It’s a classic love story. Two people meet, and they fall in love. Just after you pass over the line, which is too late for deal-breaking information, it turns out that one of you is a Disney lover, and the other is a Disney skeptic. What are you to do? This is worse than a strong disagreement over pickles or pineapple on pizza; it’s worse than having different backgrounds or logistical issues. One of you has known and loved the Disney theme parks all your life, attributing many of your milestones and achievements to a Disney celebration. The other looks confused at the mere mention of going to the same place more than once. It’s a problem. When you are a Disney adult, the defiance is hard to accept. Even though most will encourage us to go and have a good time, we can’t shake the feeling that we would love to spend that time doing that amazing thing with that person we love. So, from one Disney adult to another, here are five ways to entice your Disney skeptic partner back to the Disney Parks.
Book a Dining Experience
I’ve often said that adding a little extra twist of unique luxury to your Dinsey vacation is a great way to create a whole different set of memories. What you might think is all characters and castles for kids can become an adult’s paradise after hours. A series of impressive specialty bars, pairing experiences, mixology classes, and chef’s tasting menus await! Go through the list of options and see what special events are running during your visit. Let your partner pick out something that feels appealing. These experiences vary in price from quite expensive to relatively reasonable, so there is something for everyone if you know how to look for it.
Add Non-Park Activities
For a non-Disney lover, all the excitement of new attractions and shows doesn’t land the way it does for us. To them, it feels like they will have to endure it more than anything else. Adding more activities that suit their personality and interests will give them something to look forward to. Even better, ask them for input and help in planning out resort days or rest days. If they come to the parks with you, perhaps you will be able to enjoy a round of golf with them. There are so many things to do in Walt Disney World aside from the theme parks that still have all that wonderful Disney magic. Everything from horseback riding to fishing can be accommodated, as well as some unique activities in Disney Springs.
Explore the Surrounding Area
One of the best ways that I have been able to visit so many of the international parks is by joining them up with a vacation in the broader area. If you would like to score yourself a day or two in Disneyland (don’t miss our One-Day Guides), why not pitch a road trip up the Pacific Coast highway? From San Diego to San Francisco, there is so much to see and do that you will be able to plan an unforgettable getaway while also adding a couple of those pixie-dusted Disney days to the mix! Thinking broader? Remember that Disney’s international parks are right in the heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Disneyland Paris and the Tokyo Disney Resorts are just a train ride from the city and hold so much more unique wonder if your partner isn’t keen on a return visit to the USA parks.
Be Excited
Sometimes, the best gift you can give your partner is to see you happy. Try to make the trip as stress-free as possible. Endless griping about crowds and weather will only make them wonder why you continue to visit in the first place before vowing never to join you again. You have to be the root of positivity during your stay, making the most of your opportunity and showing your partner that your happiness is worth the while. Take time for the little moments that you might usually power through in the interest of cramming more in, and be sure to enjoy this special time with your partner.
Find Out If There Is A Problem
Sometimes, when a friend or family member nonchalantly says they don’t want to do something, there is often a bigger issue at play behind it. If your loved one isn’t into Disney, that’s one thing; if they are afraid of heights, concerned about extreme heat, fear of flying, worried about food allergies, or any number of things that stop some people from traveling, there might be an easy workaround that with a bit of planning and reassurance, leaves them feeling more confident about the trip. Depending on your time together, there is a chance this is the first opportunity for these concerns to arise, and understanding them is the key to everything.
Or, Consider Taking a Friend
There is nothing worse than being pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. This advice is intended for those who have a partner on the fence or ever so slightly on the other side of it. If your other half is not down for Disney at all, don’t push it. They are more likely to bring you down than anything else, and that’s ok. Not everything needs to be a shared passion. Maybe this is the perfect time to concoct a friend trip and encourage your other half to go somewhere with some friends as well. Sometimes, I find that the time you spend coming back together, telling each other stories of the things you have done and the places you have seen, can be even more enjoyable. Consider taking a like-minded mate and having the time of your life instead of adding pressure to an otherwise delightful situation.
Feature Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash
