What's it like for adults who aren't real into... ears?

[fkj2]

Disneyworld is so relaxing...and so detailed...and so diverse.

It's hard to take it all in. For as many times as I've traveled there, I wonder what all I've still missed. There's a lot beyond the rides and dining I've yet to try, like parasailing on Bay Lake and renting watercraft.

You'll have a good time.

 

[JenSop]

Just found your thread and am so happy that you're going to get to go to Disney!!!

I've been really excited for first-timers lately, perhaps because I'm doing a group trip with just my girlfriends in the fall and one of them will be going for the first time.

I've been going to Disney since I was 8, so I loved it as a kid, but I love it JUST AS MUCH as an adult! (We're just a few years older than you.)

DH and I don't have any kids and have no plans anytime soon to have any. And we have so much fun at WDW. DH didn't go a bunch of times as a kid like I did, but we started our trips together on our honeymoon, and have gone on adult trips several times since.

We love theme parks in general, but what Disney does that no one else has really done is the theming and storyline on EVERY ride. The attention to detail is beyond belief. A roller coaster is never just a roller coaster, nothing is "just a ride." You will be so impressed.

OUR fave things at Disney:

Magic Kingdom - Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain.

Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest!!!!! (amazing!!!), Dinosaur, Kilaminjaro Safaris, both walk-thru jungle trails.

Epcot - Soarin' (we took my parents and grandmother with us in 2008 and my dad still has not stopped talking about how much he loved Soarin'), Test Track, Mission Space (I can only really do the green version of Mission Space, orange is too intense for me), ALL THE COUNTRIES in World Showcase. Seriously, you can spend a few days just visiting all the countries.

Disney Hollywood Studios - Tower of Terror (also a BIG fave), Rockin' Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, Lights Motors Action Stunt Show, Star Tours.

We also enjoy going to Downtown Disney for shopping and some adult beverages. Although, we also enjoy the different alcoholic offerings at Epcot - especially the Grand Marnier and Grey Goose slushies in France. mmmm......


And I'm going to post my thoughts of resort choice here on the adult forum, since some people in that other thread seemed really freaked out that you didn't want as many kids around you.

I'm not a big fan of lots of kids. My two nieces are super cute, but that's where it ends. (And I still have a BLAST at WDW.)

We own DVC (the Disney time share) at Animal Kingdom and LOVE IT. LOVE. IT. And I don't feel it's swarming with kids. And we usually go in the summer since DH is a teacher. Having the animals outside the balcony is beyond awesome. And our favorite restaurants are at this resort too. I give it my absolute highest approval.

In contrast, we stayed at one of the value resorts (All Star Music) in 2006 to save money (before we bought DVC) and after that, I vowed I would never stay in a value again. Not because the rooms weren't nice, but because it was swarming with kids. Everywhere. And the buses were horribly crowded. We bought DVC the next year. And now that we stay DVC at the deluxe resorts, the crowds of children seem greatly reduced in comparison and the buses are much less crowded. (And for those who have kids, don't jump on me about not loving kids. Just want to demonstrate to the OP that you can LOVE Disney even without having kids. I guess I feel more that I'm still a kid myself!)

You will love Disney and you will love Animal Kingdom Lodge if you choose it as your resort!

Let us know what you decide!

 

[JenSop]

One more thing! (Gee you're going to start thinking I'm more obsessed with your trip than you guys - haha!)

I highly recommend doing one of the "extra" tours. In 2008, DH and I did the Segway tour at Epcot. It's a two hour tour - one hour to learn how to use the Segways, then an hour driving the Segways around World Showcase before it opens. SO FUN - and no one under 16 allowed.

We also LOVED the Sunset Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge last year. This one is more pricey and you have to be staying at the resort to do it, but it was worth every penny. They take a small group of people in an open vehicle around the grounds of the resort - right up to the animals. You learn about the animals, their names, their personalities. Then you get a four course meal at Jiko with wine pairings. It was an amazing experience.

 

[daybreaker]

Oh, I also forgot to mention that on my first trip ever to WDW 2 years ago, I really got into pin collecting as well. SO many pin shops, and limited edition pins, and the ability to trade... It was just another level of fun.

Plenty of stuff do and fun to be had for the adult who didnt grow up with Disney.

 

[bopper]

You could also present this as a quintissential American Vacation.

Also, what type of activities does he like to do on vacation?
What is he interested in? Cars? Golf? Movies? Boats?
For example, if he likes boats, Show him how you can rent boats and zip all over Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

[2luvmickey]

Congratulations on your trip!

Why do I love WDW? Because, as everyone has pointed out, there's soooo much to see and do, and it appeals to all ages. I enjoy going with my DS 21, 18 and 14 because it gives us time to have fun together. We leave DH at home!

Look at the small details in the buildings and attractions, the hidden Mickeys, and the resort themes. Enjoy the different foods and cultures at Epcot, the water sports, the shows and Downtown Disney. I sure wish I could find a paying job for my love of Disney!

If you really want variety, you could always wander over to those other parks in Orlando...

Have a great time!

 

[Vivianne]

I've read both threads and am glad you decided to go.

We're a childless couple and our first time visiting DW was on our honeymoon, I was 29. My sister had previously enjoyed visiting Epcot and told us about the Mexico attraction which intrigued me. We had a great time and have gone repeatedly throughout the years. Back then, there were only 2 parks Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We've been to all the parks including Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens...and although we enjoyed them all MK and Epcot are our favorites. Hopefully, you'll find your niche and keep on returning to your happy place.

I've never minded being around children. Sure they can have meltdowns but I've also seen happy,sweet, well-behaved children. For us it's a non-issue. DH and I come from large families. At least you can walk away from a screaming, unhappy child/which is what we have done. One thing...we always rent a car.

Of all the resorts, we've enjoyed Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter but we always stay at the Swan or Dolphin Hotel when we go to Epcot since we always go to the evening Extra Magic Hours (the walk to the park and back to the hotel is a plus for us).

Another website helpful for planning is...http://allears.net/index.html
Full of details on the resorts and events, (festivals Epcot) in each park throughout the year.

Have fun planning..

 

[toddlers_mom]

You need to start a PTR!

I guess I shouldn't use acronyms? Pre-trip report I'd love to hear more about your plans and what happens with DH!

 

[BLTLDZ]

Are you kidding me?? You will have a BLAST!!!

Just don't commit yourself to MK only!

PM me, I will help you plan it!

My fiance and I love it so much, we have joined DVC....no children here!

Well , other than each other!!!

 

[BLTLDZ]

We've already been back for our 1st anniversary, and are planning another trip this December.

I started out as someone who didnt know anything about Disney, but I have been captured by the magic ever since my first trip. So, this is just to give you some reassurance that even though your husband doesnt know much about Disney due to his upbringing, he might still have a great time. Because it happened to me.

Same here !! Went for the first time in 2007, at the age of 27, and fell in love....My fiancee is 34 , and loves disney more than I do, but I'm the OCD planner!!

Oh, and we will be there on our honeymoon the first two weeks of december.

 

[Schmoodle]

I have been as a kid, as an adult, without kids, with kids, loved it every time and had a blast. And I am not a huge fan of the characters, don't have any Disney in my home decor, and don't really think adults should wear clothing with cartoon characters when not at WDW. My kids are 11 and 13, and we just returned from a trip last week. My kids made me promise I would not ask them to take pictures with characters anymore, so you can see they are not into it either, but they LOVE Disney World still. You will love it too, I think. You said you are a kid at heart and being at WDW really brings out that side of you.

But don't rule out staying off property! They are two different experiences, but I find that staying offsite allows you to have more luxury for your money, the ability to escape the total immersion should you so desire, and non-Disney eating options. Driving to and from the parks is no more trouble than taking those buses everywhere! I have done both, and depending on what kind of trip it is, and what my plans are I would do either in a heartbeat. Our next trip, we plan to spend time at Universal as well, so we will probably stay in a condo offsite.

Whatever you do, I'm glad you were able to talk DH into it, and have a wonderful trip!