Tips for neutral 1st timer to have the BEST trip to WDW

[christyd2]

First of all, I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

I've been to WDW and DL a few times with my family and absolutely loved it. Everytime we went we just scheduled it when my dad could get off of work.

I'm now married and planning a trip for my DH and I for next year. My DH doesn't really get excited about trips, unless he's been there before and had a great experience. I'd love to plan a near perfect vacation, so we can go back for many years to come. (Especially when we start having children.)

First tip I'd like is, when to go. My DH doesn't like really hot weather or large crowds. (I know the last time I went in 1999 right before Christmas the crowd levels were relatively low, but this could have changed.) We can go any week of the year and there might be an even better one than the last time I went. When is the very best time to go?

I'll be searching the boards quite a bit to help plan my trip, but are there any books that you'd highly recommend that I read as well?

And the most challenging...does anyone have any tips dealing with someone who is neutral about going to WDW? It's very hard for me to relate. I'm so excited and probably talk to much about it to him for his taste.

I'd love any suggestions that people could give me! Thank you.

 

[stitchlover]

I really can't give you a time recommendation. We always go in March during springbreak because we hate the heat and the summer crowds. But I would think January or February might be nice?
Now books...I will tell you my two favorite books. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, the new '08 edition is out. And Passporter Walt Disney World Guide. The '08 version does not come out until November...but the '07 is still on the shelf.
Good luck. My husband was unsure the first time too and now he is a huge addict. If you can I would really recommend staying onsite for the best experience.

 

[jimmiej]

As far as the best times to go with smallest crowds & cooler weather, think January until President's Day weekend in February. Also, October until Thanksgiving week, & early December.

My fave WDW guidebook is "The Unofficial Guide'. Have you read that one before? Also, Passporter's Guide to WDW is good. Actually, if you're wanting a guidebook to get him excited, try Birnbaum's guidebook (lots of pictures).

Have you been to this site?

http://www.allearsnet.com/

Check out the "Beyond the Parks" link for things to do other than the theme parks. Lots of pics on this site too.

Does he like to golf? WDW has several top-of-the-line courses. How about NASCAR? Check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience. You can rent boats, ride horses, fish.

One thing that my wife & I love to do is dine at Disney's sit-down restaurants. Our fave area is World Showcase in Epcot. Is he a romantic? Try California Grill at the Contemporary or Jikos at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a nice dining experience. There are several others.

http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

Is he a sports fan? Check out WDW's Wide World of Sports. The Braves train there in March & the Buccaneers in July/August. Sports fans love the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk.

Hope that helps.

 

[christyd2]

Those are great recommendations!

Stitchlover that gives me hope that he might come around too. Maybe is pretty common for someone who hasn't been.

Jimmiej, no I haven't read the book or been on that site, but I will now! I never realized WDW has fishing. I'm going to look into that because he really enjoys it.

Thanks!

 

[mackeyapp]

I was in the same situation way back in Dec. 2004. DH considered this to be most likely a one and only trip for 10 days on site and HE GOT THE DISNEY BUG TOO . Since then we have been back three additional times and bought into DVC. We will hope for big things for you too. Have a wonderful trip and yes the Unofficial Book is wonderful, we get one every year.