We all know them and (probably) love them, but vacation with them? That’s a tough one! Plus, they would likely agree that vacationing with a Disney fan is less than optimal. So how do you find common ground on a Disney trip so that you both have fun? A little preparation and a lot of patience will make all the difference.
Limit Your Disney Conversations
Big ask right out of the gates, isn’t it? Peppering conversations with Disney memories or factoids isn’t as fascinating to my husband as I’d hoped. Also, he does not enjoy planning every moment of every trip, Disney or not. That’s what I enjoy. So try and go easy, even as your anticipation for a Disney trip reaches a zenith. Keep your questions quick and painless and your comments less than novel-length. Carefully choose topics that most help your planning dilemmas. For example, instead of reading an exhaustive list of dinner options in the Magic Kingdom, ask what’s most important to them in planning meals on the trip; is it cost, ambiance, speed or menu? If they say ambiance, look at Tony’s Town Square or Cinderella’s Royal Table instead of counter service options.
List Your Disney Downer’s Favorite Trips and Discover Why They Were Favorites
Learning what makes a trip fun for your vacation partner will help you shape your trip appropriately. Was it golfing? Then be sure and add a day or two of golfing at one of the four Walt Disney World courses. Are all their vacay pics of them sleeping poolside? Then be sure to visit when it’s warm enough to swim, and leave enough downtime to chillax on a beach blanket. Maybe they enjoy museums and art… then look into possible tours where the details of architecture or design are at the forefront. Like Keys to the Kingdom, for instance.
Plan for Some Solo Exploring
It’s OK to split up at times to follow your individual paths. Your vacation partner may prefer puttering around the World Showcase to hitting one Lightning Lane attraction after another. No one says you have to spend every second together! Just plan a fun activity when you join back up.
Know Your Disney Downer’s Typical Vacation Approach
If they like waking early and touring at breakneck speed, don’t sleep late each morning or you’ll only make them grumpier. Compromise is key, but if you are at Disney with a non-fan, you need to compromise more because going with you to your happiest place was already a big compromise on their part. If they usually take a big midday break on trips, then duplicate that idea at Disney. Don’t drag them too far out of their comfort zone.
What Is It About a Disney Trip They Dread the Most?
Is it screaming kids and annoying childish songs, while surrounded by characters? Then don’t linger in the Magic Kingdom or insist on the second ride-through of “it’s a small world.” Are they certain the Mouse has his gloved hand deep in their wallets? Then don’t insist on shopping every day or buying every upsell possible. Maybe they hate the Florida or Cali sunshine (it happens!) and are night owls; then go when the parks stay open late and maximize after-dark hours.
Watch and Adjust As You Go
Be alert to your vacationing partner’s signs of boredom and switch gears. Or, conversely, if they seem to enjoy something, don’t rush them ahead to the next thing on your agenda. Many people think they know what they’ll love or hate about a Disney trip and wind up surprised. Make sure your itinerary is flexible enough to pivot to your partner’s preferences in the moment.
Give Options During the Trip
If you are a diehard Disney fan, you likely have a go-to schedule and list of must-dos. This trip is different, so it’s less about you; after all, you are trying to convert a Disney fun-denier. So after lunch, ask your vacationing partner what they’d like to do next: head to another park or land to ride some rides, go back to the hotel for a nap and/or swim, or go for some recreational activities like the water park, putt-putting or renting a boat at a Walt Disney World marina, or shopping at Disney Springs? Give them a few options, not a dozen; you don’t want to overwhelm them. And don’t push them to pick what you want!
Look For Little Moments to Savor Together
If your Disney nonfan is your teenager, spend extra time at Galaxy’s Edge. If it’s your hubby, unwind together by drinking around the World Showcase. Pamper grandma with a Fire & Ice mani and pedi at the Mandara Spa. Take photos to reminiscence over later, to prove that they really did enjoy themselves on Disney property.
Don’t Skip Out on the Nighttime Spectaculars
These are one-of-a-kind attractions that aren’t duplicated out there in the real world. Make adequate preparations for them so that it’ll be a comfortable and unrushed experience for everyone. Fireworks over the castle and Fantasmic! are not to be missed.
Show Appreciation
Let your Disney doubter know that you appreciate them sharing your happy place with you. Tell them with a sincere thank-you, give them a special gift or treat, and explain how much it meant to you. And do not force them to say, “I was wrong and you were right.” (Even if it’s true!)
Add your suggestions to the comments section below!
Katrina Randall is a lifelong Disney fan, a freelance writer and a dedicated traveler along with husband, Rob. After raising 6 kids, she is preparing for #7 to head to college before long. Next challenge: getting all the grandkids to Disneyland or Disney World!
