Summer is here, which means it’s time to celebrate that special man: dearest Dad. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dads can be sure to enjoy days filled with magic and adventure. This nearly 40-square mile playground overflows with classic attractions, thrills, lively shows and fun for the entire family. Here’s some options to make dad feel like a king on Father’s Day and any day:
Travel to Pandora – The World of Avatar
Take Dad on a journey through Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest expansion: Pandora – The World of Avatar. After experiencing the attractions, Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage, head over to Windtraders, a themed retail offering in this mystical new land. There, Dad can create his personal Avatar at the ACE Avatar Maker experience. The guest is photographed and then a unique reveal will present the guest with their personalized avatar figure, which is roughly 12 inches tall. There are male, female and young child options to choose from along with accessory kits to customize their personal figure.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party
After a day exploring the parks, treat Dad to an epic show and dessert with Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This galactic party features a selection of specialty drinks and tasty sweets before the grand fireworks display begins. After tasty out-of-this-world desserts, enjoy the show in a special viewing area. Tickets can be purchased at DisneyWorld.com/dining. Park admission is not included.
Ride the Waves at Typhoon Lagoon
Dad can learn how to master the waves at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park with private surfing lessons. Instructors teach participants everything from standing on a surfboard to riding the waves in the park’s large wave pool. The 2.5 hour classes are small, with a maximum of 12 people per session to ensure the best experience. Participants must be age 8 or older to learn to ride the waves. Reservations can only be booked at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Private Surf site.
Sail the Seven Seas on the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
Ahoy Mateys! This swashbuckling cruise across Seven Seas Lagoon is perfect for Dad and his little mates. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee from Disney’s Peter Pan make appearances as the ship sets sail. Departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this voyage offers snacks, beverages and pirate fun, all leading up to a great view of Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime fireworks and projection spectacular, Happily Ever After. Pirates will also get a view of the colorful Electrical Water Pageant as it cruises along the lagoon. Call (407) 939-7529 for reservations.
Boat around at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Try a different kind of aquatic adventure with Dad over at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the streams and ponds across resort property. Guests must be 18 or older to rent watercraft. Rentals can be made at The Bike Barn at the Meadow Recreation Area. Rent kayaks and canoes for $13 an hour, open daily.
Take a Swing at Miniature Golf
Home to three professional golf courses, Walt Disney World Resort also features four miniature golf courses. Take Dad for a whimsical round of golf at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course, located near Disney’s Epcot. This course features 18 holes, each themed to a different part of the classic film Fantasia. Fantasia Gardens also offers Fairways, a more challenging, 18-hole course. Christmas comes early at the Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course located next to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Winter Summerland features two unique 18 hole courses, one themed to a traditional winter Christmas with giant peppermints and snowflakes, while the other is a summer wonderland, complete with sandcastles and tunes from the Beach Boys.
Toast Dad at the Biergarten Restaurant
Enjoy a German feast and tunes at this restaurant located in the heart of Epcot’s German Pavilion in the World Showcase. Biergarten promises all the fun, food, music and drink found at a traditional German Biergarten during Oktoberfest. Dad can polka on the dance floor, enjoy savory bratwurst and toast with a mug of beer at this lively dining location. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.
STRIKE out Splitsville Luxury Lanes
Take dad out to a night of good old-fashioned bowling in a retro, vintage-style venue at Disney Springs. This trendy, two-level location features 30 lanes, plus live entertainment, a balcony bar, and a variety of upscale dining options with all dad’s favorites such as filet sliders, pizza and even sushi.
Explore the Savannah on Wild Africa Trek
This African expedition experience is just right for the dad with an adventurous spirit; and there’s no passport required. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, dad can explore exotic African wildlife in a natural habitat on a privately guided, three-hour journey through a savannah. Wild Africa Trek also invites trekkers to a serene, savannah-view overlook while enjoying African-inspired food and beverage. Wild Africa Trek is $189 to $249 per person, plus tax (prices vary based on season). The tour can be booked by calling 407-WDW-TOUR and is not included with Disney’s Animal Kingdom admission.
Stomp your feet at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Enjoy a family-friendly, high-energy hootenanny and a finger lickin’ good feast at this vaudeville review-style dinner show located in the heart of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The Pioneer Hall Players have been entertaining audiences at Fort Wilderness since 1971, promising a rollicking (and delicious) time. This two-hour Wild West themed comedy will have Dad laughing in between bites of endless fried chicken, corn bread and more. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.
