Help my Husband, Please! ***UPDATED pg 4****

[Kendra17]

My husband is almost ANTI-Disney! And, the kids and I are trying to convert him into a Disney Husband. With this in mind, I told him that I would ask all of you to tell him why Disney World is so special. . .before he goes there in October (this is his FIRST of what I hope will be yearly trips!)
I'd appreciate all your comments! He promised to read all of them!

Thanks!

 

[trish1970]

Dan, how can you be "anti-Disney" when you have never been there?
Well, I hope your trip in October changes that! You will have a wonderful time.... I promise

 

[SRUAlmn]

What aspect is it that makes him 'anti-Disney?' Is it the corporate conglomerate thing? Is it a money thing?


Dan, in spite of those things, here is why I love Disney. It is one of the only places in the world where you can go and be 5 years old again. You can feel free, have no worries, spend quality time with people you love, and not have to worry about work calling or bills that are due or the car breaking down, etc... It transforms your mind back to when you were a child and none of these things ever entered your mind. You are reminded of a time when the world was pure and untainted, when everything was good, before you ever saw the 'bad' side of people. It makes you feel like nothing can harm you, that you are safe, and you can do whatever you want. You can even eat ice cream for dinner if you want Now wouldn't you want to go to a place that makes you feel that way, Dan?

 

[Maki Mouse]

I asked my Husband to tell me what he thought was so special about WDW - so your hubby can have a man's point of view. Here is what he said:

1) Richard Petty's race car driving experience.

2) Time away from work

3) The look on your kids face the first time they recognize a character.

4) The look on your wife's face when you tell her what she owes you for taking her to Disney!


Well, I hope this helps!

 

[trracers]

My husband is cracking up at the "man's point of view # 4"

Then, I reminded him about the new truck he just bought (of which I immediately figured out how many trips to Disney would be the equivalent of ) and made the new...

"For the next 8 times I say I want to go to Disney, he must answer with WHEN DO YOU WANT TO GO AND WHERE DO YOU WANT TO STAY".. Yes, EIGHT TIMES

HAHAHHAHA

Anyway, my husband and I went there for our honeymoon and it was both of our's first trip there. We loved it. Just like SRUAlmn said it is magical. Everything about it is magical. I have gone three times with "non believers (who had never been)" and they, although not as much as me love it now. Somehow you just understand the first time that you see the castle on your way down mainstreet and the first time you see "that character" that you always loved. My uncle said he used to imagine when he was little and watching Disney's Sunday Night Movie how it might feel to ride that monorail and he said the it was even better than he imagined!

Have an open mind and go with the idea that you will have wonderful time and the magic will capture your heart...guaranteed!

 

[Alysa]

Lounging by the pool with your beautiful wife with a lovely cold drink while your kids entertain themselves on the waterslide... watching your daughter run into Tiggers arms and kiss him repeatedly, knowing he is as real to her as you are... Listening to your son laugh so hard that tears come to eyes on Splash Mountain... Seeing the wonder in your babys eyes as she watches the fireworks overhead and remembering how precious every moment is... Sitting on the ferry going from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom with a soft breeze ruffling your hair, closing your eyes and listening to the waves and the gentle hum of the motor with the warm Florida sunshine on your face – peace... getting a Fairy Godmother sitter and going to a nightclub with that cute girl you married for the first time in way too long... having the best meal in your entire life at Victoria and Alberts with a wine pairing that is incredible... falling in love with your wife and kids all over again...

That is why my husband goes – try it once – there is something there for everyone – I guarentee you will have a wonderful time – if my crochety old grandfather can have fun by spending the entire trip on the golf course, anyone can!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

My DH's favorite thing about WDW is the fact that for a whole week, he never has to drive at all. He used to have a job that required a lot of read travel and the break for driving is nice for him.
Another though is to be sure to include some things he will really like. Share resturants that you think he might like with him and get him to choose a few. If he like the water, include a water parkk or two and some down time at the resort to swim. If he might get WDW overload, plans a few trips to DD or even off property to give him a break.
Last, don't ask him to commit to every year till after the first trip. Chances are your job will be done for you!

Good luck, it took a few trips to convert DH.

Jordan's mom

 

[MdmMim]

My DH gladly went to WDW but did not feel the need to return. (He had been there!! What was the point of going again?!?)

Anyway, one day he decided to return. We went there with the understanding that he didn't have to go to the parks--he could do what he wanted. My DD and I went off to the parks in the morning, returning in the late afternoon. DH would be found alseep in a hammock, at the pool bar, napping in our room, sitting by the pool. He completely enjoyed his time at the resort.

After awhile, he became a convert, because he realized how truly wonderful WDW is. The resorts are gorgeous, the restaurants are good, the bars are fun, and he even goes to the parks now! He is going to renew his AP (YES! his AP!!) in a few months, as he/we have 3 more trips planned. He's a Disney junkie, just like the rest of the family!!

Dan, I think you should give it a try. It's great to watch children having fun! Take a day off from the parks and have a relaxing day by the pool with your family. After all, it IS vacation! Some relaxation is needed!! Loosen up and be a kid again!!
WDW is such a total escape from the real world--it's good for you, mentally and physically!!

 

[sarahsmom73]

Dan,
My DH was like you... Notice I say was... After staying at the Dolphin during Easter and having free run of the Boardwalk or wherever else he wanted during nap time (AKA the Boardwalk Brewery) He was suggesting our next trip to WDW for Christmas 2005!

I can't say that he is a Disneyaholic like me (I am converting DD 3 quite well) but he really likes all of the things to do!

 

[ahutton]

DH and I took our first trip there in 1993, with my ENTIRE family. It was when he met all the aunts, uncles, cousins - everyone. In spite of the crazy trip with 18 people, he loves that he can do anything he wants there. He can swim, parasail, waterski, sail, speedboat, fish, or do nothing by the pool. We can eat at very good restaurants and stroll around or visit parks to see shows and ride rides. On our first trip we took a few days to go visit other things he wanted to see around the area, now he would rather hang around and do Disney's things. We haven't missed a year yet!

 

[Kendra17]

He's loving this. . .
Thank you so much! All of your comments are making a huge impression!
Thanks!

 

[Snoopymom]

Well my dh is a non disney one too and I've managed to get him there 4 times in 2 years, LOL. I make compromises. We either take short inexpensive trips or split our time between Daytona Beach and WDW. I do all the planning and saving. I try to pick out resorts, restaurants and attractions that he'll like and since we drive, I make sure that I have directions and a schedule so that we do not get lost or have to rush. Some times I have to get spicy and remind him that after going through years of infertility and dreaming of the day when I could take our child to Disney, I'd like to see him stop me from taking our foster to adopt son (who most likley would not have ever had the opportunity to go) to Disney as many times as I want, LOL!

I'll ask him about what makes it special for him and let you know.

 

[HappyLawyer]

Just leave the hubby at home and take the kids [party on

 

[hulabird]

Dan, is this one of those "macho" things? A man loving Disney is a wuss or something like that?

Let me tell ya...my DH complained and threw a fit about going to Disney when he first went with me in 2001, up to that point he would only go to Las Vegas with me. Well, he had the best time in Walt Disney World, he will never admit it but I know he had fun because I watched his face, it was like I was looking at a 44 year old child. Then in 2002, my sister and her family were going, I could have gone with them without my DH, but he chose to come and he had even more fun that time because my nieces came and he was playing the "Disney" uncle. We went in the "Bear in the Big Blue House" production and he was laughing and smiling and interacting through the whole thing and my nieces weren't even sitting with us that time!

Now comes this year's trip. My sister is in the middle of a divorce (by the way, it was in WDW in 2002 when my sister said to me, "if it weren't for the kids I would leave him!" during this trip her soon to be ex did nothing but complain the whole time we were in WDW, especially as to how much the "mouse" was taking from his wallet, and he owns a plumbing business the man has $$$$$$$, but never wanted to take my sister and kids anywhere that cost any money...a lesson to be learned here )
Anyway, my DH had the option to stay home, we upped the vacation to 10 nights (something DH really complains about, he thinks 4-5 days is enough...like I am sure! LOL) and he decided he will come with. He must REALLY hate WDW to come on a 10 night trip when he had a chance to opt out....

Aside from my soon to be ex-brother-in-law, I don't see who could hate Disney or NOT have fun in WDW. You better give it a try, you are missing out on alot....but the main thing is...this is NOT about you Dan, it is not about selfishness, it IS about doing something that will make your wonderful wife and children happy, putting their desires first. Men need to start stepping up to the plate for their families and start thinking of someone else than just themselves. My brother-in-law would still have a family had he put his family first at least a couple of times.

So I will get off my soapbox now.....and I hope you will start counting down the days to your Disney trip...

 

[Kendra17]

Originally posted by SRUAlmn
What aspect is it that makes him 'anti-Disney?' Is it the corporate conglomerate thing? Is it a money thing?

You would be surprised how much these comments are affecting him! I'm so grateful to all of you. He's amazed that people are taking the time to do this when I asked!

Anyways, SRUAlmn, he says he's anti-Disney because it's superficial and manufactured (my interpretation to his explanation!).

What I really think? He and his family took ONE vacation growing up and, from what I gather, it wasn't to someplace like WDW! He was brought up to believe that anything frivolous was, well, just that. . .and irresponsible. Anything fun? Well, then it's not an absolute necessity, in which case it's frivolous.

His brother and sister were like this, too, but they rebelled and learned how to have fun. For my dh, this is more of a struggle. . .although he has been working on it for years! And, for fear I'm giving you a horrible impression of him, he's actually fun, usually! I think, for him, WDW is the "final obstacle" to this whole thing. Am I being clear? I don't know how well I'm explaining this!

THANK YOU!

 

[DisneyPete]

Dan, WDW is the one place I travel too repeatedly where every single time I go I feel like I have received a bargain. I know that there are high up front costs but I love the service and the atmosphere, I never feel ripped off.

Then there are the kids. Where else on the planet are you ever going to travel with your kids where everything is setup for both parents and children? Every restaurant, no matter how nice, will never look at you funny when you show up with the kids, they'll just pull out a high chair if you need it and hand out kids menus. The transportation is a joy for the little ones. Bathrooms are family friendly. Hotel rooms, shows, pools, heck even lobbies are designed with families of all ages in mind. You can go anywhere and always feel welcomed.

 

[Snow Shoe]

Dan, WDW is the only place I've gone on vacation and actually felt that I had one! There's no mowing the lawn, painting the house, or remodeling, none of this and other, "I'll save it till my vacation" house fixer upper work comes, and do it then. The outside world does not exist while I'm there, unless I let it in, and that has never happened!!! No worries from work either. But what I like the best is becoming a kid again, and allowing myself to enjoy the rides, shows, eating and having my family.

 

[Alysa]

Disney may be seen to be artifical in some ways (ie: Cinderellas castle is based on a German version) but all art is based on influences from other styles - Van Gogh was very influenced by traditional asian art and Matisse was influnced by traditional African art. In fact I can't think of a single artist who was not influenced in some way by those who came before. The fact that Disney films and parks are marketed to children does not make them superficial or artifical, it is just one (or many) artists' interpretation and while you may appreciate the art of the Met more than the art of Thunder Mountain does not make one more valid than the other. As an artist, I try to experience as much as possible by going to Disney every other trip. We are currently planning visits to London this Christmas and Paris for our 10th anniversary in 2006. This way we get to have our cake and eat it too as it were
P.S. If you don't end up enjoying your trip (which I don't think will happen) that doesn't make you un-fun or giving to your family, it just means you don't care for that particular form of art and it is just not your thing (I still don't think it will happen).

 

[dbal]

What helped my dh get into the spirit was all the little tips and tricks and secrets I found on these boards. He really wasn't all that interested either..... Why spend all that $$$ for one place?


All I can say is the more you research your trip and plan it out - the more he will get into it.

I remember the 1st a.m. we were walking down MS in the MK very early EMH to beat the crowds. Lets just say he was less than thrilled. "I have to get up at 6:30 a.m. for a vacation? Sounds like work to me" Anyway I mentioned as we passed the MS Bakery that the yummy smell from within was actually piped out into the streets on purpose to get you to go in. After that he really got into the spirit. By the 3rd day- He was the 1st one up telling us "C'mon Mickeys waiting. let's GO!"

I believe a positive attitude really does help to convert these guys.

 

[lucy_love_]

i would tell him if he doesnt have a good time you will kill him (or something equally as sinister) then at the very least he can fake happiness. fake happiness is better than no happiness. (have you seen stepford wives)(not the new rubbish)(hawhawhaw evil laugh)

love lucy