Disney with a non Disney lover!

[petals]

So I was wondering what people do if one person in their group isn't the greatest Disney fan but wants to go to the parks with you. Is there anything special you do to show them Disney can be fun and is worth going back to?

 

[krispin41]

This was my husband...and after our first trip together he was a convert. I say don't push them and they will find something that speaks to them.

 

[MrsGeek]

Hi petals! i have had similar problems in the past going to my favorite place with someone who isn't as fond of Disney. And I agree with krispin41 that not pushing them is really the best way to go. If you see them leaning towards certain kinds of attractions (they like roller coasters or they're really enjoying the shows) then just make a point to head toward those kinds of attractions. It is nice to know that even though they aren't fans of Disney that they want to hang out with you enough to go into the park with you

 

[anniebean]

I divorced him

.....(but that's not the reason why)......

 

[lalasmama]

This was my husband...and after our first trip together he was a convert. I say don't push them and they will find something that speaks to them.

Yes to the above!

In our case, DH had been a few times before (once when he was like 7, and another time with his ex-wife and their 4 kids, where they camped in a tent and spent 2 days at Disneyland), but he'd never really been when he could "afford" it, and he had never been with someone who actually enjoyed the parks. When I first asked him to go, we were engaged. He told me he didn't want to spend the money. I pointed out that it would be less than $500, as he would only need to pony up for his airfare, entrance ticket, and food, since I already had the hotel, and would be paying for that with or without him. Eventually, he came around, as he said, "So we could have a family vacation." On the way there, he wasn't excited about going, other than for the family time. The first morning, he couldn't have cared less about being there, other than the family time we were having. (He's big on family time!) I made sure to ask him what he wanted to do, making a point to do that first, and many times a day if we could. Yes, it meant that I couldn't get the stupid Pirates song out of my head for weeks, but that's a small price to pay.

About a week after getting home from the vacation, he told me we would be going back for our honeymoon. I told him that wasn't necessary, since he didn't like it nearly as much as I did, and he may have admitted that he liked it more than he thought he would... and now, he's made me promise he can go back every other year. Uuuummmm, yeah, okay, I guess I can allow that!

For us, the biggest things were not pushing, and letting the park do the convincing. Even if they don't care about Disney, they are willing to go to the Parks to spend time with you. Who knows--maybe the fond memories that happen will sway them to become a Disney person too!

 

[Angrose]

I feel your pain. My DH is not the biggest Disney fan either. I took him for the first time 12 years ago. I didn't even give him a choice, it was his first trip to California and the USA for that matter (he is British) so it HAD to include a trip to DLR, right? He thought it was OK, but liked Vegas better. Fast forward 10 years and we took our first family trip with our then DS5. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times (I won't get into that here)! DH enjoyed the attention to detail (he is an artist) and he loves Star Tours, but he still doesn't feel the magic like I do.

Now I have rediscovered my love for Disney and have started yearly solo trips. He is totally fine with that and so is my DS funny enough! However, I wanted my first holiday DLR trip to be with my family, so I have been saving all year to make this trip happen. The boys are looking forward to seeing the Marvel and Star Wars stuff, plus Cars Land which we all love. I booked the DLH as a surprise, but I couldn't help but tell DH and he is super excited now! Yay!

He still doesn't see the point in going every year, or several times a year for that matter, but he lets me take my solo trips so that's fine with me! I actually really enjoyed being there on my own earlier this year, so I think it works out just fine

 

[petals]

This will be the 8th trip to a Disney park this person will be going to. Last time she seemed to be enjoying it all but when we got home she told me she was bored out of her skull the entire time... I'm wondering if there's anything I can do so she won't be bored this time

 

[cmpeter]

I just got back from a trip with my dd (14). She has been many times before, but all when she was under age 5 and she didn't really have any concrete memories of those trips. We went to WDW two years ago and she remembered that trip and wasn't a big fan. Maybe the heat, bickering with her older brother, etc?

She loved this trip to DL and has already asked to make it an annual tradition. I made sure I planned for the coaster type rides in the morning and for the end of day...starting her off with things she loves and ended the day with those memories. We also went for the Halloween party and she really loved that. I think it's because she's 14 and starting to feel to old for costumes, but still really wanting to dress up. The party gives her the perfect cover for dressing up and trick-or-treating.

 

[ehrawn]

Anti-DL people have preconceived assumptions about the bad side of going to the park and are looking for all evidence to support their point of view. The best way to ensure they (and you) have fun is to prove them wrong. Examples: lines, crowds, heat, expensive foods/souvenirs are all things to avoid. What worked for me (everyone wanted to be there for the grandkids first visit) was FL at opening, then the west side of the park, making sure to hit the classics, then out of the park by 1200 before the crowds showed up. We skipped any ride that had a line (except for the fast-loaders). By the time we got back to the house for lunch, everyone, even "the curmudgeon" in our group, was raving that it was the best trip they ever had- and that was only half a day. We happened to splurge on a WOC dinning package, but I wouldn't suggest it. It would have been better to go back to the park for the parade/shows (WOC or F!) /Fireworks, and then, once everyone was excited about the park, let them go off and do their own things.

 

[GatorChris]

I divorced him

.....(but that's not the reason why)......

Sure, whatever.

I would need to know if he/she likes to relax or if he like to go go go. There are so many facets of Disney. Most people are in complete awe of the fireworks that happen at night. That tends to make believers out of everybody. Even me! I thought Epcot was kinda boring...until I saw Illuminations. Then the whole experience of the park came together.

 

[StormyCA]

My DH is pretty much Disney's #1 UN-fan. No imagination, never went as a child, hates the crowds, hates the lines, hates the costs. He's been maybe 7 times our 26 year marriage (with our kids and once 'just us'). He says he enjoys seeing me loving Disney and enjoyed seeing the kids experience the magic. As a result, I visit Disney with my BFF with his blessing!

As you can see, the things he hates are the things that can't be avoided. The key is that he is always gracious and very good about it. And I'm understanding if he just needs to take a break & head back to the Grand for a bit. The main thing, though, is not you showing them how Disney can be wonderful. It's whether or not they are going to have an open mind and an open heart. If DH came with me and huffed and eye rolled and complained the whole time, it would be miserable for all. Is your friend likely to 'grin and bear it' or will he/she have 'attitude' or visibly act the martyr? Because I would very politely decline to take them if they weren't able to be a good sport. It's just too darn expensive!!

I'd suggest scheduling the trip during a 'less crowded' time. Let your nDP (non-Disney Person) pick some things to do, even if they aren't traditionally things you do. Let them pick the meals (if cost is one of their bugaboos). Plan 'down time' sitting on a bench people watching. Keep in your mind that you probably won't be able to do some of the things you usually do since nDPs tend to move more slowly rather than hustle from ride to ride like we do.

But all my complaining about DH aside…he's taking us to WDW (1st time!!) for my birthday next year!! He were going back to DL, but he suggested WDW. He said if he has to 'do Disney', he'd rather it be 'new Disney'. LOL

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

This was my husband...and after our first trip together he was a convert. I say don't push them and they will find something that speaks to them.

This.