In 2003 we took my sister-in-law (then my brother's fiancee), who doesn't get excited about anything. Other than the fact that she slowed us Disney pro's down, it was a great trip, and we felt like we converted her.
That said, when we planned our trip last year, she again acted like she didn't really want to go, but my brother talked her into it, and she appeared to have a good time. This year, when we planned our December trip, she was pretty adamant that she, my brother, and my baby niece would not go.
Long story short, you just never know... :shrug:
IMO, she really didn't enjoy her trip. However, God Bless Her, she didn't bring the rest of the group down because she wasn't happy. That is the type of person you need to appreciate.
To the original poster's grumpy girlfriend, personally, I'd explain that this is a Disney trip, not just a girls weekend out trip. Plan some event before the trip or after the trip that she can be a part of. However, I'd show her the itinerary. If this isn't going to make you happy, and if you are going to whine or make fun of any of this, please don't join us.
Having said that, I'm a veteran at planning a weekend for a large group of people. Everyone understands what the main goal of the weekend will be (Food and Wine, Concert at Epcot, Christmas decorations, new show at the castle, Candlelight Processional, etc.). Anyone is welcome to deviate from the main activity at anytime and add alternatate activities. However, they must be prepared to do these on their own. And the organizer must be prepared to do the main activity on their own.
Example: 6 people headed to WDW for the Food and Wine Fest. The organizer says: We'll be there at 9 AM for opening, ride a few rides, taste some early wines in the welcome center, be at the rope drop at 11 AM, head to the Walk-a-bout, and then continue the fest from there. The organizer is alone at park opening and the few rides. 2 people join her for the rope drop and Walk a Bout. At around 2 PM the other three have gotten out of bed, put their make-up on and gotten to the park. They simply meet up for the festival wherever the group is. They enjoy a lovely afternoon. It is getting late. Some of the later groups wants to head to Pleasure Island, so 4 of them go back to the hotel to get ready. 2 decide to watch Illuminations and then go to bed. Sleeping arrangements change, schedules get messed up, but in the end everyone had a good time and everyone got something and gave into something.
No one was upset that anyone chose to deviate from the plan. No one was upset that the rest did not choose to deviate from the plan.
Everyone go in with that type of attitude: sure, if this is annoying to you, head back to the pool or go shopping on your own. Or, you all stay here and have fun, I'm going to go shopping. However, in order to have this succeed, you can't take needy people with you who won't do anything on their own, and you can't have co-dependants who feel sorry for people who aren't enjoying themselves and want to martyr themselves so the grumpies won't have to be rebellious on their own.
Having said all that, concentrate on the things that will make everyone happy. Pick one or two characters to visit. Pick only the best rides to wait for. See only the best shows. Do adult things. If you really want a vacation where it is all about you, then go alone.
