It’s that time of year where we take the day to celebrate some special people in our lives. Maybe in your family, they are the ones that do the heavy lifting; carrying the bags, the food, the kids or anything else that needs an extra set of hands. They might be the planners in the family toting personalized Disney apparel always looking forward to their annual photo with Tigger. Perhaps they are the ones that are not entirely into the Disney experience and simply stay out of the way until needed, just there for the family because there doesn’t need to be another reason to go.
Whatever yours brings to the table, this weekend is the time to honor the Dads of Disney on Father’s Day across the United States of America.
Need some ideas to celebrate your Disney Dad? Let’s take a look at a few things you may enjoy
Drinking Around the World in Epcot
If Dad has a passion for excellently crafted adult beverages from around the world, take him to experience drinking around the world in Epcot. This unofficial visitor favorite is where you purchase one interesting and unusual alcoholic beverage from every country represented in World Showcase.
Drinking in Disney can creep up on you quickly on the intoxication scale so I would definitely recommend getting one drink in each place and sharing it among the adults in the group so everyone gets a taste of each selection.
If your family isn’t big on drinking at Disney, you can still achieve the same amount of fun with some weird selections of non-alcoholic drinks around the world.
Add to his Dad Shirt collection
Out of all the people I see in Disney Parks, sometimes it is the men of the family that unexpectedly express themselves the most in what they are wearing. Dad shirts are one of my favorite things to look for when people watching at the theme parks, especially when they are not connected to a family theme of matching t-shirts.
If yours is one that enjoys wearing their humor on their sleeve – or their chest – why not add to their collection for the next trip to Disney? Come up with something unique that suits his personality or look at one of the many offerings from online vendors like Etsy or eBay.
Book a dinner that appeals to Dad
Your Dad might be a Turkey Leg kinda guy, the one that would appreciate a good view of the setting sun over the castle with a huge hunk of turkey in hand. Or, he might be the sort of guy who has been dying to try the new seasonal something at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. Either way, make sure you plan something that ticks a to-do box for him.
Recreate a Childhood Photo
Does your father have a photo on his wall of your when you were young, blissfully happy, and enveloped in the arms of Mickey Mouse? Why not recreate the photo as an adult and take it home for your Dad to hang alongside the 20-year-old one? Do your best to match clothing and poses if you can asking for the help of someone back home who could text you a picture of the photo for best results.
Take the time to visit the attractions he loves
The Dad in your traveling family might have a nostalgic connection to the older attractions Disney has to offer, take the time to do the things you usually leave till last but then aren’t able to fit in. Make time to ride the train the full lap around Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom, take a whirl around Dumbo the Flying Elephants, or have a rest and take in a show like Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom or Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Disneyland.
Sleep in
When temperatures are warm, kids love a morning swim in the pool. Sneak them out early and let Dad have a sleep in. If you are thinking that is against every Disney rule of life you believe in, I hear you, but, think of all the shenanigans you can get up to later on! Second fireworks showing, here you come!
Give him the day off
If Dad isn’t a huge park fan, why not spend the day doing something a little less intense? Take the family golfing or mini golfing depending on any children. Disney fun can be had just about anywhere. You might like to take in the sights of the resorts or Disney Springs where you can enjoy anything from boat rides to hot air balloon rides.
Last-Minute Date Night
Sometimes what Dad really needs (and Mom too) is some special time with each other to remember how it all began. If you are traveling with family, consider an impromptu date night. Leaving the kids to sleep in bed with family members to watch over them, why not head out to somewhere a little more adult-centric after dark, just the two of you? Jellyrolls Dueling Piano bar is heaps of fun and right in the middle of the Epcot resort area.
Just like we said on Mother’s Day, the person who fills this space for you might not be your technical father. Maybe you have two dads; or two moms that have taken on the role of dad; maybe you don’t have a father figure in the picture but a close uncle or family friend that became your male role model. Perhaps you don’t have one to celebrate yourself but are watching your spouse be the Dad you always wished you had.
However this day is celebrated for you, make that person feel appreciated. It can be easy to take our men for granted so spend this weekend celebrating them for who they are.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
