Husband's First Time

[Naima1922]

Hello, everyone! This is my first time using this site, so I am REALLY hoping someone can help me here!

This will be my husband's first time to WDW, and he is far from being a HUGE Disney fan. We are in our mid-30's, and I would like some advice on how to prepare him for the trip...not so much weather and stuff...I am trying to help him to "feel the love" (as I guess they'd say that at AK). Although this is a reward for me, I want him to have a fun time as well.

Here's some background:
-we do not have children
-this is a celebration trip (I FINALLY finished my doctorate)
-it's also a victory trip (we overcame a MAJOR medical challenge last year)
-we are staying at Downtown Disney
-we are going the first week of April (I know...CROWDED, but it's the only time we could go)

Suggestions?

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Welcome to the boards and congratulations on your doctorate!

DH & I are around the same age and we started out in a similar situation - when we went for the first time in 2008 he didn't expect to love it, and now he gets just as excited for our trips as I do! .

What I found worked best was not to push the issue too much. When we got there, he was blown away by the size of it all, and the way it totally immerses you into the experience. I was on cloud 9 just by being there, and him seeing how happy I was made him happy. He couldn't help but love it.

Given that you're going during a crowded time, I would suggest to make sure you go armed with a plan, and use those Fastpasses!
Make sure that your itinerary allows time to stop & enjoy the atmosphere should the opportunity arise (i.e. Dapper Dans on Main St., performers in Epcot, Streetmosphere in DHS, etc), that you're not constantly in a hurry to get from here to there, and that you both know that you won't get to see & do it all during the trip.

Since you have lots to celebrate on the trip, make sure to get the "I'm Celebrating" buttons for both of you, and maybe plan a special meal or two.

I hope you both have a fabulous trip!

 

[Vivianne]

You know yourself and your spouse better than anyone.

That where you should start. Your likes. Get him involved in the picking. Use allearsnet.com website to pick, dining, parks, etc. Which parks your prefer and where you'd like to dine. Get your ADRs for your dining. Take it easy and enjoy. Don't try to cover too much territory because going commando is the quick way to not liking it.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[dzneelvr]

My DH wasn't a fan of Disney his first time eitherbut I learned to let him go solo for a bit as he explored at his pace and his interests (ie. He sat and listened to the rock band by Canada for an hour while I explored the shops (and made purchases) in England and France's shops. We loved the Segway and Keys to the KingdomTours. It's not too late to buy a guide to WDW; I recommend Birnbaums edition for adults. It's a nice keepsake too when the trip is over (nobody can possibly remember all the details). Lastly, plan your schedule around DHs sleep preferences. there's no need to get up early or stay out way late with the EMH choices. I find that if DH has food and sleep he is an angel; if he's tired and hungry...well, that's not so good

 

[luckycharliegirl]

I got my DH looking forward to our trip (he is so not a fan of disney) by getting him involved in the planning. I thought he'd enjoy the water parks as a break from the rest but I was wrong. Instead we'll do Discovery Cove since he said he'd rather snorkel all day. I've also picked an offsite resort so as not to overwhelm him with the Mouse. So my advice is have him involved in planning.

 

[disneychic2]

And congratulations on your PHD!

The responses you've gotten pretty much sum up how to approach your trip. My DH went the first time to please me. He's now as excited to go (and talk about) Disney as I am. Well, almost! I think staying at a DTD resort is a great idea. Lots of things to do there that don't smack of the mouse. Lots of great food choices as well.

I will differ from one pp advise. Given the week that you will be going, I think getting there before park opening is essential. If he absolutely is not an early riser, obviously don't start your day off shoving him out of bed! But if he is willing, that will get your day off to a great start and then you can go back to your hotel and chill for a while when the crowds get crazy! Go to EasyWDW and check the crowd levels. If memory serves, they are 8s, 9s & 10s, So fastpasses are your best friends. The important thing is you'll be together, so relax and enjoy. Have a magical trip!

 

[Landscaper]

Congrats on your phd, and overcoming the health issues! Speaking from the "DH" perspective, I agree with the good advice already given - give him space, don't push the issue, and let him discover it.

My wife talked me into a Disney honeymoon, and I've been hooked ever since (on both her and Disney). I think overall, people are divided into two categories - those who "get it" and those who don't. I haven't met very many who don't.

Try to stay away from crowds as much as possible - take advantage of all their is to see, and if a stroll down the boardwalk during a warm evening, plus a few cocktails doesn't do it, there's something wrong with that man lol.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Naima1922]

HOT DOG!!! I just want to thank each of you for your OUTSTANDING advice! I took your suggestions, and we had a BLAST! I didn't "push" discussion of the trip, and I researched "grown folks" activities in each park. I could not BELIEVE how much he enjoyed Magic Kingdom! His favorite placed ended up being Hollywood Studios, but he enjoyed attractions in each park. In fact, we had SO much fun that he now wants to return this fall for the Food and Wine Festival!

Again, thank you all SO MUCH for your thoughtful and helpful responses! We greatly appreciate it!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

That's so awesome!! I'm so happy you two had a great trip!!

How exciting to plan another trip, F&W is our favorite time of year to go!

Thanks for reporting back, it's always a nice treat to hear how the advice worked out!

 

[magicLAL12]

Deleted post because I stupidly didn't read the entire thread to see that your trip had already past!

Glad you had an awesome time!

 

[Brocktoon]

In fact, we had SO much fun that he now wants to return this fall for the Food and Wine Festival!

Again, thank you all SO MUCH for your thoughtful and helpful responses! We greatly appreciate it!

If you've never been down for the F&W Fest ... you're gonna love it. I just happened to be down during F&W years ago, and now it's my favorite time to visit.

Check on the DIS restaurant board, as there is a sticky thread with all things F&W 2012 for tips and info as they are released.

 

[Jacksonev1]

I am so happy that you have a wonderful time!

I planted a seed in my hubby 3 years ago. I just casually mentioned to him one day that our son (then 5) would really enjoy Disney at his age. Then I dropped it. A few weeks later, I caught him cruising Disney websites...and before I knew it, the trip was booked--and he acted like it was all his idea!

Well, he caught the Disney Bug--and he is ALWAYS planning our next trip! We have went back at least twice a year since!

Congrats on your PhD

 

[Naima1922]

I am so happy that you have a wonderful time!

I planted a seed in my hubby 3 years ago. I just casually mentioned to him one day that our son (then 5) would really enjoy Disney at his age. Then I dropped it. A few weeks later, I caught him cruising Disney websites...and before I knew it, the trip was booked--and he acted like it was all his idea!

Well, he caught the Disney Bug--and he is ALWAYS planning our next trip! We have went back at least twice a year since!

Congrats on your PhD

Thanks! When I had to defend my dissertation, I thought of WDW to soothe myself (I actually thought of Jimmeny Cricket singing "When You Wish Upon a Star")!

Girl! You are so RIGHT about the hint-dropping technique...it actually works! 99 days to go!

 

[Naima1922]

If you've never been down for the F&W Fest ... you're gonna love it. I just happened to be down during F&W years ago, and now it's my favorite time to visit.

Check on the DIS restaurant board, as there is a sticky thread with all things F&W 2012 for tips and info as they are released.

Yo! Brocktoon! Excellent tip! I will certainly research it further, because we have never been. I am SUPER psyched about it, though, because all I hear is that it is totally awesome! I sort of get hungry just THINKING about eating "around the world." At the very least, this will prove to be VERY entertaining!