Keeping a less interested adult on board?

[BudgieMama]

So, we're just over 3 months away from our trip (we booked at over 11 months out), and I'm so excited it's silly. My DH, on the other hand, not so much. He's never been a big Disney fan (though he does like Pixar's films), nor is he a big theme park guy... yet he's agreed to this trip to WDW as it's something I've always wanted to do.

I REALLY want him to enjoy himself, and if possible, to want to come back at the end. He's been happy for me to do all the research, to make the ADRs (after showing him the menus), and for me to devise touring plans, taking into account the kind of things we'll be enjoy at the parks. We booked our final meal at Le Cellier for him especially, as he's a big steak fan, and by his request are only eating in the parks, DTD or our resort.

Has anyone taken a less enthused partner and converted them to the joy of WDW? Any tips?!

 

[MPB82]

You would need to get him on board with something Disney has that he likes. I don't mind Disney movies but I am not gung ho like my Fiance who has everything on DVD, VHS, dolls, pillows etc. She sold me on the rides, on the food, on the drinks which are things I enjoy more so then the meet and greats with the characters which I ended up doing and not minding so much.

IF he isn't a big fan of rides or Disney itself it might be tough but they do have drinking and food, they have fireworks, they have a great Animal Park, boat rides, etc.

If he loves you and he enjoys when you are happy when you are having a good/great time thank him, hold him and when you guys are alone do "alone" things together to let him know what he did was something you think very highly of.

 

[Oathkeeper13]

A lot of adults are closed to the idea of Disney because they think it's just for kids. Keep grown up activities in mind for the trip. Does he like to golf Disney has some excellent gold courses, if he likes to fish there are excursions for that, if he enjoys beer or other adult beverages try the drink around the world challenge at Epcot world showcase, and if you want to splurge The Richard Petty driving experience is supposed to be awesome. Also I find that one of the things I enjoy most about Disney is the design. Everything is so well themed and there are so many little details hidden everywhere. Finding hidden mickeys is fun for adults. Also Disney food is something to look forward to its not just popcorn and ice cream there are some really unique drinks and snacks available in the park.

Sell him on this being a themed all exclusive resort, and let him know it's not just for kids.

 

[ToddyLu]

Purchase a pass porter or other guide book and leave it in the bathroom I assure you he will probably look through it at some point. I mention a pass porter because it is concise and easy to read.

My DH loves photography...standing there waiting for him to get the gorilla at AK in a perfect shot is just torture for me. So he gets a camera day to himself to walk at his leisure and enjoy the scenery.

We enjoy eating. We try to go to the Cali Grill at least once if not twice a trip for steak. You can see MK fireworks if you time it right. If your meal is earlier you can come back to their observation deck with your receipt to view it from there...music is piped in.

You can also draw a free picture in DHS at the animation buidling. It is about 20 minutes and they teach the room to draw a character and you keep it as a souvenir.

Take a tour...they have some nice ones.

What does he like to do? For everything you want to do make sure his request or interest is honored. DH takes pics and I take taxi to Vera Outlet Store.

 

[ToddyLu]

I noticed you guys love birds. Definitely do the aviary at AK and Flights of Wonder there...the birds fly out over the audience...You can also plan a meal at AKL and after dinner sit around the fire outside and listen to stories or get night vision goggles to watch animals. It is like a museum with artifacts all around that resort and maybe would be something to do after your visit at AK...the lodge is right there and you can just take the bus to the resort.

 

[ToddyLu]

I'm sorry to be hogging your thread...most first timers do not realize the size and scope of WDW. It takes a few minutes to get everywhere. You will have to be careful and pace yourself so you are not overwhelmed. The resorts are expansive and huge. The parks alone take time....as hard as it may be work in some down time at the pool, etc.

Once there let him point things out to you then you can engage his interests. DH does better if I don't jabber about it and we discover it together. I am sure he wants you to have a wonderful time...once there he will understand...that is what makes WDW so special...something special for everyone.

 

[Lindaland]

A lot of adults are closed to the idea of Disney because they think it's just for kids. Keep grown up activities in mind for the trip. Does he like to golf Disney has some excellent gold courses, if he likes to fish there are excursions for that, if he enjoys beer or other adult beverages try the drink around the world challenge at Epcot world showcase, and if you want to splurge The Richard Petty driving experience is supposed to be awesome. Also I find that one of the things I enjoy most about Disney is the design. Everything is so well themed and there are so many little details hidden everywhere. Finding hidden mickeys is fun for adults. Also Disney food is something to look forward to its not just popcorn and ice cream there are some really unique drinks and snacks available in the park.

Sell him on this being a themed all exclusive resort, and let him know it's not just for kids.

These are all great ideas.

Also, try not to over-plan. Sometimes the stress of trying to keep up with "the plan" can cause quite a bit of tension and ruin the trip. Allow time to relax and be spontaneous.

Have a great trip!

 

[com_op_2000]

Some options depending on what he and you are into:
sports: golf, fishing, RPDE, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DTD, area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area
movies: DTD 24 screen theater some with meals served by waiters
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour

Agree with PP about scheduling down time, I know of people who will NOT come back cause of the go-go scheduling with no time to rest.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Also, try not to over-plan. Sometimes the stress of trying to keep up with "the plan" can cause quite a bit of tension and ruin the trip.

While I agree with this comment, I am wondering how one can possibly follow this advice if using the new Fastpass+ system? With dining reservations and Fastpass+ reservations, it seems that almost every moment of the day will end up being spent either on a scheduled activity or being on the way to the next scheduled activity. Also wondering when they will roll out the new "Restroom+" program where you have to reserve all your restroom breaks 30 days in advance.

 

[com_op_2000]

While I agree with this comment, I am wondering how one can possibly follow this advice if using the new Fastpass+ system? With dining reservations and Fastpass+ reservations, it seems that almost every moment of the day will end up being spent either on a scheduled activity or being on the way to the next scheduled activity. Also wondering when they will roll out the new "Restroom+" program where you have to reserve all your restroom breaks 30 days in advance.

Also wondering when they will roll out the new "Restroom+" program where you have to reserve all your restroom breaks 30 days in advance.


You schedule FP+ for mornings, go back to the room right after lunch, spend the rest of the daylight hours relaxing, then go to dining and night-time hours out and about.
or
You take the morning off/relaxing, have lunch, then head to your FP+, and stay in the same location/area for your night-time dining and activities.

IMHO, FP+ does take away from a lot of spontaneity, go with the flow traveling, and you have to plan more things out ahead of time.

 

[BudgieMama]

I'm not too worried about the plan, TBH. We did a week in NYC last summer, and I had things really tightly planned as we wanted to do as much as possible. Turns out, we do commando style holidays really well! We've also agreed that if I want to do rope drop and he doesn't we can meet up later if he wants a lazy morning in the pool.

Unfortunately, he's not a sporty guy, nor a shopper, nor much of a drinker (we both balk at the prices of booze in the US!) I may try leaving the PassPorter somewhere he'll see it too!

The birdy things at AK are definitely high up our to do list! He's really looking forward to AK in general. I suspect he'll love World Showcase when we get there too.

 

[spiceycat]

have you been to WDW before during July - it is hot and humidity.

so would try to do things early - then get inside - either at your hotel - many have activties during the day - or the parks where you can do things inside.
Epcot is pretty good about doing this. go see a movie in DD.

then at early evening and night - do most of your park hopping.

I don't like the heat and humidity of July or August.

 

[BudgieMama]

have you been to WDW before during July - it is hot and humidity.

I don't like the heat and humidity of July or August.

Nope, it's our first visit. We are visiting in August, as I work in a school and am tied to our holiday dates.

He has made me promise that we don't spend all our time on the WDW buses, so we're trying to avoid back and forthing between parks or our resort during the day. We are making a note of places with long shows and air conditioning for breaks from the heat!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

From a weather standpoint, August is the absolute worst time to go, but I hope you have a great visit anyway!

 

[BudgieMama]

From a weather standpoint, August is the absolute worst time to go, but I hope you have a great visit anyway!

We're well aware of that, but it's August or not at all! I can't wait!

 

[lazy daisy]

We're well aware of that, but it's August or not at all! I can't wait!

We went in August once and it was one of our best trips, it was hot but so much fun, make lots of use of the pool, and bring extra clothes!

 

[peachiepie]

My husband was less enthusiastic than me before our first trip together (I'd been before but he hadn't), but he really enjoyed himself once we were there.

Things he really enjoyed included all the different dining options, the Wishes Dessert Party (as we both have really sweet tooth's) and strolling around the World Showcase area.

Does your DH like anything like fishing or boats? As there are fishing excursions and boats for hire at some resorts. Or the Richard Petty driving experience?

My DH marches on his stomach so as long as there is good food he's happy!

 

[nealfreakinporter]

I'm a reformed DH. We went for a day to Magic Kingdom on our honeymoon. We split the honeymoon 3 days in Orlando, 4 days in West Palm Beach. I wanted to do Universal Island of Adventure for Harry Potter, and my wife agreed, so long as we went to Magic Kingdom. I wasn't opposed to a 'Disney World Park" but wasn't excited either. I was going to appease her. I think I even mentioned to a friend, that was her choice not mine.

.....within seconds of parking in the parking lot, and walking to the Monorail, I could already feel the magic, and anticipation was rising. For me personally, just doing some quintessential stuff sold me. I didn't even require anything 'manly' to sell myself on the park. The magic sold me! Now I will say, I'm not a stand in line to meet and greet with characters, or a parade guy (with exception to Main Street Electric Parade, because thats just awesome!), my suggestion would be rides. Rides, rides, RIDES! Unless your DH doesnt like rides haha.

Obviously I'm now obsessed with WDW, more so than my wife! I'm the one planning our trips in detail.

I hope your DH ends up enjoying the WDW experience like we all have on the boards!

Some options for guys rides, fireworks, awesome foods, beers in Epcot, Richard Petty Driving Experience, If hes a movie fan, maybe the Indiana jones Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, if hes into history Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, The American Adventure in World Showcase. There is plenty to keep interest for adult males at the parks. They even have a cigar shop in DTD.

I hope you make a convert!

PS the steak at Le Cellier is to die for!

 

[BudgieMama]

I hope your DH ends up enjoying the WDW experience like we all have on the boards!

Some options for guys rides, fireworks, awesome foods, beers in Epcot, Richard Petty Driving Experience, If hes a movie fan, maybe the Indiana jones Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours, if hes into history Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, The American Adventure in World Showcase. There is plenty to keep interest for adult males at the parks. They even have a cigar shop in DTD.

I hope you make a convert!

PS the steak at Le Cellier is to die for!

I hope he's a convert too. Star Tours and Indie are definite musts- we both love both of the film series. DHS is our first day too, so hopefully it will set things up well for him.

 

[nealfreakinporter]

I hope he's a convert too. Star Tours and Indie are definite musts- we both love both of the film series. DHS is our first day too, so hopefully it will set things up well for him.

I will say, personally speaking, our second trip as a couple (my wife has been MANY times)...I ended up liking DHS second to MK. I think Indy and Star Wars...and Tower of Terror and Aerosmith will really help ease him into the trip! Something I personally LOVED was the drawing session at the Animation Academy, where you sit in a room, and learn to draw a character with a Disney Animator...its nice to sit down in the AC, and a change of pace, and I don't think I'm great at drawing, but their instruction has helped me make, what I think are decent drawings!