Help me help my husband see the magic!!

[Honeybee1983]

Pattyduke34~ Oh sheesh! That is the EXACT response my hubs had when I asked first about going in May! He said we just went! Well actually it was almost a year ago!!

Goofy_mom~ REALLY great suggestions on comparing other places to Disney! BRILLIANT! And you are so right, if he ever gets into the magic, it WILL only be on his own terms. Men! So stubborn! LOL We did do BBB last time, but like I said in another post, he is a freak about money (I feel like why even work if not to enjoy it?!) so extra experiences are a pretty hard sell. I like the suggestions about getting HIM to interract with the CM's though! Thank you!

 

[Keepee]

What kind of things appeal to him? Maybe he'd like to hunt the hidden mickeys? Maybe he'd like to help the kids collect pins?

Could you let him plan the food portions of the trip? What about letting him set up the "game plan" as to what to ride first, where to go, etc?

I see that he likes to save money- I do too! Maybe get him to hunt on the internet to find free/cheap things to do in and around Disney- like letting him be the one to find out you can get free water .

He may never get in to it the way you are- I know my husband is definitely more of a "Disney World (we're east coasters, I'm here because we are planning our first Disneyland trip, hehehe- though only for 1 day :/. ) is a once every 5 years kinda trip", even though we do go a little more frequently than that and he even let me make it our Honeymoon spot hehe.

Good luck . If all else fails... just whack him with a wand!

 

[taaren]

Fortunately my DH loves DLR too, though neither my DGF's DH or mine are as obsessed with it as we are. I think that they have really come to appreciate the Disney vacation for its non-Disney parts as much as if not more than the park time. They have restaurants they look forward to (both on property and down the street), we have a drinking night where the adults all kick back together and send the kids with grandparents, and just relaxing and enjoying the resorts and pools is now as much a part of our vacation experience as the park time. Perhaps you could try to emphasize the enjoyable less-Disney parts of the Disney vacation then he'd want to go even more? Or try combining it with other types of vacation he would like? (Ie 3 days Disney, 3 days beach/camping?)

If he doesn't want to go and you and the kids do, find a friend to team up with (preferably one with kids) and go anyways! Even if he comes with you only every other year or every third year you can still have a blast on your annual Disney trips. Or perhaps every three years switch from you + adult friends [no kids], you + kids + maybe friends w kids, then you + DH + kids ie family trip?

 

[Goofy_Mom]

Pattyduke34~ Oh sheesh! That is the EXACT response my hubs had when I asked first about going in May! He said we just went! Well actually it was almost a year ago!!

Goofy_mom~ REALLY great suggestions on comparing other places to Disney! BRILLIANT! And you are so right, if he ever gets into the magic, it WILL only be on his own terms. Men! So stubborn! LOL We did do BBB last time, but like I said in another post, he is a freak about money (I feel like why even work if not to enjoy it?!) so extra experiences are a pretty hard sell. I like the suggestions about getting HIM to interract with the CM's though! Thank you!

Check out DTD's Disney 365. They do "rock star" make overs for almost half the cost of BBB The CM end up spending more time with the kids than they do at BBB, too.

 

[BensDaddy]

(Promise him things in the room after the kids are asleep)

I don't even get THAT at home!!!???



Get your minds out of the gutter!
I was talking about MICKEY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES too...!

 

[Honeybee1983]

I don't even get THAT at home!!!???



Get your minds out of the gutter!
I was talking about MICKEY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES too...!

BWAHAHAHA!!! I LOVE this board already!

 

[Honeybee1983]

OH and little update for everyone!! We actually got confirmation last night that DH's youngest brother is coming with us for sure! He bought his plane tickets and everything!! YAY! So we will have someone we can trade off the kids with so the hubs and I can do some things together! I am gonna push hard to try and get a "date night @ Disney" for the two of us too on our first night in. Hubs loves that idea. He is actually excited (about something FINALLY!) so I am gonna do all I can to make it happen! Yay! That's right DH, take a good ole triple dip in that pixie dust!!

 

[drag n' fly]

WOW!! I just go grocery shopping and I come back to this?! HA! What an outpour of GREAT suggestions!!

Teacups~ YOU are hilarious...I think we should be friends!

QueenbeeMB~ Great suggestions. I like the idea of getting him interested in something he enjoys there! I am hoping since Startours will be open this time, that he will find a great love for that! He's really into Starwars!

Drag n fly~ So where exactly do I find the pixie dust? I would like to thoroughly dunk my husband in it before we leave! I am thinking as he sees more and more what a great time the four loves of his life (me and his 3 little princesses of course!) have there each time we go, the more willing he will become. crossing fingers!

LisainCalifornia~ I have been pondering maybe going with just my two oldest girls next time. My husband had suggested it for this time, but then we decided to make it a family trip. It's good to know that even if HE doesn't want to go each year, at least he is ok with me making it happen for me and the kids!

kkmcan~ I think getting excited about the new stuff is a great idea! He sort of has this mentality right now that he's seen it, so why are we going again? There will be two brand new rides, plus he didn't get to do splash (which he will LOVE being a thrillseeker!!), so we have that going for us too! Next time we will get to look forward to carsland. I also think the "us" time at Disneyland is a fantastic idea! We did get to do that a little bit last time because my parents came along, but we were soooo exhausted it was only sort of fun...we probably both really would have rather slept at the time! HA! This time we do have some family coming again, so I may try to squeal in a "date night @ disneyland" sort of deal again!

SGdisneyfam~ Glad the magic found you! It sounds like your family has a blast together on your trips!! So thers IS hope for my husband yet, huh?!

Pixiewings71~ Thanks for the suggestions to do other things too! We actually are! we decided that even though it will cost more, we are going to rent a car for the whole week and we are going to go to Hollywood and the beach too. He will really enjoy doing both of those things. I think we are even going to split up our disney days this time and do Hollywood/beach in the middle. That should make it even more fin for him. Not as much commando alllll day for a lot of days stuff!

myxdvz~ HA! It does sound like the magic of disney is catching your hubby a bit!! There is hope for all of them yet! Worse comes to worse, I am thinking: Join DisDivas and leave him home!!

23bw~ Oh I would so LOVE to stay onsite, however, money is a HUGE deal to my husband. If something is unreasonably expensive to him, the entire trip sucks...NOT kidding! So I have compromised and found a very close hotel with a great deal! We did goofy's kitchen last time and loved it, I think we will do minnie's this time! He LOVES breakfast and buffets too, so that should be perfect! We will check out Startours for sure, I think he will love that and I want to do CaptainEO this time too. I think he will really enjoy that as well. Thanks for the reminder on backing off his case about being a downer too. Important to remember that! And HA!!! Loved the find a new husband comment! Made me laugh so hard!

DizMe~ You know, I have been beginning to think that maybe that will be me too. And that's OK, right? As fun as it is as a family, this is MY thing and my kids too, and if he doesn't fall head over heels into it, it's not the end of te world...he can just stay home next time...WITH the baby!

Kailuagirl~ aww that's wonderful! It's so nice to hear the "success" stories out there! I am really, realllly hoping since it will be MUCH slower this time that hubby will really get to see the immense joy the place brings to the kids and me! And yea, we are going to actually go to Hollywood and the beach too! Funny snippet also, hubby loves vegas and so I am thinking of a short tip later in the year for just the two of us.

3minnies1mickey~ GREAT suggestions, thank you! Hoping the joy will be running rampant and so very obvious for DH to see!!

kirstie101~ It's so great to hear that staying close and low crowds makes a difference. I am thinking it really will for us too!!

izzystout~ Crossing fingers hard for YOU that your dh finds the magic through your son's eyes!

Bensdaddy~ Ahhh smart! Appeal to all and it's better! So sorry your wife isn't into it as much as you and your son are too. Hoping she falls head-first into a vat of pixie dust for you too!

Not speaking on behalf of all men however most guys want to feel they are getting their money's worth. I planned things that I knew he would enjoy. Food and lots of ride time and he was hooked! One thing he really enjoys is just riding the boat up and down the river near POR. He enjoys Star Wars so I am planning a Star Wars weekend trip for him. He really likes fireworks so I planned a dinner at California Grill so we could watch the fireworks on the terrace. I also took him on the Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage this past summer and he loved that also. He loves the waterparks so that is always a must do. He loves Blue Bayou so he is going in three weeks. I am taking him to WOC with dinner! Men can start to be a bit pissy if they feel their holiday needs are ingored or they are hungry, so I make sure I try and plan things for every member in the party they may enjoy!

 

[Honeybee1983]

Not speaking on behalf of all men however most guys want to feel they are getting their money's worth. I planned things that I knew he would enjoy. Food and lots of ride time and he was hooked! One thing he really enjoys is just riding the boat up and down the river near POR. He enjoys Star Wars so I am planning a Star Wars weekend trip for him. He really likes fireworks so I planned a dinner at California Grill so we could watch the fireworks on the terrace. I also took him on the Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage this past summer and he loved that also. He loves the waterparks so that is always a must do. He loves Blue Bayou so he is going in three weeks. I am taking him to WOC with dinner! Men can start to be a bit pissy if they feel their holiday needs are ingored or they are hungry, so I make sure I try and plan things for every member in the party they may enjoy!

FABULOUS ideas, thank you soo much! You sound like a great wife who is really intune to her hubby's needs! We did LOVE Blue Bayou last time and he STILL talks about those delicious short ribs and the gumbo! mmmm I think I am gonna try to add that in for our date night as a surprise!! Also I will definitely play up the starwars side of it since mine is a SW freak! His latest craze is the SWTOR multi-player online SW game. Yours into that? lol He loves it SO much, sometimes I call it the "the woman" I hope having ST at the park this time will really help propel the magic for him! The thing that is tricky with mine is that his family was super-suuuuuuper poor while he was growing up (mainly because his dad was a huge jerk wad, but that's a totally different story for another time...or never!! ) so hubby doesn't even really know what he likes. He didn't even get to go to county fairs when he was young. He has discovered that he DOES really enjoy thrill rides, so screamin and TOT are certainly on our list, but getting him into themeing and having him not think it's a "boring" ride cuz it wasn't crazy and fast is a little trickier. He did really enjoy BTMRR and he wants to do space again too. Hoping the familiarity of the themeing going back the 2nd time will start to really attach itself to him with lots of Also banking on hoping he will feel really "cool" since he "knows" Disney now and his brothers don't, so HE will be the one to show them around and help them see what is cool and fun about it...and maybe open HIS own eyes in the meantime too!

 

[helenb]

If your DH is into the recent Pirates movies, he might get a big kick out of the Pirates Lair Island as well!

For Star Wars, make sure you get your little ones into the Jedi Academy show. You DH will love it! There's a good thread that was just started recently where someone posted pics of their little DD in a Cinderella gown and Jedi robe fighting Darth Vader. Too precious!

Also, show your DH this video... hysterical!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4_dZPVg8KI

 

[Honeybee1983]

If your DH is into the recent Pirates movies, he might get a big kick out of the Pirates Lair Island as well!

For Star Wars, make sure you get your little ones into the Jedi Academy show. You DH will love it! There's a good thread that was just started recently where someone posted pics of their little DD in a Cinderella gown and Jedi robe fighting Darth Vader. Too precious!

Also, show your DH this video... hysterical!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4_dZPVg8KI

HAHA! That vid is GREAT! Thanks for sharing! I would love to get my girls to do the jedi academy, buuut, I don't think they'd be into it at all! They are princesses for sure! hehe

 

[DizMe]

HAHA! That vid is GREAT! Thanks for sharing! I would love to get my girls to do the jedi academy, buuut, I don't think they'd be into it at all! They are princesses for sure! hehe

You know, about the only time my dh was really into DLR was when our girls were in the princess phase. He actually enjoyed their delight in the magic and how gaga they were at visiting with the princesses at Ariel's Grotto dinner (see my sig pics below). Maybe your dh will enjoy the kids' excitement? Now that mine are older and out of the princess thing (sigh), he has lost interest in going as often. He likes DL but doesn't love it. He enjoys the rides but he is pretty much done after about a day and a half. He likes staying at the hotel pool or (sacrilege!!) watching sports on TV in the room. I can see why you wouldn't want to pay a lot of money to go if that's all you're really wanting to do. He's a good sport about going along with us once a year, which is more often than he wants to go. But since that isn't enough for us, we are fine going without him at other times. It's less stressful on everyone! My dh is one of those can't-relax types who speeds through everything and I'm more of a leisurely-pace type. He doesn't like to shop (understatement), doesn't like to spend much on food, and complains a lot about how much everything costs, even though I've had it all budgeted out and pay for the majority. That messes with my magic and so we've learned that one short trip with the whole family is the way for us to go. Other trips during the year will not include dh and that works for us! In fact, I kind of enjoy having something of "my own" to do; he has golf, I have DL!

 

[teacups]

I don't even get THAT at home!!!???



Get your minds out of the gutter!
I was talking about MICKEY ICE CREAM SANDWICHES too...!

You need to GO TO DISNEY!!

 

[Honeybee1983]

You know, about the only time my dh was really into DLR was when our girls were in the princess phase. He actually enjoyed their delight in the magic and how gaga they were at visiting with the princesses at Ariel's Grotto dinner (see my sig pics below). Maybe your dh will enjoy the kids' excitement? Now that mine are older and out of the princess thing (sigh), he has lost interest in going as often. He likes DL but doesn't love it. He enjoys the rides but he is pretty much done after about a day and a half. He likes staying at the hotel pool or (sacrilege!!) watching sports on TV in the room. I can see why you wouldn't want to pay a lot of money to go if that's all you're really wanting to do. He's a good sport about going along with us once a year, which is more often than he wants to go. But since that isn't enough for us, we are fine going without him at other times. It's less stressful on everyone! My dh is one of those can't-relax types who speeds through everything and I'm more of a leisurely-pace type. He doesn't like to shop (understatement), doesn't like to spend much on food, and complains a lot about how much everything costs, even though I've had it all budgeted out and pay for the majority. That messes with my magic and so we've learned that one short trip with the whole family is the way for us to go. Other trips during the year will not include dh and that works for us! In fact, I kind of enjoy having something of "my own" to do; he has golf, I have DL!

I totally get the dh being grumpy with money messing with your magic! I completely agree! I really don't care how much anything costs while at Disney. It is just money afterall...life is short and why work hard in life if not to enjoy it?! I can't think of anything else I'd rather do!! It sounds like if they can't get on board and feel the same way, it really IS better to just have them stay home!

 

[gochief58]

Personally I can't understand why anyone would not love a Disney vacation. I grew up dreaming of going to Disneyland. I did not get to go until I was 33. My DW wanted to go snow skiing but the kids and I voted for DL. That was 2005. We all loved it. My DW was so happy she got out voted.

Since then we have been to DW in 08, 09, 10, and 11. We are planning our return to Disneyland in July for 8 days and we cannot wait. I can't imagine taking the family any other place. We adopted 4 and 5 year old boys last year and they had a blast and they ask all the time when are we going back. A growing family and tough economy have made it tougher but everyone is willing to cut back on extras in order to make it happen. I feel like I work 50 weeks a year just for that 2 weeks during the summer.

If you have a husband who doesn't love Disney one thing that a lot of our friends have found a lot of the fellows love Star Wars Weekends at DHS. You might give that one a shot. What guy doesn't want an 8X10 of him and Darth Vader or Chewbacha hanging on his office wall or in his locker....

 

[bakerudall]

I can relate to your husband a little (except I don't mind crowds). I never went to Disneyland until my honeymoon, and that was just for a day to please my wife and to be able to say that I had been there. At the time, I only compared it to Six Flags MM and thought the Disney coasters were too tame and childish. Now that I'm older, I love the park, and I love watching my kids smile there. I don't need to be scared to death to have fun on a ride anymore. Also, I now appreciate how magical the parks really are, with their exceptional cast members, professionalism, cleanliness, service, and the detailed artistry of every aspect of the parks. I am still not a Disney freak, but I am totally sold on Disney parks as a top vacation choice. I am actually planning a trip with just me and my DW.

As for the crowds, I never felt crowded at Disneyland. Everyone was very polite, no one gave me any dirty looks when my kids acted up, and I never felt rushed, pushed, or jostled for position.

Oh and talk about falling in love....seeing DD in the Jedi Training Academy this past trip was a huge highlight for him. He still talks about it.

Bingo! One of my greatest memories was watching my son battle Darth Maul at the JTA. I would post a pic of it, but I can't post pics until after my 10th post on the site, so look for it later when I add a trip report. Also, Star Tours TAC will be awesome!

 

[Rainasunshine]

Just find something that he likes and let the magic grow from there. Is there a Disney movie he has a secret soft spot for? Or a character he grew up loving? Maybe you can recreate a happy memory from his past or show him the more refined adult side of Disney. Take him on a Disney date night since you can use the in-laws as babysitters! (hopefully they would be up for that )
Take turns doing stuff you would both enjoy and watching the magic reflecting off the kids faces. The splitting up days is a really good idea too. In the middle of your trip head out to the beach and soak up the atmosphere. You can also do one day trips to universal studios, Sea world, six flags, the zoo or just walking in any area he has in interest in. Ask him what he would like to do so he feels important

When DBF and I go we each have a "contest" to see who can come up with the most amazing thing to do at Disneyland for that trip for the other person. And usually even though he is doing something he reallllly enjoys I am just happy to see him happy and vice versa Like this last trip he made sure that I met Russel and Dug because UP is my favorite movie while we were on the hunt to find Goofy for him. I will admit this is a bit unfair because DBF is a super Disney lover to the point where meeting Walt or getting into Club 33 would put him into a little happy state of shock, but it is worth a try to find similar Disney magic for your DH. Good luck with the search!

 

[Honeybee1983]

You need to GO TO DISNEY!!

Teacups, I think you are onto something here! So maybe we should withold of the said mickey ice cream sandwiches except for on Disneyland trips! I am willing to bet our dh's will want to visit Disney a LOT more often! BRILLIANT! (evil laugh) Only one problem....I'm pretty fond of my mickey ice cream sandwiches too....so yea....darn. Next plan!

 

[Honeybee1983]

What guy doesn't want an 8X10 of him and Darth Vader or Chewbacha hanging on his office wall or in his locker....

HA! Brilliant!!!

 

[Honeybee1983]

I can relate to your husband a little (except I don't mind crowds). I never went to Disneyland until my honeymoon, and that was just for a day to please my wife and to be able to say that I had been there. At the time, I only compared it to Six Flags MM and thought the Disney coasters were too tame and childish. Now that I'm older, I love the park, and I love watching my kids smile there. I don't need to be scared to death to have fun on a ride anymore. Also, I now appreciate how magical the parks really are, with their exceptional cast members, professionalism, cleanliness, service, and the detailed artistry of every aspect of the parks. I am still not a Disney freak, but I am totally sold on Disney parks as a top vacation choice. I am actually planning a trip with just me and my DW.

As for the crowds, I never felt crowded at Disneyland. Everyone was very polite, no one gave me any dirty looks when my kids acted up, and I never felt rushed, pushed, or jostled for position.



Bingo! One of my greatest memories was watching my son battle Darth Maul at the JTA. I would post a pic of it, but I can't post pics until after my 10th post on the site, so look for it later when I add a trip report. Also, Star Tours TAC will be awesome!

I sound like you and my hubs could be twins! He is totally the crazy wild coaster guy and would rather go to six flags anyday, BUT I think he actually is starting to see the "disney difference"! We checked out doing Knotts too because I wanted to accommodate his "thrill" side, but after checking it out online he didn't think it looked like anything special compared to Disney! HA!!! YES! SOAK IN THAT PIXIEDUST!!! So glad to know there are other thrill seekers out there who can learn to appreciate the amazing aspects of Disney. He never grew up knowing the Disney stories or movies, so the themes of rides are kind of lost or "dumb" for him, BUT now that are kids are getting older, we've been doing family movies and so I think he's starting to get what makes it alllll special! Yippeee!