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 were filled with the things 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 15!).
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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 want to try something new, here are some suggestions on how to 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 try 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 (before it tranforms into The Muppets!), Space Mountain, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and the TRON Lightcycle / Run. If you have a Base Ticket, both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are your best options, as they have the most thrill rides! While you're visiting Hollywood Studios, pilot 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 to choose from: Oak Trail Golf Course and Palm Golf Course at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The 9-hole layout at Oak Trail Course is recommended for beginners and families with children. 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 and Fairways 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 (they can be made up to 60 days in advance).
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 (available for lunch only). 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 Café 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 example, Summer House on the Lake is hosting a Father's Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then a specialty dinner from 3 p.m. to close.
For the Beer Aficionado
EPCOT is easily the best Disney park to find the widest selection of beers. It’s no wonder that “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 20-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!). Exciting news — the Fort Wilderness Archery experience is now available Fridays through Tuesdays!
For dads who prefer to have their adventure in the sky, buy a ticket for Aerophile — The World Leader in Balloon Flight at Disney Springs. This 8-minute helium balloon ride takes you high above Disney Springs — 400 feet — and offers unparalleled views of EPCOT and nearby Orlando.
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!
