How to make it special

[Susannajean]

In June my dbf and I are going to disneyland, and lets just say it took some convincing on my part to make this happen. He has been once about 10 years ago, and wasn't a fan BUT I've convinced him to try it again, and I want to know your guy's advice for how to make him love it just as much as I do Were realatively on a budget so we for sure are staying off property, but othere than that we have some room budget wise to have fun! So I want to hear it from the experts (you guys!) where should we eat, what shows do we NEED to see, etc!

 

[skiingfast]

What is your budget for food? Can you afford $30 a plate meals or do you want to stick to counter service?

How about budget for other things like Tours?

How long and when are you visiting?

 

[Susannajean]

We don't really have a budget for food I'm saving on the hotel because I figure we wont be there that much, and I feel like food and activities are biggies that shouldn't be budgeted too much. Were going in june (tentatively the week of the 15th) and are planning on landing in LAX, renting a car from there, spending two nights in LA and hitting things such as pinks, the farmers market, universal studios, etc, and then heading to Disney probably monday or tuesday. I'm getting 3 day park hopper passes, and am thinking probably get there monday and just have dinner in DT disney, probably ralph brennens, and then do disneyland tuesday wednesday and thursday! I'm planning on counter service for lunch, but i budgeted to do sit down (for sure goofy's kitchen for one night!) for dinner each night, even though I doubt we will!!

 

[Susannajean]

In addition to making it special, any thing I can't forget to do that needs to be done for a pretty much first timer?!

My list so far goes
atleast 1 character meal
Dole whip float!
A corn dog


^^^and thats it! I want things to be perfect but I'm lacking inspiration

 

[skiingfast]

You could do the Fantasmic Dessert Package. It's $60 each and comes with reserved seating in chairs and a to go box of dessert + snacks. It's pricey if he won't enjoy F! but a nicer way to see that show.

There is a lot of good counter service. I would eat on the fly and try to avoid, burgers and pizza.

If you want a nice dinner maybe Carthay Circle Restaurant or Napa Rose. Also Blue Bayou for it's super themed ambience in Pirates of the Caribbean. These are expensive. Check the menus and prices in the link to get an idea. http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm

For Goofy's why don't you do the cheaper breakfast?

 

[krispin41]

My DH isn't the huge fan I am either, but he did enjoy the dinner at Goofy's, as well as Minnie's breakfast. He also had fun at The Mad T Party (but he liked ElecTRONica more.) He loves the rides though. We did the dessert seating for Fantasmic, and saw WOC, which he thought was cool too.

 

[Susannajean]

I thought about doing breakfast, but idk, I've never been a big breakfast person! I woud rather be in the parks, or sleeping in for that matter!

Does world of color offer a desert package too??? If so, which would be better?!

 

[skiingfast]

Does world of color offer a desert package too??? If so, which would be better?!

World of Color has standing only seating. You need a ticket to get into the viewing area. You can get the tickets for free or with a food package.


WoC Superthread.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717

 

[quantumottle]

I would recommend seeing the Aladdin Show in DCA. The humour is constantly updated so as to touch on "today's" issues, that often has a different meaning to the kids in the audience than it may have to the adults. He'll like it.

 

[Chumpson]

Check out the workshop where you get taught how to draw a character in DCA, not sure the name. Sports guy? ESPNZone would be a no-brainer.

 

[GrandBob]

I'm planning on counter service for lunch, but i budgeted to do sit down (for sure goofy's kitchen for one night!) for dinner each night, even though I doubt we will!!

OK, I'm a guy and a Disney fanatic (DW thinks I'm crazy for the time I spend on these boards, tho she loves DLR as much as I do). But if you're trying to win over a guy who's iffy in the first place, I've gotta tell you, a character meal wouldn't appeal to me unless I'm trying to entertain a child. And I'm a Disney fanatic.

I'd suggest taking the $$$ you want to spend on Goofy's, and try something more romantic. Blue Bayou would be my choice, though many here swear by Napa Rose, too.

-Bob

 

[IBLarsen]

My husband is a complete Disney Geek and loves all things Disney. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE DL just as much, but he takes it to the next level!
We do have children so tend to do the Character Meals. So I just asked DH if we went without kids if he would still like Goofy's (which is a family fav), or if he would prefer Blue Bayou or something along those lines. He actually said he would still do Goofy's, because it's fun, but he admits most guys would probably prefer Blue Bayou specifically because of the cool factor.

One of his favorite shows is Fantasmic.

I would recommend seeing the Billy Hill show, It's hilarious, and DH loves it.

On a side note, our first trip together, DH really didn't care to go, and since then he is completely hooked! So there still may be hope for your DBF!

 

[bakerudall]

Guy rides (obviously, I can't speak for all guys, but hey):

Star Tours
Space Mountain
BTMRR
Splash
POTC
Screamin
TOT
GRR
TSMM
BLAB
Mr. Toad
The Train--I don't care how macho they appear; on the inside, guys like to ride on trains.

Loosen him up with some of these rides, and then when he starts feeling like a kid again, you can hit all the others.

I also enjoy watching the Jedi Training Academy while eating, but I would suggest bringing better food from another CS location.

Also, WOC--I like to be close enough to feel the heat from the pyrotechnics.

 

[Susannajean]

Looks like I better give up on goofys kitchen, but I think I would be JUST as happy with Blue Bayou. I've never done it and POC is my favorite ride

Jedi Training Accademy is the BEST idea ever! Thats totally something he would get a kick out of! You guys definately mentioned things I never would have even thought of!!