First timing PLANNING a trip! HELP !!

disneygirlie11 · #1 05-05-2007, 05:36 PM

I've been to Disney about 15 times, but this time is a little different. I've never had to actually plan a trip, as we've always gone with my parents. Here's the problem! My boyfriend, myself, and our two friends are going in December. Her husband has never been to the World, and he really didn't even want to go! I need to think of some ways to make it extra special so he'll want to come back over and over (although I'm sure he will anyway

). I 've read about watching Wishes from Ohana. What time should I make ressies?! Also, any other tips and help to ease my stress of planning would be great! Thanks for your help!!

vamaggie · #2 05-05-2007, 07:18 PM

Find out some things that your friends hubby likes to do and try to include them (golf? boating? etc) My DH really isn't into the "Disney-ness" and so we try to stay at places that are not so Disney theme oriented. We have stayed at WL and are going to Poly in Nov. We have to save up for a few years to stay there but it is worth it so DH can have so relaxation and "de-Disney" time too. Let him help plan as much (or as little) as he wants and make sure he knows that you all do not have to be joined at the hip all the time. If he doesn't want to do a park or activity, plan to meet up for dinner etc. Good Luck! (can't help with wishes ? as we have never seen them from Poly)

Beast_fanatic · #3 05-05-2007, 08:14 PM

I believe that our ressie at Ohana was for about an hour before the fireworks were scheduled, and the timing worked out perfectly for us.

Mickey91 · #4 05-06-2007, 11:40 PM

My biggest tip would be, don't stress about your friend's husband enjoying himself. You will end up having your feelings hurt. Plan the trip around what you have come to love at WDW. If he comes with the right attitude, he will enjoy himself. If not, you could give him the castle and he wouldn't be happy. Plan some time for the other couple to explore things on their own. Let them help in some of the planning. Don't let the success of the entire trip rest on this one person having fun or not.

Also, ressies around an hour before the fireworks should be a good time. Just don't hop up when you're done if you get a good seat(not a guarantee). If you don't get good seats, consider eating quicker and going out on the beach for the show. It is breathtaking!

mdricks · #5 05-07-2007, 10:41 AM

There are a lot of not-so-Disney things to do that would ease someone in. Get a segway tour at epcot! Rent a boat for a half day of fishing. Richard Petty experience. Drink around the world

. Dive the tanks with the dolphins. La Nouba.

I have a group of friends that used to laugh at me for going on solo trips and "riding dumbo". I showed them my itinerary for this years trip and now they all want to go too.

I'm driving that race car next year!

Fortgoofy97 · #6 05-07-2007, 10:56 AM

If he is into sports checkout the ESPN Club or if he likes micro brews checkout the Big River Grill! If he likes the Beach consider either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon!! But definitely do not try to plan the whole trip around him! Ask for his input just remember there are others there who do enjoy the parks!

disneygirlie11 · #7 05-07-2007, 12:06 PM

Thank you all for your help!! I'm writing them all down. Any other input anyone has would be great to hear too!

MOJoe · #8 05-08-2007, 11:56 AM

Planning a Disney trip around someone who is not sure they want to be there could be a disaster for everyone involved. Instead, since you a Disney veteran, plan on doing the things that you most love about the world. Having fun is contagious. Chances are that he will share the excitement. And if he doesn't.... just send him to Epcot

!

epceddie · #9 05-08-2007, 01:04 PM

Go to a resort that has the Sea Raycers and rent them for about an hour. My two nephews and I had a blast doing that at Old Key West in October. We ended up in a big lake cruising around in front of Downtown Disney.
Getting to the lake was also fun, because we passed the old Treehouse that we had stayed in on a previous trip when the Disney Institute was still around.

Also, consider taking a carriage ride from Port Orleans French Quarter. They're offered every night and it's a very relaxing way to end your day.

Have fun whatever you do!!!!!!!

maizey05 · #10 05-08-2007, 06:55 PM

DH and I took our friends (WDW first-timers) last year. My friend's DH is the macho mans-man type. He didn't want to go at all. First ride we went on was Pirates. His recap after the ride was;"Disney doesn't mess around. Did you see all the details? The pirate over the bridge even had hairy legs!" I planned the trip and made ADRs for what I liked. At the end of the trip, they thanked me for taking the bull by the horns and planning everything out, as they didn't know anything about WDW.

SallyfromDE · #11 05-08-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maizey05

DH and I took our friends (WDW first-timers) last year. My friend's DH is the macho mans-man type. He didn't want to go at all. First ride we went on was Pirates. His recap after the ride was;"Disney doesn't mess around. Did you see all the details? The pirate over the bridge even had hairy legs!" I planned the trip and made ADRs for what I liked. At the end of the trip, they thanked me for taking the bull by the horns and planning everything out, as they didn't know anything about WDW.

Do they want to go back?

LoriMistress · #12 05-08-2007, 11:41 PM

First, I would suggest having your friends view a WDW DVD Planner so they know what to expect at WDW and for them to get an idea of what they would like to see, special events they might want to join in, etc.

I would also suggest using either The Ultimate Guide or TourGuideMike.com. Either of them, would be extremely helpful in planning your vacation.

I would suggest start booking the rooms ASAP because they are selling out fast!!! I would also start booking ADRs (dinner reservations) for the top restraunts you want your friends/boyfriend to eat at.