My first trip give me you tips

[acouron]

This will be our first trip to Disney World and I have 4 children ages 5,4,2and 5 months. And a husband that is not thrilled about going. Anybody got any tips on how to make him excited?

 

[Tricia's mom]

You may not be able to MAKE him excitied but once he gets there and see's his kids eyes light up, You will have one him over.

 

[2princesses2princes]

I agree with pp. My dh is far from that though, he is more excited about it then the kids, but drives me nuts cuz when they get all giddy and hiped up he gets mad. Disney just has this magical thing about it that affects us all no matter how old or how "grumpy!" But sharing that magic with your children makes it 10times better.

 

[chrisw127]

What does he like to do? Maybe promise him some alone time, either in the parks or doing something like golfing.

Of course, it would be nice if you could get a little break too.

 

[kellyg403]

The first time we went, the kids and I were so excited and dh was ho hum. Coulda gone anywhere in his eyes. Trust me...once he got there and saw how much fun we all had he has been converted! The first trip wasn't even all that great. We had meltdowns and were overtired and planned and planned and planned so that every minute we were somewhere doing something. So, in my eyes that first trip was not great until we got home and started talking about things. That 'babysitter' at 50's Prime Time or the first ride, or Osbourne lights. It brought us back every year since. I tell you that simply because the first trip is always hard. You have no idea where you are going, you have small children and 4 of them to boot. There will be tired and overstimulation..even adults have that.

I was so happy the first trip that we did character meals. We didn't have to waste time standing in lines waiting and hoping we would get to see one before the handler took them away. With your varying age group I would recommend that.

Remember downtime is important. You don't say how long or when you are going. If you can fit in a break from the parks to just hang around the pool and take naps and hangout...you will thank yourself later. One of the worst things for us is not stopping when we were tired and going back. Going back for rest/naps in the day helps a lot too.

Most important...let the kids lead you. Sure plan those ADR's. Plan those top three rides/shows you want to do..but make it a collective effort with the 5 and 4 year old. Do those things and the rest is gravy. You will feel like you have done what you came for.

As always, WDW will always be there. I hope your dh gets on board but my guess is once you get there, he will see what it is all about and be good with it.

Kelly

 

[Goofdad]

I have 4 children ages 5,4,2and 5 months. And a husband that is not thrilled about going.

#1. you've got your hands full with that many young children. TEMPER YOUR EXPECTATIONS! The kids may not be able to do/see everything you want them too. I know you didn't pay all that money to hang out at a hotel pool, but it may be exactly what they/you need once in a while.

#2. Are your kids into Disney? Do they know the characters? Do they watch Disney Playhouse, Clubhouse, etc? IMO, it really helps if they do.

#3. DisneyWorld is heaven on earth for my children. There is nothing that could make me happier than seeing their faces and excitement when we're there. It is on par with Christmas morning but in many ways better; it lasts longer and is more educational/developmental for them.
I want to see my kids grow, enjoy, experience, and imagine while they are there and DisneyWorld brings out all the best of that for them.
I have trouble understanding how anyone with kids could feel differently.

 

[Happiest mommy]

I second the previouse post my hubby cares nothing about what I have planned, but once we get there he is totally different and thanks me for taking the time to make all the ADR's and seeing how much the kids and I enjoy ourselves he becomes a kid himself we have a great time, mind you while we are still at home he could care less

 

[Goofdad]

The first time... dh was ho hum

I was so happy the first trip that we did character meals.

Remember downtime is important.

Most important...let the kids lead you. Sure plan those ADR's. Plan those top three rides/shows you want to do..but make it a collective effort with the 5 and 4 year old. Do those things and the rest is gravy. You will feel like you have done what you came for.

Great advice.
and yeah, I was pretty skeptical on our first trip. For me it was the logistics of the whole trip (carriages, luggage, bottles, diapers, etc) that were of concern.
The Disney Magical Express helped out a lot in that area... check your luggage in at the airport and don't see it again until your hotel room. If you have the option to use that, it helps a ton.

 

[Jennifer19]

I can really sympathize because this is my husband too. I'm not saying he doesn't enjoy himself at all, but this is not how he'd like to spend his days and he seems to have less stamina than my 4yr old.

My advice is to not run him ragged; you need a partner to help with the kids, not another person to tend to. With that in mind, don't try to do too much and take a lot of breaks. Also, ask him what he expects and wants out of this trip because you may need to temper your expectations to his, otherwise you might not have a very fun trip.

Also, if it's financially feasible - how about a babysitter and a nice night out at an Epcot restaurant (or anywhere, really) with just the two of you?