How to keep husband happy at WDW?

[Jacquellie]

My husband doesn't want to go to disney. He's too serious and political - he's somehow against it because it's big business and fake. He has never been. he sees pics and i know he just sees mickey mouse and thinks its all just for kids. I ADORE Disney and am desperate to go back. I think it's really romantic and imagine us with our wee baby girl at AKL, relaxing, eating and having fun. Anyone got advice for pleasing a grumpy old stick in the mud? I actually think his problems are deep seated - I think he's somehow afraid of letting go and also guilty because no one he knows can afford to do something so fancy. We can't really, we live in Scotland, but I'm saving up like mad.

 

[KingStefan]

Oh, what a challenge!

Tell him this, maybe it will help:

I was a skeptic. Was not looking forward to my first visit. Especially not the expense.

I was told this: promise me you'll let go, and let your inner child come out, and I'll promise you you'll have a good time. If you don't, it will be a waste of time and money. If you do, you'll never regret it.

I did. It was literally life changing. Then I had some bitter experiences, and forgot about WDW for quite some time. Rediscovered it at the beginning of the millenium celebration. Again life changing.

Now, it might not be life changing for everyone, and I'm a big believer in going into everything with minimal expectations - that way you're never disappointed. But, look at it this way: from a business point of view, you can choose to let go and maximize the experience for the investment of time and money, or you can choose to hang on to your skepticism and get little for your investment. The downside to letting go is that you'll feel a bit embarrassed at some things you do - so you laugh about it later. To me this is no downside at all. The downside to holding out is that you might miss out on some of the best experiences of your life. Now that's a big downside to me.

So just looking at it from a business prespective, it makes economic sense to let go. It maximizes the expected value of your return from both up and downsides. Go for it.

 

[armyfamilyof5]

Oh to be sure there are converts...just don't be too disappointed if he still doest like WDW...yes, some people just aren't fans and never will be.

These same people are usually employed as movie critics....

 

[real mad hatter]

Oh to be sure there are converts...just don't be too disappointed if he still doest like WDW...yes, some people just aren't fans and never will be.

Oh I couldn't agree more..I know a family in a nearby village who won a national lottery years ago.I'am talking Zillions $$$$$$$$$$$$$$...They had never been out of Scotland..never owned a passport..never been out for a fancy meal in a nice restaurant..So they blew $22000 ( twenty two thousand dollars ) on a world cruise that lasted for six weeks..I met them months later..They hated it..Smoked salmon for breakfast..Lobster & Caviar for dinner..Champagne & strawberries..every night..Yuch! We visited all these countries,they told me,and not one person could speak English..

 

[KingStefan]

Oh I couldn't agree more..I know a family in a nearby village who won a national lottery years ago.I'am talking Zillions $$$$$$$$$$$$$$...They had never been out of Scotland..never owned a passport..never been out for a fancy meal in a nice restaurant..So they blew $22000 ( twenty two thousand dollars ) on a world cruise that lasted for six weeks..I met them months later..They hated it..Smoked salmon for breakfast..Lobster & Caviar for dinner..Champagne & strawberries..every night..Yuch! We visited all these countries,they told me,and not one person could speak English..

Yeah, I've heard stories like this before, too.
On the other hand, a world cruise is not WDW. Think about it. Just sayin'.

 

[real mad hatter]

Yeah, I've heard stories like this before, too.
On the other hand, a world cruise is not WDW. Think about it. Just sayin'.

You Sir,are spot on..Cruises are for sailors..WDW is for dreamers.

 

[Minthorne]

Try what this wife does

 

[real mad hatter]

Try what this wife does

Thank you Sir..Just watched it on my I- Pad with my headphones and Mrs Hatter is wondering why there's a tear running down my cheek.

 

[Jacquellie]

A couple things you have to do. Stay on property in as high a resort as you can handle. Either do a diningplan or save enough money so that is not an issue. Do a tour that shows some of the behind the scenes tech stuff so he can see how they accomplish the things they do. maybe golf, fishing or, parasailing ?Get a baby sitter one evening and have adult nite.

We first went in 1983 when our kids were young. I planned the trip because I hate amusement parks but we had to take the kids to WDW. LOL. When we were leaving that first time I said to my wife "when are we coming back?" Now we have 4 grand kids, belong to DVC and have been 20+ times.
5 times just my wife and I. If none of those ideas work just tell him to suck it up and go for the family.

Great advice - you've confirmed the two things I've been thinking will really amaze and delight him. A deluxe property and 'free' food. I'm hoping we'll get to AKL and he'll just be gobsmacked - then when I hand him his refillable mug that should seal the deal. Also, you read my mind about a behind the scenes tour - to meet the nice people who work so hard, for us! Thanks for this, much appreciated. xxx

 

[Jacquellie]

Oh, what a challenge!

Tell him this, maybe it will help:

I was a skeptic. Was not looking forward to my first visit. Especially not the expense.

I was told this: promise me you'll let go, and let your inner child come out, and I'll promise you you'll have a good time. If you don't, it will be a waste of time and money. If you do, you'll never regret it.

I did. It was literally life changing. Then I had some bitter experiences, and forgot about WDW for quite some time. Rediscovered it at the beginning of the millenium celebration. Again life changing.

Now, it might not be life changing for everyone, and I'm a big believer in going into everything with minimal expectations - that way you're never disappointed. But, look at it this way: from a business point of view, you can choose to let go and maximize the experience for the investment of time and money, or you can choose to hang on to your skepticism and get little for your investment. The downside to letting go is that you'll feel a bit embarrassed at some things you do - so you laugh about it later. To me this is no downside at all. The downside to holding out is that you might miss out on some of the best experiences of your life. Now that's a big downside to me.

So just looking at it from a business prespective, it makes economic sense to let go. It maximizes the expected value of your return from both up and downsides. Go for it.

Lovely. Thanks xxxx

 

[luv]

Since I'm familiar with both places, I will go out on a limb here and say that your husband, based on his likes/dislikes, will enjoy himself much more in Detroit than at Disney World.

 

[real mad hatter]

Well @Jacquellie..Here's how my wee Scottish wife describes my views of stateside..Lets start north in Canada..Montreal..Emigrated in 1974...came home in 1975 ( couldn't have been that magic ) New York Trip...Big..Loud..Shopping...Get me home....Chicago..Pretty..Bustling..Too busy...Las Vegas..Wow!..Over the top...Where's my money gone......Los Angeles..Now I know why it's called La La Land...WDW in Florida....Does this place really exist,or was it just a dream,looks like it requires more investigating..5 trips later..Still checking it out..

 

[polynesiangirl]

Hopefully you can get some good deals up front. I have found that the people who seem to hate WDW most are the ones who go, plan nothing up front (and then complain about how crowded it is or how confused they are about where things are,) agonize over every penny spent before leaving, and walk in prepared to be angry over the cost of every last thing they have to buy while there.

I agree with all those who said letting go is a prerequisite once you are there. Don't try to see everything; if you push him through every park on a quest to see it all you will fly home feeling sad.

It doesn't sound like you're in this boat, but since I'm already ranting (hahaha), I always cringe when I hear from people who say things like, "we HATED it -- we had to get up at 6AM every day and by the time we left the park at 10PM, our three year old was so tired and crabby, but we're only doing this trip once so it's not like we had a choice..." Well, you made a three year old stay in an over stimulating theme park for something like 15 hours with no breaks except briefly nodding off in a hot stroller, what on earth did you expect?! If that is the attitude people take going in then they'd be better off just not going.

 

[KingStefan]

Thank you Sir..Just watched it on my I- Pad with my headphones and Mrs Hatter is wondering why there's a tear running down my cheek.

Yeah, I loved that one too. Emailed it to DW. She also thought it was "too cute".

 

[KingStefan]

... I have found that the people who seem to hate WDW most are the ones who go, plan nothing up front ...

...I always cringe when I hear from people who say things like, "we HATED it -- we had to get up at 6AM every day and by the time we left the park at 10PM, ... If that is the attitude people take going in then they'd be better off just not going.

I agree with you!

[rant]

What really drives me crazy along these lines is people who say "Meh! It was alright. Didn't get to do much. We like to sleep in. So we didn't get going for a while. It was hot, and it took forever to get to the parks, and the lines were incredible, so we didn't go on that much. Someone told us we should use something called Fasttrack or whatever, but we were already spending enough money, and didn't want to pay for it. And every time we tried to walk into a restaurant, it was full. We probably won't go back"

I'm not saying you *have* to get up early - at least not every day. But for crying out loud, people, do *some* planning. Go to *one* rope drop or EMH or whatever, just to see what it is like. Make a few ADRs if you want a sit-down restaurant. Find out what FastPass is anyway, and know that it's free. Even if you decide not to use it much because it's not your thing (don't want to be restricted - whatever), at least orient yourself before you go.

And ask a WDW enthusiast for some advice. And *listen*! Take what you find useful and leave the rest, but ask.

Then if you still want to go to the parks late everyday, and use only standby for attractions and restaurants, it's by choice and not because you didn't find out until someone told you *after* you got back!

[/rant]

Sorry to be a bit off topic, but the on-topic message here is: do a bit of research and maybe some planning - it will make your trip so much more enjoyable! But judging from your posts so far, I think you already know that.

I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[SMS55]

I agree with you!

[rant]

What really drives me crazy along these lines is people who say "Meh! It was alright. Didn't get to do much. We like to sleep in. So we didn't get going for a while. It was hot, and it took forever to get to the parks, and the lines were incredible, so we didn't go on that much. Someone told us we should use something called Fasttrack or whatever, but we were already spending enough money, and didn't want to pay for it. And every time we tried to walk into a restaurant, it was full. We probably won't go back"

I agree with you on that. I don't understand the "we didn't want to get up early." What's the big deal about it? If you sleep from 10pm to 6am, it's the same as sleeping from 2 am to 10am. You got the same 8 hours, just at different hours. Is it a psychological thing? I hate sleeping in. I feel like it is such a waste of time. That's exactly why you didn't do much. You went somewhere that you've never been, you didn't plan, anything. You should have booked through a travel agency then. When you go on another vacation they book tours, etc because you don't know anything. Do the same or put the time into figuring out what you want to do. If you didn't want to do anything, you should have rented at some beach and spent all day lounging on a beach chair with a cold one in your hand.

I'm not saying you *have* to get up early - at least not every day.

I do and my son is the perfect example. When we go we are up early and are at the parks early and that first hour we knock out a bunch of popular rides at the park we go to that morning. When my son goes with his mom they are the example you stated above. He hates it. They get to the parks at noon. They ride 4-5 rides all day. I call him to see how it's going and he is annoyed. He always tells me he'd rather just go with me instead but his mom drags him along.

 

[KingStefan]

...He always tells me he'd rather just go with me instead but his mom drags him along.

Alright, well I'm not getting into that argument - that's a whole other can of worms.

Most trips we do EMH or rope drop most every day. But my point is: you don't have to!

One trip, our plane was cancelled, we went to another airport, that flight was delayed hours and hours, and we got to the hotel at, like, 4am. So the first day or two started out late. You know what? We changed our touring style, and went with it. We took advantage of later park hours, used FP wisely, and watched more parades and shows than we usually do. And guess what happened? We had a great time.

Touringplans (touringplans.com) even has a whole program for people who are late risers and late-at-night stayouts.

Point is, you have to do some research and ask the experts how to do it and take whatever advice you find useful, not just show up and say "I'm here, Disney, where's my magic? Can I have my magic now?". As someone referred to earlier, that's like going to, say, Paris and not finding out about the Cathederal de Notre Dame, the Tour Eiffel, the Latin Quarter, Mont Martre, where are the restaurants that fit your eating style, how to use the Metro/RER, etc. (to say nothing about that there is a Disney Park there as well - haha!). And then coming back and saying "there was nothing to see around our hotel, and the food was so expensive and the restaurants snooty, and everyone was rude, and nobody spoke english, and we had to take a cab everywhere, because we didn't know about the metro", etc.

Sorry, I guess this thread has been hijacked, and it's partly my fault. Sorry Jacquellie! Let's get back to advice on how to get hubby to buy into the magic!

 

[SMS55]

Sorry, I guess this thread has been hijacked, and it's partly my fault. Sorry Jacquellie! Let's get back to advice on how to get hubby to buy into the magic!

Not really, this is all good info for her or any newbie. You can't just show up and expect it to be perfect. She needs extra help because her husband needs to be convinced to come. These things we are discussing are common reasons some people don't like it. I am sure she will probably want to come back sometime in the future and she needs to get him to have a good time. Everyone has their way of doing things, but personally from my experience I'd rather get up bright and early and get to the parks for rope drop. I'll get up early and go to bed early. I do like evening EMH at MK because most parents will head back to their room after Wishes and the parade leaving the park very manageable. You will be tired after being at MK late though. If you are here for several days the following day might be better served as a pool day, rest day, DTD etc.

 

[WDW 3]

It took some doing to get my DH there the first time and now he's hooked. He is pretty cynical, critical and often stressed out. Call it Pixie Dust or something but he is so at peace and relaxed while vacationing at Disney. We head down to the sunshine from the frozen north, he gets away from work, someone else does all the driving so it's all good!!

 

[Jacquellie]

Alright, well I'm not getting into that argument - that's a whole other can of worms.

Most trips we do EMH or rope drop most every day. But my point is: you don't have to!

One trip, our plane was cancelled, we went to another airport, that flight was delayed hours and hours, and we got to the hotel at, like, 4am. So the first day or two started out late. You know what? We changed our touring style, and went with it. We took advantage of later park hours, used FP wisely, and watched more parades and shows than we usually do. And guess what happened? We had a great time.

Touringplans (touringplans.com) even has a whole program for people who are late risers and late-at-night stayouts.

Point is, you have to do some research and ask the experts how to do it and take whatever advice you find useful, not just show up and say "I'm here, Disney, where's my magic? Can I have my magic now?". As someone referred to earlier, that's like going to, say, Paris and not finding out about the Cathederal de Notre Dame, the Tour Eiffel, the Latin Quarter, Mont Martre, where are the restaurants that fit your eating style, how to use the Metro/RER, etc. (to say nothing about that there is a Disney Park there as well - haha!). And then coming back and saying "there was nothing to see around our hotel, and the food was so expensive and the restaurants snooty, and everyone was rude, and nobody spoke english, and we had to take a cab everywhere, because we didn't know about the metro", etc.

Sorry, I guess this thread has been hijacked, and it's partly my fault. Sorry Jacquellie! Let's get back to advice on how to get hubby to buy into the magic!

Sorry, rookie question again (most acronyms I can work out, and been looking for a list somewhere, but when I can't I ask for help!) What's EMH and rope drop?

 

[Jacquellie]

Alright, well I'm not getting into that argument - that's a whole other can of worms.

Most trips we do EMH or rope drop most every day. But my point is: you don't have to!

One trip, our plane was cancelled, we went to another airport, that flight was delayed hours and hours, and we got to the hotel at, like, 4am. So the first day or two started out late. You know what? We changed our touring style, and went with it. We took advantage of later park hours, used FP wisely, and watched more parades and shows than we usually do. And guess what happened? We had a great time.

Touringplans (touringplans.com) even has a whole program for people who are late risers and late-at-night stayouts.

Point is, you have to do some research and ask the experts how to do it and take whatever advice you find useful, not just show up and say "I'm here, Disney, where's my magic? Can I have my magic now?". As someone referred to earlier, that's like going to, say, Paris and not finding out about the Cathederal de Notre Dame, the Tour Eiffel, the Latin Quarter, Mont Martre, where are the restaurants that fit your eating style, how to use the Metro/RER, etc. (to say nothing about that there is a Disney Park there as well - haha!). And then coming back and saying "there was nothing to see around our hotel, and the food was so expensive and the restaurants snooty, and everyone was rude, and nobody spoke english, and we had to take a cab everywhere, because we didn't know about the metro", etc.

Sorry, I guess this thread has been hijacked, and it's partly my fault. Sorry Jacquellie! Let's get back to advice on how to get hubby to buy into the magic!

No worries! I'm enjoying the chat! x