Disney Is For Kids- Not Excited

[MoneyMakingWife]

I've been wanting to go to Disney for years but all I could think about was the cost.

I decided that I am just going to save the money and go next year. I don't need to spend $10,000 when it's just my husband and I going.

My husband is not excited at all. He doesn't think it will be a good trip and he says that Disney is for kids. I was trying to explain how it wasn't, but he wasn't buying it.

"Then why do they make all the men shave their beards if they want to work there if it's not just for kids?" and various other responses.

The killer part is, he's never even been! So how can he say what it is and isn't?

He totally killed my Disney high.

So why do all of you adult and solo travelers go to Disney? Maybe if I have some outside feedback I'll know how to respond to this killjoy.

 

[byrley168]

My wife (30) and I (31) are planning our 4th WDW trip since '07. While we were both excited about going on our first visit, we had no idea that we would have such a good time that we would keep going back as often as we have. Your husband is right, sort of. Disney is for kids, but what better time to act like a child than a vacation. Disney World, like all other Disney ventures, offers a level of escape that is hard to find with any other destination. WDW allows guests to shed the real world for a while and step into a world that deadlines, quotas, and responsabilites take a back seat to whimsey and imagination. Even if this argument doesn't sway him, think of it this way. WDW is for kids, but there is not alot of 8 year olds running around without their parents. Disney knows this, so while they make sure the kids are having a magical time they must keep the adults in charge of the children happy. They do this buy providing the BEST customer service of any destination out there. Add that to the wonderful restaurants, beautiful grounds, and fantastic entertainment and you have a vacation that is hard to beat.

 

[mecllap]

WDW is a fairly expensive vacation, but you can go for several days and have a great time for far less than $10,000 for two people. Since it's new for you, avoid school vacations and major holidays and study up on a lot of the threads on DIS.

Does DH golf? A WDW vacation be anywhere from relaxing to hectic, depending on what you want to do, and how you like to vacation.

If DH totally doesn't appreciate imagination, color, fun, escape, visual and mental stimulation, the "magic" or anything else that WDW offers, it may not be a good choice for him. You do have to have an attitude of planning to enjoy it for what it is, or you can end up very unhappy, annoyed, disappointed, etc. (there are actually things to find fault with -- esp. the weather and crowds sometimes (good planning can help keep that from being a problem), not all meals will be great (most will be fine to really good). Someone who is determined not to have fun will find their expectations met -- just as someone who is willing to have fun, will enjoy it (barring unexpected things that can go wrong with any type of vacation).

I've enjoyed solo trips to Disney, or maybe you could take a friend who does want to go.

Sure, the parks were started with "family with kids" in mind, but a gazillion adults around the world also enjoy them. (And there are lots of other things to do in Orlando/Kissimmee as well).

Hope you make your trip -- have a magical visit.

 

[JenniBarra]

Disney is not for kids! Walt Disney specifically constructed Disneyland because he was tired of just sitting on the sidelines while his daughters got to ride things. He wanted a place where everyone, regardless of age, could have a good time and participate, rather than just observe.

 

[NJtoATL]

Husband and I will be married for 13 years come May. I planned for us to go to WDW for our honeymoon. He complained when I booked the trip and every day following until we actually went on the trip. Even up until the time we checked into the Disney Institute (not there any longer). Long story short we go every year 2-4 times a year since then. In fact, we've been twice this year and it is just March. Just make a believer out of him. Plan activities that he will enjoy and stay someplace that will meet his expectations. You shouldn't have any problems. Have faith and every thing will work out.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

I have no husband, but I will tell you some of the things I as an adult like about WDW...

Staying at a resort that has a nice pool, a bar, and food options- you don't even have to go to a park to have fun.. Staying at a moderate or above resort is great accommodations. Staying at one that has a beach is even better.. there is nothing more romantic that sitting in a hammock together on the beach as the sun sets.

The Boardwalk resort entertainment area. You have the street performers in the evenings, you have the ESPN Club sportsbar, you have Jellyrolls dueling piano bar(my favorite), and Atlantic Dance Hall (if your into that sort of thing)


Wonderful restaurants in both the World Showcase at Epcot, and at the resorts. Very good adult atmosphere in Jiko, Bistro De Paris, California Grill, etc...

Epcot- I freaking love Epcot. Walking around the World Showcase sampling wine and beer and slushies (all alcoholic..lol) from the different countries is really a lot of fun.

They also have golf courses, the Richard Petty driving experience and even fishing at WDW.

Bar hopping, fine dining, and getting hammered is not for kids. LOL But that is what I do when on an adults only trip to the world.

 

[Glenn]

Hi, single guy here 57. First order the planning video so hubby could get a quick peak at a few things at the parks. Second what does he like? With all the choices at the world there has to be some things that will fall into his interests. Where do you like & when do you want to go. Live someplace cold, go during your winter & enjoy the warmer weather. If he's going to mumble about $ stay at a mod or rent points at a DVC. Tell us more about him so we can help you out with better ideas.

 

[knewton64]

I've been wanting to go to Disney for years but all I could think about was the cost.

I decided that I am just going to save the money and go next year. I don't need to spend $10,000 when it's just my husband and I going.

My husband is not excited at all. He doesn't think it will be a good trip and he says that Disney is for kids. I was trying to explain how it wasn't, but he wasn't buying it.

"Then why do they make all the men shave their beards if they want to work there if it's not just for kids?" and various other responses.

The killer part is, he's never even been! So how can he say what it is and isn't?

He totally killed my Disney high.

So why do all of you adult and solo travelers go to Disney? Maybe if I have some outside feedback I'll know how to respond to this killjoy.

......I am a male (about your husband's age) and went to Disney World the first time in January 2009 and loved every minute of it! ** Disney isn't just the Magic Kingdom! ****

1). Fantastic restaurants
2). "La Nuba" ** a must see** its at Downtown Disney
3). golf/ water sports.
4). fishing
5). behind the scenes tours of WDW (I took the train behind the scenes tour & loved it)
6). and yes....there are bound to be a few attractions he would like to see

the list goes on & on..... I bet he is just a little afraid to let his "inner child" out just a bit. Good luck and give me a holler if you have any questions I can answer.
i agree with the prev poster - please tell us a little more about him.


6).

 

[MoneyMakingWife]

Thanks for all the great responses.

He's a pretty laid back guy. When he goes on vacation, he means va-ca-tion. So lots of relaxing has to be in the picture. I am worried about that a bit because I want to get up and go see as much as I can at Disney. He’ll be the type that wants to go for half a day and then just chill out until the next day. Or he'll just want to spend a whole day not really doing anything.

He likes the beach, going to the movies, and going out to eat. He also loves to dance- me not so much. He's not generally picky which is why I am having a hard time understanding why he's not showing me any kind of enthusiasm.

I bet if they had a "Wii World" he'd jump for joy.

P.S. knewton64, how old do you think my husband is because I didn't say.

 

[alexandria674]

My fiance and I have decided to make our honeymoon point at WDW and I am hearing the same remarks your husband is making from my family. I have shown them that not only do the resorts offer adult things, like spas,golf courses and water sports, there is a resturant at the Grand Flordian that only lets adults in at night. There is fishing and if you want the beach, go to the caribbean or polynesian which has so many things "beachlike" there. Also, the fun part about being an adult at WDW is that all the things that your parents may not have let you do when you were a kid (eat candy apples, churros, ice cream in the same day) you can do now!

 

[dizneydave]

I like to relax and do very little on vacation much like your husband. I'm 24 and my wife is 25. I have complained to her about going to disney too much but must admit I like it a lot myself. I find the overall atmosphere, rides, shows and food to be fun.

I think mecllap brings up a good point. If he can at least give some of the flash and "magic" a chance he might get into it himself. If he's dead set on finding ways to dislike it then that you probably won't have as much fun. A debby downer on vacation can suck the fun out for everyone.

For you and your husband I would recommend going for about 7 days. That way you can spend about half a day in the parks and the other half by the pool, sleeping or whatever you want to do to get away from crowds and noise. My wife and I usually sprint through and see most of what the parks have to offer in about 3 days. Spending an entire week at one of the resorts would allow you to take in plenty of the parks and still find time to relax.

There is an interactive disney arcade called Quest (at downtown disney) that I've never been in. Not sure if that'd be of interest to your husband since he likes wii. The world showcase in Epcot sounds good for your husband. There's lots of food, bands and alcohol from different countries. Many of the resorts provide pools and good restaurants themselves. La Nouba at downtown disney is possibly the most entertaining show I've ever seen. The Boardwalk would be a fun area to visit as well.

 

[LindaR]

Well, since it is a vacation for the BOTH of you, why don't you compromise?? Research, research, research and plan your mornings for a park. Then after lunch plan something that HE would like! Laying by the pool, mini-golf, fishing, etc. That way you BOTH end up happy.

He may need to experience it to believe it. Give him the type of vacation that he wants and still have the vacation that you want.

Choose your resort carefully since you will spend more time there. Carefully choose the time of year that you go. Research! (Can't say that enough).

Or another compromise is to do it YOUR way one day, then the next is HIS way.

Research, communicate, and plan!

 

[MoneyMakingWife]

Thanks guys.

I am more than willing to compromise...I just have to get some DW acceptance first.

Dizney Dave that's a good suggestion. We can do half parks/half relaxation. I happen to love the beach myself so that will be fun.

I guess that means we should stay on site.

 

[srwarden1928]

$10,000

DW and I went to Disney last March for 6 nights, 5 days. We went to Florida again in October and went to MNSSHP. We are going again in June and taking DN21 for 8 days, 7 nights.

I bet the three trips combined come to less than $10,000.

 

[KGH]

DBF is not the biggest disney fan, but he deals with it because he knows how important it is too me. We've are planning our 3rd trip for this fall! There are so many other things to do and see in orlando... I suggest you find a few things hubby will be interested in hat way you both have things to look forward to for the trip! Maybe golf?

 

[mef78]

Thanks for all the great responses.

He's a pretty laid back guy. When he goes on vacation, he means va-ca-tion. So lots of relaxing has to be in the picture. I am worried about that a bit because I want to get up and go see as much as I can at Disney. He’ll be the type that wants to go for half a day and then just chill out until the next day. Or he'll just want to spend a whole day not really doing anything.

He likes the beach, going to the movies, and going out to eat. He also loves to dance- me not so much. He's not generally picky which is why I am having a hard time understanding why he's not showing me any kind of enthusiasm.

I bet if they had a "Wii World" he'd jump for joy.

P.S. knewton64, how old do you think my husband is because I didn't say.

I sold my DH on Disney World by making his first trip all about relaxation, taking it easy, and going with the flow. (Also, a lot of really good food, which he loves!)

You'll see that, since that trip, we've together started a website all about Disney World for Grownups . So clearly he was sold!

Basically, I told him a bit about Disney and got a feel for what rides he might enjoy (in his case, thrill rides). We pretty much slept in, headed into the parks to ride one or two things, went and had a great lunch, then went for a walk and/or explored the other great things people have mentioned (check out our "other activities" page, especially our Leisure and Recreation page for ideas), then had a great dinner before heading back to the parks at night to ride a few more things.

We basically made the trip about us enjoying one another and relaxing, instead of focusing on where we were. He's been sold ever since.

 

[dis_guy]

I know where your hubby is coming from all to well, I was just the same before we finally went last year.

As a vacation goes, I was massively impressed with Disney by the time we checked into our resort. It just went so smoothly even though our flight was delayed and we arrived after midnight.

For the first few days I liked the parks fine but wasn't too excited about it until my "Ahhh, now I get it!" moment came one evening at the CBR where we were staying.

Coming back across the bridge after dinner we noticed they were setting up for a movie on the island so we decided to stay and see it. It was Hunchback and it was fun sitting under the stars watching the movie as a family, when suddenly, the fireworks at Epcot started. I turned my head to see them and realized that this was a very special moment for our family and I got really depressed to think that our daughters would soon be off to university and these events would be very rare, if they ever happened again.

So we'll be going back for Christmas to recapture some of the magic of our first trip and I'll bet it'll be even better.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Ok, just got back from the Buy 4 get 3 free deal (7 nights total) and had a blast. Stayed at Riverside, enjoyed the amenities at Riverside and French Quarter and had a most adult vacation ever. Went on every roller coaster, had slushies in France, enjoyed dining at the most exclusive Bistro de Paris and enjoyed nightlife at Downtown Disney and JRs on the boardwalk. A most adult vacation and spent less than 3 grand for the entire trip. 10K seems EXCESSIVE. . .

 

[Missytara]

I am a single woman in her late 40's; I went for my 40th birthday and have been going annually ever since. Most years, I go by myself, but a few times I do take friends. Either way, I always have a good time.

Speaking of relaxing, it is the most relaxing trip on Earth, for two reasons. For one, you do no driving or handling your luggage from the minute you get to your home base airport till you arrive back there. And coming from a news junkie, I do not read one newspaper or watch one news program while I am down there.

It is also the safest place to go alone - you always feel secure; and I sometimes come back at 1:00 am to my room from DTD or I sit by the pool until 3:00 pm and have never felt unsafe.

There are fantastic places to dine, wonderful shows to see, etc. Just don't go over spring break, christmas or thanksgiving week, when a lot of kids are there and you will enjoy it.

 

[dopeynme]

You might also get him the Imagineers Guide to [insert park name] books. They really help you appeciate the engineering aspects of things, explain various things (Who are the people named on the various windows on Main Street at MK?). It is more than just soaking in the atmosphere and certainly more than a child would appreciate. You can also get some guidance from a planning site such as Tour Guide Mike. That way, you can avoid some of the negatives and keep it a fun happy experience for all!

I do love the magic, we are 2 adults and go about once a year or so. I think it does help to be able to return to the resort and relax. You can also get a drink and relax at a resort where you are not staying!
What really keeps me coming back is the level of customer service. Things are not always perfect but the CMs go out of their way to make it right and do their best to accommodate you.
Before our first trip, I was not very interested......DH had to drag me there....but now I am the one who is addicted to the DIS!!!!!! Hopefully your DH will have that "aha!" moment, too! Have fun!