Travelling with a non Disney fan

[Baldy]

Ok, so here’s the problem, I’m planning a trip with my Disney hating brother, his wife and 2 kids who will be 7 and 4 (Grandma too). I took my niece last year, but the rest of his family has never been. He is a great dad and is going “for the kids”, but it won’t feel right if he and his wife are miserable the whole trip even if they play along for the children’s sakes.
I’m a teacher so we can only go in the summer, but I’m thinking the very end of August when many other schools are already back in session.
7 day park hoppers with DDP and 2 rooms at a value resort to keep costs down.
They are NOT morning people. Their ideal vacation is laying on a beach or visiting historical sites.
I’ve promised them a date night so they can have dinner and spend time without the kids while Grandma and I do Chef Mickey and a sleepover in our room. Other than that, the plan is to stay together for the most part.
My brother has travelled a lot. He is a foodie, but hates the fake-ness of the pavilions (he hated that on their trip to Dubai too).
Any suggestions?
- best way to tour the park?
- dining ideas?
- fast pass suggestions? (We’ve never
used child swap before)
Thank you everyone

 

[grim-grinning_toast]

I would suggest that if you're up for it, you could take their kids in the mornings and have them meet up with you when they've slept in and gotten breakfast. I also DEFINITELY suggest mid-afternoon breaks. I think adults forget that we need those, too.
Pool, bar, nap = my favorite afternoon activity in Disney.

As far as dining goes - I hate the pavilions too! However, the food in Italy is too good. I would make reservations for Via Napoli, and definitely take your time there. It's a fun, family environment. If you're trying to keep the costs down, I would hit the more obscure quick service places - like Harbor House.

I've never been with a small child, so I can't help with the fastpass front!

Even the most hardened-to-Disney people can't help but feel the magic swell in their hearts if they have a GOOD place during the fireworks and they can watch their kids react to them. Of course, I love the hub grass and recommend that!

Good luck! Have so much fun

 

[Baldy]

Pool, bar, nap = my favorite afternoon activity in Disney.

As far as dining goes - I hate the pavilions too! However, the food in Italy is too good. I would make reservations for Via Napoli, and definitely take your time there. It's a fun, family environment. If you're trying to keep the costs down, I would hit the more obscure quick service places - like Harbor House

Thank you so much for the input. I think Via Napoli would probably be a hit with everyone. They’re also big seafood eaters so Columbia Harbour House is definitely in the plans. I was thinking a Yacht/Beach club restaurant one day too. They seem to have lots of seafood options.
They don’t drink but I think they would enjoy a pool break and a nice nice mocktail or two.
If anyone has suggestions for fun non-acoholic drinks that would be great.

 

[John park hopper]

I'm curious have you discussed with your brother what specifically he hates about WDW and then plan your trip accordingly.

 

[yensid67]

I echo John park hopper's reply! Find what he HATES about Disney and plan other things away from that as much as possible. Find out what he wants to do and be happy about! I would allow them to sleep in on the mornings, show him non-Disney things like International Drive, since they like the beach, take a day trip to Cocoa Beach(hour away), there are other things to do. BUT this is a golden opportunity for YOU to convert a NON-BELIEVER! I wonder if there is a way to create a magical moment for your brother with Disney SOMEHOW!? Someone on here might be able to direct you to somewhere, but I would start by calling Disney and letting them know your situation, they might be able to offer some suggestions! It may be at your expense, but would it be worth it to have your brother FINALLY see and appreciate Disney World through your eyes!? I am a Disney fanatic, but not with the parks or even movies...I haven't even seen Bambi or Snow White or even any of the current movies or animations, what makes me a fanatic is the PHILOSOPHY and the HISTORY that made Disney! Without Walt and his genious mind, we would not have the MULTI PLANE CAMERA that is used today or Animatronics! When Walt built Disneyland, it was a time to be the first at a lot of things! I hope you have a good trip despite how your brother feels about Disney!

P.S.
YOU COULD ALWAYS LEAVE YOUR BROTHER HOME! lol!

 

[JIMINYCR]

It is very tough going with someone whose not as enthusiastic about Disney as yourself. Dont expect to please him because hes going in with a poor attitude to begin with and wont be giving Disney a fair chance. Focus on giving the kids a great trip and maybe he will lighten up when he sees their joy. Or being a Disney hater, maybe you could get him a day pass at Uni and let him venture off by himself. There are many other interesting attractions in Orlando he could try as well. I would rather do that than have him tag along with a poor attitude and ruin the time for you and his kids.

 

[WWWD]

Keep alcohol in him the entire trip. If he’s a great dad, he’ll have fun once he sees all the joy and excitement in his kids - how could you not?

 

[KBLovedDisney]

So we aren't just talking about a skeptic who has a poor outlook of what to expect at Disney, but also a person who ultimately decided they hated it before even trying it.

Ugh, these people I swear.

Alright, my advice is to first and foremost let him know this place is for everybody, not just kids. (I have to say this on repeat to some of my friends who say "But it looks like it is only for kids"). I know, a big headache! Also, this will be a different escape from reality and hardships. Not a fake one. Yes there will be stores and tourism, but beaches have those too. Here are some other things as well that I would point out:

1) Alcohol dude, beer. You can get a stein from Germany in World Showcase and get authentic beer from that country, or go to an Irish pub within walking distance!
2) You like seeing historic places? How about riding in a vehicle that takes you through a robotic live performance of the past? Spaceship Earth is not just a cool looking gigantic golf-ball.
3)Food!! The food man, you got very well themed restaurants. You can get an African quisine or if your more of a fan of some down home cookin' with a jazzy atmosphere, heck Disney Springs has so much to offer.

(You know you miss Disney when your blogging starts to sound like a promotion out of a brochure...)

 

[Baldy]

Thanks so much everyone. I should have known I could count on all of you for support

what specifically he hates about WDW and then plan your trip accordingly.

What he hates about Disney....
1) cost/value
2) artificial -“why go to the Japan pavilion when you could just go to Japan?”
3) The characters are just people in costume
4) won’t be able to relax

Find out what he wants to do and be happy about! I would allow them to sleep in on the mornings show him non-Disney things like International Drive, since they like the beach, take a day trip to Cocoa Beach(hour away), there are other things to do. BUT this is a golden opportunity for YOU to convert a NON-BELIEVER! I wonder if there is a way to create a magical moment for your brother with Disney SOMEHOW

I had no idea there was a beautiful beach that close. I will definitely try to make that work (although we won’t have a car). If you know of other relaxing activities that are within taxi/Uber range that would be great. As you mentioned if there was some way to convert him that would be ideal.

It is very tough going with someone whose not as enthusiastic about Disney as yourself. Dont expect to please him because hes going in with a poor attitude to begin with and wont be giving Disney a fair chance. Focus on giving the kids a great trip and maybe he will lighten up when he sees their joy. Or being a Disney hater, maybe you could get him a day pass at Uni and let him venture off by himself.

I’m sure he will put on his happy face for his kids’ sake. He will absolutely enjoy spending time with his kids. He is an amazing dad. He just doesn’t care for amusement parks (which is how he thinks Disney will feel), or pre-planning or waiting in line or rushing around.
I just don’t want to hear about how horrible it was for the next year.

Keep alcohol in him the entire trip.

Unfortunately he doesn’t drink at all.

 

[Baldy]

Alright, my advice is to first and foremost let him know this place is for everybody, not just kids. Been trying that one for years.
1) Alcohol dude, beer. Unfortunately he doesn’t drink.
2) You like seeing historic places? How about riding in a vehicle that takes you through a robotic live performance of the past? Spaceship Earth is not just a cool looking gigantic golf-ball. That is an excellent suggestion. Maybe we could start there.
3)Food!! The food man, you got very well themed restaurants. You can get an African quisine or if your more of a fan of some down home cookin' with a jazzy atmosphere, heck Disney Springs has so much to offer. I’m thinking this may be the way to his heart. I need to find the right balance of character meals for the kids and unique dining options for the adults.

(You know you miss Disney when your blogging starts to sound like a promotion out of a brochure...) LOL

 

[yensid67]

I had no idea there was a beautiful beach that close. I will definitely try to make that work (although we won’t have a car). If you know of other relaxing activities that are within taxi/Uber range that would be great. As you mentioned if there was some way to convert him that would be ideal.

OK IF YOU NEED A BEACH LOCAL, I WOULD TRY VOLCANO BAY AT UNIVERSAL! I NEVER BEEN BUT HAVE HEARD RAVE REVIEWS! OR IF YOU WANT TO STAY ON DISNEY PROPERTY...TRY TYPHOON LAGOON OR BLIZZARD BEACH WATER PARKS...NOT A BEACH BUT IT COULD BE A SWITCH TO THE TRADITIONAL BEACH HE IS ACCUSTOMED TO!?

 

[Baldy]

Volcano Bay looks amazing, but I think he’ll still just think of if as more fake stuff.
I am considering Disney’s water parks, but I have never been. Would you recommend either one?
It’s cheaper if we get the hopper and more option for 5 days rather than a regular 7 day hopper. Do you think there is enough to do for 2 water park days (We can shop and eat at Disney Springs or a resort on those days)?
We would then have: 2 days at MK and one day at each of the other parks with the option to park hop if we wanted to.

 

[NelleBelle]

I think there is supposed to be more to do at Typhoon Lagoon (more slides) than BB (but why not try them both--head over in the afternoons)! We love both waterparks and think they are really well themed. Our family loves the waterparks and we try to make time for at least one, if not both, every trip we go. Typhoon Lagoon even has snorkeling with real salt water fish and sharks, so hopefully your brother will enjoy that!

 

[DisneyDoctor]

Baldy, if worst comes to worst, I will take one for the team and step in to act as your brother. I'll fly down to WDW, even dress like him to make sure the experience is as genuine as possible for the kids.

Best of luck, though, maybe this trip will change his entire mind about WDW and turn him to the light side!

 

[yensid67]

OMG I forgot an amazing NON DISNEY experience, DISCOVERY COVE at Sea World!(DOLPHIN SWIM or A NON SWIM DAY)Its expensive, but from everything I have read its well worth it! Its around $250-$300 per person includes all your rental equipment, food and drinks, limited access(they limit the park to 1000 guests) for more personalized experience! Check it out!...Brother might want to do that instead of going to a beach or Water Park! Then split the difference in the tickets! I also had another idea Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom! Backstage tour that gives you tidbits about how things are done, they take you downstairs into the Utilidors and show you the float building, lunch. 5 hours walking. This could be what could make your brother enjoy Disney...if he knows a little about the behind the scenes of the park! Just and Idea!

 

[John park hopper]

Wow!!!, good luck taking your brother and in August--- how is he with the heat and humidity of FL, that could add to his dislike of WDW and make your trip miserable. All of WDW is fake that's the point ---it's fantasyland, tomorrowland it's escape from reality. He could rent a car and go to Cape Canaveral (Kennedy Space Center)(hour away) for a day that's real. plenty of beaches also Dayton etc. I like Disneymedstuder suggestion brother stand in.

 

[jaklgreen]

It sounds like he already has his mind set to be miserable. Tell him to man up and pretend that everything is amazing for the sake of his kids and rest of the family. That is what a grown a$$ man does. Sheesh.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Foodies LOVE Disney Springs!

Kennedy Space Center is great for the "It's all fake" folks.

 

[Baldy]

Baldy, if worst comes to worst, I will take one for the team and step in to act as your brother. I'll fly down to WDW, even dress like him to make sure the experience is as genuine as possible for the kids.

Best of luck, though, maybe this trip will change his entire mind about WDW and turn him to the light side!

OMG You made me laugh so loudly I woke up my 80 year old Dad (snoozing on the couch). My family is staring at me like I’m nuts.

 

[correcaminos]

Where are you planning on staying? I think the right resort could make a difference for him. What rides to pick would be dependent on the kids and how adventurous and tall they are. Are the kids at least Disney lovers or is this just one of those "take the family to Disney because we have to" deals?