My soon to be husbands first WDW trip..any tips to make an unbeliever feel the magic?

[4orm]

We will be getting married at WDW in a few weeks. It is going to be great and special, but I want to add that extra WDW magic. I want to show my fiance what it is that makes me teary-eyed when I watch the fireworks, and what makes me stay on these boards for hours at a time! Any tips on giving adults the magic feeling? Thanks!

 

[WDSearcher]

Is he truly a "non-believer," or has he just never been there before? Because there's a difference.

If he's a "non-believer," then you need to be careful to let him explore things at his own pace and don't force him into something just because it's your favorite. Let him discover what makes WDW special for him, and don't try to program the trip too much. Go to things you really like, but don't go overboard.

If, however, he's just never been there before and you want him to experience it through your eyes, then go for it! Have him help with planning and be sure to ask what he wants to see and what he isn't interested in. And if the one thing he has no desire to see is your favorite thing in the World, then put that on the list and add it at some point, so that he can see why you think it's special.

The thing is to not jump in and go gangbusters. It takes time to become a true fanatic!

And ... what you may also consider is finding something he's truly passionate about that you're not up on or fond of, and you make a concerted effort to enjoy that. If he sees you trying to love what he loves, then chances are, it will be easier for him too!

 

[petula]

On the other hand, you'd be surprised the transformations that happen when you get there. I've taken several non-Disney friends there and ended up having them drag *me* around! One, who was nearly anti-Disney when we met, disappointed me by refusing to even look at the brochures and books the day before we got there. He was the one to begin planning our next trip only a month after we got back.

 

[Chicago526]

I hope to be in the same boat as you soon. Things are going well with current BF, and we MAY be taking a trip this October. He has never been.

What makes WDW special for me is 2 things. The first is the memories from my very first visit as an 8 yo child. Everytime I've been back it's like reliving my childhood!

The second is all of my childhood Disney memories, like the old Disney cartoons, Davey Crockett, Wonderful World of Disney on ABC, the books, movies and everything else that kept me entertained as a kid. I see and feel all of that, and Walt's presence, whenever I go. This is what makes it special for me!

That, I think, is the key to making a believer out of someone who has never been. They need to conect to the park using their own memories of non-park related Disney from their own childhood. Try to find out what (if anything) your fellow's fav memories, movies, characters, etc. are, and try to focus on things related to his own childhood. That is the best way for him to become a believer, IMHO.

Congrats on you upcomming wedding, and good luck!

 

[puffkin]

My best advice is to not bombard him with all the details and plans. He won't really understand what all the fuss is about. I have made this mistake with my hubby-to-be on our first trip, and while it wasn't detrimental, it probably lessened his experience. Also, try not to go Commando. We did our first trip in 2001 because we didn't think we would be going again and we were exhausted by mid week. The less he knows going in, the more exciting it will be when you get there. Just make sure you keep up with the planning, because it will make it that much better for him. Here are some things that would be really special:

1. Try to get a PS for the Rose and Crown for 7:30 pm or so on the patio. Then you can watch Illuminations from there and have a great view.

2. Grab some drinks and relax on the Poly beach and see the Electrical Water Pageant go by at 9 pm.

3. See Cirque du Soleil. It is expensive, but well worth it.

4. If any of the behind the scenes tours would interest him, try one.

These are just a few suggestions of things we have done. Just remember to let him find the magic on his own. We didn't think we would be back after our 2001 trip, and we have been there 3 times since, as well as we will be there on our honeymoon in 3 months!