How do I pump up my DH?

[CapnJacksGirl]

OK, we go to WDW in 4 days. If I was any more excited, I would explode! My DH, however, is only going because he is a good DH and he knows I really, really, really want to go! He races sprint cars from April through October, so we're gone every weekend during that time. He sees this trip as kind of a nice way of saying thanks for being supportive of that. I would really like it though if he was anywhere near as excited as I was. Does anyone have any suggestions for convincing a not-so-Disney spouse that he's guaranteed to have a good time? He's only ever been with his nieces and nephew so this will be his first adult-WDW trip. The other couple that is going with us are big-time WDW fans, so I'm hoping once we get on our way that he'll perk up, but I'm open to suggestions!

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Richard Pettys Driving Experience.

 

[Melisa1]

Richard Pettys Driving Experience.

My thought exactly!

 

[disnut8]

All I can say is just get him there and the magic will take over. I've taken some of the biggest non-Disney people for family trips. They go because they have to go (we renewed our vows there and celebrated my son's engagement and birthday there). Every time, there's just a little thing that stands out when they just "get it". It might not last long but it's there. My father-in-law (very practical) took a drink from a talking water fountain (I told him it had the coldest water) and you should have seen the look on his face! Totally priceless. He said "I think that fountain just talked to me!" He had to have everyone take a drink. He kept talking about how the fountain said "stop, you are drowning me" over and over again. For my mother-in-law, it's the Epcot fountain. She calls it "her" fountain. For my brother-in-law, finding a book he liked and being able to sit and read before our meet up for dinner. And then watching his soon-to-be-niece dancing her life away on the Germany dance floor.

 

[Lynne M]

By all means, get him a guide book so he can see all that there is to do there for grownups. I'd highly recommend the official (Birnbaum) guide. Lots of great pictures, very upbeat.

 

[MomofCKJ]

When you figure it out, let me know! I am counting down the days to our suprise trip (32 days) and he is counting the days till we get home. He has been once to Disney with me pre-kids and just is not a fan. He is only going now out of total guilt (he feels like he could not miss the kids first time). I am hoping for some shovel fulls, no make that bulldozer fulls, of pixie dust to just dump on him! If seeing our 4y old son meet the Power Rangers doesn't make his heart melt I just will give up!

Allyson

 

[Micca]

You spend every weekend for 6 months doing what he wants and he can't muster any enthusiasm for one trip to WDW? Tell him he can get with the program or he can wait at the resort while you enjoy your trip.

 

[photobob]

He'll come around when you get there. How could he not? It's Disney World.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

You spend every weekend for 6 months doing what he wants and he can't muster any enthusiasm for one trip to WDW? Tell him he can get with the program or he can wait at the resort while you enjoy your trip.

I read it that he is going willingly to show his appreciation for her, but she would like him be more authentically excited...I'm in the same boat...DH goes along with the family and has a *good* time but he doesn't *love* it like I do. I wish he did! No advice here...I'll be reading the posts for advice myself!

 

[Laralyn]

As odd as it may sound, I think trying to talk to my BF (also a reluctant Disney guest) about the things he'll like doesn't help... and it may make him even more reluctant. The more I talk about it, the more it reminds him that we're going, and honestly I think it starts to make him feel pressured. Not only is he going somewhere he's not that wild about, and not only will his GF be bummed if he doesn't like it, but now she's going out of her way to try to "make" him like it.

Other than ask his opinion about a few things ("Was there any restaurant you would want to make sure to visit again?"), I'm keeping quiet this time around.

 

[cleo]

If he's not that into it but he's going anyway, I'd thank my lucky stars he's not giving you grief over it and accept that he's happy to see you happy. You probably do things with him that you're not over the moon about, but you do them willingly and with a smile because you love him. Same thing here.

Unless he expects you to do cartwheels when you go to his races, I'd cut him some slack and let 'happy' be enough. Not saying you're not doing that, but are you ok with that being enough?

I would have to 'third' the motion for Richard Petty, if you can swing it and you want him to have something he's really excited about. But if not, he's happy, you're delighted and it's all good.