Is your husband fully on-board with your Disney obsession? If he is, you’ve won the hubby lottery! If not, don’t worry- this isn’t uncommon. This is a huge generalization, and we know that there are plenty of spouses and family members who don’t “get” your Disney obsession- not just husbands. There are certainly plenty of women who will also thoroughly enjoy the following activities! Walt Disney World has SO much to offer beyond the theme parks, and many people don’t realize the extent of what their vacation could be beyond the “kid stuff.” We hope this list will help you persuade a “less enthused” partner to get into the spirit of a Walt Disney World vacation- whether it’s your significant other or another reluctant visitor.
1. World-Renowned Golf
There are 4 golf courses at Walt Disney World resort (plus 2 miniature golf courses). 3 of the courses are located at Disney’s Shades of Green Resort. Disney’s Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses are both 18-hole championship courses, with Magnolia being the longest of Disney’s golf courses. Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, also a world-class championship 18-hole course, is located at Saratoga Springs Resort. For a family-friend experience, try Oak Trail Golf Course: a 9-hole walking course (the 3rd course at Shades of Green Resort).
2. Thrill Rides
Walt Disney World may be not be known as a thrill-seekers park, but there are plenty of thrilling rides to experience in the parks. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run are two attractions guys can’t resist. Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora: World of Avatar, is a thrilling simulation of flight on the back of a mythical Banshee. If your thrill-seeker is more interested in coaster-style thrills, Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) is one of Disney’s most thrilling choices. At Hollywood Studios, you’ll also find The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which are sure to satisfy thrill-seekers. And don’t rule out Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)- though billed as a family coaster, it’s still exciting! Even the Magic Kingdom has plenty of family-accessible thrills, like the “Mountain Range” (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad).
3. The Test Track Pavilion
Test Track also has a thrilling element, but we think your Disney-bound skeptic will also love “playing” in the showroom following the attraction. There, you can sit behind the wheel of several new Chevys, as well as make videos and enjoy photo ops and games featuring a car that you designed before the ride and “tested” during the ride.
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4. Great Shopping for Men
Disney Springs has been transformed into a truly beautiful place to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. Shopping isn’t just for women, of course! You’ll find that there are many specialty stores that men will love, including the Levi’s shop, Harley Davidson, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Tommy Bahama, Volcom, and Oakley, to name a few.
5. Food & Drink
They say that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! There are so many delectable food and drink options at Walt Disney World, from delectable treats and interesting beer choices to fine dining. Letting your husband in on the planning might help get him on board, especially if he helps select restaurants. Steak lovers, check out Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort or Shula’s Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort.
If you’re looking to please an adventurous eater, try dining at any of the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jiko, Boma, or Sanaa), Tiffins (Animal Kingdom), or The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom). Of course, you can also enjoy cultural cuisine at any of Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions. Looking to wow your honey with a culturally immersive dining experience? Try Epcot’s newest (and most expensive) restaurant: Takumi-Tei, located in Epcot’s Japan pavilion.
6. The Joy on Your Family’s Faces
Walt Disney’s goal was to create a place where children and adults could enjoy playing together. Even the toughest Disney convert will likely soften immediately when they see the pure joy on the faces of the children in the group. Even if you think you’re “too old” for Disney, there’s a sense of nostalgia there that will remind you what it’s like to be a kid. You can experience it through your children, or embrace it yourself. Either way, the best thing that even the coolest of men will enjoy at Walt Disney World is the joy of their families.
Do you have someone in your family who is a reluctant Disney visitor? What have you done to help change their tune? We’d love to hear about it!