As much as we love Disney, we have to acknowledge that the films and characters aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
But if you’re on a trip to Walt Disney World with someone who isn’t a Disney fan — or you’re trying to convince your favorite hater to get on board with a trip — we’ve got the best ways for them to have a great time in the parks!
Check out these five ways to make a Disney hater in your family love (or tolerate) Walt Disney World!
Disney Springs
After a long day of seeing characters, hearing Disney music around the parks, and visiting themed attractions, it’s definitely time for a well-deserved break for anyone visiting Disney World. And Disney Springs is a place your whole family will love, including the hater in your group!
There’s not only over 100 shopping locations and over 60 places to grab a bite, but there’s also a vintage Amphicar that you can ride on the lake, a virtual reality experience called The Void, and an AMC Dine-In Theater! You could potentially go back to Disney Springs every night of your vacation and discover something new to do (that everyone will love!).
Ride the Attractions
If you’re heading to Disney World, you’ll most likely be visiting the parks at some point. And with a Disney hater in tow, sometimes rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Frozen Ever After aren’t going to work for the group as a whole. If you have someone who feels indifferent or Disney-averse with you, be sure to check out places like Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and these rides in the parks, all of which offer something beyond the “kiddie rides” haters likely won’t appreciate:
Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Splash Mountain
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Jungle Cruise
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- TRON Lightcycle Power Run (coming in 2021)
Hollywood Studios
- Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rise of the Resistance (coming December 5, 2019)
Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur
- Expedition Everest
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Kali River Rapids
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
Epcot
- Spaceship Earth
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Test Track
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (coming soon in 2021)
Snack and Sip Away at the Restaurants
Although it can be a lot of fun to give Pooh a hug at Crystal Palace or meet the Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, there are SO MANY restaurants throughout Disney World that have unique, non-Disney themes! You can sit in a 50’s style car and watch old sci-fi films at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, have a southern home-cooked meal at Homecomin’, participate in plenty of fun shenanigans with your serving team at Whispering Canyon Cafe, indulge yourself with the finer things at Victoria & Albert’s, and so much more. Disney dining can meet the needs and restrictions of anybody in your party, so you can have a blast while eating great food!
Relax at the Resorts
Disney World has some INCREDIBLE resorts that even have beautifully themed rooms (um, have you seen the Disney Princess rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?!). But for the people staying at Disney World who need an escape from Mickey and the gang, there a multiple resorts that don’t have obvious Disney themes.
While the atmosphere at resorts like Old Key West, Coronado Springs, and the Contemporary are fit for all ages, you can also swim in Stormalong Bay‘s sand-bottom pool at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, spot African animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and stroll along the BoardWalk at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas! Each resort also offers numerous activities throughout the day, so you can either relax or party without even leaving your hotel.
Take Part in Everyone’s Hobbies
Since we are all very different people, we each enjoy our own unique hobbies and interests. Whether you love Disney or hate it, there are experiences for everyone in your group to have a great time. If you love behind-the-scenes looks, you can take a restaurant tour of places like Boma and The Mara…
…while grown-ups might enjoy some wine at Wine Bar George, margaritas at La Cava del Tequila, beer at BaseLine Tap House, and themed cocktails at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Whether you have golfed for years or just love a good game of putt-putt, Fantasia Gardens, Fairways Miniature Golf, and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf are great places in Disney World for some friendly competition or to swing a few rounds on your own.
You can also ask your concierge at your hotel for some recommendations around the parks if there are specific things you’d like to experience during your vacation. Disney World might be the Most Magical Place on Earth for the reason that it’s for EVERYBODY, no matter what age or interest (lookin’ at you, Disney haters!).
My husband isn’t a Disney fan & assumed back in 2011 when I asked to finally take our kids that we would have one maybe two Disney trips then be done. 9 years and 6 trips later, including an adults only Food & Wine trip, we see Disney vacations as a regular destination. We’ve traveled to other places as well but nothing has as much for everyone to do as Disney. We aren’t fans of the crowds but if you plan well it’s not a real problem. We always have a great time. We can get where we want with ease, there are some really good restaurants and the resorts are much better than a regular Hilton ( not that’s there’s anything wrong with a Hilton). As far as expense we’ve spent just as much at places in California (not DL) or Dallas and didn’t get to do as much. My Disney hater became a Disney enjoyer- so go have a good time!
Does he really love disney or is he just following the age old motto, “happy wife, happy life?”
Most Disney haters have completely valid reasons. Reasons that most Disney addicts bury their heads in the pixie dust and ignore or deny. In fact, most disney haters that I know have been to Disney World at least once. So their dislike is based on actual on-site experience. Maybe it’s time the Disney haters give the Disney addicts 5 valid reasons to hate Disney.
1. Expensive as H E double hockey sticks.
2. Crowded as H E double hockey sticks.
3. Trip planning is as complicated as H E double hockey sticks
4. It’s turned into a complete and total unabashed commercial for Disney movies. (Including EPCOT).
5. Oh, did I mention it’s as expensive as H E double hockey sticks?