I am not anti-Disney, I just need some direction...

[Eeyore1969]

Hi, everyone. I need some advice. My wonderful partner is a Disney world fanatic who has been at least 15 times in the past 10 years. For her birthday this year we are traveling to see the mouse and, since that decision was made, it’s all we talk about. We are staying on Disney property for the “full immersion” package.
I am excited about this vacation. Truthfully, I haven’t had a real vacation since I was 12 (which is coincidentally, also the last and only time I went to Disney World). The problem is that I am not a “Disney” type. I dislike crowds. I like old architecture, natural scenery, the thrill of discovering a quaint café overlooking the harbor. Please don’t take that the wrong way. I won’t be gallumphing along, making her miserable for her birthday. It’s just that I don’t know what to be excited about. I need some ideas. I need some advice about what special moments and places I have to look forward to. I want to be excited! So, my question is, when she is bouncing around the room, asking me “What do you want to do? What are you excited about?” what does someone like me like to do in the big plastic kingdom?

 

[JimVL]

Walk the boardwalk by epcot. Visit Fort Wilderness. Rent a boat. There's lots of crowded fun at WDW, but there is a lot of great things to do outside of the parks.

 

[theresaruth]

I suggest that you just have an open mind and allow the child in you to shine through. A friend of mine was the same way. I am the big Disney fan and she just did not get it, well until she arrived on main street at the Magic Kingdom, and got teary eyed when she saw the castle for the first time. The first character encounter was exciting - we went to a character breakfast, which I did not tell her that it was a character meal. Chip or Dale walked up to her, got on one knee and kissed her hand, well you would have thought it was "Will Smith" or someone like that. She almost fell over with excitement, totally unexpected surprise for both of us. Get excited about being on vacation and being able to relax and be yourself. There is plenty of natural scenery, visit Wilderenss Lodge, quaint cafes, huuummm, Epcot has lots of nice Cafes overlooking "Harbor", hey visit France and get a pastry, you like old architecture, just look at any of the buildings and resorts while visiting the World, the Comtemprary resort should be of interest to you. Hey all I can say is there is some much there that you will get excited don't worry about that. We will be looking forward to hearing your trip report when you get back.

 

[Valentine]

There is sooooo much of what you like at Disney... Don't just look at everything in disney at face value.. take a closer look... notice the writing on the windows on Main Street.. there is history there... the architecture in Epcot... a quaint cafe... stop by paris and you can get a fruit and cheese plate along with a glass of wine and sit by the lagoon at dusk... Take a stroll through all the hidden trails in the AK... Peaceful.. quiet.. and many hidden treasures at every corner... Dare I even mention the tree of life?? An epic sculpture... take the time to just examine it.. The restuarants in Disney are some of the best in the world... So.. you see.. it isn't just a big old amusement park.. it is an adventure... And seeing the happiness in your partner's eyes should be all you need to get excited about.

Kathy

 

[Hull-onian]

You are going to love Animal Kingdom. It is wonderful. I know that you know about the Safari ride, but nothing beats Asia. It is just past Wings of Flight. They have trails that you can walk down and you can see all sorts of exotic animals. It is a must see. If Tarzan rocks is till playing try to catch that show, it is really fun. I think that you can view Expedition Everest and even walk to it. It is awesome. At the end of the day, there is a parade. Right across from the wings of flight is a garden area with seating. If you go there, get yourself a chair and bring it up to the parade route and sit and watch it. The crowds are very light in that area and good for taking photos. Go to Tusker House for lunch or a light snack. The food there is very good. Tusker House is in Africa. There is plenty to do. Have fun.

 

[pezpam]

I'll start by saying that the first time I took DD to WDW, I had a very strong sense of taking her for the obligatory WDW trip and getting it overwith. I tend to be a very different kind of traveler - a book and a baguette, a camping trip, a random cafe, etc..... However, once I got there and set aside my prejudices, I had a ball! Having someone with you who already loves the place should help - let yourself start by seeing the fun through her eyes, then notice the things you're enjoying. I went from thinking I'd put up with it to saving change so we can go back - in addition to the camping trips with my folks and such.......

It is a commercial venture and EPCOT is *not* travel, but WDW is a fun place to be if you can let go of what it isn't and let yourself enjoy what it is.

Get an autograph book, have your photo taken with characters, ride some great rides, cool down on some slow rides, enjoy Sonny Eclipse's bad jokes, talk to a moving trash can, watch some acrobats, have a drink or three........ Enjoy!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Relax and let the show overtake you. There is some vintage architecture there...after all this place was initially conceived in the 1960's.

You don't say when you are going. There may be no crowds at that time.

And...thinking of it a big plastic kingdom wont help your case. Think of it as a vacation resort. Some place to relax and have fun without putting too much work into finding the things you enjoy about a vacation.

You'll encounter people...groups of people...from all around the world. You'll see shows without having to hit a schedule closely. You'll be able to relax without necessarily looking over your shoulder at night. You'll be able to sample all kinds of foods that aren't necessarily readily available in your home surroundings.

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

DBF and I like to go to WDW...we are both 20 years old..and save all of our money to keep going back. Insane..I know. But we love it! Anyway..since I have been going with him...we have found lots of new, romantic things to do and see that have nothing to do with the parks and crowds. Romantic strolls...enjoying the scenery of our hotel...going to the 'monorail' hotels...eating at new and exciting places..riding the monorail in the evening, going to Downtown Disney or Pleasure Island, etc. In fact, I have found that there is a whole new 'adult' world to Disney that I am just beggining to find. But...there is also the whole world of fanstasy and fun to enjoy when I put my ears on and go the parks. Be excited for all the new memories you two will make...and trust me, you will have fun!!

 

[isla bonita]

this might be something you could share and be new to both of you.
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html
Disney's all natural version?

 

[NJBlackBerry]

Relax and become a kid again. Marvel in the look on children's faces - and most adults - when they see a character. Look on in wonder at the majesty of the "plastic" castles and mountains (Space, Big Thunder and Splash). Imagine the creativity and innovative thought that went into Walt Disney World.

Enjoy the moment.

 

[Eeyore1969]

Man, you huys are great! Very encouraging. I really like the looks of the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Is it nearby? We're going in May and will have a rental car. Maybe my partner would enjoy a small outing one of the days we're there.
I agree with you all about enjoying seeing Disney through her eyes. More than anything, I am excited to watch what delights her as we go along. She has such a wonderful, beautiful smile. I am convinced that will be my greatest joy no matter what I find.
Sounds like if I watch this thread as the trip nears, I will have more than enough ideas. Thanks to you all!

 

[AdventurerKat]

I can only post from personal experience on my trips with "non-disney" folk, or people who thought they were "non-disney" folk.

I have personally introduced about 20 people (who had never had any intention of going there) to the wonderful world of Disney World. And not one of them ever came back saying "I hated it" or "I would never go again". Not one. Most of them have been back several times now actually. And many of them thought it wasn't going to be their thing, believe me. But my powers of persuasion sucked them all in. I know a good thing when I see it!

Anyway, my BIL sounds a bit like you. He avoided our "extended family" Disney trips for years. "Why would I want to go there? Its crowded. Its hot. Rides? BAH!" He was a give me the outdoors over Disney or anything like it anytime. Why on earth do you guys keep going there? What a waste of money.

And then one day he came to Sarasota to visit us. I managed to convince him to go to Disney en route on a trip to St. Augustine, I know he basically did it because my 5 y.o. was begging him to, but that was fine with me. After all that resistance, I was like "yeah, you're going". It was pretty crowded, Labor Day weekend actually, and he had trouble getting to the MK from the TTC, etc. He didn't say much about it that day, and I thought "oh he hated it, he really hated it" and I felt kind of bad allowing my son to beg him there. But a few weeks later I was talking about my annual Halloween trip and he asked if he might come along. What?! You want to go back to Disney??!!! He turned to me and said "I know, I hate to admit it, I really do, but I liked it, I liked it alot. Please don't tell the rest of the family." Well, I LMAO at that one. He went up for Halloween and we went to F&W. And then, well, the very next weekend we all went back again. He's now gone back to NJ and hopes to come back soon to visit again and the first thing he wants to do? Go back to Disney.

I guess my point of relaying all of this to you is that just because you might think it won't be your thing, it may actually turn out to be. Going at 12 and going as an adult are two completely different things. And you don't mention how old you are, but I would at least guess that maybe a park or two has been built in that time.

There are sooooo many things to do at Disney. Its not all about the rides. You will find something that you enjoy, I pretty much can guarantee that. Maybe go to one of the planning sites and look around at the things that are offered so that when your SO says "what do you want to do?!" you might actually have an idea. And just be open to the experience. One of my favorite things about taking some to Disney with me who hasn't been is showing them my favorite things. Maybe ask your SO what she really likes and go from there. It will be fun for her just to have you there and share the experience with you.

I know there are some people that go and just don't like it, but in my experience, they are few and far between.

Have a good time!

 

[Jen D]

I would try to appreciate the Disney parks for what they are rather than what they aren't. It's too easy to focus on things that miss the point... like complaining about the artifice. Is it a meticulously engineered and created environment... yes, and what a marvel it is! All around you are feats of design and engineering.

There is a wonderful book by Karl Marling, I believe, called "Designing Disney" about the architecture of the theme parks. It will help you appreciate it on a grown-up level.

And while I've never had the chance to partake... why don't you treat your partner to one of the tours? She will love it and you will probably appreciate the parks on their level.

My dh sort of eye-rolls about all the "imagination-magic-wand waving-dreams come true" Disney proprganda, but he loves WDW for its design and engineering.

 

[wasabi girl]

I agree with the poster above who suggested behind the scenes tours. The Key to the Kingdom Tour is a fabulous look at all of the planning that went into (and still does!) the magic kingdom. And the Animal Kingdom tours are also great....the Wild by design Tour goes into the design and architecture of the Animal kingdom. I haven't done any Epcot Tours (another trip will cure that!) but there are several in depth tours that are about the culture and design of the different areas of Epcot(I heard that the king of Morocco sent his own personal people to insure that the Moroccan pavilion was authentic and would truly show moroccan culture) The tour guides are fantastic and you'd love seeing the incredible detail that goes into WDW.
It isn't all about space mountain (which still rocks by the way) and Mickey Mouse. There are some fantastic restaurants, great golf, ...Good luck with your planning. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[spiceycat]

disney has a camping grounds on property.

Fort Wilderness!

you can go fishing, take a canue, go biking riding....

where are you staying - if not FW - then ask her to change it.

or if that is too much nature - how about WL?

you will love 'em....

since you like architecture - look at all the Resorts - each one is a little different, definitely go to Epcot also the MK - the designers (and architects) pulled alot of tricks here too - not everything is what it seems.....

 

[LukenDC]

As others have mentioned, Disney does have some architecturally significant buildings designed by renowned architects such as Michael Graves and Robert Stern. Disney is also a recognized leader in the area of landscape architecture and design. You might also want to go on some of the resort archiecture tours. The Swan and Dolphin offer such a tour and I believe that the Animal Kingdom Lodge does as well. Animal Kingdom Lodge also houses a serious African art collection.

One thing that surprised me about WDW is the natural beauty of the surroundings. There are many interesting birds and animals that inhabit the WDW complex. Alongside the roads are wetlands and forests that are visually interesting and home to many species of animals.

You will also appreciate the diversity of the WDW staff and guests. People from all over the world visit and work at WDW. It's a great place to strike up conversations with international visitors whom you otherwise might not have access to.

I agree with a previous poster who suggested buying some books that explore the engineering, architectural, and design heritage of WDW. They will help to give you an appreciation of this American cultural icon and its impact on several business and artistic fields.

Above all, have fun!

 

[karrit2000]

My first trip was in 1995 when I was 35. I couldn't understand why one of my coworker's would go 2-3 times a year. I was hooked & the next year I took my mother. The year of the ugly Pink Castle. I bought into DVC on that trip. I can't remember how many times I've been back since then. One of these days I'll try to count them all. One year I went 5 times. Just relax & have a great time. I did the Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour last year. It was a short fun tour where you get one on one with several characters & a special souvineer at the end. It was worth the $25. And it's all about Mickey's history which can put you in the right frame of mind to be a kid again.

 

[Montana Minnies]

Hi, everyone. I need some advice. My wonderful partner is a Disney world fanatic who has been at least 15 times in the past 10 years. For her birthday this year we are traveling to see the mouse and, since that decision was made, it’s all we talk about. We are staying on Disney property for the “full immersion” package.
I am excited about this vacation. Truthfully, I haven’t had a real vacation since I was 12 (which is coincidentally, also the last and only time I went to Disney World). The problem is that I am not a “Disney” type. I dislike crowds. I like old architecture, natural scenery, the thrill of discovering a quaint café overlooking the harbor. Please don’t take that the wrong way. I won’t be gallumphing along, making her miserable for her birthday. It’s just that I don’t know what to be excited about. I need some ideas. I need some advice about what special moments and places I have to look forward to. I want to be excited! So, my question is, when she is bouncing around the room, asking me “What do you want to do? What are you excited about?” what does someone like me like to do in the big plastic kingdom?

I can relate to the " disliking of crowds". ( Because I don't enjoy crowds either), yet I enjoy the atmosphere of WDW.
When my sister and I went in July of 2003 ( stayed at AKL, for the first time onsite), we decided one morning to venture over to Downtown Disney. If you want a solitude feeling, try going over there before the stores open. No one is around, it was like walking around in a "ghost town".
In July 2004 there were 8 of us, not much alone time then either. But a couple of evenings we did the extra magic hour and it was like having the park to ourselves.
It was also helpful to go back to the resort for an afternoon break.

I agree that walking down Main Street and seeing the Castle somehow makes me feel as if it's just me and I forget about the hundreds of others around me.

Have a Magical Vacation
Montana Minnies

 

[PrincessKitty1]

DH and I are total beach fanatics, and our favorite vacations were trying out all the different beaches in Florida, so we were in shock that we loved WDW!

Go to Epcot at twilight, buy a glass of champagne at the kiosk in France, then meander across the bridge to the United Kingdom and catch the British Invasion (Beatles tribute band). Then hike over to Canada for a performance of Off Kilter (celtic rock band), and on to Morocco for Mo' Rockin' (world music with a belly dancer!) and a tour of the gorgeous mosaic-tiled set (because you need to stop thinking of WDW as "plastic" and think of the different areas as "sets." ).

Don't miss the tin toy museum in Japan or the retro ride through Mexico (not to mention the Oaxacan wood carvings!). And don't be like DH and I and turn up your nose at the movies presented by the different countries--we have finally discovered them and they're really fun (you MUST see the China movie).

Stay at the Dolphin and take a boat to MGM, the Boardwalk, and Epcot. Stop and have a slice of pizza on the Boardwalk and sit at a little bistro table overlooking the water.

DH and I, personally, find the parks most charming in the evening, as the darkness allows us to suspend disbelief and enjoy every moment of charm that each tableau presents. Have a wonderful time!

 

[isla bonita]

Eeyore1969
You will need to post a quick word or two about your trip I am wondering if we all take bets what are the chances we will have converted you?