Ideas on how to make a non-WDW person into a fan?

[buzzrelly]

The 2 bedrooms is because we'd like to stay with grandparents.

Well then it definitely makes sense to get a 2-bedroom. I thought you said it was just the four of you,

Definitely interested in Bay Lake tower too. Is there still a running monorail line to Epcot?

Yes, the monorail is running to EPCOT.

Some other benefits of BLT:
the 2-Bedroom villas have THREE full bathrooms…one of only two DVC resorts that does.

The walk to the MK, or more specifically, walk home after the fireworks…it cannot be overstated that this is an AMAZING benefit.

Chef Mickey's being right there…would be a fun thing to do on your rest day. You can follow this with a monorail resort tour which is kind of a fun thing to do.

 

[Anna131517]

Well then it definitely makes sense to get a 2-bedroom. I thought you said it was just the four of you,




Yes, the monorail is running to EPCOT.

Some other benefits of BLT:
the 2-Bedroom villas have THREE full bathrooms…one of only two DVC resorts that does.

The walk to the MK, or more specifically, all home after the fireworks…it cannot be overstated that this is an AMAZING benefit.

Chef Mickey's being right there…would be a fun thing to do on your rest day. You can follow this with a monorail resort tour which is kind of a fun thing to do.

The 2 bedroom is BLTs is fantastic. We stayed there once with two kids (we took the room with two queens), my in laws (room with the king), and my brother in law (pull out in the living room). It was amazing being able to walk to MK with two little ones in a stroller. I also loved being able to cook meals in the room, and we did Chef Mickeys for breakfast one day.

 

[cjlong88]

There is something for everyone at WDW. Focus on the things that get your non-WDW friend/family member generally excited about a vacation and they will have a great time.

 

[mouschievous]

Honestly, you may not have to do much to make him like it. My husband resisted for years. I finally convinced him to take the kids to Disneyland in Nov 2018. Before day 1 was over, he was already talking about our next trip. I didn't do anything special, it was just the magic of Disney!

 

[Kamy04]

My DH also hates crowds, lines, etc. I “converted him,” but unfortunately now my tricks don’t work.

My solution was careful planning and research.
I knew how to work the old Fastpass system. We never really waited in lines. I’d find our next Fastpass once we tapped in. We rope dropped really early, almost always first at the tapstiles. We did character meals to see the characters. We took breaks midday so our boys (and sometimes us) could nap. We had snacks and food from Garden Grocer so we didn’t always have to look around for snacks or have the more expensive prices. I read sites about trends, studied the maps and made plans for the day that were logical (but we went more on the fly once there). I made it as efficient as possible…and he loves it now.

Now we can’t plan in advance so I’m not sure how it will go next time…

 

[Mrs.AMC]

This is a very bad time to try and convert the hesitant. Heck, even those who do love Disney are not enamored with it right now. Hate to say that, really do

 

[Samantha*belle]

My DH also hates crowds, lines, etc. I “converted him,” but unfortunately now my tricks don’t work.

My solution was careful planning and research.
I knew how to work the old Fastpass system. We never really waited in lines. I’d find our next Fastpass once we tapped in. We rope dropped really early, almost always first at the tapstiles. We did character meals to see the characters. We took breaks midday so our boys (and sometimes us) could nap. We had snacks and food from Garden Grocer so we didn’t always have to look around for snacks or have the more expensive prices. I read sites about trends, studied the maps and made plans for the day that were logical (but we went more on the fly once there). I made it as efficient as possible…and he loves it now.

Now we can’t plan in advance so I’m not sure how it will go next time…

Your style of planning is how I like to plan for trips in general. Really sad what Disney has done with Genie+. It’s like Disney wanted more $ and to tell guests what to do and when (aka control people). Genie+ is an additional layer of stress waiting until 7am to get just one ride. And then just being on the phone at park open to see what else you’ll get. Definitely worried.

 

[Jfsag123]

My kids were also 5 and 2 (now almost-14 and 11) on our first trip and I was in the same boat of having gone as a kid and wanting to take my family, but DH being skeptical. He ended up becoming a huge convert after that first ("once in a lifetime") trip. However, as already noted, I think converting people was easier to do back then. I studied up on the fastpass system (was still paper fastpass at that time) and between rope drop and fastpasses we pretty much never stood in line longer than 15-20 minutes. I booked the fireworks dessert party, but it was only like $26 a person at that time. The trip seemed seamless and easy to him, as he had no idea how much work/planning I had done behind the scenes.

The other thing that really got him was seeing how much our kids loved it. Their joy became his joy. On our last day when we were leaving our then-5 year old starting crying talking about how everything had been so magical and that was pretty much a done deal for him being game for trying to get back as quickly as possible.

Also, I will add to the voices praising BLT. We are about to stay there for the 4th time on our trip next summer and we are not DVC owners. We stay other places and really enjoy them, but eventually end up missing BLT and going back there again. It just feels like home and the walk to MK can't be beat. However, we've also stayed at Boardwalk and loved it too. DH was especially a fan of the entertainers along the Boardwalk at night.

 

[DavidNYC]

Now? I think anyone who wasn't a fan before is going to hate it even more now. Between the crowds, the increased wait times, the price increases, Covid, etc. they have completely exacerbated all of the things that people have complained about. Until things change - this is not the time I'd be trying to convert someone to Disney who clearly has valid complaints about why they don't like it. I'm sure he'll be fine tagging along on everything and will find things here and there that he'll enjoy seeing but nothing is going to change the things he doesn't like.

 

[Samantha*belle]

My kids were also 5 and 2 (now almost-14 and 11) on our first trip and I was in the same boat of having gone as a kid and wanting to take my family, but DH being skeptical. He ended up becoming a huge convert after that first ("once in a lifetime") trip. However, as already noted, I think converting people was easier to do back then. I studied up on the fastpass system (was still paper fastpass at that time) and between rope drop and fastpasses we pretty much never stood in line longer than 15-20 minutes. I booked the fireworks dessert party, but it was only like $26 a person at that time. The trip seemed seamless and easy to him, as he had no idea how much work/planning I had done behind the scenes.

The other thing that really got him was seeing how much our kids loved it. Their joy became his joy. On our last day when we were leaving our then-5 year old starting crying talking about how everything had been so magical and that was pretty much a done deal for him being game for trying to get back as quickly as possible.

Also, I will add to the voices praising BLT. We are about to stay there for the 4th time on our trip next summer and we are not DVC owners. We stay other places and really enjoy them, but eventually end up missing BLT and going back there again. It just feels like home and the walk to MK can't be beat. However, we've also stayed at Boardwalk and loved it too. DH was especially a fan of the entertainers along the Boardwalk at night.

Thanks! I’m hoping that our kids have a wonderful time and that converts him. I’m leaning BLT over Boardwalk.

 

[Samantha*belle]

Now? I think anyone who wasn't a fan before is going to hate it even more now. Between the crowds, the increased wait times, the price increases, Covid, etc. they have completely exacerbated all of the things that people have complained about. Until things change - this is not the time I'd be trying to convert someone to Disney who clearly has valid complaints about why they don't like it. I'm sure he'll be fine tagging along on everything and will find things here and there that he'll enjoy seeing but nothing is going to change the things he doesn't like.

I totally agree. The challenges are stressing me out. If I wait things out though, we might never go.

 

[bsmcneil]

Tie them to a chair, tape their eyes open, and play Fantasia for 48 hours straight.

 

[bsmcneil]

Tie them to a chair, tape their eyes open, and play Fantasia for 48 hours straight.

I'll give a real answer, too (sorry, I felt like being cheeky but am glad it went over okay). I think the most useful part is identifying the biggest pro/con and highlighting (or eliminating) them as needed. My (now former) partner and I went and she was not a WDW person (not having gone) and for her, it was the concern about big crowds, too kid-focused (this was an adult only trip pre-kids) and not being a huge fan of rides. I hadn't pushed for us to go, knowing all of that - but at some point she said she wanted to try it knowing I liked it. This was a while back (as I hear now that there are no real "slow/down" times to go) - but we went during a relatively low crowd time, ate at Sanaa, California Grill, and Victoria and Alberts (and not at Chef Mickey's, etc), and we focused on things like Cirque du Soleil vs. rides. It seemed to work - I was surprised by how keen she was on going back (even suggesting it herself) and then when we had a kid, it transferred to excitement taking them and doing those things that had previously been ruled out (going to Chef Mickey's and riding on Dumbo, etc). We did go in another low-crowd time of year, though (for me, the crowds and heat are dealbreakers - I've been to WDW during July 4th and was miserable). But as others mentioned, I think part of what happened was that I did a lot of planning in the background and it allowed her to just experience and enjoy. That can be difficult/frustrating (or, if you are a planner like me, it can be a dream come true, lol).

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

The resort is key IMO. My DH has become disillusioned with Disney over past few years, but our most recent trip, once he was there, he was happy. We stayed at AKV-Kidani Village, we had a rental car so didn't have to deal with Disney transportation, and we had a really nice time. Also, the nice meals are key. He hated Genie+ so any way to avoid the "stress" of Disney and just make it more relaxing at the resorts makes a non Disney lover a bit more excited

 

[SusanDK]

I highly recommend the Boardwalk area for your resort. You can walk to both Epcot and Studios, plus there is much less hectic strolling entertainment in the evening. You can also walk to Fantasia Gardens, one of the mini-golf courses at WDW. And the new Swan Reserve hotel is next door to mini-golf - you may wish to check out suites there as they also offer 2+ bedrooms. We walked through the lobby, past the bar and cafe and pool area, a couple of weeks ago, and it looks very nice. The bar has serving both inside and outside with a lot of cozy, quiet places to sit and relax.

The 2+ bedroom villa idea would be perfect for your group and to keep things relaxing, you could get grocery delivery so you do breakfast in your room before heading out in the morning, and for the Epcot and Studios days, go back for lunch mid-day. There are cozy bars in all the hotels around the Boardwalk so lots for your DH to choose from and find his favorite, many places to sit and relax and enjoy the outdoor spaces. Get pizza from the Boardwalk pizza window one evening. Also lots of restaurants to choose from, both on the Boardwalk but also at the other hotels (B&Y Clubs, Swan, Dolphin). Just so many options in that area if he doesn't want to spend full days in the parks with the crowds. If the crowds become too much, let him leave to go back to the resort while you stay in the park with kids and grandparents.

Also maybe plan a lunch at AKL one day and relax there while walking the grounds and seeing animals. Mini-golf is a relaxing way to spend time outdoors, or regular golf if he is a golfer. On your MK day, maybe plan to do lunch at one of the monorail resorts, to get away from the mid-day MK crowds. Then if he wants to go back to the resort after lunch, he can hop the monorail to Epcot and walk through to get back to the Boardwalk.

If the grandparents are ok with taking the kids sometimes, then you and DH could go someplace more quiet for dinner or even a mid-day break (out for lunch while kids are napping). The BW area is nice for that because you would be close by but with lots of options in the immediate vicinity. With your size group, it could also be a reasonable idea to rent one of the pontoon boats for a relaxing 'cruise' around one of the lakes, either Bay Lake around the MK area or the lake by Disney Springs. That's also a way to get away from crowds and still be outdoors, enjoying the atmosphere of Disney but on your own.

 

[leebee]

We like BWV and AKL/Jambo the best, for different reasons. BWV is convenient for both Epcot and DS, as you can walk or boat to both. Although QS is lacking, there are great restaurants in the Boardwalk area, as well as Jellyrolls for date night. AKL is my absolute favorite. Jambo House is breathtaking, and what can you say about animals outside your door? The pool (and pool bar) at Jambo is excellent, as is the food at Boma (and hopefully, soon, Jiko). Everyone whines about the bus service and being "so far away" but we've never found it to be an issue. I know nobody has suggested it, but what about Saratoga Springs? We had no issues with the bus service, and really, really liked the proximity to Disney Springs for dinner every night- and nightcaps! There's boat service from SS to DS, and also a walking path.

Haha. Well that is one perspective. I think the cat is out of the bag with the cost. His coworker told him to expect $1k a day. I hope that is an exaggeration.

It's gonna cost you close to that much per day just for your room, I'd guess, if you are looking at 2 bedroom villas at Deluxe resorts! Remember that being onsite means you'll eat all your meals at Disney restaurants; check the menus here or at all ears.net for ideas on prices, and don't forget that with 6 guests an automatic gratuity might be charged. Don't forget to include the cost of wine/cocktails if you'd enjoy that with dinner. Tread carefully... Disney is stupidly expensive these days just for hotels and tickets. My DH is not a huge fan- he goes with us sometimes but doesn't love it- and the costs these days would definitely push him over the edge (and like another poster, I, too, try to leave DH home whenever DD28 and I go to Disney... we have more fun without him along, always fretting about how he's taking it, trying to make sure things go smoothly so he enjoys himself. Just too stressful...)

 

[WEDWDW]

Honestly, you may not have to do much to make him like it. My husband resisted for years. I finally convinced him to take the kids to Disneyland in Nov 2018. Before day 1 was over, he was already talking about our next trip. I didn't do anything special, it was just the magic of Disney!

Same thing happened to me.

First trip to WDW,first night,standing in The Hub as the Spectromagic floats were coming by alternating from colors to all white to colors,I knew at that moment I would be returning to this place for the rest of my life-it took my breath away.

I don't think a love for WDW can be "learned"-it either just happens or it doesn't.

 

[Donna M]

I totally agree. The challenges are stressing me out. If I wait things out though, we might never go.

Waiting an additional year might be worth considering. Your kids will be at a perfect age then too. WDW should be back to a more normal. Many are theorizing that the crowds are due to so many people who have postponed their trips, so that surge should dwindle with another year. You can do more planning and saving up for the things you find interesting.

We took our daughter, and 2 1/2 and almost 4 yo grandkids this past October for a week. We only did 2 days at MK, staying at WL and having fun at the resort for the other days. It was a great trip. We didn´t plan a lot, so it was relaxing. I don´t know how a family can do 6-7 days of theme parks back to back.

I would suggest looking at the resorts and picking the one you like the most. Boardwark has the advantage of walking to HS but I personally don´t like it, so that would outweigh the closeness of the theme park. You sure do have a lot to consider. Some of the planning can be fun. Good luck

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Way late to this game, but... I was in your boat once. I finally convinced my hubby that a couples only trip in the January off-season might change his mind. Boy, did it!

His concerns were similar to your hubby's: too hot, too crowded, not enough stuff he wanted to do. Late January kicks most of those to the curb. I also researched places to eat (he loves a good meal) and promised not to rope drop / commando the parks. We went late January 2020, and he had a blast. The lower crowds and lower heat levels were key, plus we didn't have the kids (who are now grown anyway) so we could concentrate on things that he enjoyed and be very leisurely. It worked like a charm. He admitted to me on the drive home that he really had a great time and that we should do Universal and a Disney after hours event in Jan 2021. His only stipulation was to fly next time, since we only had to buy 2 plane tickets.

So, even with Covid, we came back in late Jan 2021 to do Universal and a day at MK. Another outstanding trip. We are scheduled to do WDW the last week of Jan this year again.

 

[2vets]

My hubby is not a Disney guy. We don't have kids (but are not at all anti-kid!!), so that that aspect may alter your approach and/or your husband's acceptance, but I have never managed to make my own into a "fan." That would never and could never happen. However, I have managed to turn him from a "no, never" guy to a "That was OK. If you want me to go with you next time, I might do it" guy. Here is what I've done:

1) Stay in an on-property area that is walkable (avoiding bus transportation and the extra lines/waits is key), slightly more adult and/or is most accessible to the things HE is interested in. We stayed at Poly club level one year, and he wasn't a fan - the resort is gorgeous, but he prefers DHS (Star Wars) and Epcot( quiet stroll and snacks) more than MK, and I find that the MK resorts are louder, more chaotic. That said, I agree with all that is said about BLT and the extra bathroom, and BLT would be a reasonably "adult" approach to the MK area if that's a massive priority - but keep in mind there will be lines to travel to three other parks that your hubby might prefer (over what the kids prefer). Boardwalk/YC/BC is where I'd recommend staying to convert a resistant husband.
2) Minimize lines and waiting. Study Genie+, strategize, and then use LL, use $LL. It is better to take away a day from the parks and throw money at things than have an extra day and wait in a bunch of lines when with someone who is Disney-hesitant.
3) Minimize crowds. If you can swing it, book a fireworks party or cruise. Heck, if you can swing/justify it, book a VIP tour. With DH, we will do after hours parties when available, for instance.
4) Minimize dining schedules (or the appearance of them, anyways) - pick one big dining thing a day, for instance. Staying in a villa will really help with this, since you will have ease of access to food/snacks for the kids when needed. If you can do it, I'd also recommend at least one adult "date night" at a Swan/Dolphin restaurant - there are fewer families, and he (and you) may relish the break.
5) Unless he is converted during the trip, avoid the commando approach - I am a bigtime parks commando left to my own devices, but with DH, I cannot do that. I have to make sure he gets some resort relaxation time every day. In your case, this may mean letting him have some time to chill out while you take the kids to do one or two things.
6) Prioritize - don’t even try to do everything. Too much rushing, too much stress - that will make an impression, and not a good one.

I may need to add to this later, but that is the big stuff. VERY best of luck!!!