Just the two of us.. and i am terrified!

[bdoyledimou]

My wife is turning 40 this year, and i am planning a surprise trip to Disney world for the two of us.. no kids for the first time..

I am terrified..!! When we go as a family, the kids kind of set the pace of the day. Where we go, what attractions we see, where/when we eat etc .. this time, it is just the two of us, for 5 days alone at the world.

Many years ago (before my wife) i had an adult only trip with a girl i was dating. It was her first time there, and she HATED it. She hated the heat, the food, the crowds, even Disney itself and we ended up spending the entire week in the hotel room... and no it wasn't fun.

My wife does love Disney and she has been hinting that she wants to go for her birthday (by telling me how cool it would be to go for her birthday) so it won't be as bad as a situation as before but.....

I could really use some adults only advice to make this trip wonderful!

 

[NJDiva]

My wife is turning 40 this year, and i am planning a surprise trip to Disney world for the two of us.. no kids for the first time..

I am terrified..!! When we go as a family, the kids kind of set the pace of the day. Where we go, what attractions we see, where/when we eat etc .. this time, it is just the two of us, for 5 days alone at the world.

Many years ago (before my wife) i had an adult only trip with a girl i was dating. It was her first time there, and she HATED it. She hated the heat, the food, the crowds, even Disney itself and we ended up spending the entire week in the hotel room... and no it wasn't fun.

My wife does love Disney and she has been hinting that she wants to go for her birthday (by telling me how cool it would be to go for her birthday) so it won't be as bad as a situation as before but.....

I could really use some adults only advice to make this trip wonderful!

OMG she is so gonna love you for surprising her! you will both have a great time, you'll get the chance to have "adult conversations" where you don't have a child (young or old) whining about what they do or do not want to do. so do some of the things you can't do when you have them around...you want to really surprise her, make reservations at Victoria and Alberts, it is the best restaurant you will ever have the pleasure of eating at. the service is amazing and the food is spectacular. have a spa day, do a photo shoot, sleep in!! there's so much for the two of you to do you'll want to do it for your birthday.
Enjoy your time together, do the whole cheesy couples thing, or be big kids, wear your ears and have fun. there should be no stress, you'll be surprised how much you two will get done during your time down there.
have fun, enjoy some drinks in downtown disney and celebrate! oh and make sure you make your wifey wear a birthday pin the entire time you're there...everyone will wish her happy birthday and make her feel that much more special

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

Is this the trip in your tracker/signature? Two months and change from now?

I'm looking forward to checking out the new AMC theater at Downtown Disney. Though I usually think seeing a movie is a waste of time on a Disney Vacation - I'm curious to try the bar and full meal service while watching a flick one evening. It's something new for me.

The trip is such a great idea. So happy for you and your wife!

 

[Rekenna]

No worries! We have 3 great kids and we love them to pieces, but...our favorite WDW trips have been when it was just the 2 of us. So relaxing and peaceful! Take your time, really check out Epcot, walk the Boardwalk, play mini-golf, eat, shop, take a boat ride...ohhh, the possibilities are endless!

Don't stress, she will be so excited! I would be if DH surprised me with a WDW trip-it is the ulitmate B-Day present. Have a great time!!!

 

[DCTooTall]

Don't worry about not having the kids to set the pace. Since it's just the 2 of you, You may find that you have more time to just relax during the trip and not quite be as "commando" as you might be with the kids.

You'll also be able to enjoy some of the shows, shops, restaurants, or other little gems that maybe the kids don't quite have the patience for. You may also want to look into some of the non-park activities around the World which you may enjoy. (For instance, Your Wife may enjoy being pampered at the GF spa).



As I usually say in these kind of threads, If we knew what your interests tend to be, or the exact timing of your trip, we could probably give you some more specific suggestions on things to do, ADR's to try and snag, etc.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Thanks for the support --- heres the sit

Its not that there is nothing to do.. or that we won't find something to do..

I am terrified of the repeat of the last experience with an adult trip.
When we go as a family, if there is an attraction the kids want to go on, and one of US didn't want to that was fine.. the one who didn't want to didn't.. saw a show, browsed the shops, had a snack as suggested and we would meet up after the attraction,

In this situation... we don't have that option. I would never just leave her to go on a ride/attraction alone. She would never leave me to go one an attraction alone. Although there are attractions that one of us LOVE and the other HATES.

 

[jdb in AZ]

My DD loves thrill rides but her DH has a week stomach. She rides the Everest Expedition over and over and over in the single rider lane while he waits patiently outside. his choice. Anyway, it works for them.

Just concentrate on the things you like to do together and take turns deciding on what to do next.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Okay, here is the situation. . .DON'T OVERPLAN. Allow for spontaneity. Make a few dining ressies but don't go OVER THE TOP. Many of the restaurants can accommodate walk ups. Plan a special birthday dinner. I liked the V&A suggestion by Diva. Does your wife like manicures, pedicures, massages or spa treatments? If so I would suggest Saratoga Springs spa. I actually prefer them to the spa at the GF. Don't even worry about the rides and attractions that both of you do not agree on. Just stick to the ones you do. Plenty of life left to come back with kiddos and do those other rides. Make it all about soaking in the Disney magic and you will have the perfect vacation.

 

[DCTooTall]

I agree with Darcy. With just 2 adults going it makes it MUCH easier to just go and do whatever you feel like doing at that moment. You don't have to plan around kid's getting worn out, or nap times, or meal schedules, or bedtimes, or any of those things.

It's also easier to find walk up space at restaurants for a smaller party, or work your way onto rides or attractions.


So just relax.... maybe pick out a couple things you want to do, like a special birthday meal or pampering.... and for the rest of the trip, go with the flow and just relax and have fun. Don't feel like there is anything you NEED to do, because you know you'll always be back later with the kids. Take the opportunity to just enjoy the Disney Magic, each other's company, and maybe those things that you never get to do together because you know the kids wouldn't sit still thru it. (You say that you'll normally end up splitting up for a bit to do some things like shopping/shows while the other stays with the kids and keeps them entertained.... Well, are there any shows or shopping places you both like to do but never get to do together because you go when doing the kid swap?)

 

[7165red]

You know your wife so don't worry and go. I wouldn't have a problem if my husband wanted to go on a ride without me, I would just get a seat and people watch. During the fireworks we were separated so it could have looked like I was alone. There was only one seat available and I was tired so I took the seat.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

We have found it to be so much less stressful without the family. We make some ADR's, but don't overplan and just go with the flow. If one of us wants to sleep in and the other wants to go commando to the parks, that's fine. We have cell phones and keep in touch. The DW wife will call when she is leaving for the park and I will meet her at the front of the park. I will get a cup of coffee and snack, sit and relax until she arrives. Many times late at night, I want to do some night photography and she is fine with that (it helps that she is also a photographer ). The point I'm trying to make is to relax and enjoy! Don't feel pressure to have to be attached at the hip!

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

We go by ourselves most of the time. We decide what ADRs we want and that kind of dictates the park or area we are at for the day but we don't have a tight schedule. If we want to go sit by the pool or go to DTD then there is nobody to convince but ourselves. Think about going on some tours. They have really added to our experience.

 

[gismo1554]

Thanks for the support --- heres the sit

Its not that there is nothing to do.. or that we won't find something to do..

I am terrified of the repeat of the last experience with an adult trip.
When we go as a family, if there is an attraction the kids want to go on, and one of US didn't want to that was fine.. the one who didn't want to didn't.. saw a show, browsed the shops, had a snack as suggested and we would meet up after the attraction,

In this situation... we don't have that option. I would never just leave her to go on a ride/attraction alone. She would never leave me to go one an attraction alone. Although there are attractions that one of us LOVE and the other HATES.

Honestly you shouldn't worry about going on rides on your own. My other half has that issue and the way we swing it is he goes on one or 2 rides on his own each day and all the rest we do together. While on them I either do the usual girlie shopping moment or just sit and have an ice cream. With Fast Passes it makes it so much easier. You just need to be really considerate to each other about it that's all. No point going on rides you hate when you could get 5 minutes apart and just chill. Just don't make a big deal of it and its fine! You just have to talk about rides before hand and get a strattegy! As I hate all the rollercoasters, I use my park ticket to get a fast pass for 1, he uses his to get a fast pass for another and it makes it really quick to get things done. Also some rides do single rider and this speeds up how long it takes to get through rides. Look at things like this before hand in order to check what you want to do.

 

[Businessgypsy]

Wait, what? You're going to WDW with a woman who cares enough about you to get married, alone in what can be one of the most romantic places on the planet?

I think you're bragging, Lucky Boy! Seriously, unplug your thinker and wallow in being there with her. Since it's all about your wife, the pressure is off for doing anything but following her cues.

Best mood setter: Mo Rockin' bellydance synthpop show in Morocco at World Showcase. Immediately after the show, stroll into the Morocco pavilion. Open the first door to the left. There is no sign. It's a cool little normally empty museum that is a great place for a bit of not-so-PDA.

Another great spot for a kiss: Go to the China pavilion, turn right on the path around the lake. Small waterfall in the shade hidden from view, few people go there.

I know a dozen or so more out of the way spots, PM if you need a list or have fun finding your own. DO NOT go on a ride or attraction you don't want to go on. She'll love you for the confidence it takes to send her off alone, and you can engineer a little surprise for her when you meet up later. If you're anything like most humans, a little break will increase your attraction, not fray the edges.

Bottom line: Don't worry, be happy you lucky dog!

 

[bdoyledimou]

Thanks for the Epcot Hints Businessgypsy! (pretty timely as well, as thats the park we are going to be at for her birthday, as Soarin' is her favorite ride..)

And i wiould LOVE that list of secret spots

 

[Brian Noble]

With just 2 adults going it makes it MUCH easier to just go and do whatever you feel like doing at that moment.

This. Exactly.

We did a no-kids long weekend several years back. It was fabulous. We ate at places the kids would not enjoy, we did things the kids would find boring. We had a great time.

 

[StrawberryTink]

Thanks for the support --- heres the sit

Its not that there is nothing to do.. or that we won't find something to do..

I am terrified of the repeat of the last experience with an adult trip.
When we go as a family, if there is an attraction the kids want to go on, and one of US didn't want to that was fine.. the one who didn't want to didn't.. saw a show, browsed the shops, had a snack as suggested and we would meet up after the attraction,

In this situation... we don't have that option. I would never just leave her to go on a ride/attraction alone. She would never leave me to go one an attraction alone. Although there are attractions that one of us LOVE and the other HATES.

Gosh you poor thing, dont stress so much. Your wife is going to be so super happy with you, its her birthday treat, withouth the little ones/big ones!!lol.
Just think of all that babysitting you wont have to do, you wont have to cut your snogging short, because the kids think its gross and you can stay up all night, order room service, go swimming together, walk together until the late hours, take carriage rides, eat at places that are beautiful and not filled with kids.

You can literally do whatever you want, whatever rides, eat where ever and whenever. Its going to be magical.

You are going to have the best time.

And really i think we all know why you didnt end up marrying that crazy girl you dated (who didnt enjoy Disney) back whenever. You married a woman who appreciates Magical Times!!

So stop worrying and start planning all the little places you can take her and things you can surprise her with.

How exciting for you both!! Wait until you see the look on her face when she finds out, you'll know you've made the right choice!!

 

[kehlyrsmom]

My husband and I went last year for our anniversary for 6 days/5 nights without the kids the only other time we had been there just the 2 of us was our honeymoon. We had a blast we spent a lot of time at the parks. But we also spent some of our time going around to the different resorts and also took in a DVC presentation which was something we had been wanting to do to find out about it.

We had started to plan a trip back for our 20th anniversary this year but then my dad gave us some frequent flier miles so we could go to Hawaii. To be honest while we both enjoyed Hawaii and glad that we got to see it, we where both sad that we did not go to Disney. We did find Alunia and took in a tour there to at least get in a small Disney fix also we stopped by the Dole plant to have a dole whip.

 

[bdoyledimou]

So far, it is STILL a secret. I actually got the reservation package yesterday which is what prompted me to come back here (been very busy summer and i had almost forgotten about it!!)

So far things are working out.. Epcot (her favorite park) has Extra Magic hours on her birthday, i have breakfast booked @ Chef Mickeys (her fave Character experience) and Dinner booked at Bistro de Paris, and a couples relaxation spa package at the Saratoga .

Then we have a full week after that to chill relax and do Disney like kids.

(and the "little ones" are 14 and 12 .... its harder to keep it from them, cause they will spill the beans..)

 

[MinMouse]

So far, it is STILL a secret. I actually got the reservation package yesterday which is what prompted me to come back here (been very busy summer and i had almost forgotten about it!!)

So far things are working out.. Epcot (her favorite park) has Extra Magic hours on her birthday, i have breakfast booked @ Chef Mickeys (her fave Character experience) and Dinner booked at Bistro de Paris, and a couples relaxation spa package at the Saratoga .

Then we have a full week after that to chill relax and do Disney like kids.

(and the "little ones" are 14 and 12 .... its harder to keep it from them, cause they will spill the beans..)

Sounds like a great trip is planned. DH & I are going in October to celebrate our 20th anniversary! We did the same thing for our 15th anniversary. Had so much fun we thought we'd do it again. Our little ones aren't so little either. They were better about it the last time (we really had NEVER done a multi-day trip away from them at that time). It is so much fun to just do exactly what we want to do. Have a great time!