Dads come in every shape, size, background, and level of Disney affection. They are ubiquitous around the Walt Disney World parks. Some are SUPER into the adventure, while others are a little (or a lot) less so. No matter what, as you explore the parks and the dads marching with, in front, or trailing behind their families wearing matching Disney-themed T-shirts with a bemused and wistful look on their faces, you start to see some common trends.
Today we’re going to look at those dads who make the trek into the parks with their shiny, white New Balance shoes and nail down seven of the most common types of Disney Dads you will see at Walt Disney World.
1. The Sherpa Disney Dad
The Sherpa Disney Dad comes into the parks with a tactical backpack, stroller, kid strapped to the front of them, cargo shorts filled with hand sanitizer and Kleenex, and a camouflage fanny pack. A Disney World visit to them is a sport ready to be conquered whilst wearing a slightly faded, blue Mickey Mouse T-shirt.
They are there to get everyone where they need to be and to have on hand anything you might need. They live to serve and have a great time.
2. The Grumpy Disney Dad
Grumpy Disney Dads are hard to miss. They sulk. They are likely unironically wearing a themed T-shirt about how much the trip is costing them. And, they can be seen sitting on a bench out front of Pirates of the Caribbean frustrated that Tortuga Tavern doesn’t serve beer. You are also likely to hear them say, “How can you call this place a tavern then,” in a bout of exasperation. They aren’t the most happy souls on property, but they’re there!
We’ve all seen them around the parks. The Hakuna Matata T-Shirt Disney Dads are hard to miss.
3. The Hakuna Matata T-Shirt Disney Dad
It’s a uniform for some when hitting Animal Kingdom. The Hakuna Matata T-shirt Disney Dad wants to be on-brand, but not over the top. They will hand over the $20 to get a fan spray bottle without a second thought. They may even toss on a Goofy hat if they’re feeling great that day. In the end, Hakuna Matata T-Shirt Disney Dads are there to have fun with their families, but not an excessive amount.
4. The Athletic Disney Dad
They might be running or they might be repping some of the best running brands in the world. No matter what Athletic Disney Dads come in many forms. The Dads could be decked out in moisture-wicking running clothes. They might have well-defined biceps after months of stroller lifting training. There may even be Dads who took part in a runDisney race the morning before getting into the parks. They are there from rope drop to fireworks, took 30,000 steps, and maybe even a quick midday 5K run. They’re here, they’re fit, and they’re ready to take on all contenders.
The Historian Disney Dad feels right at home along Main Street, U.S.A. but he can also fall down many a rabbit hole talking Walt Disney World history and lore.
5. The Historian Disney Dad
Main Street ,U.S.A. is where a Historian Disney Dad starts and ends his Magic Kingdom days. He doesn’t stop there. He’ll also take the time to talk about Joe Rohde and his influences that are interwoven into Animal Kingdom. Historian Disney Dads will also go into detail about what Walt envisioned for EPCOT and how he openly misses the Leave a Legacy concrete walls that were taken down in 2019. The Historian Disney Dad is into Disney history like so many other dads are into World War II, and that’s okay!
6. The Stylish Disney Dad
If you aren’t one, you either love them or hate them, but there’s no doubt that Stylish Disney Dads can be described in several ways. Many sport the latest RSVLTS button-ups coordinated for each park and a basic pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Others wear Top-Siders, no socks, and khaki pants in 100-degree heat and are seemingly immune to sweating. You know them when you see them.
These Disney Dads don’t shout about how much they love the parks but they smile, participate in photos, and are happy to be there. They won’t be joining into the wet adventure that is the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N” Soak Station with their little ones, that’s just how they roll!
7. The Drinking in the Park Dad
Drinking in the Park Dads can be any of the previous six dads. They know it’s going to be a long day, or several days, and they have taken the time to map out when and where they can pop into their favorite EPCOT World Showcase pavilion for a drink or volunteer to oversee midday nap time in the stroller around BaseLine Tap House.
Important note: Drinking in the Park Dads don’t overindulge. They savor and enjoy for a moment.
Disney Dads come in many different forms. They come to serve, educate, protect, and guide. No matter what, don’t judge Disney Dads, except for maybe Grumpy Disney Dads. They could use an extra dose of magic pixie dust sometimes.
David Tubbs is a writer and communications professional from Canada who happens to love all things Disney. From first stepping onto the monorail at the age of 3 to traveling with his wife and two small boys, David continues to love talking and planning about his next trip to Walt Disney World.
