How to make DH 1st Trip special???

[MousekeMommy]

Hello all!
I've been to Disney several times in my life and LOVE IT!!!! I'm just a Disney kind-of girl (that's why I was an elementary teacher now a SAHM--I never have to grow up!!!) But this is DH's 1st trip (at age 47!!! He's 13 years older than me . . .) and I want to make it REALLY SPECIAL!!!! (It's also the 1st trip for our 4 & 5 year old boys, but they're easy--special notes and gifts from "Tinkerbell" every morning!!! It'll be like Christmas in July!!! Did I mention that my childhood nickname was Tinkerbell . . .I'll let them in on that sometime when I explain Santa, I suppose???) Anyway . . .what do I do for DH??? He'd die if I put mouse ears on his head . . . of course, if the boys gave them to him, he'd humor them for a while . . . he just never had family vacations or anything frivolous of any sort as a child, let alone Disney magic in his life, before I met him (I surprised him our very 1st dating Christmas with the giant aquarium and exotic fish he had once mentioned that he'd always wanted. Expensive, lots of planning, but totally frivolous and fun!!! We have been married 8 very magical, wonderful years and it just keeps getting better!). So it's like he WANTS silly, fun, magical things with me & the kids, but is still a bit "uncomfortable" with it?
So PLEASE give me suggestions on how to make him a kid again on this trip (did I mention that travel makes him a bit up-tight???) and have fun (or at least see Disney through the eyes of me & the kids???)
We're staying at SSR in July. (I've done all of the planning so far--he just smiles, shakes his head, & pays the bills.) I can "sneak" some expenses in with ease!!!
Thanks for any suggestions in advance!

 

[wrighter]

Are you staying in a one bedroom at SSR or a studio?

If you're staying in a one-bedroom (i.e. where you and DH will sleep away from the kids) I have a suggestion that I'm going to try for my DH on our next trip. It's a bit risque - but here goes:

Why not send gifts down ahead of time? Something from "Mickey" or "Tinkerbell" perhaps? Last year I did this for my kids and they loved it. I just sent down Disney plates, cups, silverware for them to use at our 1-bedroom villa at OKW. I wrapped them in Mickey wrapping paper and everything, and they got them when we checked in. This year DH will get his own gift - something, ahem, "lacy?" Perhaps if your DH had his very own Tinkerbell at night it would make looking for Tink at the parks that much more entertaining? Just a thought.

My DH is also a bit challenged when it comes to "the magic." My goal this year is to get him to wear one of those classic Mickey t-shirts one day. He's always more into it at the end of the trip than at the beginning.

Good luck! I'm interested to hear what other suggestions people have!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I buy (or make) my DH and son matching shirts-always Disney themed. Nothing fancy-usually Hawaiian style shirts. It helps to get DH into the lighthearted Disney spirit. It also seems to get us a lot of attention from the characters in the parks, so that helps DH relax and have fun. Actually, the whole family gets coordinated.

Me and DH have quite an age difference too and he really likes that I am not so serious and that I get downright childlike at Disney. I consider it my job to help keep him young (at heart). I am always roaming the world in my Minnie ears hat or Mickey bobble head headband. I find that when I cut loose and get silly, DH is apt to follow in my footsteps. Over the years, DH has roamed the world with Goofy ears, Stitch antennaes, Mickey ears and a sombrero that we bought purely for laughs at Mexico in Epcot. I should say that DH takes a day or so to warm up though. On one of our last family trips we received YOAMD hats and he wore those silver ears proudly that whole day (okay, with a moment of prodding on my part). It is amazing what a simple little hat will do to your attitude and outlook on the day!

Also, you can stop at Guest Services and get DH and the kids buttons that say "This is my first visit to WDW" or something to that effect, I'm not certain on the exact wording. Maybe arrange for a specialty cake or dessert to appear at one of your dinners or to have delivered to your room (if you have a refrigerator). I know it is late, but you could also try a fireworks cruise. We have done this and it really was a magical experience for the whole family. Good luck with your planning! I hope you all have a fabulous trip!

 

[CastleCreations]

What about a morning of golf, or letting the kids do a pirate excursion while you and dh have a quiet, romantic lunch.. There are also the kids clubs, like at AK, and you and hubby might share a drink, or a dinner together.

 

[Zoesmama03]

My dad is in his early 50's and loves WDW and has for years so there is definitely something there for him to enjoy.

 

[mom2alix]

They are having that great sale at TDS right now too. I got DH and DS2 matching Mickey shirts and DH wears it because DS is SO excited to have a shirt like Daddy's.

You could do a fireworks cruise. That would be pretty magical.

Since you're staying at SSR you could also look into using the kids clubs and booking some spa services together.

 

[Golden Rose]

My husband went for the first time at 37. We didn't have our son yet, although I was 5 months pregnant during the trip. We had planned to go once together before we had kids because I did want him to really appreciate it on its own merits, not just seeing it through the eyes of a child.

My husband is a fine food, beer, and wine afficianado... we went during the Epcot food and wine festival, which really was fun for him. (We had thought it would be fun for both of us... but as it turned out, I couldn't drink!)

The highlights of his trip turned out to be some of the meals. He LOVED the California Grill. Loved the food, loved watching the Wishes fireworks over the MK. He also really loved Victoria & Alberts, tasting menu with the wine flight, but that probably wouldn't work as well for you if you've got two small kids. (It's just about the only really not kid friendly restaurant in the World.)

He would not have enjoyed anything too "hokey", but I did get him a polo with a subtle Mickey print that you really had to look for, which he really loved.

 

[MousekeMommy]

These are such great suggestions! Thanks soooo much!!! I hope we get some more . . .