SO doesn't like Disney World - Deal Breaker?

[Needafix]

I've seen this hinted at many times, but have not seen a post on it and I'm very curious.

Many DISers have mentioned our concerns/hopes over finding someone who shares our love of Disney.

I met the man of my dreams. Our biggest problem is that he's never been to Disney. I can't help thinking, what if we get there and he doesn't like it.

I could only ask this question on DIS - Has this ever been a deal breaker for anyone?

I want to bring him on the perfect week long trip to really get the magical experience, but that won't happen for 3 years - My 50th Bday. He cannot understand how I could pick Disney for my 50th when I have the choice of going any place in the world and thinks it will be someplace he'll only want to go to once.

I knew it was fate when I found out he has a Mickey tatoo and his favorite movie of all time is Finding Nemo - so I think he has great potential.

(Disclaimer - No lectures please. Just fun hearted curiosity - I know how lucky I am.)

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

When I got divorced in 2000 "liking WDW" was at the top of my list for a new mate. Not kidding.

 

[gis]

It's one thing to have gone and not enjoyed it, it's another thing to not have gone and not know...

There are many, many cases where I've turned someone on to something they thought they'd dislike and found out how awesome it is (and how right I am. *cough). DLR / WDW being two of them.

There's plenty of time to go see the world, but Disney is a way of life.

 

[Eric in TX]

I agree with Gis...

My wife practically grew up in FL, and never went to WDW. She always said that "amusement parks aren't my thing...."

In the fall of 2010, we spent 8 days at the CBR and did Disney the right way. Up early to do the parks with no crowds in the morning, afternoons relaxing by the pool, nice dinners in the early evening.... and she LOVED it!

She has since told me that if she knew then what she knows now, she would have wanted to get married in WDW. We just got back from our second trip together, and this summer will be planning a big family trip in 2013.

Many times, it's simply that they just don't know. When those folks get to see WDW with someone who knows what they're doing and knows what it's all about, they discover what a truly great vacation it is.

Resistance is Futile!!

 

[erinscreen]

I majored in History in college and have always considered myself "worldly." I enjoy dabbling in new cultures, learning new languages, and traveling. I used to be engaged to a guy and we went on vacation to WDW. He HATED Epcot and said it was "too cultural." We broke up at the end of that trip.

So yeah, dealbreaker. However, it wasn't that he didn't like Disney, it was that we just weren't a good match on other levels, too.

I think you should go. I think you will have a great time because relationships are more than just liking the same vacation spot!

 

[Needafix]

Thanks everyone. You all give me hope. I CANNOT wait to get him there and see his reaction. I don't know how I'm going to wait 3 years though.

When I got divorced in 2000 "liking WDW" was at the top of my list for a new mate. Not kidding.

I totally get it. The thing is I don't know yet if he likes WDW, so I can't use that as a barometer. Luckily, he's easy to convert, and keeping me happy seems to be high on his list.

He's already agreed to move with me from PA to Sarasota, FL to live near my sister. (Um...sure....sister - - has he looked at a map?)

erinscreen - that's hillarious - "too cultural".

"Resistance is futile" and "Disney is a way of life" - Ooooh so true!

 

[erincon23]

I don't get why you have to wait 3 years. The only reason you gave was for your 50th -- why can't you go sooner for a "just because of us" trip? In 3 years, hopefully you'll either have decided he's absolutely for you and married him (if that's in your plans), or decided he's not for you for other reasons. And three years into this relationship, if it's going well, if he doesn't like WDW, will you really dump him just for that? Doesn't make sense. Go now. If you have any thoughts that it might be a deal-breaker, why wait? You'll most likely have a fantastic time -- I can't imagine a guy with a Mickey tattoo NOT having a great time!

FWIW, DH and I didn't go to WDW (together, at least -- I had been there in 1974 with my family and he went solo for a day or two as part of a conference before we met) until we had two little children. I'm a Disney nut, can't wait to go for my solo trip in 4 weeks, and he enjoys it, but if he never went back, he'd be ok with that too. And I can live with that! As long as he doesn't tell me I can't go alone, or with friends, or with our boys (without him), and will come with occasionally, that's all fine too!

 

[Lisa71]

My DH was not sure he would like the world...we live near Disneyland and even that he just "liked"...and teaching him what he could enjoy has been awesome. I am sure we would have survived as a couple if he did not LOVE it...but going with a Dis-hater would not be fun. SO glad he love it too!!!

 

[Needafix]

I don't get why you have to wait 3 years. The only reason you gave was for your 50th -- why can't you go sooner for a "just because of us" trip? In 3 years, hopefully you'll either have decided he's absolutely for you and married him (if that's in your plans), or decided he's not for you for other reasons. And three years into this relationship, if it's going well, if he doesn't like WDW, will you really dump him just for that? Doesn't make sense. Go now. If you have any thoughts that it might be a deal-breaker, why wait? You'll most likely have a fantastic time -- I can't imagine a guy with a Mickey tattoo NOT having a great time!

FWIW, DH and I didn't go to WDW (together, at least -- I had been there in 1974 with my family and he went solo for a day or two as part of a conference before we met) until we had two little children. I'm a Disney nut, can't wait to go for my solo trip in 4 weeks, and he enjoys it, but if he never went back, he'd be ok with that too. And I can live with that! As long as he doesn't tell me I can't go alone, or with friends, or with our boys (without him), and will come with occasionally, that's all fine too!

BAsically we figure it will take 3 years to get our 4 kids and two homes settled and get them somewhat on their way to independence. 2 in college, 2 on the verge of graduating high school, 2 homes and WAY too much money going out right now. When I get him there, I want to do it right - a full week and not worrying about cutting corners. I want to show him all the magic. (In all honesty though - I have the bug so bad right now, I'll be surprised if I don't cave and get him there for an extended weekend at some point, I'm just afraid that won't be enough to get him hooked.)

Yep, definitely heading on the marriage track and I can't wait. I know for a fact that if he doesn't like Disney it won't be a deal breaker, but it would make it so much more fun if we could enjoy it together. I was just curious if it was a deal breaker for others.

I'm looking forward to enjoying Disney with him, but I'm also looking forward to other trips there when he does his thing (fishing/golfing) with the boys.

I am soooo enjoying everyone's posts though. I find it so heartwarming how many of us can show people the magic they never thought they'd experience. I can't wait to "teach" him the Disney way and once we get these kids settled, I can guarantee it won't be four years between trips again!!!

 

[Vivianne]

My circumstance is different. We went on our honeymoon for the 1st time years ago. It could have gone either way. Fortunately, we both loved it and have gone many timess.

But, you'll find alot of differences anyway even non-Disney with this person you choose.

So, find out what you know he'll enjoy during your trip. Ask him. If he's not a shopper, don't subject him to long hrs of waiting while you shop. I saw a few Disney Youtubes that the men are standing with a bored/hatred expression on their faces....

 

[disneychic2]

First of all, congratulations on finding your wonderful guy! Second, you sound like a really fun person and I think you will have no trouble introducing him to the "world" as you see it. And lastly, if he does really want to please you as you say, he will love it because you do. That's what it was like for DH and I. He "indulged" me at first and now he's just as much a Disney nut as I am!

So many people think Disney is just for kids, but as we on the DIS all know, it has just as much to appeal to adults as well. I can't tell you how many people I have helped with Disney plans who, before I suggested it, hadn't given Disney a thought for vacation.

Good luck to you and I do hope you get there before 3 years!

 

[Needafix]

First of all, congratulations on finding your wonderful guy! Second, you sound like a really fun person and I think you will have no trouble introducing him to the "world" as you see it. And lastly, if he does really want to please you as you say, he will love it because you do. That's what it was like for DH and I. He "indulged" me at first and now he's just as much a Disney nut as I am!

So many people think Disney is just for kids, but as we on the DIS all know, it has just as much to appeal to adults as well. I can't tell you how many people I have helped with Disney plans who, before I suggested it, hadn't given Disney a thought for vacation.

Good luck to you and I do hope you get there before 3 years!

Thanks! After 10 years of kissing frogs I found my prince and I'm keeping him. Yay for me.

I saw us in your post and it made me feel so much better. Since I've known him he's done a lot of "indulging" and he never hesitates and always makes it so much fun no matter how crazy or "tacky" my request.

After reading everyone's posts, I no longer feel the least bit concerned he won't like Disney. Worst case scenario, he doesn't like it quite as much as I do and he won't want to go on every trip - which, as a previous poster mentioned - that works too.

Now that that's settled, how do I get there sooner than 3 years and still give him all the magic I want to show him?!?!? I'll be busy scheming. The silly man doesn't think I can make it work. I believe I've been challenged. He's so naive on the ways and determination of us DISer's.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Thanks everyone. You all give me hope. I CANNOT wait to get him there and see his reaction. I don't know how I'm going to wait 3 years though.

I think you should say, "Okay, maybe you're right. I'll make you a deal, you take me on a smaller trip to Disney next year, just to see what it's all about. If you hate it, we can go someplace fancy and foreign for my 50th. If you understand why I love it, then I won't have to convince you to go again for my big birthday."

 

[Needafix]

I think you should say, "Okay, maybe you're right. I'll make you a deal, you take me on a smaller trip to Disney next year, just to see what it's all about. If you hate it, we can go someplace fancy and foreign for my 50th. If you understand why I love it, then I won't have to convince you to go again for my big birthday."

Ha! I keep thinking the same thing but I'm afraid he won't get the true Disney magic if we go for a quick trip. PLUS, then I could lose my blow out Disney celebration for my 50th. I have big plans for that trip.

Looks like I'll have to take a quick trip by myself bw now and then.

 

[tigger_mommy]

The man I dated before my husband was not a Disney fan. As long as he didn't keep me from going to Disney I didn't care. Took my daughter for her second trip while I was with him. He had the option of going with us and chose not to. Called everyday to see if we were having fun, and sent pics of my dog missing me at home.

In the end we just weren't meant to be. I am taking my husband "home" in Sept, so I am in the process of making another Disney fanatic! Along with 3 princesses and a pirate!

 

[GraceMonica]

Just thinking about my boyfriend not liking Disney World makes me uncomfortable. He's been before, but he was too young to remember much of anything (he only remembers Space Mountain.) And he's agreed to a week long Disney World trip with me sometime next year. He agreed after I told him I would pay for a majority of it. I think he's unsure of what to expect, so he doesn't want to dish out the money for it. Which, I will happily do because I want to take him there so bad!

I don't think I would break up with my boyfriend if he doesn't like WDW. I think I'll be able to turn him into a World lover, though. He likes most of the things I like, so I don't think this will be any different. I'm going to show him that Disney isn't JUST for kids and that a young couple can have a magical time vacationing there!

Ask me this question next year, after I take him there...I'll let you know if we're still together after our trip.

 

[goofyernmost]

I think you are over thinking this. Take him and see what he thinks about it. To rule out a companion strictly because of his or her feelings about WDW, would be a mistake if everything else was clicking into place. If Disney becomes a situation that is there so that you have at least one solid thing in common then that might also be a mistake.

My X, I think kinda liked WDW, but you couldn't tell from her demeanor. She always seemed like she wasn't enjoying herself much, but she never really put up any argument if I said we should go. I guess that works OK too. At least it isn't a hassle to go there.

When we divorced (not Disney related ) and I was again trying to meet someone, it seemed to be a very big part of my agenda. I'm not sure why, because I don't spend much of my life there. One lady that I went with, was kind of indifferent as far as the parks go, but she didn't really want to be there and offered to stay in the hotel while I went to the parks. No thanks, I would rather go alone then worry about how someone else was doing while I was having fun.

Then I had an accident and it seemed to me, at least for a little while, that I might not be able to go to WDW again, in the same capacity. Had we not had other compatibility issues, I very likely would have dropped my "love Disney" requirement. Now that I am able to tour, pretty much as usual, again it has come back up on my checklist. Not as high as it once was, but it's back.

One of the first things that I talk about with a lady that I am interested in, is my semi-obsession with WDW. If I get a roll of the eyes or a comment like, "how old are you again?" coupled with that obligatory judgmental look, it is pretty much over before it's started. The only thing that stops me quicker is if I find out that they don't want to spend anytime or very little time with my children and grandchildren. Then it's good night nurse...see you in the funny papers.

Love is never having to say...why don't you want to go to Disney with me!

 

[monica9]

I think real love is when your SO goes with you to disney even when he doesn't like it.

My husband hates crowds, hates rides, and hates the heat. But this coming November we will have been to Disney 4 times in the 12 years we've been together. Though it's not his ideal vacation, he doesn't complain, finds the best in it and is happy seeing me and my daughter happy.

We compromise and we don't go in the heat of the year, we go when it's less crowded and the kids are in school and the weather is tolerable. I know he hates shopping so any shopping we do we do when we are trying to waste time or get inside. I won't make him go to DTD and I also won't push him to go on a ride with me that he isn't comfortable going on.

I think your SO will enjoy just being with you when you go!

 

[Needafix]

Yep, I'm over thinking it, what else is there to do with all this dreary, non-stop rain? Plus, it's so much more fun to make this a concern then worrying about real life.

I love reading how much thought we've all put into how Disney will fit into our relationships and how we all seem to find a way to make it work, one way or another.

 

[Disneynut71]

I have a similar issue. I have dated this man for 3 years and we get along well. Both married before and not really looking to get remarried anytime soon. My guy hates crowds. Does not like parades and places with lots of people. He has been to Disney before when his daughter was young but now she was an adult so he really doesn't have a desire to go to Disney. My problem is I really want to share Disney with someone special. I am considering ending this relationship because of this. I am not sure I can live with always having to go with someone else. I have 2 children but they are getting to the age where they want to discover the world without me. I dont know what to do