Husband getting on board

[Annielkd]

A year ago we went to Disney and had a horrible time. It had been getting progressively worse each time we went. We had our trip planned for April and both me and my husband we actually NOT looking forward to the trip. I went on this forum did some research and found out about the GAP. I'm not sure that was the only difference as there were so many good things that happend on our trip. The staff at the Boardwalk was fantastic, the weather was great, our son was well behaved, and we didn't over-do it. Anyway... the point is that recently we planned our trip for December and my husband actually TALKED to me about it. We discussed what type of room to book, exactly where we wanted to go (we do split trips and have to talk about where we are going) and things we wanted to do. He actually talked to me today about our planned trip for April of next year. In the past he would say... I don't care, you want to go, figure it out. I'm glad that our trip was good so we could actually talk about it again. Even with Test-track down for our trip (it closed our first day there) we had a great time. He didn't freak out when I had to return to the room in the afternoon, he didn't sit around complaining... it was awesome!
My worries about Christmas is that we are only staying at Hilton Head for one night prior to getting there (we drive 21 hours to get to Disney and need a down day) He HATES crowds, and we are not staying in a one bedroom. (and have a 11 year old) We also have heard some bad things about Bay Lake Towers studio rooms. Since we can't switch over, and he wants to try out that resort... I'm worried that he will back track again after having a bad vacation. We will be staying on the way back at Hilton Head for 2 days... but, that's at the end. Any advice on how to keep this positive momentum?
I'm making a point of only telling him the good things coming up (December- Be Our Guest expected to be open) Possibly a new attraction at Hollywood studio for Captain Jack Sparrow... and all the beautiful decorations. I don't want him to have a bad experience because I would like to continue going.

 

[wdwfan22]

I'm not sure when you are going in December, but if it's closer to Christmas & New Years you had better prepare for larger crowds. The first 2 weeks are not bad crowd wise except on weekends. I personally have never seen what the value of a studio room is at at Disney Vacation Club Resort. Its only 1 bed and a sleeper sofa just for a mini kitchen area. I can't justify the rates they charge just for that. I would only stay in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa at a Disney Vacation Club Resort. If that's not an option i would just move to a Disney Deluxe Resort.

 

[Annielkd]

I originally had a one bedroom, but the points were too high and we switched. We are actually getting there Christmas Eve... so it's going to be very crowded. A studio isn't too bad... I've stayed there meny times.... but I loved the convenience of having a laundry right in the room. When we go in April we will have the one bedroom, but not for Christams. My husband wanted to be within walking distance of Magic Kingdom... they (son and husband) liked playing the sorcerer's game. I think one thing I can do is get them a book to put all the cards in for a surprise. Maybe I'll print a few of them from online pictures. That might make the trip somewhat more exciting for him.
Since I have vacation club points, switching to a Deluxe regular room isn't an option.

 

[mousehockey37]

My worries about Christmas is that we are only staying at Hilton Head for one night prior to getting there (we drive 21 hours to get to Disney and need a down day) He HATES crowds, and we are not staying in a one bedroom. (and have a 11 year old) We also have heard some bad things about Bay Lake Towers studio rooms. Since we can't switch over, and he wants to try out that resort... I'm worried that he will back track again after having a bad vacation.

If you are that worried about it, then you need to be open and honest with him. What's worse, leading him on that it won't be too bad and getting there and the place is packed and he possibly gets super angry and will never want to return OR you be upfront and let him know that Christmas is a very busy time there and that it's going to be crowded. He may get upset if you tell him now that it's going to be crowded, but at least you can work with him on THAT aspect of the trip and he will know what is to be expected.

Either way you look at your concern, there is no "winning" scenario. You basically either tell him now and have him upset (like I said, you can work with him on crowds and such) or you can build everything up like nothing's going to be wrong and have him be that much more upset when he gets there and finds out on his own. I have a feeling if you choose the latter, you'll never return to Disney.

Like you said, he just came back to opening up about going to Disney, don't make a bad choice and turn him off from there altogether.

 

[Annielkd]

He knows that Christmas is their busiest time... but knowing and understanding are completely different. It's the same as knowing a baby will change your life forever, then actually understanding all the sacrifices you need to make.
I know he is going because I want to go... and have been dreaming of it for years. This is his first time ever having that week off... and it's unlikely he might ever get it again... so it's a now or never situation.
I tried talking him into going to Hilton Head for an additional day, but he wants to see each park and all the hotels that are decorated and thinks the least amount of days he will need for this is 4 days... so that didn't work. So, I'm just worried for things I can't change!
Why am I unable to just think positive about going to Disney!

 

[mousehockey37]

He knows that Christmas is their busiest time... but knowing and understanding are completely different. It's the same as knowing a baby will change your life forever, then actually understanding all the sacrifices you need to make.
I know he is going because I want to go... and have been dreaming of it for years. This is his first time ever having that week off... and it's unlikely he might ever get it again... so it's a now or never situation.
I tried talking him into going to Hilton Head for an additional day, but he wants to see each park and all the hotels that are decorated and thinks the least amount of days he will need for this is 4 days... so that didn't work. So, I'm just worried for things I can't change!
Why am I unable to just think positive about going to Disney!

I don't see how your analogy fits here. He's said what he wants to do. It sounds like from what you've said that he understands just fine.

What you need to do is now start planning where to go on what days. Hit up the web and see what the forecasts are to look like crowd wise at all the parks and come up with a game plan of where to go when (extra magic hours, things like that).

If your husband is on board and from what I gather is understanding, then the only one who needs any convincing is you. You worrying about things that are beyond your control will cause you to have a miserable time and that will spread to those involved in your trip. If he's willing to talk about everything, sit down with him and plan stuff out (who knows, you BOTH might have some fun with it).

Thinking positively... You'll be in Disney for Christmas. Decorations, characters in different outfits, there's nothing better! You said it yourself, this is a "one shot" deal for this time frame possibly. Don't allow any negative thoughts and you won't have any.

 

[Annielkd]

Thank you. I think I was posting so that I would get out all my fears here, instead of to him. I'm just not going to worry any more. (Anyone who knows me, knows that's not true... but, I'll try! ) Thanks for all your help!

 

[disneygirl76]

A year ago we went to Disney and had a horrible time. It had been getting progressively worse each time we went. We had our trip planned for April and both me and my husband we actually NOT looking forward to the trip. I went on this forum did some research and found out about the GAP. I'm not sure that was the only difference as there were so many good things that happend on our trip. The staff at the Boardwalk was fantastic, the weather was great, our son was well behaved, and we didn't over-do it. Anyway... the point is that recently we planned our trip for December and my husband actually TALKED to me about it. We discussed what type of room to book, exactly where we wanted to go (we do split trips and have to talk about where we are going) and things we wanted to do. He actually talked to me today about our planned trip for April of next year. In the past he would say... I don't care, you want to go, figure it out. I'm glad that our trip was good so we could actually talk about it again. Even with Test-track down for our trip (it closed our first day there) we had a great time. He didn't freak out when I had to return to the room in the afternoon, he didn't sit around complaining... it was awesome!
My worries about Christmas is that we are only staying at Hilton Head for one night prior to getting there (we drive 21 hours to get to Disney and need a down day) He HATES crowds, and we are not staying in a one bedroom. (and have a 11 year old) We also have heard some bad things about Bay Lake Towers studio rooms. Since we can't switch over, and he wants to try out that resort... I'm worried that he will back track again after having a bad vacation. We will be staying on the way back at Hilton Head for 2 days... but, that's at the end. Any advice on how to keep this positive momentum?
I'm making a point of only telling him the good things coming up (December- Be Our Guest expected to be open) Possibly a new attraction at Hollywood studio for Captain Jack Sparrow... and all the beautiful decorations. I don't want him to have a bad experience because I would like to continue going.

Hey there, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Where in Hilton Head are you staying? I lived there for 2 1/2 year and its an easy drive to WDW from HHI. Just an FYI, the Captain Jack Sparrow experience, if anything like the Prince Caspian one, was quite underwhelming in my opinion. It was just a walk through experience. I didn't like the Prince Caspian one at all. That being said, Christmas is an amazing time to go. The decorations are beautiful and wonderful and it is a magical experience. Its going to be a very busy time that you are there. And I know how your DH hates crowds, but you just have to go with the mind set, it will be busy but we are still going to have an amazing time.

Do you have touring plans? It can help you pick which parks to do each day. Its just a guide but its pretty accurate.

 

[sgtmgd]

The Osborne Lights are perhaps the most amazing Disney decorating feat ever..Im sure there are alot of opinions on it...but its a sight to behold

 

[Annielkd]

Hey there, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Where in Hilton Head are you staying? I lived there for 2 1/2 year and its an easy drive to WDW from HHI. Just an FYI, the Captain Jack Sparrow experience, if anything like the Prince Caspian one, was quite underwhelming in my opinion. It was just a walk through experience. I didn't like the Prince Caspian one at all. That being said, Christmas is an amazing time to go. The decorations are beautiful and wonderful and it is a magical experience. Its going to be a very busy time that you are there. And I know how your DH hates crowds, but you just have to go with the mind set, it will be busy but we are still going to have an amazing time.

Do you have touring plans? It can help you pick which parks to do each day. Its just a guide but its pretty accurate.

I'm staying at the Disney vacation club on Hilton Head (have DVC). I've never been at Christmas but, I've been several times. We base our touring plans on what's open and what we want to do that day... we are pretty good at it. I think that we have to go with the mindset with... just look at everything that's pretty! I think in the past my husband would have in his mind that he wanted to go on certain rides a certain amount of time in order to have a good time. I think his feelings on this have changed... so maybe things will be great!