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

 

[Baldy]

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?

I was thinking of staying at a value resort - Staying in the bubble without breaking the bank. My mom and I are going this summer. We’re really hoping to get a “free dining bounceback pin” that we could use when we go back with my brother. He loves all different kinds of food and I think if he knows he can choose anything he wants from any restaurant I might score a few points. Do you think it’s worth upgrading? Where would you go? I’m afraid the sticker shock my completely turn him off before we even get there .

We took my niece to Disney when she was 5. She was a little nervous but now that she’s done almost all of the rides she loves them (and everything else Disney). She’s going to be a Disney geek like me . She’s a big part of why my brother caved. Her little brother has never been but he’s fearless. I’m assuming he will be at least 40” by the time we go maybe 45”. He’s a big boy.

 

[correcaminos]

I was thinking of staying at a value resort - Staying in the bubble without breaking the bank. My mom and I are going this summer. We’re really hoping to get a “free dining bounceback pin” that we could use when we go back with my brother. He loves all different kinds of food and I think if he knows he can choose anything he wants from any restaurant I might score a few points. Do you think it’s worth upgrading? Where would you go? I’m afraid the sticker shock my completely turn him off before we even get there .

We took my niece to Disney when she was 5. She was a little nervous but now that she’s done almost all of the rides she loves them (and everything else Disney). She’s going to be a Disney geek like me . She’s a big part of why my brother caved. Her little brother has never been but he’s fearless. I’m assuming he will be at least 40” by the time we go maybe 45”. He’s a big boy.

Oh if they hate "fake" then I think that will be a bad idea. The values while a good deal will likely make this worse. If he's a world traveler and foodie, you might want to consider another place. Without knowing their likes or dislikes, it's hard to guess where. Definitely consider a more quiet resort like Port Orleans, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge. I would even look into Swan and Dolphin. Less Disney with a lot of the perks and really close to some good food (both resorts have excellent restaurants inside). You can often find those for a great deal.

My son was 40 inches at 3 so if your nephew is on the larger side he's likely going to be there if not already. Most of the rides are doable at that height. I'm not sure I'd push for ones that are not meant for all.

 

[Weather_Lady]

My suggestion is to plan a full day's itinerary for each day, but with the expectation that anyone who prefers to sleep in and join the party later will have the option to do so. (So in other words, each family can do as it pleases in the morning -- your family and/or the kids can hit a park at rope drop and other people can come and go as they like through lunch, but you can all agree to meet up for a "whole group" dinner ADR, with FP+ made in the evening as well - except, of course, for the "date night(s)"). Make sure everybody has parkhoppers, and that you know ahead of time everybody's: (1) food allergies and aversions, and food budget; (2) ride tolerances; and (3) preferred bedtimes/wake-up times.

When we went with multiple parties, I made a little folder for each family/room with: (1) each day's itinerary (with "whole group - mandatory" items clearly marked, and the rest given as a "join us if you want, but no pressure, no guilt if you want to go your own way" itinerary); (2) park maps; (3) park hours and showtimes; (4) a transportation directory (how to get to each park, resort dining, etc.); (5) important phone numbers (cell phones, lost-and-found for the parks, dining and hotel numbers, etc.); and (6) my touringplans.com login information, in case anybody wanted to go off on their own and have a personalized touring itinerary (nobody did, LOL - anybody who chose to depart from the main itinerary did so because they wanted to sleep or relax by the resort pool). That way we were all on the same page (literally) each day.

 

[Baldy]

I’m all for having a plan and I definitely want to let them sleep in (even though I’m a morning person). Since they have never been, do you think we should visit each park together once before splitting up? We have seven days.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I’m all for having a plan and I definitely want to let them sleep in (even though I’m a morning person). Since they have never been, do you think we should visit each park together once before splitting up? We have seven days.

I think that's a great idea -- you can share your expertise with them on the first visit to each park, and after that, if they want to return to one on their own, they'll have the "lay of the land." That doesn't mean you have to wait for them to be ready for each "first visit," though -- you can go at rope drop (leaving them transportation instructions, if necessary), they can call you when they're en route later after they've slept in, and you can meet them at the gate for their introductory tour.

 

[correcaminos]

I’m all for having a plan and I definitely want to let them sleep in (even though I’m a morning person). Since they have never been, do you think we should visit each park together once before splitting up? We have seven days.

I agree that's a great idea. Since you have 7 days you can even make sure they don't have to rush in to get to the park. Though at least the first trip into the park I would plan to be with them. If you plan to go back, try to help them feel less stress by showing them how it's done. With larger groups we do like planning one meal (lunch or dinner) and say "feel free to meet us" Almost all the time we did that and it was nice. To show them around the parks would be very helpful especially when trying to get the lay of the land.

 

[nickys]

Does he enjoy water sports? You could plan half a day for him to hire one of the water craft. There are 3 possible locations depending on plans, although Bay Lake would be my choice. Golf? Fishing? Cycling - he could hire a bike in Celebration and go for a long ride from there. If he has any interest in the space program then think about a day at Kennedy. Hire a car, or there are tours that will pick up on International Drive (Uber there). We would never go to Orlando without at least one day, usually two, at Kennedy.

I also second the idea of maybe trying to foster an interest in the history of Disney. How it all came to be. Or the sheer detail you can see in Adventureland alone. See if he'd be up for the Keys to the Kingdom tour. It'll open his eyes to the fact it isn't just about rides and a theme park. Honestly, for me Disney is only half about that, I just love looking at it as a labour of love, the thought that goes into each building and how it tells a story.

Give him and SIL time on their own one day to maybe do a tour together or explore World Showcase and have a meal. There's a tour backstage in FW, and also a WS tour which I have done and loved too. After all WS is easier to get to than visiting each of the WS countries for real (except perhaps Canada and Mexico). He could decide where he'd like to visit first .

 

[DisAl]

He doesn't like fake stuff??? So I guess he does not go to movies, watches no TV shows, or does not go to any sort of live play. That's why they call them actors! Disney World is a show just like any of the above; that's why they call the public areas "on stage" and the non-public areas " back stage" and the people who work there "cast members".
I can't really imagine anybody who could not find something they would enjoy unless they are a genuine dyed in the wool 100% grumpy sourpuss. The experience in each park is different, and there is a lot of wonderful dining if you pick the right spots.
Ask him to just give it a chance. If he doesn't like it he won't have to come back. But if nothing else, just enjoy the kids and watch them as they have the time of their life! If he will just LET IT GO he will probably have a lot of fun too!
FYI though it is not ALL "fake". The WDW Railroad locomotives are authentic steam locomotives. The Liberty Belle riverboat is a genuine steam powered riverboat. And the animals in the Animal Kingdom are REAL too.

 

[disneygeek90]

And the animals in the Animal Kingdom are REAL too.

Even the dinosaurs and Yeti

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

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.

Great suggestions, except for #1~
My husband and I don't drink alcohol, and I don't understand all the recommendations to drink, drink, and all will be better?
A nonalcohol drinker doesn't want others to keep suggesting that they need beer, or whatever.
Just my private rant, as a nonalcohol drinking person.
The suggestion of Spaceship eart is great. The hall of presidents is great too for history buffs, with the funny muppets show in liberty square. There really is so much more than "just rides" at Disney, but it's hard to get nondisney people to listen. I know, I have a nondisney brother too who doesn't understand our passion for Disney. Can't never convince him, so have given up.......

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

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Would your brother be interested in Keys to the Kingdom tour? It contains ALOT of history and behind the scenes stuff. He might just like something like that, you never know. Also, I mentioned earlier, the hilarious muppets show in Liberty Square! History in a funny way
Also there is the Hall of presidents, pretty heavy on American history. Even at Epcot, the American show is so awesome(forget what it is called) Gives you that warm, fuzzy patriotic feeling.

But be prepared to Not persuade him. I have a nondisney brother too. He does not understand what we like about "a theme park for kids". I have tried to explain that it is for grownups too, and told him exactly what we do: ie, shows, fine eating, resort hopping, relaxing at resort, Disney springs, carriage rides, etc, etc. But he refuses to listen, and I have learned I cannot "make him" like Disney. So,just be prepared that even with all your trying, he may not like it.

My suggestion for YOU: Split up and let them go their own way, and you do what you love to do. It doesn't work to follow someone else around and try to make them happy while ignoring all the things at Disney that you love. So, I would show them the ropes, and go your own ways, just meeting to eat or do an attraction together.

Have fun!

 

[Nemo14]

Maybe book a Segway tour at Fort Wilderness for him and his wife while you take the kids to the parks, then meet up there for lunch? It's a lot of fun and not so "fake". Just a thought.

 

[Baldy]

You guys are amazing. Thank you all for the suggestions.
I’m going to look into the watercraft rentals and the Segway tours for sure. Maybe the NBA experience will appeal to him too.

In terms of rides, I think he’ll enjoy Hall of Presidents and Spaceship earth for the historical content. He will love “driving” with my nephew and just watching the kids’ reactions to things.
I’m debating sending them on a photo scavenger hunt/competition. It’s not very grown up, but my brother is very competitive. He might really get into it.
E.g. “photograph a bench, a flower, a ball, selfie with a cast member...” with points given for originality as well as the actual photo. I did this with my son when he was 16 (just for bragging rights).
This time I’ll have my family back home award points each day. On the final day we can award a prize or the person with the lowest score has to pay for the winners meal.


I will plan a sit down dinner for all of us every night (except their date night). Hopefully I can get a variety of different cuisines. For lunch I will have suggestions of places where they can get something other than typical theme park food. Maybe some resort hopping at the deluxe resort. Their QS options seem pretty good.

I will let them sleep in and make sure they get their grown-up time. In the end I hope it will be a trip that he can look back on fondly.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

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.

I'm a teacher, too. Would a fall or Thanksgiving break trip work better for your family? The humidity will be lessened then than in August, though still a bit muggy.

I'm sorry he's not so open-minded. I agree with the others---you take the kids in the AM so they can relax and enjoy breakfast, maybe even get them a TS reservation for just the two of them. I love your Chef Mickey's idea to get them to have date night! The kids will be so happy!

Definitely get the water park option, especially if he loves the beach. Then you can go to TWO beaches!! We did the water park and then did Disney Springs in the evening, with great table service and quick service options!

I would say: GET THE KIDS Excited!! Once the kids fall in love with it, here's hoping Dad will see it through their eyes and enjoy the parks with them!

 

[DryerLintFan]

Does he know that the World Showcase pavilions are sponsored by their host countries, and that most of the CMs inside each pavilion are from that country? As a world traveler myself, I really enjoyed talking to one of the CMs in Morocco about his home country. I didn't learn that they were all managed this way until after my trip, but I definitely would have enjoyed the pavilions more knowing I could talk to any CM about the country.

So yes, the facades are fake... they look like you're walking through a story book. But the people are real. Make sure he knows that before you go!

 

[John Dulmage]

We last went in June, so we know what it's like in the heat. I think that will be more disturbing than the fakeness. Therefore, I think it's important to plan some inside time like some sit-down meals that are inside for breaks during the day to get out of the heat - or a couple of days, heat back to the resort for some pool and relaxation time. We are not morning people, either - never made a rope drop, but still had a great time. One of the things my grandkids (4, 7 & 8 at the time we went) loved that was less "amusement parky" (and free) was doing the "Pirates Adventure" which is basically a scavenger hunt in Adventureland. They will need some help with the clues that dad can help them with. There are about 6 different adventures and my grandkids did them all. I think there is something similar to this at all the parks. It is really fun. Plus, our grandkids loved the various shows, like the Tiki room, Philharmagic, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. These are other good ways to get out of the heat and have fun (and not typical amusement park stuff). Again, there are things like this at each park. Don't miss the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom, or the Safari. Have fun planning. And remind everyone, that kids will break down, which is why it's good to take the breaks (and have strollers, even if they are mostly out of them at this age). All that walking will wear them out!

 

[Baldy]

We last went in June, so we know what it's like in the heat. I think that will be more disturbing than the fakeness. Therefore, I think it's important to plan some inside time like some sit-down meals that are inside for breaks during the day to get out of the heat - or a couple of days, heat back to the resort for some pool and relaxation time. We are not morning people, either - never made a rope drop, but still had a great time. One of the things my grandkids (4, 7 & 8 at the time we went) loved that was less "amusement parky" (and free) was doing the "Pirates Adventure" which is basically a scavenger hunt in Adventureland. They will need some help with the clues that dad can help them with. There are about 6 different adventures and my grandkids did them all. I think there is something similar to this at all the parks. It is really fun. Plus, our grandkids loved the various shows, like the Tiki room, Philharmagic, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. These are other good ways to get out of the heat and have fun (and not typical amusement park stuff). Again, there are things like this at each park. Don't miss the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom, or the Safari. Have fun planning. And remind everyone, that kids will break down, which is why it's good to take the breaks (and have strollers, even if they are mostly out of them at this age). All that walking will wear them out!

Those are some great suggestions. My SIL really likes Jack sparrow for some reason so I think the pirates adventure would be great. Normally I am a rope drop person. Any suggestions on how to navigate the crowds/heat if we arrive later?

 

[John Dulmage]

Those are some great suggestions. My SIL really likes Jack sparrow for some reason so I think the pirates adventure would be great. Normally I am a rope drop person. Any suggestions on how to navigate the crowds/heat if we arrive later?

From what I understand if you go in the later part of August, the crowds should be down, so hopefully that won't be too bad. For heat, we bought some little mini-fans that went around our necks from Amazon, and had some of those cooling towels. Having a plan is great. Being willing to adjust that plan is even greater!! With the kids, flexibility is key. With our family, the heat bothered the adults much more than the kids, so we had to make sure we kept cool in order to keep our cool, if you know what I mean! Good luck!