We absolutely love stopping by Disneyland Resort on Father’s Day. To make it an extra special day for Leap, the kids and I go out of our way to plan a magical, fun-filled day, catered just to his personality! This can range from getting on some of the most thrilling rides in the park to sitting down for special character dining. It changes every year, and that’s why he loves it!
If you’re planning on celebrating this Father’s Day at Disneyland and need some inspiration for your itinerary, here are some starter plans for you and your dad or fatherly figure! (Don't froget ... this Father's Day is June 18!)
Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day at Disneyland
Disneyland offers many activities suitable for all different kinds of dads! Try something new or pick a familiar family activity this year. Here are a few different ways to experience your Father’s Day at the parks.
For the Avid Adventurer
Whether your dad simply enjoys action-packed films or embarking on real-life adventures, there are plenty of thrills to be had at Disneyland Resort! If you’re a Magic Key holder or have a park-hopper ticket, you can enjoy plenty of rides at both parks.
At Disneyland, take Dad on a wild Jeep ride through a cursed temple on Indiana Jones Adventure. If he’s more of a space adventurer, stop by Galaxy’s Edge and ride Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Other fun thrill rides at the park include Space Mountain, Star Tours, Matterhorn Bobsleds and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Geared more towards adult and teenage frogs, Disney California Adventure Park features even more thrills to share with the family! Climb aboard Incredicoaster and dash through chilling drops and a spine-tingling loop. For more family-friendly thrills, zoom by other roadsters on Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land.
For the Inspired Artist
If your fatherly figure is artistically inclined, he can show off his talents at Disney California Adventure Park! For a free animation lesson from a Disney cartoonist, stop by the Animation Academy in Hollywood Land. There, the whole family can get in on the fun by sketching and keeping a personal drawing of a Disney character.
Creative dads who rather appreciate art than create it will toadally love The Disney Gallery at Disneyland! This mini museum features gorgeous artwork from several eras, as well as coveted merchandise — all centered on Disney characters and films.
For the Superhero Fan
Is your dad a major Marvel fan? If so, look no further than Avengers Campus for an entertaining Father’s Day. On this campus, guests can catch multiple superheroes and villains, as well as cosmically delicious eats.
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! is the perfect attraction for a good time with good music. This 184-foot tall tower ride will drop and lift you as you bounce to the beat of Starlord’s mixtapes. Embark on another daring superhero mission on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Hop aboard a WEB Slinger vehicle and trap defective Spider-Bots by slinging webs.
For the Beer Enthusiast
Dads and their adult frog kids can enjoy tasting some locally-brewed beer and cider at Sonoma Terrace in Disney California Adventure Park, as well as a few cocktails and wines from different parts of the world. Pair your wine or beer tastings with a Pork-Sausage Sandwich or Bavarian Pretzel if you’re feeling a bit hungry.
A more family-friendly experience, Ballast Point Brewing Company in Downtown Disney offers a wide selection of mouth-watering eats and sensational beverages! Enjoy an award-winning beer and fine Southern California cuisine on the rooftop patio of this brewery. On weekends, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a brunch menu is available.
For the Food Connoisseur
For foodies, Disneyland Resort is an abundant paradise! There are various, delectable food options throughout the parks, resorts and Downtown Disney. The atmosphere of a sit-down restaurant can provide a more elegant feel when dining for Father’s Day. However, we recommend making advance dining reservations for your dad’s favorite meal. Some restaurants may even offer a special meal or menu item for Father’s Day. If you can’t snag a reservation, there are still plenty of quick-service eateries to choose from. Take a mini food tour through the park by mobile ordering snacks from different dining locations. Some of Leap's favorite places to eat and drink include Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge, Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier and Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney. He also loves to grab quick bites, such as an Uptown Chili Dog from Award Wieners or a Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel from Refreshment Corner.
On June 18, Father's Day, the Plaza Inn restaurant at Disneyland Park will host a special Father's Day Brunch, featuring the best Disney dad of them all — Goofy! Along with his son Max and other friends, Goofy will drop by and greet guests as they enjoy a sweet and savory Brunch buffet. This brunch includes a unique photo opportunity and a special keepsake. For those ages 10+, the brunch costs $75 per guest. For those ages 3 - 9, it costs $35 per guest. Advance reservations are recommended.
For the Nature Lover
Of all the lavish vegetation found in Disney California Adventure Park, Grizzly Peak features the most! In this area, you can find Grizzly River Run. This whitewater raft ride will bring you closer to nature and still bring all the fun! Ride the raging current through an abandoned mine in the wilderness before splashing down the river into the Grizzly Peak mountains.
If you want to continue seeing the sights but want to relieve your flippers for a little while, Soarin’ Around the World is the stop for you. Make sure to prepare for liftoff, then fly high into the air for a virtual tour around the world.
For the Music Aficionado
Perfect for father figures with a lot of soul, the New Orleans-style Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney serves authentic, yet innovative dishes from the Gulf and Pacific coasts, such as Gumbo Ya-Ya and NOLA BBQ Gulf Shrimp & Grits. To accompany the meal, enjoy the smooth sounds of saxophone players and other jazz musicians.
Singing classic songs from the opening era of Disneyland Park, the Dapper Dans are the finest barbershop quartet around! Wearing their colorful pinstripe suits reminiscent of the 1950s, the a capella group performs in various areas of Main Street, U.S.A. throughout the day. I
For a wider variety of musical acts, visit the Plaza de Familia stage! There are always new acts and bands performing different genres of music there.
Will you be celebrating Father’s Day at Disneyland Resort? Share your plans below in the comments!
Related: Most Magical Ways to Celebrate Father's Day at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
