason he agreed to go back was because it was Nate's (our 3 year old son's) first time to WDW. I appreciated his effort and good attitude in spite of not quite understanding what was so appealing.

This trip, we also had a pleasant time. He really liked the thrill rides (Mission Space, Test Track, the Mountains & ToT and Rock N Rollercaster), but was almost gleeful when it seemed our son liked Islands of Adventure better than Magic Kingdom. I have to agree that IOA is a beautiful and fun park, but to me there is only one Magic Kingdom!

The only time he seemed to come close to feeling a little magic was the first time Nate went on Buzz Lightyear. We couldn't even continue moving in the queue because Nate had to stop and listen to all of Buzz's instructions right before you get in the cars. The combination of amazement and responsibility of destroying Zurg on Nate's face was unavoidable and I think he almost "got it" for a moment there! Of course, when we got out it was pouring and the moment was gone.

I hope to take Nate by myself next year. I think DH will be relieved he doesn't have to go again so soon!

~Heather

 

[Perkins5]

I thought my husband was the only one who doesn't want to go to WDW! We went to Florida in Feb. '03 and I took the kids who were 7,6,and 2 at the time to MK by myself! Well, now I am planning a trip in June, '05 to WDW for 5 days. He insists that he will only go to 2 parks and that I will be on my own for the rest. I really don't mind that, since we won't have him complaining the whole time. I just wish he would be more interested in it. What can I do to change his mind? By the way, he will not watch the vacation planning video!

Thanks,
Sherry

 

[LuvindisCruiser]

My hubby does not get the whole magical Disney adventure either. He said we were not going on another Disney vacation, when there are so many other places to visit. So, I got a part time job and told him I am taking him and the kids (both will be five) to WDW and Disney Cruise. And now, he is just excited about all the food he gets to eat ! When he sees the Travel Channel specials that does get him a bit more anxious for our trip. Mostly, he is excited to go on DCL since we have never been ! I know it is not as fun when your spouse does not share in your excitement of planning our great WDW vacations, but that's why we have our friends at DIS, right ?!......... thanks everyone for being the DISney fans you are !!!!!!!