How to get him interested

[RoyalRoseBlue]

My boyfriend and I are going to Disney next year for my first trip since 2001 and his first trip ever. He's been to Disneyland and I know that doesn't compair, so I think he has low expecations for WDW. I've tried getting him to watch the vacation planning video and he just falls asleep. We're already made our ressies and I'm not backing out. I told him I'm going with our without him. What can I do to convince him it's worth going and he'll have a great time???

 

[fakereadhed]

My boyfriend and I are going to Disney next year for my first trip since 2001 and his first trip ever. He's been to Disneyland and I know that doesn't compair, so I think he has low expecations for WDW. I've tried getting him to watch the vacation planning video and he just falls asleep. We're already made our ressies and I'm not backing out. I told him I'm going with our without him. What can I do to convince him it's worth going and he'll have a great time???

I don't think you can convince him ahead of time, but maybe you can plan some special things so he will have a great time and maybe want to go back in the future.

 

[Master Mason]

Well, first off, I would disagree with your statment that it doesn't compare. The DL experience is simply wonderful, it is certainly a smaller scale, but that doesn't make it any less fun. And in some cases the same thing is better at DL than WDW, such as fantasmic and PotC.

As for getting him excited, what does he like to do, what types of food does he like to eat, figure out some of those activities and plan them for him.

While DL is wonderful, there are many many more things to do at WDW, so make a point of showing those things to him as well.

 

[lumpyscall]

My fiance has only been to WDW twice compared to my 20+ times. So, to get him pumped we listen to Disney music on one of the internet radio stations before we go to bed every night. He gets so soothed by the music and falls asleep that he has Disney dreams and now he's really excited about hearing some of the music in the parks.

 

[amyhughes]

What I did to help get my DH interested:

When we were down there, we simply took our time. I didn't get commando on him, let him sleep in (a bit), and just planned my little heart out before we went!

He had a great time, and now wants to go back next year and buy into the DVC. I also can't bombard him with "Disney-phile" stuff non stop or he gets burned out! Thats why I am so glad I found this board!

 

[gingerpeach]

After my husband got very, very sick for two days from the Roller Coaster at Disney's California Adventure (his one and only Disney trip and his very first ride), he became anti-Disney, and said he will never go back.

But there are things about Florida he realy likes. So we made a DEAL. He will "tolerate" a few days at WDW, for equal time at Kennedy Space Center / Cocoa Beach. I picked a time next February when there is actually going to be a Space Shuttle Launch. I put him in charge of all the Launch arrangements, while I get to plan WDW to my heart's content, but carefully choosing the rides now that I know about his equilibrium problem. He's getting excited about the launch, planning camara shots, etc, and now wants to take his Dad. We both hope the launch schedule will stick within the 5 day Window we are going to be in Cocoa Beach. It will be a once in a lifetime experience for us.

So my advice is to find something your boyfriend can get excited about, and let him plan it. And you have to be willing to do it, no matter what it is. Maybe its the Atlanta Braves Spring Training, or an airboat ride in the Everglades or the Daytona 500. There is so much to do in Central Florida that something will appeal to him.

 

[RoyalRoseBlue]

Maybe its the Atlanta Braves Spring Training.

Oh no, we strongley dislike the Braves, now Philly's on the other hand!! Thanks for the great ideas. I think my best friend is slipping him some ideas about getting engaged , so he can plan that all himself! Ha ha.

 

[bearzabout]

I don't think you can talk anyone into liking Disney World. Just take him along and try to do things you think he will like.

One thing that worked for me: let him decide what he wants to do for most of the trip. Don't make him do something he doesn't want to do.

My hubby fell in love with Disney after he started deciding what to do based on what he felt like doing. I make suggestions, but keep him happy by going with "his" flow, even if it means sleeping in, leaving if the park becomes too crowded, missing rides and shows I love but he doesn't, skipping parades, etc.

I travel solo to enjoy the parks at my pace.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

As you plan your trip, remember not to go commando on your BF in touring WDW. If you try to do everything on this trip he may get burnt out and tell you there isn't any reason to go back for another trip. "Run out-of-time" so you can say to your BF that he needs to go back to enjoy the rest of WDW.

 

[manditrianne]

I can speak from experience when I say it might take a trip there to create a "convert". My DH was a passive Disney fan, while he knew he was dating a pure tried-and-true Disney-phile when we were dating. He took me there for college graduation and proposed, thinking he was just giving "ME" the best possible experience. Yes, he did do that, but I made an addict out of him! We Disneymooned, then the next year, and the next, now its every year...and when we get back from WDW, it's him who's on the computer booking our next trip within days.

So, it's often something that must be experienced to convert, but I think there must be an initial appreciation to be able to convert. Sounds like you have a solid foundation for a positive Disney future if you're at least going!

 

[durango kid]

HA! He sounds just like my husband... have him read our blog... My husband used to HATE Disney, and you can read the story about how he became a lover of all things Disney! It's really a funny blog.

Also, it helps to know what your doing when you get there. If you wander around and wait in lines, he might not appreciate it. Check out these pocket guide maps on ebay. They worked great for us and we swear by them.

http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyeBay&_trksid=m37&MyEbay=&gbh=1&guest=1

Good luck and we hope to hear your story when you get back!