As a father, it is my mission to make sure the family is having the hoppiest time at the Most Magical Place on Earth! I love to watch the little frogs have an absolute blast and experience things for the first time around Walt Disney World. It brings me so much joy to see everything through their eyes. But, what if the day was filled with the things that I enjoy most? The perfect Disney day for this Dad might include some thrill, solid eats, and time spent relaxing around property.
If you’re planning on celebrating this Father’s Day at Disney World and need some inspiration, we’ve sorted out potential plans for you and your dad! (Don't froget ... this Father's Day is June 16!)
Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day at Disney World
Disney World offers a wide variety of activities that can please just about every personality. Of course, you know your dad best! But if you’re stumped or you want to try something new, here are some suggestions on how you can give your dad a special Father’s Day at Disney World.
For the Adrenaline Junkie
If your dad is an adventurous spirit, your best bet is to attempt to go on as many thrill rides as possible — yes, all in one day! For families with a Park Hopper ticket, we recommend hitting Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and the new TRON Lightcycle / Run. If you have a Base Ticket, Magic Kingdom is a solid option so that you can conquer the Mountains or head to Disney's Hollywood Studios for Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. While you're there, take a spin at flying the fastest ship in the galaxy with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Because the force is strong with these fathers.
For the Golf Lover
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you certainly won’t have any trouble finding a golf course at Disney World. There are three main golf courses that have 18-hole championship layouts: Magnolia Golf Course, Palm Golf Course and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. The 9-hole layout at Oak Trail Course is recommended for beginners and families with children. At Oak Trail, you can try your hand at FootGolf, which combines a 9-hole golf course with soccer balls. Reservations should be made in advance.
For mini-golf fans, pick from a Winter Summerland course that features Santa and his elves year-round, or the Fantasia Gardens course that stars hippos in tutus, marching broomsticks and ballerina ostriches. Whether you are there for a date night, or time with the family, there will be fun for everyone. Wait times tend to be high in the evenings and weekends, so prepare in advance.
For the Food Connoisseur
You’re in luck! Walt Disney World Resort has hundreds of food options at the parks, resorts and Disney Springs. We suggest that you make advanced dinner reservations for your dad’s favorite. There is nothing like a great burger for Father's Day. I am sure many other dads can relate. One of my favorite burgers on property (pictured above) is the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger from Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Some of my other favorite places to eat on property include seafood from Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, pizza from Connections Cafe in EPCOT, and breakfast from Boma in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Some restaurants may even offer a special meal or menu item for Father’s Day.
For the Beer Aficionado
EPCOT is easily the best Disney park to find the widest selection of beers. It’s no wonder why “Drinking Around the World” is a popular thing to do for adults ages 21 and up. If beer is your dad’s drink of choice, he can taste a variety of brews at 11 pavilions, ranging from pints of ales, lagers and stouts at the Rose & Crown Pub in the U.K. to frozen Kirin beer in Japan. And of course, it’s always Oktoberfest in Germany!
For the Boat Captain
We amphibians love the Amphicar Tours at The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs! Make a splash for Father's Day at Disney World in these antique cars that drive from land into the water, taking you on a 25-minute guided tour of Disney Springs.
If you're looking for some nautical fun on a budget, don't froget about all of the toadally free water taxi options! I love a ferry ride across Seven Seas Lagoon from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom.
For the Techie
Disney is all about innovation and uses the latest technology to build new attractions. For the dad who likes keeping up with the most recent techie trends, you’ll want to go on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Keep the "Star Wars" day going and book a reservation at Savi's Workshop to let dad build his own lightsaber!
While you're at Animal Kingdom, you'll want to hop on Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora. During this incredibly immersive 3-D simulation ride, you feel like you’re flying on a banshee. You can even feel it “breathing” underneath you at one point. It’s definitely one of our top favorite rides in all of Disney World, and it’s sure to impress any tech-savvy dad!
For the Outdoor Adventurer
Bring your camping gear to The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for a night under the stars. There are many outdoor recreational activities hoppening at the campsites. Take your pick: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, archery or horseback riding (Tri-Circle-D Ranch is where Cinderella's ponies stay!).
Pony Rides are currently available at the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch on a walk-in basis only. Trail Rides can be booked by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) and are available on a walk-in basis pending availability at the Trail Ride check-in building at the front of Fort Wilderness. Reservations are highly recommended. The Fort Wilderness Archery Experience is also available and must be booked by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. Fort Wilderness also offers fishing excursions and kayaking tours.
Will you be celebrating Father’s Day at Disney World? Share your plans below in the comments.
Related: Celebrating Mother's Day at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
