Is WDW for ADULT COUPLES??? Serious wake-up call here...

[joecavalier]

Okay, so I'm planning this birthday surprise for my DGF (37) who has always dreamed of going to WDW. I myself (40) havent been to WDW since I was 8 yrs old, so I will be like a newbie myself (I was a fan of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride )

Over the last month I have poured myself into these boards trying to make sure I have the best plan in place for a truly WONDERFUL 4 1/2 day vacation/anniversay/birthday surprise (May 18th - May 22nd). I have my itinerary set, ADRs are pretty much in place, La Nouba and SOA are my only enetertainment ressies as of now, and I've invested in touringplans.com and Ridemax to make sure I'm doing this all with some direction.

So I log in today and my heart sunk when I saw this thread. It seems that a lot of the major rides I am busting my **** to plan around are simply not worth it for adults... but very enjoyable if you have children to share their excitement with.

I guess my questions are:

Should I plan a more subdued vacation instead of focusing on trying to "get it all done" in our short time there? Are there events/activities that I should be investing my energy (and money) in that I am not aware about? Should I just shorten my trip for a 2 day WDW excursion and head to the beach? Are there specific itineraries for adults that would allow has to have a more adult oriented vacation (ie. not spending too much time in lines for rides that are for kids when we can be focusing our energies elsewhere?)

I can honestly say that my motivation has taken a hit, but I am still hoping for the best. I mean, I never would've planned this vacation for myself, but to see the excitement on my DGF's face when we make that turn off of I-4 instead of going to the beach will be priceless. I just want to make sure that by the end of the week we are reminiscing about our wonderful, magical filled vacation... rather than be exhausted and disappointed from rushing around a mammoth theme park waiting in lines to rides that were never meant for us

I could use a pep talk, and if you are regular WDW vacationing couple (without kids) I could certainly use some pointers.

TYSMIA!!

 

[Kuraire]

My advice, keep to your plans and try your best to ingore that thread. Remember it's just peoples opinions, plus having a whole thread dedicated to talking "disappointing rides" makes people think more about them and most likely be over critical.

Have a great time with your GF and make your own mind up about the rides and attractions. Sure you may come away from some of them thinking "well I wouldn't go on that again" but there will also be some that make you think, "um why was everyone complaning that was cool".

Personally I don't plan every moment of the day, I know this works for some people but I find that way to regimented for myself, apart from ADR's and parades/shows I just enjoy exploring.

 

[Goofy4]

Touringplans.com has "adult only" plans available.

On "that thread": If it's the thread I'm thinking it is, I complained about a ride over there, but I'm certainly still going back! And, while disappointed to see some of my favorites on the list, Disney would not be the same without them.

La Nouba will be awesome! Help me, what is SOA? Duh, I was just thinking about recommending Spirit of Aloha! We were just there last Thursday. They turn the lights down for the show, so there's a bit of "romantic" feel to it, and they'll probably offset your table for you a little so there's nobody else right next to you.

I think you've done the right thing with those 2 shows!

If you can, see the parks very early or very late (EMH); so you won't be spending as much time in line.

 

[+Rosetta+]

"Haters gonna hate"
Some people love the rides people shot down in that thread, it just depends on the person and what your fandom is of Disney characters.

There are plenty of things to do at the parks that are adult oriented, heck, the CMs are there goofing off all the time

Check out what's going on in the park schedules that sounds good to both of you and make them a priority. Otherwise, just have fun and discover something new on the way <3

 

[JoShan1719]

I agree with pp. Leave your plans as they are and just take things as they are. Even if you come off a ride a little disappointed I promise it isn't a gut-wrenching "that was horrible" feeling, it's more like a "eh, won't do that again" feeling.

Whether you enjoy an attraction or not you're still at Disney World. Have fun! Take everything in! GL

 

[Sea Turtles]

Don't sweat it, dude. Everybody is going to have different experiences. You have a great trip planned and she will be blown away. My wife and I (no kids) frequent WDW and touring as a couple is a lot of fun and memorable every time.

If you're at DS or Epcot on Fri, let me know - Drinks on me

Feel free to PM with any questions/doubts/concerns

Good luck

 

[Melknor]

As someone who has gone with my kids and also just me and DH, I hate to say it, but the trip that was just me and DH was WONDERFUL!!!!! I would do it every year if I could with just the two of us. Our style of touring was so much different without the kids. We could just leisurely take in the parks rather than rushing to rides. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the trips with my kids and those have their own special memories.

As for rides geared towards kids, aren't we all kids at heart? I love going on them all!! (I love Fantasyland, especially Pooh)

 

[everydaymathchick]

I try to not read those threads as each time I'm left wondering what those people are talking about! Like a PP said, we all have our fave rides and those that aren't on our "must-do" lists. Don't let someone else's opinion taint your vacation. It's all about the LOVE of Disney! Enjoy the magic! Besides, seeing it with your DGF while she sees it for the first time will make it all the more incredible for you! Be sure to come back and tell us what a great time you had and how all your planning paid off.

BTW - I, for one, recall crying a lot when I was 5. Seeing it all again when I was 16 was totally different and wonderful! THEN seeing it all again when I was 25 was tear-inducing it was so magical! WDW is for everyone.

 

[PirateBride08]

Please, Please, Please do not give up on WDW!! My husband and I go a few times a year. We were there in March and will be back in May for a few days. We were married there and love it! Sometimes we "do it all" and others we just walk around. No matter what we do, we always have a great time.

As far as people complaining about the rides, to each his own. Is Snow White's Scary Adventure really scary? Well to anyone over 6, probably not. They added "scary" to the name because it had dark parts and can scary small kids. Pirates is one of my favorite rides ever along with Its a Small World and Peter Pan. They are attractions, not thrill rides. I could ride them all over and over again.

La Nouba is going to be fantastic! I have never done that one yet but have heard amazing things about it.

You and your DGF are going to have a great time! Don't sweat it. Just being in Disney is Magical, so what if you get off a ride and have that "eh, it was ok" feeling! There is SO much to do that. Keep on planning! If you have any questions, ask away

 

[DISaholic's]

Honestly, I can't wait to go again as a couple, no kids. and My kids are grown up but they still want to go with us!

We went to Disney on our Honeymoon. Disney is what you make of it.

Be a kid again, relax and have fun and don't let other people be downers. I love Peter Pan, It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh and Snow White. But that's just me

 

[fkj2]

So I log in today and my heart sunk when I saw this thread. It seems that a lot of the major rides I am busting my **** to plan around are simply not worth it for adults... but very enjoyable if you have children to share their excitement with.

TYSMIA!!

Yes, while some mentioned in that thread are kind of lame, there are many wonderful attractions to be seen at WDW. I also would not miss POTC. It was my dad's favorite attraction, next to the Country Bear Jamboree, and I can't ever ride it and not think of him.

And that's what's great about WDW; creating memories that are always with you. I wouldn't worry about experiencing everything on this trip; that puts too much pressure on you. If you get tired, feel free to take time to sit poolside or go to the room and rest. If you booked a room near one of the lakes, you'll be able to sit out and listen to the water lapping up on shore. The tension will flow away.

Try not to plan so many dinners and activities that you become a slave to your schedule. Go and relax!

 

[daisyyy]

Don't change a thing... remember everyone is entitled to their own opinions.. but they can't make up yours.. you're the only one who can do that.. trust me, don't walk out of there wishing you tried something, but didn't do it becuase of something you read on here. Remember what Jack Sparrow said.... It's more like guidelines than actual rules. I Love going without the kids, and as many times as I have been.. there's always something new to try, and sometimes the best part is just taking in the little details.... Disney doesn't do anything without a reason behind it. There's a lot of things you can do, that makes it fun.. like looking for hidden mickeys, while you're waiting in lines.. You can get a book on where to find them in barnes and Nobel, or other book stores... It really helps you to find the details. You might even want to do a behind the scenes tours.. those are great, and a few of them are geared towards adults. check them out. I'm not sure how to post a link.. but maybe someone else knows how to do that. HAVE FUN... don't listen to all the negatives.

 

[LovesTimone]

Don't second guess yourself, DH and I have done the mouse with little kids, tweeners, teenagers, and with out the kids, every trip we find something new and exciting. Each time you visit is a different experiencing so relax and enjoy your trip find the kid in you both and let the magic happen,Take a carriage ride very romantic
DH and I get so excited when we turnoff I-4 and see the mouse signs.

This year will be 2 trip so sure, our first is in 22 days which will be a grand gathering with family and friends, celebrating our DD 21st birthday(she had her choice of any where she wanted to go and she chose Disney) and in Oct for food and wine and it will be just the 2 of us. We will be meeting other couples and this is a Grown ups only trip.

Have a magical Vacation

 

[bluejasmine]

Go with your first insticnt! Seriously if its her first time just she will LOVE it! She will be hooked! My DH and I LOVE to come to WDW ww/o the kids! Our honeymoon back in 08 was my DH first trip and he had a ball and we only had 3 days! We went back for our anniversary but took the teens and had a great time, booked bounce back for this yrs anniversary for just the two of us!

We will be taking it a bit slower this trip, even have a day off from the parks on our anniversary ordering room service for breakfast, renting a watermouse, drinks and dinner at GF, Im suprising him with a special cake and a limo!

Days at the park we will ride everything even IASW and Dumbo, its all in great fun!

If you want more adult activities watch wishes on the beach of the Poly, go for a carraige ride at one of the resorts, have a nice dinner but to me and my 30 something DH the parks are the main reason we come besides the great food and service!

Let us know how it goes!

 

[pawn626]

my dh and i went to the world in dec 09 just the two of us for the first time. this was our third trip in all. let me start by saying we had the time of our lives. we were so relaxed and had a ball visiting the other resorts taking the monorail to the poly for drinks, i would definitely stay with what you are doing she will love it. oh yeah and you will both be hooked.

 

[Missytara]

Don't change a thing. I go every year, mostly by myself, but also some times with friends.

If you have a chance, go over to POR and take the surrey bike ride around the resort.

Have a wonderful meal out - suggest Cali Grill at CR or Narcossee's at GF. Try getting a time when the fireworks will go off - "tell her that you arranged it". It will be our little secret.

Take the boat from MK and go over to the lounge at the WL, have a few drinks and then walk around the grounds.

Go around the world at Epcot; do a drink around the world or dessert around the world. Do a lot of interaction with the CM's in each country. I try out my french and my spanish.

Spend some quiet time at a spa.

And then tell her next time, you will go on the land/sea package. And you'll both be hooked for life!

 

[Thumper_Man]

I agree with everyone here. DW and I don't have any kids, and we'll be taking our second trip ever, to the World this year. I've never read the "Disappointing Ride" thread. We are equal opportunity ride takers. We'll try each ride once and make our judgment about the ride. Take it, there are some rides we won't ride on this upcoming trip; but that's because we rode the ride and decided whether or not we liked it. I'm not going to post and say "Oh that ride S---S! Don't go on it." I feel people should make their own judgments about the rides or attractions. Each person is different and each has their own likings. Some people are thrill seekers, where others like the more mellow rides.

We take our time walking through the park and just enjoy taking in all the sites, good food, adult drinks and all the magic Disney has to offer. Don't worry, Disney will be as much fun as you make it out to be. If you go in with the attitude you won't have fun because of what other people are saying, then you won't have fun. If you go in with the attitude that you and your DGF are going to have the best times of your lives, then that's exactly what will happen. Don't worry to much about having a good time. Just let it happen and have a wonderful vacation.

 

[DEA]

My DW and I go with and without our children. It is a completely different experience with the kids (more kid rides, more character meals, more character stalking ) and without the kids (Roller Coasters! ToT! More signature dining, less character stalking). I love both experiences. I don't go on Dumbo without my DDs, but I still visit the Magic Kingdom.

Nobody loves every ride, but at some level, it isn't about the rides. It's about visiting a place and sharing it with people about whom you care, regardless of whether they are tall enough to ride Splash Mountain. Without the kids, there is still plenty to do, and we keep going back.

 

[Haley]

My DH go to WDW and we don't have children. I had been before when I was 11 yrs old but my DH had never been and I was thinking he might not like it-- he LOVED Disney!

I mean if you really can't stand the Disney characters and don't like to go on rides or see shows I can see how you wouldn't have fun but otherwise you will have a blast!

 

[jmm476]

I agree, don't change your plans! But maybe don't go crazy with trying to see and do everything on your DGF's first time. You don't want to overwhelm anyone and turn them off to the Disney magic. I prefer to go without kids to Disney (I know, it's horrible), but kids cry and pout and want to do their own thing and at Disney, I'm a kid too. I think you'll have a great trip, as long as you don't push yourselves too much!