Disney Grinch

[Cindyzgoingtodizny]

Have you ever been to WDW with someone who:

A) Has NEVER been to a Disney Park and who
B) Has NEVER really had a vacation and who
C) Doesn't really want a vacation and who
D) Especially doesn't want one at WDW because
E) He thinks it costs way too much and is a hype
F) He already says up front he won't wait in lines

We are leaving on 7/5 and my heart is aching. Did anyone survive with a partner like this? How did they feel after the trip?

 

[planning06]

Not quite that bad. I initiated my partner into Disney early back when we were dating. We were going to Florida for a week at the beach and I wanted to go to WDW one day. I had to drag him kicking and screaming to Epcot because he thought WDW was a kids place and we were wasting the day. The only way I got him there was because I paid his ticket as well as mine. At the time I was in college working for just over minimum wage part time so it was still a chunk of change for. That one day was all it took. He was hooked and now he gets as excited as me when we plan a trip.

I hope it works as well for you!

 

[Cindyzgoingtodizny]

At least there may be hope then! I have been thinking, up to this point, that I will enjoy it with our daughters, whether he does or not. But now that it is fast upon us, I am feeling the pain and weight of realizing that I do care how he feels and it will affect my vacation if he's a grinch.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Start with a less "kidlike" park. Epcot is a great choice. Then move up to water parks, DAK, Studios, and lastly MK, the most Mickey-intense of all.

Post some of the things that he likes a lot- foods, countries, swimming, drinks, whatever. Chances are there is something like that in Disney.
I would say to try to tailor the trip to his preferences. It seems you'll have fun wherever you go and whatever you do in Disney, but if he prefers to be out of the heat or likes to swim at dawn, or play golf, or whatever, incorporating that into the trip, esp at the beginning may set a tone that will improve that person's mood. Even if this person loves horticulture, or architecture, make an effort to find out about those aspects of the park and point them out, or go on a tour that will focus on that.

Try to pay for things ahead of time so that he doesn't see the cost so blatantly. Maybe buy the kids care packages ahead of time, and try to eliminate them buying a lot of souvenirs. If they get the "gimmes" it will irritate him into being more grinchlike.

Maybe use the kids as part of your plan. If they love Disney as much as you do, maybe try to get them to share that love with this person who doesn't. If he sees the joy on their faces, how could he not have a good time?

I think that if he were completely appalled at the idea and planned on being curmudgeonly the whole time, he would have just said no. I think (hope) a part of him *wants* to have a good time, so hopefully it will take over and you'll have a great time.

 

[LynnTH]

We went a few years back with my entire family. (Mom, Dad, 2 Brothers, 2 Sister -in -laws, 3 niece/nephews, myself, husband and our son). My husband is pretty easy going about taking trips (although he likes Disney doesn't always want to go there). Now, my brothers on the the other hand is like pulling teeth to get them anywhere (especially my oldest). We all went because the year before they overbooked our flight and we got $2100 in flight credits. So, we were able to fly our entire family by paying only an extra $400. So, that's how I got everyone to go. Everyone (including my brothers) had a great time and he even thanked me for setting this up and said he would like to go back there again. So, there is hope!!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

My DH wasn't exactly like you described- but he isn't much of a "disney" person if you know what I mean. He'd been (before all of us had) once earlier in his life (spring break when he was a senior in HS) but he went along our first trip "for the kids" to have fun. Little did he know I had as much fun as they did. LOL

Make sure your first trip caters to some of his desires/likes/wants and maybe he'll be hooked in "some way" if not as much as yourself. Our first trip was short and major "commando" type vacation to get everything (including WDW, IOA, & US) all in a 7 day trip. He wasn't impressed. But we really didn't do anything HE would like... he's not much of a thrill-ride type person really. He just enjoyed the kids having fun though.

After that I went on solo trips... but then we had another family trip that was longer (ie: less gungho, more relaxing) type trip and made sure to do some things he wanted to do (ie: more time spent relaxing in the pool, going to bed early, golfing, fishing, etc.) and he really enjoyed that trip- we all did. It's so much more like a vacation if you can stay longer and RELAX during the trip. LOL Now he's not totally against going like he was before... but he's still not a "Disney" person. He just realizes now that he can make a Disney trip into something he really enjoys also.

(if he sticks to his "no lines" attitude- just stick to doing things with Fastpasses and things that don't require huge lines. It can be done at Disney. )

 

[tlbwriter]

Don't be afraid to let him go do his own thing. If he's going to be a grump and refuse to wait in line, he'll ruin the trip for everyone. Let him wander off and shop or swim or drink or whatever while you ride the rides. It will be easier on everyone!

 

[Cindyzgoingtodizny]

Great advice! That's why I love these boards! There is something in every response that I can use. I keep reminding myself, there are only so many things I can control - DH is essentially not one of them. I can set up the conditions for him to enjoy himself, if he is willing, the rest is up to him. Bless you all - I will report back when we return and let you know how it goes.

 

[dzneelvr]

Prior to our maiden trip many years ago to WDW, my DH was somewhat a grinch according to your list. However--once we stepped into the magic and saw how the DD and DS LOVED everything about it, the doubt melted like an ice cream cone in July. It was wonderful to see.
Just take it easy, let the experience happen....if he loves the family and they love WDW, he'll be right there with you soon

 

[Barb D]

I just leave mine home, and take Grandma instead.

Actually, he has almost agreed to go on our next trip. Almost. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Cindyzgoingtodizny]

Update: We leave tomorrow morning, 7am sharp. My dear Grinch is going through the packing list making sure we have everything. I booked La Nouba just yesterday for this coming Friday - he loves to watch the Cirque on TV, so he is now excited to see this in person. We got Third row, center seats! I will report back when we return - there may be some hope here - the next week will reveal much!

PS Too late to not take him, that would hurt his feelings I think.

 

[CF'er]

you describe. He did want to go for our kids since so many of their friends seem to have gone. It was a "once in a life-time thing" so they could say they had been...

He wasn't there maybe 2 days and was already talking about when we come back next year.....

He wants to upgrade to Wilderness Lodge (we stayed at POP) and doesn't mind the $$$ even though we will be going at peak season.

So yes, miracles do happen.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

It sounds like getting tix for Cirque du Soleil was a good way to get him excited about the trip.

Watch him turn into a little kid the minute you get there.

 

[RubyPatches]

Yes!! My DH did not want to do a Disney vacation, thought it was such a waste of money, and it was going to cost a fortune. I finally asked him not to go with us b/c he was so grumpy about it. Less than a month before our DDs 6th birthday, she broke her arm requiring surgery and pins. We couldn't decide whether to go or not and needless to say, she was broken hearted, and I have to admit, I was too. But he was the one who made the decision that it was for her birthday and we should go and even though we couldn't do any water rides or such, that we could still have a lot of fun and we did. He ended up being the kid of the whole vacation. He was the one who was up way too early every morning waiting for us to get up so we could eat breakfast and hit the next park. His eyes even welled up when DD caught her first glimpse of Cinderella's castle. He was the one who said that we would go back next year too. I am telling you, there's magic in those parks!! So good luck.