Help! Need to convince hubby...

[christinehill]

Hi!
I'm so excited to be heading to Disney with my 4 kids (2,4,6,11) in March. My husband is NOT happy about this trip. He's looking forward to getting away but has a VERY negative impression (no idea where it's coming from ) of all things Disney. He's putting a real downer on our planning and I need to get things turned around asap.
Please, if anyone has a story about a reluctant adult becoming a Disney convert I'd really appreciate you sharing that with me to aid me in convincing my husband to at the very least open his mind to the possibility that Disney is not an evil, greedy, commercial embarrassment.
Thank you all!
Christine in Ontario

 

[Floydian]

I have no story for you, but...

Are you excited about going?
Are the kids excited about going?
Does he love you and the kids?

Then he needs to cheer up about it!

Seriously though. Explain to him how great it will be to see the excitement, thrills, and happiness on the faces of the kids throughout the trip.

As for the evil greedy stuff, I've known many who had the same opinion, and never could be swayed. Hopefully, he's not as bad as they were. Folks who are truly convinced that Disney is into brainwashing people to spend money in order to increase their profits. To that I say...

If it's brainwashing that makes me feel as happy, cheerful, helpful, friendly, thoughtful, patient, tolerant, and forgiving as I do when I'm at Disney, then keep it coming!!!

 

[PoohsFan1]

I hate to say it, but I don't think you will ever be able to convince him. Don't get me wrong I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about Disney and luckily I married someone who grew up with Disney all around him, therefore Disney is his "Guilty Pleasure" . But to tell you the truth, Disney is a Corporation who wants your money (like all corporations that is) but in return you get a 5 star experience, i.e. their oustanding customer service, the magic everywhere you turn, and the smiles that Disney gives to each and everyone of your children..and yourself too). I think once he gets to Disney and actually sees how much fun he is going to have and how relaxing it could be (maybe do a fishing excursion or rent a pontoon boat, go mini golf or if he is an advid golfer have him go golfing at one of their golf courses, or just go at a snails pace and really smell the roses) then he may have a different perspective about it when he gets home....Good luck and here is some

 

[I Run Long]

I feel for you.

We went a couple of years ago and I was the reluctant one. I had been to DL as a kid but never DW. Well my whole family was going plus my DM and her DBF and I was doing all the planning, reading these boards religiously and seeing everyone's tag line. You know where it says how many time someone has been to DW. I was shocked and said to my DH, "Can you imagine going that many times and sometimes 2 or 3 times the same year. Don't people realise there is a whole big beautiful world to explore out there?!" I had travelled all over the world and loved it and I thought this is just for the kids, not me - no reason to get all excited. Boy was I wrong! My DH had never been either and I swear we both talk about it more than the kids. My DH said it may sound corny but it is truly magical. I thought it would be fake, phony - all of those things but it wasn't. I work in a museum and design and plan large exhibits and for me I was amazed at the quality of their work. They want you to feel completely immersed in another world. They want you to feel as though you have completely escaped all your troubles and I have to say they do it and very well at that. I loved, loved, loved it and I was prepared to say, "yeah, it was just O.K." I'm singing another tune and now I know why people go back year after year. If we could go every year, we would. We are going in 2010, well sooner if we can ever win the lottery.

 

[HelenParr]

A cousin of mine felt the same way as you describe your husband feeling. We went with a large family group last year. By Day 2 she was converted. She kept saying "Oh I finally understand" I'm not saying that she'll be a frequent WDW traveler, but we all thought she'd be the stick in the mud, and she was totally into it. It is entertainment you pay for, and it is a business like all resort destinations, and it is shamelessly corporate and huge and commercial -- but that doesn't mean it isn't fun and relaxing. Don't go into it trying to convince him Disney is good (versus evil). Focus on the imagination and "magic" part (particularly for your kids who will likely have an awesome time).

 

[Minnie824]

Why don't you have him look over all the dining menus and pick some places to eat? My DH loves that part of the planning.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

My husband didn't want to go either, the first time we went. Then I told him that I would plan it so that each afternoon/late evening we would either go to Epcot to sample adult beverages or we would go back to the resort and he could spend some time at the pool just sitting reading a book (which he never has time for at home). Well, then he had a better attitude about spending the time at the attractions when he knew that he was going to be doing something he wanted to do later in the day (and not just once, but each day). Once we were down there he found out he really enjoyed many of the attractions at the parks and all of the little details Disney puts into the parks. Several years later when I wanted to go again and planned a solo trip, he decided to come along too. Now he says that in another five years he might just decided he wants to go again. He might become a WDW convert yet.

 

[Indio]

I made my husband go twice. He's not a fan. We've been lots of times and we just leave him at home. Going this summer for 8 days. When we first booked the trip, he was going. Now he's backed out. He's staying at home and fishing all week - the kids and I are going to Disney.

There's just no converting some people!

 

[TinkSassy]

We took my friend's mom a few years ago. She was determined that she was going to hate Disney. She had to be in a wheelchair because if she walks too much her hip gives out - and she started the day huddled in a little ball scowling. As the day went on her head came up and when we took her to meet Mickey -she was sold. Next question "when can we meet Cinderella?" We were all floored by the change - and grateful.

Remind him that if he spoils the trip for everyone - he really has wasted his money. Everyone gets to be 5 again at Disney - that's what Walt intended!

I'd also plan on packing along snacks, bottles of water, soda, small toys, etc. This will lessen the sticker shock inside the parks and may prevent some confrontations.

 

[klmorg]

My hubby had been one time as a child; a day trip only at the Magic Kingdom. When we booked our first family trip for an entire week he was willing but not totally excited. He figured it was going to be just another vacation. Then I caught him with tears on his cheeks during Wishes....he caught the magic and although he doesn't get all into the planning, (he leaves it to me), he transforms to the happy singing Disney dad the minute we pull out of the drive!! (and Wishes still gets to him, and me too!)

Maybe your hubby will catch the magic too! I would just try hard not to push Disney on him too much. Let him experience it through you and the kids. The magic is contagious...!

 

[constanze]

I can TOTALLY relate! I also was in that situation...we went in 2007 and can happily say, we are returning in May because we ALL had such a great time.

My DH really didn't want to do the trip a couple years back...He also didn't want to pay big bucks to be schlepping around and standing in lines all the time. Thanks to the Dis boards, I really planned the near perfect trip. The biggest thing for us, was staying at a Deluxe if your budget allows. That is truly what made the differance. We stayed at YC, we could just walk to Epcot and DS, it was awesome, to just come and go as we please. As for MK and the rest, we would get up extra early to be there by rope drop...I was worried he wounldn't like getting up so early on vacation, but when he was able to literally walk on all the rides, he was a believer! Then we'd just go back to the resort and hang by the pool for the day. In the evening we'd walk to Epcot and have dinner, etc. He actually enjoyed the balcony from our room so much, he'd read and eat out there. The entire trip was so fantastic, we had tried to extend our visit. Needless to say, we're going back this year, and staying on the monorail this time for a different feel.
All in all, don't lose hope, if my husband can convert, ANYONE can. Just find out what he enjoys about other vacations the most, and then make that happen for your Disney trip.

 

[acename]

My Dh was the same way. He wasn't sure he wanted to spend his vacation standing in line and around thousands of hot screaming kids. I made a point on our first trip to do things I thought he would be interested in. We took the segway tour at Epcot, and things like that. The biggest thing for him, since he's into audio and video stuff, was trying to find where they hide all the speakers, and marveling over the crazy expensive equipment they use.

By the end of the week, he was in love with WDW too. We went back in October and are talking about going again this October if the price is right. Your DH may not fall in love with it, but try to do things you think he may like, or let him spend some time at the pool or whatever. I'm sure, if nothing else, when he sees how much fun your kids are having he'll be happy that you guys went.

Hope you have a ball!

 

[Tinks1984]

Oh dear, DH has obviously been speaking to the anti-Disney brigade somewhere along the line! I can't speak from experience, as my family adore Disney and WDW, but I just wanted to wish you luck in hopefully getting your DH to enjoy his trip to Disney along with you and your children.

I'm sure once he sees the magic through your children's eyes, he may think about things differently - here's to hoping for you all

 

[kaffinito]

I was in the same boat myself. I only took my kids for their first trip because I thought that all kids should get to go at least once. I am anti-corporatism and anti-commercialism. I had no intention of ever going back there. Then I kept thinking about what a good time we had, and before I knew it we were going back. And I was on the DIS every day.

It can happen! I admire Disney tremendously because it is a very well run corporation. They also pay a lot of attention to detail, and take. They take very good care of their guests. The magic is real for me, so I'll keep going back.

We leave tomorrow to take my DH on his first WDW trip. He's as anti-corporate as I am - I wonder what will happen?

 

[ILVPOOH]

My husband is kinda the same. I find it best not to talk to him too much about Disney. I do all the planning and involve the kids. Once my husband is at Disney he always has a good time. He really enjoys the rides and is happy to see the kids having fun. Just don't push Disney on him too much. When he is there is will have a great time.

 

[la79al]

My DH is not a Disney person. He went twice as a child and we have gone twice now as well (with a 2010 trip planned). I don't think he's going to be converted. I made a mistake the first year and overplanned. He was stressed because of work the whole time and my overplanning just added to the problems. Second trip we did less planning but ADRs screwed things up a bit. My best advice is 1) do what you can to minimize costs. My DH just looked at the total for our next trip and I thought he was going to flip out. I know that doing what I can to contribute makes him resent Disney a little less. At the same time though, my DH will not take snacks and drinks in. He feels that takes away from the magic. So we do DDP but go light with the souvies. 2) try out some of the neater things of Disney. I know my DH can hate DW and all but he enjoyed riding in the front of the monorail, doing pressed pennies and even riding the ferry to dinner. Next trip we are going to check out the campfire at FW and I'm not sure what else. I am not thinking that I am going to convert DH. I am thinking that since he is being tolerant of our (the kids and I) obsession (and paying for it), I will do what I can to make sure it is a vacation for him too.

 

[Taja]

I talked my BFF since age 7 (that's a lot of years, by the way!) into going to WDW with me in 2003. My second trip (22 years after the first) and her first WDW visit. Now, we grew up at and with Disneyland, and she still visits it once or twice or year with her children and grandchildren. But when I said for 7 nights--no, let's book an extra night since we will be traveling one day on each end, she freaked! She was thinking 2 or 3 nights. *LOL*

By Day 3, she was relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the experience. We were fortunate to be staying at the YC that visit (remember the FTP offer in 2003?), and EPCOT became her favourite park! We've stayed at other WDW resorts since (frequently Pop Century) and expanded our visits to 10 nights. We did have down time, which helped a lot--both of us were exhausted when we began our 2003 WDW visit.

Suggestions for your DH:

Plan some daily down time--at the pool or whatever might appeal to him. Or would he prefer to sleep in a morning or two (not a good idea for popular attractions, but--hey! It's his vacation, too!)? Can you handle all the children on your own for a few hours? It's a family vacation, but sometimes when you're working (yes, SAHM's work as much if not more than anyone outside the home) you just crave some alone or down time when you don't have to do anything!

If cost will be an ongoing discussion, determine in advance how much each child will be allowed to spend and how much parents will spend on the children and any other non-essentials. It eliminates heated discussions while on holiday.

As another poster mentioned, purchase snacks and easy breakfast items off site and keep them in your resort room. Ditto for bottled water and any other essential consumables (not sure if a two year old needs diapers/pull-ups, etc., but buy them off site to save a lot of money). Plan to take some simple snacks into the parks for your children--nuts, dry cereal or trail mix, what ever they will eat. It will eliminate stopping at every concession stand and paying $3 per person. Some treats are nice, but they do add up quickly!

Based on the ages of your children, you're going to need two single strollers or one double. Take your own or purchase them there. Rentals are horrendously expensive these days. And don't be surprised if your 6 year old wants an occasional ride! I'm far from 6 and wouldn't turn down a ride by mid-afternoon on some days! *LOL* And remember, tired, grumpy people won't enjoy they day, so relax and smell the roses every day.

As another poster mentioned, remind your DH that he will be wasting money if he's determined to be negative or grumpy the entire trip. He'll need to channel his inner child and chill a bit on this holiday! Your family never will be exactly the same as it will be on this trip, so enjoy it!

 

[msce2]

My husband is kinda the same. I find it best not to talk to him too much about Disney. I do all the planning and involve the kids. Once my husband is at Disney he always has a good time. He really enjoys the rides and is happy to see the kids having fun. Just don't push Disney on him too much. When he is there is will have a great time.

My DH is the same way, although even while at Disney he usually heads back to the room when he's had a bit too much "fun". But I try not to let it get me down. I just plan away, involve the kids, watch movies with them, and let him be involved wherever he chooses or not at all. Hopefully you will find he likes it once he is down there, but I agree completely, don't push it too much now.

The one thing I did find that DH enjoyed was watching the making of Disney world from the History Channel's Modern Marvels. He enjoyed seeing it from a construction standpoint. So you might try that and see if he shows any interest.

 

[jenseib]

I had to really push it with DH to book in 2007. But he reluctently did. I can never tell if he was excited or not, but while on the trip he kept two wying people at home and braggin about things we did. People would ask "how much did that set you back", and he would happily reply 'all included in the price". (we also do the dining plan)
I was surprised when DH came in the house last Feb and said, look a price up for Disney, and I did and two weeks later we were there.
This year I really wanted to go on a Disney cruise for my 40th. DH isn;t good with change and then siad, he would just rahter go to Disney. So again we are going..(in 9 days ) Again doing the dining plan. I think that is one of his favorite things. We don't have to worry about how much food will be, and it is all included.
He also enjoys seeing how excited DD gets over eveything.
He even surprised me the otherday. I was reading passporters book, and I said "hey there is a behind the seeds tour at Epcot for the ride 'the land' you really like." (we are farmers, so that was a big highlight for him) and he siad, "I know, I plan to take it."
I had no clue he even knew anything about it. But he said he saw people walking through when we were on the ride last year and asked about it.

He still grumbles about the price prior to the trip. (has with all 3). but once we get there it's like all of a sudden money is no object. LOL!

 

[RustManFan]

Will someone be taking pictures? Maybe if he is in charge of this activity he will see the joy in his childrens' faces over and over during the trip!

Or maybe he would like an activity that isn't completely wrapped in the Disney magic....golf, fishing, boating, water park.

Take a break one day and eat away from the parks. Maybe offsite or one of the resorts. WL comes to mind!