First time to Disney - need advice

[DisneySJB]

Hello!! I have been a DVC member since 2008 and feel like Disney really is my second "home" . I am in a committed relationship with someone who has never been to WDW! We have a trip planned in early August and I really want it to be special for him since DVC will now be part of his life also. I don't think he "gets it" yet. He says he is excited because he will be spening time with my daughter and me, but I'm not sure the idea of Disney is as exciting for him as it is for us. He specifically requested down time, which I always plan for anyway. Being DVC members, we never stay in the parks from open until close. We know we'll be back. I am going to list my planned trip. Any advice you can give to exite a 35 year old man about Disney is much appreciated!

** Staying in 1BR lake view at Boardwalk (a first for DD and I)

Day 1 - Arrive and relax at pool. Dinner at Big River Grill (his pick)
Day 2 - Magic Kingdom EMH until 1am (Dessert Party ADR??)
Day 3 - Resort Day / Downtown Disney. Dinner ADR at Raglan Road
Day 4 - Epcot. Dinner ADR at LeCellier.
Day 5 - Resort Day. Dinner ADR at Kouzzina.
Day 6 - Magic Kingdom. Lunch ADR at Tony's Town Square.
Day 7 - Animal Kingdom. Lunch ADR at Rainforest Cafe

 

[tigergrad]

My DH is not a big Disney fan. He has graciously tagged along with me and the kids for the past 30 or so years. There are many things to do outside the parks. My husband is the outdoor type. Here are some things we have done in the past to help him enjoy our trips.

Walking the path from WL to FW- lots of wildlife including deer
Fishing at POR- catch and release
Visiting FW is pleasant- visit the horse stable
Since you're staying at the BW you could rent a bike
early morning walks around the boardwalk area are nice

This June for our 30th anniversary I am going to rent a boat and let DH do some fishing.

 

[Minniesgal]

Does he golf? My plan was always to let hubby have a golf day but it has never happened yet!

 

[disneynutz]

Throw you plan out the window and do what he wants to do.

Let him take the time to experience WDW for himself at his pace. Disney has something for everyone just give him time to find out what that is. Don't overwhelm him with your excitement and keep the vacation low key so your daughter doesn't turn him off with her excitement.

Bill

 

[mom of princessx2]

I don't know how old your dd is but you could plan a date night for just the 2 of you. We do that at least once every trip. My dh is also a golfer and he plays once or twice per trip. The Boardwalk is so amazing I am sure you won't have a problem converting him!

 

[Disneylvr4]

I agree with disneynutz. I think you need to just see what each day brings. Of course have an idea of what you'd like to do, maybe sit down each night and make the decision for the next day together? Ask him what he'd like to do or see vs having a set schedule.

We also make the decisions night prior or even day of. We make our decisions based on weather, how our kids are coping, and what we really want to do. We don't go in with a set plan for each day, we play it out as it comes!

 

[LPnerd]

Its going to Be VERY hot and VERY humid . IMHO there is NO reason to go to Animal Kingdom after 10am in the summer... as in africa, the animals are asleep as it's TOO HOT! ROFL....
also aug. at disney and you want him to love it? Hot, humid and crowds????
well the good news is you're at Boardwalk, so if he likes sports, he'll love ESPN cl;ub which, BTW has excellent food! IN fact all the restrants on the boardwalk are very good.
I'd switch from animal kingdom to MGM ( HS) as it it also a boat raide or nice early am or evening walk away... that show is great and also a few more adult things to do as well. I don't know how old your daughter is, but your going to make her wait until day two to go to a park??? my kids would loose it, and hate my husband... I would hate that myself come to think of it... but then, I would never go in august, or any summer month but MANY MANY MANY do. So what the heck do I know?
Some people are just not Disney people, my husband is one of them. Hopefully your guy is going to love it. perhaps the better way to do this is to set your schedule, and let him go at his own pace... you don't want daughter and this new guy to be at odds over a theme park, right??? Good LUCK and I hope it turns into just the best time!

 

[DeeCee735]

My suggestion.....

Since you know his likes and dislikes, pick something you know he likes to do (golfing, fishing, sleeping by the pool, animal lover, fine dining, watching a game and having a burger, etc....) and then tailor a couple of things towards that.

Just for example, a behind the scenes tour in Animal Kingdom Park for a close up look at the animals or operations, a tee time for a golf morning, reservations in Flying Fish Cafe at the BWV or Yachtsman Steakhouse, even a ride in a race car at the Speedway, etc.

Is it possible he'll fall in love with Disney when he sees it's not all about parks and there's alot for adults to do as well?

Have a great trip! Many happy vacations together too!

 

[LPnerd]

Throw you plan out the window and do what he wants to do.

Let him take the time to experience WDW for himself at his pace. Disney has something for everyone just give him time to find out what that is. Don't overwhelm him with your excitement and keep the vacation low key so your daughter doesn't turn him off with her excitement.

Bill

oh yes, by all means cater to him and forget about what you and your kid want... I hope your reply came out wrong NUTZ....

 

[lilpooh108]

It really depends on his likes/dislikes. Here are some things that helped the rest of my family "convert."

My parents are foodies, and they LOVED going during F&W and it really changed their perspective about traveling with us to WDW. When they come with us, I always make sure to have plenty of ADRs at Narcoossee's, Le Cellier, etc. Epcot is their favorite park, so we usually wander around and eat.

My husband is a convert. He thought I was nuts for buying into DVC, and on his first AKV stay he liked it more than I did (the animals off the balcony was the clincher). We've not tried the Richard Petty Speedway yet, but that helped also (the variety of choices at WDW appeals to him).

My brother & sis in law are not super fans at all (and they hate standing in lines). On their 1st trip to WDW they really enjoyed the shows (Fantasmic, and others). They love modern decor, so they stayed at BLT and loved it.

I think you have to throw your idea of the perfect trip out the window. If he wants downtime, then maybe do more pool time or even pool hop to show him the different resorts. If your child wants to do rides, you could even split up for a few hours and let him explore on his own. He might enjoy the individual time to explore, but I bet he would think it's too rude to ask. If he seems overwhelmed, maybe just offer.

 

[disneynutz]

oh yes, by all means cater to him and forget about what you and your kid want... I hope your reply came out wrong NUTZ....

If you really care about your loved one, putting off your usual plans until next trip is no big deal in my book. Especially if you love Disney/WDW and you really want to give him the opportunity to like it as much as you do.

Kids are kids and they will follow your lead if given no other choice. They can have fun doing just about anything.

Bill

 

[ssawka]

Throw you plan out the window and do what he wants to do.

Let him take the time to experience WDW for himself at his pace. Disney has something for everyone just give him time to find out what that is. Don't overwhelm him with your excitement and keep the vacation low key so your daughter doesn't turn him off with her excitement.

Bill

oh yes, by all means cater to him and forget about what you and your kid want... I hope your reply came out wrong NUTZ....

I'm afraid I have to agree with Bill. Yes you can have certain things that you want to do together, but from a male perspective, there is no better way to turn him off on vacation then to have every minute of every day planned.

Also, men generally like to have "alone time", so give him the opportunity to explore on his own. Maybe buy him a tour book and let him get a feel for the things that are available. Birmbaum's is probably a good choice as it just provides a high-level overview of WDW without going into the nitty gritty details.

What does he like to do? Maybe you can suggest some activities around that. And again, give him some time to explore these things on his own. Does he like to golf? How about cars? If it's in the budget you could schedule something for him at the Richard Petty driving experience. Maybe sports? You can see if anything is going on at Wide World of Sports while you are there.

The important thing is that he gets a chance to do the things he likes to do and at his own pace. Maybe he's not like that, maybe he would rather spend the whole day with you and DD, but at least give him the opportunity.

I don't know how old your dd is but you could plan a date night for just the 2 of you. We do that at least once every trip. My dh is also a golfer and he plays once or twice per trip. The Boardwalk is so amazing I am sure you won't have a problem converting him!

Even if DD is a bit younger, you can schedule an evening at the Sandcastle Club in BC for her and have dinner in Epcot or at Yatchsman or somewhere else close by.

 

[disneynutz]

If he's into sports, don't forget about the ESPN Club on the Boardwalk.

Bill

 

[lilpooh108]

Also, men generally like to have "alone time", so give him the opportunity to explore on his own.

I completely agree. My DH loves cruising DCL, Epcot, and DLR. We always end up splitting up for an hour or 2. He always comes back excited, talking about random things he did (F&W seminar, tequila tasting on DCL, some ride he did). At DLR he'll go do Radiator Springs while I take DD somewhere (she's too short), and then I get to hear all the gossip about the people in line. Sometimes I don't go b/c my DD is too short, sometimes I don't go because I'm just too lazy.

 

[Kidanifan08]

I may be an outlier here, but if this guy is a first-timer and is really into becoming a part of your family, he should love seeing how you do Disney. Disney is a family destination. If he wants alone time, he can go on a fishing weekend (or whatever he is into). Don't get me wrong, I agree with others about planning one night with just the two of you, if that's an option with your DD. But the last thing I would do is try to cater the trip to to meet his yet unclear interests at Disney and have it end up being a so-so time for you, and more importantly your DD.

I agree with others, HS does have more for guys (TSMM, TOT, RRR, Indiana Jones, Lights/Motors/Action), so you may want to try to fit in some time there. Given that you are there in Aug, I might even suggest Typhoon Lagoon on Day 3; you could even rent a private cabana and make it more personal.

To paraphrase a line from a really old movie: "Peoples reactions to "WDW" the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they dont, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

WDW is obviously a part of you and your daughters soul, and if you show him that while you are there, he may love it even more. If you don't do Disney the way you know how to do, it may turn out to be an average visit for everyone and could become a total turn-off for him. Go and show him how much you love it and why!

 

[Shellandscott]

My DH loves to play TSM against us. Maybe have your daughter ride with him and have them compete. They also have the Star Wars ride, if he is interested in Star Wars. DHS should be in your plans. As some one mentioned, get a book on Disney, most libraries have them to be checked out so you do not have to buy one. Have him look it over and tell you what he may be interested in seeing. That will also give you a chance to share some of your thoughts on rides you and DD love.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Most people who have never been to WDW have no idea what to expect. Many have the idea that it will be nothing more than kiddie rides. You probably just need to show him that this isn't the case, and that the parks are enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Ask him to agree to what I'm going to coin the "Broccolli Clause." Ask him to be willing to try things with you, with the understanding that if he isn't enjoying himself, you have a few ideas of things he can try on his own.

Your plan looks fine to me.

 

[DisneySJB]

Thank you for all of the responses The reason we are going in August is because it was the only week he got approved for bulk vacation over the summer. I had asked him to try for June, but it didn't end up being available. My employer is very flexible, so this bulk vacation concept is new to me. I am also a bit concerned with the heat, which is why I left lots of pool/free time scheduled We've never been in August either.

Thanks for the Wide World of Sports idea I will look into that! It's something we would all enjoy if there is something happening during that time.