Help Me! WDW Reluctant Fiance!

[dolcezena]

OK, long story short - he proposed last year (with a very romantic "Ya know, we should make this legal," after we moved into the house we bought), & we've been putting off the wedding for multiple reasons. Too much work, not enough money, too many extended family members, etc. Anyway, we've now decided on a simple ceremony in front of a JP, but this means we have the wedding $$$ for a honeymoom instead! Always wanted to go to WDW when it wasn't at my parents' pace, decisions, or budget! Problem is, he says going to Disney is a 0 on a scale of 1-10 for places he wants to go! I've read as many "reluctant partner" threads as I can find, but most don't apply! He doesn't golf, isn't into sports & would sleep until noon every day if he could. Honest, he does have redeeming qualities! How the heck do I explain to somebody that WDW is more than an "amusement park," if they've never even really been to an actual amusement park, let alone WDW!?!?!? (OK, I admit, I could probably "guilt" him into it, but I want this to be the best experience possible for both of us!) Any ideas anyone?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Well, Walt Disney World is where magic lives. If that doesn't convince him, can you plan a trip that includes something in addition to theme parks? Like say a trip to the coast where you can spend time at the beach? On my last trip, some of my most enjoyable times were spent on quiet beaches in the Clearwater and St. Petersburg area. We went on a Segway tour out there for just $35/person (Disney charges $80 at Epcot), which you don't see much in Canada. Since you're from Winnipeg (currently Winterpeg?), I would have to say Florida has a lot of redeeming qualities that you can't find in a landlocked prairie city like Winnipeg. I live in the prairies too, so I can relate.

If that doesn't work, I'd do the guilt trip approach. More often than not, people who are reluctant to visit WDW end up having a good time because there's something for everyone there. He may enjoy the waterslide parks, Pleasure Island and Disney Quest (what guy doesn't like a five-storey arcade full of free video games?). Last year's free planning DVD was excellent and really sold us on WDW. I found this year's planning DVD to be a yawner in comparison.

 

[Nala2007]

I don't know but I'll cross my fingers, I have to drug my DH to the World...

 

[orangetiggs]

My df was the same when we booked our first trip to the world, we had only been together a couple os years and he was not impressed that I wanted to waste our only 2 week holiday that year at disney!
Once we were out there he was converted and wanted to move to florida! Unfortunately, we cant!

All our guests were the same when we announced that was where we were getting married but they are still coming along as its our wedding

I would say to him that its so much more that a theme park and you REALLY want to go!

 

[karentan]

why dont you ask him where he wants to go, then do a 2 centre honeymoon, so both of you get what you want. you might be able to convince him that way!!

 

[JJClemson]

My DF doesn't "get" the whole Disney thing either. I took him for the first time 2 years ago. I planned the trip to include things he liked doing. For example, we stayed at Fort Wilderness the first 2 nights b/c he loves to camp We also went around Epcot World Showcase and he got a drink at each country. We rented those little speed boats, etc. He also loved some of WDW's nicer restaurants. If you can convince him to go to WDW, I would suggest not constantly running around to the parks... my DF hates that! Do the parks a little and relax and do things around your resort too.

I agree w/ karentan. Maybe spend 1/2 your honeymoon at WDW and 1/2 somewhere he wants to go. Then you both get what you want! Good luck

 

[Maggimus]

I DRUG-- practically DRUG DH to the airport for our first WDW vacation together. He thought he was just doing something kind for me-- and had no idea that he would actually have a blast there. DH is very into "technology" and "Electronics".... and he was facinated.

LOL like Jen said-- dont run him ragged at the parks. I do that everytime to my DH and always tell myself I wont the next time. I swear... i feel horrible when im not in the parks because I feel as though im not utilizing all of my time-- but once we get back to the hotel room and we see our feet are blistered and we have no energy to life the remote--- we know we need to relax.

GL with everything... Ill PM you some videos of WDW-- I wouldnt consider them 'educational value' by any means-- but he might see that adults, too, can have fun!

-Maggie

 

[TinkBride]

There is a neat book called "Walt Disney World for Couples"

I bought it to prove to DF that there is MUCH more than just parks to enjoy. He read it and was astonished that you could go to WDW and not even go the parks and still have a great time. I highly recommend it to any couple that is in disagreement over a WDW trip. It does a great job of explaining the romance and relaxation that lives at the World beyond "it's a small world".............

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

Did you get him to watch the free WDW vacation planning dvd??

I got it for my inlaws & they got excited...so try that

My DH was like most guys...they think its for babies/kids, but its not...after DH went he was telling everyone its a blast.
Infact it was HIS idea to go back for our Vow Renewal!!!

There is hope.

Just get him to see it, watch Travel channel when they have Disney on or get brochures, etc....if hes never gone, he cant say he doesnt like it, cause he doesnt know yet.

Good luck

 

[PirateBride08]

My DB was the same way. My brother and his wife were going for the 50th Anniversary celebration with my mom and they didn't ask me to go because they didn't think I would be able to get off work at that time of year. I was so upset that I cried and Brian gave in! (such a softie, works every time) we ended up going for 5 days and as soon as we got back, HE was planning the next trip and he's the one that said we have to go for a few days every year as one of our vacations.

What really got him hooked was watching a TV show called Modern Marvels. It was an episode all about Disney and all that goes into the planning and building of each and every attraction. I also bought him the Unofficial Guide and he takes it everywhere with him. It's actually funny to see!

 

[shaun&miranda]

My DF is well on-board with Disney things - he had been loads of times before he met me, but we have quite a few wedding guests who are deeply reluctant!

I have stressed to them:

The amazing firework displays
The water parks
Downtown Disney's clubs, pubs, comedy venues
The animals at Animal Kingdom (underwater viewing of hippos, and watching gorillas in particular)
The beautiful restaurants and amazing food
The lovely theming of the hotels
The ability to just chill out and do nothing while having a lovely relaxing drink

Good luck convincing him!

Miranda

 

[PrettyInTink]

Does he like movies? (great movie ride, star tours, the awesome movie theater in DTD)

Does he like video games? ( Disney quest in DTD is so much fun)

How about food?
(dining plan to eat your way around the world)

How about relaxation?
(spas at grand floridian and saratoga springs)

What about drinking?
(pleasure island can be a lot of fun late at night)

Maybe he's just lumping disney world into a category it doesn't fit into. It's no ordinary amusement park. EPCOT is a lesson in culture and diversity like you've never seen in one place before.

What about water sports? ( miniboats, fishing excursions, jet skis, parasailing)

Like to drive fast?
(Richard Petty driving experience)

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT WDW. MY HUBBY LOVES IT AND WE GO 3-4 TIMES A YEAR. SORRY FOR THE CAP LETTERS MY CAPLOCK IS STUCK ON.

 

[dolcezena]

Thanks so much, all of you! I'm trying so hard to remember a honeymoon is supposed to be for both of us, but I really want this!! I really think if I agree to go with our original plan of getting married on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, we should be able to do WDW for the honeymoon! He likes the Niagara plan because then we can tour some wineries (we're both in that line of work), & our connecting flight to Florida has to fly out of Toronto anyway - I might actually be able to make this work!! Just have to add a couple thou to the budget (like that's easy) & remember that I can't be a park commando!!

Thanks again!

 

[DisneyFairy19]

Alot of people ask me how come I go to Disney so many times during the year. And I tell them that there is life outside of the parks and I let them know all the great and fun activities Disney offers.. I LOVE going to the Parks and when I am not there I go nuts but sometimes we need some relaxation time. try going on Disney.com and look up activites that you can both do together.. He will have a great time..