How do I tell my DW it is not just Roller coasters???

[firemouse]

I have a small problem, I am thrilled to be going to Disney this October and the kids don't know yet, although my DD is not slow and has an idea I think. We are going as a family, DS 6, DD 10, DW 31 and me 36(when we go...) and my DW just asked ,"Is Disney just a theme park?" I tried to explain to her that Disney only has a couple of Roller coasters and the majority of the rides and such are not "roller" rides, but there are sights and sounds and parades and you see were I am going. How do I explain to her that we are not heading to a glorified KIngs Island or Six Flags type of place? I have not been to Disney since 89, so I can't remeber all that is there. I also want 3 day tickets and she is wanting 2..... I am not sure we can see what we need to see and still do some other Florida stuff, ie Silver Springs, Beach/Ocean and the most important fish!!!! I can't get her excited about the trip not like I am and I am dying to tell the kids. Last week it was "Is there still a lot of damage down there?" HELP HELP SOS SOS I need some assistance here. Give me someone bleeding or sick or a house fire and I can handle that stress, but this is too much LOL!!! Thanks.
Eric

 

[highland3]

Get the video!!! The 2005 WDW promo DVD has a great broadsection of rides, shows, events, etc.

There's so much to it. I didn't get there until I was 38, which was just earlier this year. When we were there for the opening celebration and rope drop at MK... DW and I both had tears in our eyes. It's so much more than a theme park. It's an experience that really does bring out the kid in everyone (except maybe grumpy old farts who are grumpy no matter where they go)!

 

[firemouse]

I have the trip planning video, but we have not watched it. I also think she is very nervious about flying for the first time too

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Tell her that the majority of rides--a baby can ride on!! It is only a small percentage that have a height restriction and fall into the "Disney thrill ride" category.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And she might notice some blue tarps on landing---but everything is functioning normal and what is broken is getting repaired. We are OPEN for business

 

[firemouse]

Hey do you think she would believe that the tarps are retractable sun roofs??? LOL. I will let her know. I am soooo excited, I just hope she get more excited.
Eric

 

[rchristiansen]

This year's planning DVD is REALLY good. I've watched it just for fun. It's completely different than any other year's planning video. It's almost done like a "Travel Channel" special. Hopefully that will help.

ALSO, if you can, go on a tour while you are there.

Finally, consider watching the "Walt Disney - The Man behind the Myth" video. It's a great documentary about Walt Disney and the magic behind all his work. If that doesn't get her motivated or excited, then I really don't know what else I can say!

 

[fran99999]

OMG Blue tarps

I was flying into MCO last Sept right in between all the hurricanes. As we were landing I said to my DH/DS6 "WOW look at all the blue roofs. I wonder who would have though to make blue roof tiles? Must be a new thing to help cut down on the heat." I can imagine all the other people on the plane thinking this woman is a real "DITZ".

As we were driving from MCO to WDW I saw they were tarps. I felt like such a DITZ. I started laughing and told my DH about them being tarps. He just laughed at me. I felt so stupid. I never thought of tarps being blue as the ones sold around here are dark green/black.

Hope you are all laughing with me and not at me.

 

[becca011906]

I agree watch the movie. Also you do need to get her to wactch it look at the website, ect. When i was 13 i got my first trip to WDW my mom didn't explain to me and my sister what it would be like at all, i just asumed it was another them park like kings island and Six flags that i'd been to many times. i was expecting simialar but bigger, i couldnt have been more wrong... i was very disapointed on my first trip since it wasn't want i was expecting at all. I was at a bad age for enjoying the "magic" anyways... now i've spent my honeymoon there, and will be taking my kids for the 3rd time in a few more weeks. And I LOVE IT!

 

[J and R's mom]

Visit a local book store (as well as watching the planning video) and get one of the books on WDW. Get a colorful one with lots of pictures (check inside to make sure it has pictures). You might also want to get the pocket version of the Unofficial Guide to WDW as well if you're only going for 2 or 3 days. That book is very helpful with the planning of your trip.

Will you be staying on-site at WDW or off-site? I HIGHLY recommend on-site if it's possible.

The jump in prices between two and three day tickets is kind of steep (about 50$) but SO worth the money! You really need AT LEAST 3 days if you can swing it. Once you're wife is there, she'll understand why, but it will be hard to convince her until she sees it for herself. The books and videos will help, though.

If you're staying on-site I'd definitely go with the park hopper option on the tickets (and even if you're staying off site).

Good luck and I imagine that once she goes, you guys will be making MANY more trips in the future.

 

[Aalore]

I'd try the planning video as well. It will be pretty fun for you all to watch together to get an idea of all the activities that are available at Disney World!

 

[firemouse]

we will be staying off property, I get a government deal(firefighter, like you couldn't tell lol) through RCI call government employee travel op. I can get open weeks at their resorts for $264 for 8 days and 7 nights, so if you are a government employee, it is well worth the investigation into it. They have condo's all over the world for that price. www.getravelop.com is the site. The best part is they treat you like you own a time share and you DO NOT HAVE TO SET THROUGH ANYTHING and they do not try to sell you, you show up like an actual owner in the system. You get all the benefits of owner ship without the fees and such.

Thanks for all the good info, keep it coming.
Eric

 

[Deesknee]

I agree watch the video. However, worst case scenerio, she is pleasantly surprised!

I have to agree AT LEAST a 3 day pass, personally I would go for more the Prices after the 3 day price aren't that big of a difference. Don't forget if you plan on doing more than the Magic Kingdom there are a total of 4 theme parks, plus water parks, disney quest, pleasure island. We just returned from a 7day trip & I don't feel that was enough. We went to all 4 theme parks & MK a total of 3 times & MGM twice.

I don't know who your flying, but Song & Jetblue have tvs. I find that helps with the anxiety level.

Good luck & let us know how things go.

 

[rchristiansen]

We just returned from a 7day trip & I don't feel that was enough. We went to all 4 theme parks & MK a total of 3 times & MGM twice.


Good luck & let us know how things go.

This will be my fourth time going in five years, and I STILL do not feel like I've seen enough! YES, get more than two days! You will be too stressed if you try and cram it all in in two days.


HOWEVER, if you must only do two days, then may I suggest you stay on site for those just those two days. It will be well worth the money spent.