Non-Believers

Apparently, there are some non-Disney people out there. Even more shocking, some of them are married to Disney fans. I know, I know; I can’t fathom what these alleged Mouse enthusiasts were thinking, either. Apparently, I need to create a questionnaire for you people to use when interviewing potential mates. But I digress.

Here’s the situation; it’s too late now, you’re already married to this non-believer. You want to go to Walt Disney World, but your significant other wants nothing to do with the House of Mouse. Here are a few activities that may help get your heretic hubby (or wife) interested in a WDW trip:

Golf: Walt Disney World features four 18-hole golf courses, some of which have hosted PGA Tour events. In addition, there is a 9-hole, par 36, walking course.

The courses and some basic stats about them are:
Palm - Designed by Joe Lee, par for this course is 72. It has been rated a 4-star course by Golf Digest magazine. Its number one "villain" is WATER.
Magnolia - Also designed by Joe Lee, this is also par 72 and has been rated a 4-star course by Golf Digest. Its number one "villain" is SAND, with 14 bunkers on Hole 4 alone.
Lake Buena Vista - Also designed by Joe Lee, this is also par 72 and has been rated a 4-star course by Golf Digest. Its number one "villain" is NARROW FAIRWAYS.
Osprey Ridge - Designed by Tom Fazio, this par 72 course is rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest. Its number one "villain" is LARGE ROLLING GREENS.
Oak Trail - Designed by Ron Garl, par 36, villain-free for juniors and beginners.

Of course, there are also a couple of miniature golf places available, which are more my speed. Pricing and additional information are available at www.golf.disneyworld.com.

Fishing: A two-hour private catch-and-release fishing excursion in the lakes of the Walt Disney World Resort for up to five people that includes:
--a guide
--rod and reel
--tackle
--artificial/live bait
--beverages
--digital souvenir photo
--one-year membership in BASS, the world's largest fishing organization

Excursions are available at several locations around WDW, and prices start at $225 for up to five guests. For reservations, call 407-939-BASS (2277).

Driving Experiences: At the Walt Disney World Speedway, there are some high-octane thrills for those looking for something a little more advanced than what they may find at the Tomorrowland Speedway.

The Indy Racing Experience offers the chance to drive or ride in cars that were used in past Indianapolis 500 events at the Walt Disney World. Patrons get to ride in a customized 2-seat IndyCar Series car. Drivers and riders must be 18 years of age or older. Prices are around $399 for 8 driving laps and $109 for the 3-lap ride-along experience. You can reserve online at: http://www.indyracingexperience.com/ or call 888-357-5002.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience -- the high speed driving experience now offers 4 types of programs:
• Ride-along Program - Experience real life racing thrills by riding shotgun in a 2-seat stock car driven by one of our professional instructors for a simulated 3-lap NASCAR qualifying run at speeds exceeding 150 MPH. You must be at least 16 years old to ride.
• Rookie Experience - Your hands are on the wheel, your foot is on the gas, and you're in the driver's seat for 8 laps around the speedway in a V-8 NASCAR style racecar that roars with 600 horsepower. Prior to driving, students will go through 2 elements of safety and instruction training, in-car and on-track instruction. After driving, students will receive a graduation packet that includes a time sheet with a breakdown of each lap driven. Program runs approximately three hours. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license to drive.
• The King Experience: Get ready to advance to a higher level of confidence in your driving ability and take on increased speeds. This program consists of 2 power packed sessions, 8 laps of rip roaring power and 10 laps of increased speed and excitement. Between your driving sessions, drivers will receive one-on-one feedback from the Pit Road Instructor, as well as additional instruction from the on-track driving instructors.
• Experience of a Lifetime - Think you can handle 30 laps of white-knuckled, heart pounding speed? Taming the speedway in 3 driving segments allows you to improve your driving line, increase your speed and encourages the idea that you may change careers in this, the ultimate half-day driving experience. Between your 3 driving sessions (10 laps each), drivers will receive one-on-one feedback from the Pit Road Instructor, as well as additional instruction from the on-track driving instructors.
Costs run from about $120 for the Ride-along Program to around $1400 for The Experience of a Lifetime. For reservations and information please call 1-800-BE-PETTY.

Parasailing: Now we’re talking stuff that I actually want to do. For starters, the uniquely designed boat enables take-off and landing from the back of the boat, not from the water. You get some great views and a thrilling experience. Prices run from $95 for a solo ride to $195 for a tandem premium flight.

Water Skiing and Wakeboarding - you have the option to combo water ski, slalom ski, wakeboard, kneeboard and tube ride throughout hour-long trips with private instructors/drivers. The price per boat for up to 6 guests is $165 per hour.

Personal Water Craft (PWC) - a great way to enjoy the natural Florida landscape, cruising at 35 mph. Operate the watercraft in a buoyed off area on Bay Lake under the supervision of guides. Cost is $135 per watercraft per hour, and reservations for all of these experiences can be made by contacting Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at 407-939-0754.

These are just a few of the non-theme park experiences available at Walt Disney World. Hopefully you can find something to convince your non-Disney lover that Mickey wants him to have a good time, too!