So what do YOU do?

[RickinNYC]

I had originally posted this reponse to a woman who was discussing her husband's reluctance about visiting WDW. I'm reposting here because I'm truly, truly curious about what other folks have done when their significant other feels the same way. What do you folks do?

I guess I always assumed EVERYONE was a Disney nut like me and the rest of my immediate family. We went to both Disneyland and WDW quite a few times over the years while growing up and it never occurred to me that there were other folks out there who just "didn't get it."

And then I met my partner. He's one of the greatest guys in the world and absolutely loves most everything life has to offer. He is open minded, very loving, an eternal optimist, quick to smile, has a twinkle in his eye 24/7, has a deep appreciation for things that bring out the child in all of us, loves to laugh, gets misty at Hallmark commercials, adores dogs and wishes we had a child. All qualities one would think would make him an instant WDW fan, just add water. Right? Wrong!

We went a couple of times and then when I started contemplating the next trip, he said the dreaded "Why don't we go somewhere else this year?"

After picking myself up off the floor, closing my mouth with an audible snap, taking a deep breath and drinking a large glass of water, I said "Wha...?" followed by a bit of mumbling and stammering. I think I actually either blanked out or fainted. Not sure which.

Anyway, I agreed since he'd been such a sport. We didn't go for another 18 years. Alright, it was really only two and a half years but you all know what I mean. And then one fateful cloudy day, Joe was looking out the back door at our dog bouncing and pouncing about the lawn in sheer canine glee. He snickered and said "That dumb dog looks like Tigger when he does that."

And then a look crossed his face. And then that twinkle. And then a sly smile. Which turned into a huge grin. And he said the magic words, "You know what? We haven't been to Disney World in 18 years (ok, ok, two and a half) so what do you thi..."

"YES! WHEN? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO STAY? HOW LONG SHOULD WE GO FOR? I THINK 15 DAYS WOULD BE PERFECT. WHAT? OK, THEN 8 DAYS, NO 9 DAYS. I NEED NEW SHORTS MY OTHERS ARE GROSS! WHAT ABOUT BATHING SUITS...WHERE'S MY **** BATHING SUIT?! I THINK WE SHOULD GO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE MEANTIME." All in one very impressive, very loud, extended breath. Followed by a bit of coughing and a cold compress to the back of my neck.

Well, we went about two months later and had one of the best times of our lives. And we've gone back every year since. And Joe is now a full fledged member of the oh-so-exclusive-but-very-easy-to-get-into-so-maybe-it's-not-so-exlusive-then-is-it? club of Walt Disney World fans.

He now appreciates the music, the charm, the parades, the characters, the sights, the sounds, the attractions, the middle of the day grumpiness due to the lines and hot hot hot weather, the smiles, the laughter, the joy, the kindness, the genuine friendliness, the magical Disney water that makes cast members so eerily nice, the resorts, the water parks, the food and most of all, the two of us being together in the Happiest Place on Earth.

We have another convert folks! It just takes some a bit longer than others!

 

[Tony-NJ]

RickinNYC. It was like that with my SO as well at first. i'm still the bigger WDW fan, but Chris likes it too. We've also compromised by going for a shorter amount of time when it's just us 2. Like a week. But then we usually go somewhere else durring the year as well. We're new fans of Punta Cana!

 

[katerkat]

So it takes how long to make the break-through? I haven't been able to take my darling YET, but I'm hoping this first, wonderful, magical trip will suddenly make him love Disney as much as I do. It's possible, right?

 

[RickinNYC]

It took quite a few years, about 7 or 8 years in fact, before my other half actually learned to love WDW. He certainly doesn't love it with as much intensity as I do, but he enjoys it tremendously. Plus, he once told me not long ago that he knows how much I love it, that he wouldn't consider not going for longer than a couple of years. What a guy, eh?

 

[zakatak]

I just wanted RickinNYC to know that you have the BIGGEST fan over here in WNY! I just love reading your posts!

Anyways, we have gone 4 times in the last 1.5 years and I have to say that DH is officially Disney'd Out . As you can see from my countdown timer, that is when he will consider the next trip (November 21, 2007). OYE!

What will I do about that? More than likely, head down by myself for a few days once a year and possibly take the kids during the summer. Maybe. With three kids, the extra adult sure comes in handy! He is ready for a "sit by the lake and decide when to go fishing" type of vacation. That is nice, but.... there is room for Disney in there, right? He does get THREE Weeks vacation a year, for crying out loud!!! lol

So, there is no converting him. He doesn't like the CROWDS, HEAT or the COST of everything! He'd rather sit on the porch listening to the loons (me too!).

See ya!
K

 

[dianeschlicht]

BOTH of us love WDW, and so does one of our "kids" (they are 28 and 34). We did kind of OD on it last January trip because we were there without guests for 12 days,and it got a bit long. I think one of our greatest joys is taking folks who are first timers! It helps us see everything with fresh new eyes.

 

[Tony-NJ]

What will I do about that? More than likely, head down by myself for a few days once a year and possibly take the kids during the summer. Maybe. With three kids, the extra adult sure comes in handy!

zakatak - I'd gladly go and help with the children!!!!

 

[RickinNYC]

Awwww, Zakatak, I'm so glad you like my posts!

As for our other halves not wanting to get a Disney fix, I'll meet you in front of the castle!!!!! Who needs 'em!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

It took me 7 years to get Amy to WDW. Seven long, painful years. For her. I kept going of course.

We tried everything; Hawaii, Nag's Head, cruises, Albuquerque (LOVED the food), and many others, including a rather wild weekend on an island in a place called Lake Kipawa (Quebec). She kept coming back not liking vacation. I'm like "if you're going to hate it, couldn't you hate it in Orlando? It's a third the price of this other crap."

So how do you get your partner there? Time and patience. How do you get them back? Hasn't been a problem for me. We don't even discuss when we're going on vacation anymore, just when.

And Rick's posts do rule!

Pat

 

[DaisyDebbie]

Rick, I too enjoy your posts, very witty Do you live in Manhattan? Maybe next time we have a meet in NYC you will attend.

My dh likes to go to WDW but more just to be away and enjoy the pools. He gets a little cranky in the parks. So sometimes I just go without him and take the kids and my Mom. It's less stressful for all of us that way.

 

[RickinNYC]

Hi Daisy! I actually don't live in Manhattan, though I work there at 38th and 8th. We live in Forest Hills, Queens, NYC, very close to the original US Open tennis stadium.

If an NYC meet ever happens, COUNT ME IN! I love meeting fellow WDW fans!

 

[Micca]

I'm always afraid DW is going to get fed up with WDW. We have been many places around the globe, but I really have lost interest in just about anywhere except Disney(there are a few exceptions).

 

[Silky]

My DW could take or leave WDW, but she's always thrilled for the 3 of us to have time together ANYWHERE; my work doesn't allow for much time off. I tend to go on most of the rides only with our 6 year old son though I did get her to go down Splash Mountain last year. We definitely don't believe in a commando-style approach and often spend time at various pools, water parks, or Seaworld.

 

[olena]

I love your story, Rick...

For the longest time, I didn't go down there. I think I went in 1986 for the last time with my family. I had a few boyfriends, but it wasn't til I met Chris that I found someone who was interested in WDW. It's been great ever since. he loves to go as much as I do.

Part of the WDW magic is to share it with someone special and I'm glad to lnow that you do....

 

[ahutton]

I always wondered if my DH would some day come to me and say "How about next year we go ..." someplace other than WDW. His parents constantly question how we can go year after year - and just saying there are new things doesn't cut it for them. He finally said to them anything we could possibly want to do in all these other places we can do at WDW or on a day trip from WDW. If we want to stay in a cabin by the lake we can go to Fort Wilderness; if we want to fish they have fishing trips. If we want a beach there are several on property and 2 different coasts about an hour in either direction. Golf? They have plenty of courses. At WDW we don't have to leave the property to do all these things, we don't even actually need a car. They finally stopped asking us when we were going to travel someplace else, and we just accept they don't get it and probably never will.

 

[RickinNYC]

Thanks for all the kudos folks! I have fun writing my bizaare ramblings. Now you know that you've put me on the spot for writing the world's greatest (or merely adequate) trip report come October!!