Getting hooked on Disney

[palavra]

I've been a Disneyphile for most of my life even though I've only been to Epcot and MK 3 times since I was 7. I knew when I had a child that I wanted to include Disney in vacation plans, but my DH is not such a fan. He loves amusement parks in general, and has not problem with Disney, but he's got this idea that Disney is a kid's place. Has anyone else been able to successfully convert your somewhat reluctant spouse after your first trip?

Just so you know, Dh has been to MK in 2007. We did a Universal trip then and took DD to MK for one day.; He wasn't really impressed, but it was a poorly planned, one day spur of the moment thing. I'm really hoping that a week at a resort with free dining and other parks will help change his mind!

 

[scousemouse09]

I'll let you know once I've been! DH has never been to Disney, can't understand why I'm so excited and moans every time I mention it. I will convert him though!!

 

[Melody L]

I'm trying to convert my DH as well! We leave in less than 24 hrs and my DH says that this is our last trip!

 

[eeyorepixie]

My husband was dead set against Disney last year and I had to pay for the trip. I used TGM and made things as stressless as possible, booked bounceback and he paid this time!!! He is not so sure about every year, but I am So I would say he is a convert, he even picked up DVC literature last trip

 

[ransom]

DW had been to Disneyland as a 10-year-old and as a young adult, but had never been to WDW when we first decided to go. Like your DH, she loves amusement parks and was fine with Disney, but didn't think much of Disney rides in general. I'd been trying to convince her to go for years, when we finally did in 2006.

In the lead up to the trip, I was the only one who was really excited. We were going for 8 nights, and her thought was, "Okay, 8 nights, 4 parks -- what are we going to do for the other 4 days?"

She was decidedly impressed with the bigger, more elaborate rides such as Tower of Terror, Test Track, and Expedition Everest. While none of those is as wild as the wildest thrill park rides, they're impressive in their story and theming and the ride systems themselves are very good.

Also, she'd gone in saying she had no interest in seeing any parades. But I arranged for us to be "stuck" on Main Street just as Spectromagic started. That changed her opinion of Disney parades for good. Now she enjoys the daytime and holiday parades at MK as well as the one at AK.

By the end of that trip, she was ready to come back again. We've been back every year since (and became DVC members just a few months after returning).

 

[connie1042]

My DH is not really a fan, but that does not stop me from being a crazy disney nut. He loves our trips when we go. They are planned out to make the best of everything. We use the dinning plan and love to go to different restaurants. We always plan a day at the beach, plus another down day. He always has a good time. He does it more for me than anything and I love him for that. I dno't think he will ever be super excited about a Disney trip, but like he says, this is your vacation, so you choose what we do. He gets to go skiing in Feb with friends and has a few big camping trips. So we are pretty even.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

WDW is for kids, but that has nothing to do with age. IMO, if you are unable to let go and think like a child, WDW is lost to you. There will never be any magic.

I am not sure how to get a serious minded person to let go in WDW, but that the key. I am a corporate director, but I am also capable of letting go. Most people at work cannot believe that I love WDW. They simply do not see that side of me (and I don't want them to). But you can be both. Some men just don't know how (or want to learn)...

 

[Britgirlus]

I took dh for the first time this past May - I had been a few times over 20 years ago, and when we had our son, we decided we would take him when he was 5 - so dh was OK with that, even though, as he said, he went with "low expectations" so he wouldn't be disappointed. He absolutely loved it !! he was definitely caught by the magic - and acts kind of stunned when we talk about what happened - he can't wait to go back next May ! Yep - I definitely have a convert

 

[ZeoliFamily]

If your DH has only been to MK then he hasn't seen Epcot, AK or Hollywood Studios which will show him different sides of Disney. Why not get the vaca planning video so he can get a glimpse of all that Disney has to offer? Don't forget the "behind the scenes" tours which can give him an insiders view of the engineering behind Disney.

-Jim

 

[PAcpl]

When DW and I first got married we were big into cruising. We wanted to try something different and we talked about Disney but figured it was too childish for us since we have no children. We finally broke down one year and went to Disney. We came home and a month later purchased DVC. If you have the opportunity to get a sitter (from what I have read Disney has amazing sitter services) then I would suggest doing so one night. The two of you go out alone for a nice dinner and maybe a few drinks at JellyRolls. Or grab a bite to eat in the World Showcase. Then concentrate more on shopping and eating/drinking at a leisurely pace. We have gone to Disney by ourselves and with my DB, DSIL and 3 kids. Trust me when I say it's a different beast with and without kids, especially The World Showcase.

Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy yourselves!