Help me help my husband see the magic!!

[Honeybee1983]

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!

Thanks! That is such a great suggestion! I am not really sure what his fave thing is. He did like seeing Mr. Incredible. He thinks he's cool. I think I'm totally buying him a Mr. Incredible mug this time! He loves screamin and tot to, so I will makes sure he has LOTS of time to ride those! Last time he only got to ride screamin once and really wished he got to go more.....this time I am gonna tell him to go, go GO!!

 

[BensDaddy]

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!

My wife doesn't care for ice cream sandwiches. :-(

And since our room at GCV has two beds, and our 6 yr old would be with us, there wouldnt be time for ice cream anyway.

 

[lcasa]

My DH isn't much of a park fan ( he does love animation at least). So like DizMe, I go with my kids or friends and just enjoy myself while he golfs or watches sports.

But: this is my 2nd husband. My first DID share my love of the park - we'd go every week. Turns out that's not more important in life than having shared values and beliefs and respect for one another.
So keep it in perspective...

Oh - and after 2 years w/o an annual pass my DH is getting itchy to go

 

[DizMe]

My DH isn't much of a park fan ( he does love animation at least). So like DizMe, I go with my kids or friends and just enjoy myself while he golfs or watches sports.

But: this is my 2nd husband. My first DID share my love of the park - we'd go every week. Turns out that's not more important in life than having shared values and beliefs and respect for one another.
So keep it in perspective...

Oh - and after 2 years w/o an annual pass my DH is getting itchy to go

Ha!! This is so funny...I could have written this!! My first also shared a love of DL--in fact, we had our honeymoon there. Turns out that's not more important in life than having shared values and beliefs and respect for one another.
Perfectly said!!

 

[BensDaddy]

We're planning on being there from Nov 26-30th at DGC. We're probably going to arrive a day or two early. Was thinking about surprising the family with one night at the newly refurbished Disneyland Hotel.

My only concern is the temperature. If its too cold for little man to try out the Monorail slides at the pool he'll be broken hearted!

Ah well. Tiny problems not worth worrying about. By then the park should be decorated for Christmas, Cars land will be open and the construction at California Adventure complete... should be... magical.

 

[Honeybee1983]

We're planning on being there from Nov 26-30th at DGC. We're probably going to arrive a day or two early. Was thinking about surprising the family with one night at the newly refurbished Disneyland Hotel.

My only concern is the temperature. If its too cold for little man to try out the Monorail slides at the pool he'll be broken hearted!

Ah well. Tiny problems not worth worrying about. By then the park should be decorated for Christmas, Cars land will be open and the construction at California Adventure complete... should be... magical.

Sounds WONDERFUL! Is it your first time staying on-site? It's a DREAM of mine to get o stay on-site! Maybe some day! My hubs would have to REALLY be feeling the magic or I'd need to win a contest! HA!! Go YOU for taking the time to plan and create such a magical experience for your family!!

 

[BensDaddy]

This will actually be our third time staying on site. When my wife was pregnant I took her for her "Babymoon" and we stayed at the Yacht Club Resort at WDW. She couldn't ride many of the rides so we really got to enjoy things like each country at Epcot, Mickey Miniature Golf, parades, and fireworks.

The next time was in April 2010. I had won park tickets and airfare at a charity auction and decided to "splurge" so we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge at WDW, which was awesome. Little guy's favorite part was watching the electrical water parade in his jammies!

This will be our 3rd on-site stay. I got a studio at Grand Californian from David's vacation rentals. Should be nice I hope! (fingers crossed since I exceeded my spouse's vacation budget mandate)

Bottom line though when all is said and done Honeybee, When your husband looks into your eyes and sees the beautiful woman he married excited beyond measure, and when he sees the look in your children's eyes when you experience the magic together... and nobody does magic better than Disney ... he'll fall in love with you all over again. Just like a drug, he'll keep wanting that feeling and, if he's anything like me, you'll be planning your next Disney vacation in no time!

(browsing the Disney Cruise Lines website as I type this)

 

[Honeybee1983]

This will actually be our third time staying on site. When my wife was pregnant I took her for her "Babymoon" and we stayed at the Yacht Club Resort at WDW. She couldn't ride many of the rides so we really got to enjoy things like each country at Epcot, Mickey Miniature Golf, parades, and fireworks.

The next time was in April 2010. I had won park tickets and airfare at a charity auction and decided to "splurge" so we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge at WDW, which was awesome. Little guy's favorite part was watching the electrical water parade in his jammies!

This will be our 3rd on-site stay. I got a studio at Grand Californian from David's vacation rentals. Should be nice I hope! (fingers crossed since I exceeded my spouse's vacation budget mandate)

Bottom line though when all is said and done Honeybee, When your husband looks into your eyes and sees the beautiful woman he married excited beyond measure, and when he sees the look in your children's eyes when you experience the magic together... and nobody does magic better than Disney ... he'll fall in love with you all over again. Just like a drug, he'll keep wanting that feeling and, if he's anything like me, you'll be planning your next Disney vacation in no time!

Oh I bet the Grand Californian will be AHMAZING! I am sure your wife and son will love it too, and maybe it will be just the thing that will help your wife really relax enjoy HERself too this time! GCH seems so peaceful and beautiful! I bet she will love it. And a little suggestion, coming from another wifey, maybe you should buy her a little spa treatment there as a surprise! How relaxing and luxurious would that be?! I know most women would be completely thrilled and feel those same "in love all over again" feelings too! My husband has done this for me (at other places) a few times. I had NO idea there was a spa appointment and he just tells me "oh btw, you have a spa appointment at 11am!" I felt like a princess each time and so, soo loved and cherished, I can only imagine just how much MORE magical and special it would be a Disney!!...And p.s., who knows, perhaps she would like some mickey ice cream sandwiches after!


I hope you are right about the "drug" feeling! teeheehee It didn't happen the first time (although, come to think of it, here we are going again!! Maybe it IS taking effect!?), but it was exhausting and crowded and chaotic and we had a tiny baby, so maybe he just didn't have the time or energy to see the "magic". This time will be sooo much different! I cannot wait!!

 

[BensDaddy]

Thanks for the great idea! I'll look into the spa. She didn't seem interested in the Spa when we went on the Disney Dream last year, but who knows?

 

[Honeybee1983]

Thanks for the great idea! I'll look into the spa. She didn't seem interested in the Spa when we went on the Disney Dream last year, but who knows?

Here's a secret: Most women will NOT buy these things for ourselves! It is a lot of money and we are used to sacrificing for our families, so spending that much on only ourselves feels like a waste, BUT, if it's a gift, a lovely thoughtful, surprise sort of gift, then it's a totally different story. I can't explain it better than that. I have felt that very same thing myself, like I would probably never buy a spa package for myself, WAY too expensive (I mean COME ON, the children probably NEED new socks or something! ), but felt totally different about it when the hubs got it for me as a surprise. It kind of feels like a confirmation of my importance in his eyes, that he's willing to spend that kind of money on me to treat me like a princess sometimes...it's just not the same if you buy it for yourself! hehe

 

[BensDaddy]

Ok, I get it now. Sheesh. Being a husband is hard work!

 

[boltfan]

My husband is a disney downer. He first went to Disney World 2 years after it opened (he was 8)and hated it. We returned in 1994 as a family with our 3 kids, my mother, my sister, her son and her boyfriend. He again hated it. Said it was too commercialized and had to walk miles between the "good" rides. I refused to take him on our next 3 trips (we go every other year). We are going back to Disneyland after having won a trip there a few years ago and liking it better than WDW. My eldest will be away at college, so I agreed that Daddy could go with me and the girls. I really hope he doesn't ruin this trip like he did the '94 trip. Maybe some of your tips can help me also.

 

[BensDaddy]

What motivates your husband? For example, if food is a motivator then have him research of the meals and especially treats (mmm.... Dole Whip)

If he likes to plan, have him get in the details of tactical planning of Fantasmic, World of Color etc. He can establish base camp, secure the perimeter, and hold your places hours in advance of the event. (Dad's actually don't mind things like that as long as it's not too hot!)

If he's into the rides, then search this forum for Fast Pass strategy. He can forge ahead and secure Fast Passes for those big ticket rides he likes and then feel good about how much time he saved you from standing in line.

Good luck!

 

[Honeybee1983]

My husband is a disney downer. He first went to Disney World 2 years after it opened (he was 8)and hated it. We returned in 1994 as a family with our 3 kids, my mother, my sister, her son and her boyfriend. He again hated it. Said it was too commercialized and had to walk miles between the "good" rides. I refused to take him on our next 3 trips (we go every other year). We are going back to Disneyland after having won a trip there a few years ago and liking it better than WDW. My eldest will be away at college, so I agreed that Daddy could go with me and the girls. I really hope he doesn't ruin this trip like he did the '94 trip. Maybe some of your tips can help me also.

Oh no So sorry. I can't say my husband HATES it. He said he DID have a good time last time, but it was too expensive (recall him saying something like it wasn fun, but not $3000 fun! lol), and too exhausting. It's not his happy place like it is mine. I'd rather go there than anywhere else, not him! lol He definitely doesn't hate it though. I feel so bad for you! Well I say, no matter what, don't let him pee on your parade this time! If he's being a grouch, send him to the cove bar, a local beach, or back to the hotel room! I'd be VERY clear about the fact that you are there to have fun and experience the magic, and if he doesn't want to participate with an open mind, then he can go do something else!

 

[blackjackdelta]

What make and model of vehicle does he drive?

Jack

 

[Honeybee1983]

What make and model of vehicle does he drive?

Jack

Hi Jack Are you asking about my husband or boltfan's?? lol

 

[Porturican]

Thanks! That is such a great suggestion! I am not really sure what his fave thing is. He did like seeing Mr. Incredible. He thinks he's cool. I think I'm totally buying him a Mr. Incredible mug this time! He loves screamin and tot to, so I will makes sure he has LOTS of time to ride those! Last time he only got to ride screamin once and really wished he got to go more.....this time I am gonna tell him to go, go GO!!

Make sure if he rides Screamin alone to use the Single rider option
(if the lines are long)

 

[Honeybee1983]

Make sure if he rides Screamin alone to use the Single rider option
(if the lines are long)

GREAT suggestion!! His little brother is also coming this time too AND our oldest daughter (who is just as much of a thrill seeker as her dad!) is tall enough to ride too, so he will have ride buddies who are NOT me! Whew!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hi Jack Are you asking about my husband or boltfan's?? lol

I would like to know both, just curious..

Jack

 

[Honeybee1983]

I would like to know both, just curious..

Jack

HA! My husband drives a piece of crud Chevy Cavalier....it's bound to break down any day. Luckily we live about 5 minutes from work! Our other car, of course, with 3 kids, is a minivan! heeheehee Now what kind of car he would LIKE to have is probably a Classic Shelby Mustang. Keep dreamin! lol