Problems with non-Disney fans

[WishingStar]

I love to take my kids to WDW, but I have a spoiler. Everytime I start planning a trip my MIL has something nasty to say about what she refers to as "kiddyland". I try to explain to her that it is not at all what she imagines. But in the ten years I have been around her, just haven't been able to get it through. Just wondering if anyone else has the same problem. If it was someone I didn't have to be around I probably wouldn't care. Any suggestions?

 

[laceemouse]

Has your MIL ever been there? My mom LOVES Disney too, and my MIL doesn't really say anything to us. I do get weird comments from other people but I don't really care! I know it is hard, but she may just never "get it."

 

[ChefBilly]

I sometimes get looks like "You're going there again?" from the in-laws.
They obviously think I'm stupid or crazy. But to be honest, I just don't care. I just don't talk about it much when I'm around them. They're not bad people, they just don't 'get it' like I do.

 

[DisneyJules]

Poor, poor woman, man is she missing out. It would just take one trip to change her mind. I feel sorry for people like that. I wish everyone could experience the magic of Disney.

 

[jfulcer]

Even a trip may not change her mind.

If you get it, you get it.

If you don't, it's a waste of our Disney fanatics time...

 

[helenabear]

Honestly the best you can do is to ignore it or do what I do... I don't tell my in-laws. They effectively squished all ideas that I had to do a huge family trip there some day (we always vacationed there when I was little) since they hate it so much (and they've gone) so I don't even bother to tell them anymore. They have no clue about my last trip and as far as I am concerned it can stay that way. I just get tired of hearing all the negative so it is easier to just not talk about it. Kind of sad isn't it? As Jeff said though, even a trip might not change them... as in my case that made it even worse for them. So I would talk about it as little as possible around them and ignore all the bad things they do have to say if it does come up. Good luck

 

[tc]

My inlaws don't get it either. They laugh when we say we are going again. We really want to take them. Get a two bedroom at BCV with the kitchen. I know, once they go, they'll really like it. FIL loves thrill rides, and MIL loves just reading and relaxing. They have no idea they can have both at WDW. I am hoping, some day, they'll relent and agree to join us. Stephen and I were just talking about taking a behind the scenes tour this September. We were reading what was available, and saw the steam engine tour at MK. Stephen said how much is dad would love that, if only he'd agree to come. Oh well, we keep asking, they keep scoffing, but, one day, they'll give in.

 

[WishingStar]

Thank you for the replies. Someday I'll learn to stick with my own kind.

 

[kdibattista]

Yep... I would definitely keep them out of the plans... not a peep to them.

 

[GeorgeG]

I used to get upset with all the negative reactions to WDW, especially from those who haven't been there. Keep in mind, though, that some people have been there and had bad experiences, or at least less than great ones.

I've run into people who have gone at the worst times for weather and crowds, stayed off-site, and dragged along ungrateful kids who made sure the trip was a bust, and never did any research or listened to veterans like us. The results were always "too hot/rainy, too crowded, stood in a hundred lines for two hours each, couldn't find a decent place to eat, the kids just wanted to go on Space Mountain over and over again..." The list goes on and on.

Then there are those who might have liked it but tried to do it ALL in three days, and that included Sea World and Universal!

You've got to admit that WDW can be a bit overwhelming for the uninformed the first visit.

These days, I'll gladly share information about WDW with anyone who is interested, but if they don't want to listen, I let it go as their loss.

 

[Mr.MouseFan]

Originally posted by GeorgeG

I've run into people who have gone at the worst times for weather and crowds, stayed off-site, and dragged along ungrateful kids who made sure the trip was a bust, and never did any research or listened to veterans like us. The results were always "too hot/rainy, too crowded, stood in a hundred lines for two hours each, couldn't find a decent place to eat, the kids just wanted to go on Space Mountain over and over again..." The list goes on and on.

I almost feel guilty when we get back from WDW. When we go, the weather's great, there are no lines and we have a great time. Research is definitely the key to a wonderful WDW vacation.

 

[Sharby]

Originally posted by GeorgeG
You've got to admit that WDW can be a bit overwhelming for the uninformed the first visit

I certainly agree with you there GeorgeG. My family's experience (and I know this to be true for other families) was that we went the first time in the early 90's- and did experience - some magic.

But at that time, pretty much the only option for budget minded families was staying offsite as the All-Stars had not yet been built. Some of the commuting to and from and being in the magic for only 8-10 hours (or as long as you could stand up on your throbbing feet) means that although we got the magic - it seemed as though those staying onsite were experiencing more.

But actually staying offsite the first time or two made hard-core planners out of some of us. It made us realize that having a plan made a HUGE difference in how your Disney vacation worked out. As one popular Disney reference puts it - "Get a plan or get a lobotomy" ....that's my favorite Non-Disney Disney quote...

If I had to name one of the biggest accomplishments that modern-day Disney has done - it would have to be the All-Stars

 

[CJK]

This subject has really been a sore spot for me. I LOVE Disney and love what it has to offer. I can lie on the beach or ride a roller coaster. I can go horseback riding or watch a broadway-like show. The possibilities are endless. Both dh and my families are Disney fans (we all grew up going to Disney). However, my family doesn't go to Disney nearly as often anymore. They tell us that they're, "broadening their horizons". That's absolutely fine with me. The problem for us is that now, our family, friends and acquaintances don't even try to hide their distaste of us going back to Disney - AGAIN. I do want to try other places too, but something keeps drawing me back to Disney. I've even had people tell me that it's time I "grow up" and go somewhere else. These are people who have been to Disney many times before. *sigh* I guess I should just not care what other people have to say anymore!

 

[jfulcer]

Originally posted by CJK
I've even had people tell me that it's time I "grow up" and go somewhere else. These are people who have been to Disney many times before. *sigh* I guess I should just not care what other people have to say anymore!

It really doesn't matter what other people say/think. It's your vacation and money to spend as you want.

And, I don't<b> <i>ever</i></b> want to grow up.