Dads are hard to shop for. Let’s face it, once you pass a certain age you just can’t get away with making him macaroni necklaces anymore (why didn’t I realize how lucky I was back then?). Most years I wrack my brain trying to figure out what to get my Dad that he will actually like and use. But I think I have solved the age old problem… Experiences!
No matter what your Dad’s interests are, experiences are a great gift option because it most likely means quality time spent together. My Dad, like most of yours if you’re reading this blog, is a Disney Dad through and through – wears his Disney tie to work, has his business cards in a Disney holder, and is 50% of the reason I am a Disney fan today (can’t forget about Mom!). He visits Walt Disney World at least once a year, so an experience at WDW is the perfect gift for him!
Below are 5 Walt Disney World Experiences that are sure to be enjoyed by any Disney Dad this Father’s Day:
Golf on one of WDW’s Championship Golf Courses
Walt Disney World is home to four golf courses – Magnolia Golf Course, Palm Golf Course, Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, and Oak Trail Golf Course. The Magnolia and the Palm were part of the PGA Tour from 2007 to 2012, as the final event of the PGA Tour Fall Series. All courses are full 18 hole courses other than the Oak Trail Golf Course, which is a 9 hole course.
If your Dad is a Disney fan and a golfer, I’d have to guess that playing on a Disney course is on his list of “must-do’s.” All Disney courses include a pro shop where you can pick up your Disney golf attire, a small quick service restaurant, and the guest service that makes Disney, Disney!
Not a golfer? No worries! While Dad plays, you can ride along in the golf cart and search for the hidden Mickey’s that are said to be throughout each course.
Go Behind the Scenes at Dad’s Favorite Park
For the Dad who is always trying to see what is behind the “Cast Members Only” door, Walt Disney World has created a series of tours that bring guests backstage or closer to the magic at each park. Over the years, the offerings have expanded and there are now tours that discuss everything from the horticulture of Epcot to the care of the elephants in Animal Kingdom. Below is a list of the current offerings:
- Backstage Magic
- Behind the Seeds
- Caring for Giants
- Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom
- Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour
- Epcot Seas Adventures – DiveQuest
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth
- Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
- Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Star Wars Guided Tour
- Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
- Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour
- UnDISCOVERed Future World
- Up Close with Rhinos
- Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom
- Wild Africa Trek
- Wilderness Back Trail Adventure
Run in a runDisney Race Together
You and your Dad don’t have to be marathon runners to enjoy a runDisney race, trust me, I’ve run 7 races and am by no means a runner! Each runDisney weekend includes a series of races that range from a 5k to a half marathon or a full marathon. If your Dad and you can keep a 15 minute/mile pace and don’t mind getting up a little early, you will experience some of the best views of the parks and get to be cheered on by all your fans!
runDisney currently hosts four race weekends:
- Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon: October 31, 2019 – November 3, 2019
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 8 – 12, 2020
- Disney Princess Half Marathon: February 20 – 23, 2020
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend: April 16 – 19, 2020
At the end of the race you will get awarded the most beautiful “bling” and get to show off your medal around the parks for the rest of your stay.
Explore South African Wine Offerings at Jiko
Does your Dad swirl wine around in his glass and talk about the aromas? Now you can do on an adventure through South Africa’s wine offerings at Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Every Wednesday, Jiko hosts a wine tasting that includes three wines and a savory selection of cheeses that come together to create an experience like no other. While you’re at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can also look out onto the savanna and see what animals you might be able to spot.
Be sure to book in advance, as this experience is offered to a limited number of guests weekly.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside.
Is your Dad’s idea of the perfect day sitting on a boat fishing? Well he can do it in the most magical place on earth! Disney offers both guided fishing excursions and dockside fishing year-round. Fishing excursions are available in 2 and 4 hour intervals for anywhere from 1 to 5 people. An experienced guide will lead yourself or group throughout one of Disney’s famous water ways – Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon – pointing out the best spots and assisting you to perfect your technique.
If your Dad would rather fish dockside, that is also available. It should be noted that all fishing at Walt Disney World Resort is catch-and-release only.
These ideas just skim the surface of all the experiences that Walt Disney World offers. Is there another experience you’ve done with your Dad that you think should be on the list? Comment below!
And don’t forget the morning fun runs at some of the resorts including Saratoga.
Yes! Those are great and much less expensive! Plus they happen weekly – good idea!
Great ideas! There are so many things to do in Disney. Dad might also like to be treated to a meal at his favorite restaurant! Then the question becomes which restaurant to pick… 😳
Another great idea, especially if Dad is a foodie! Just hope he doesn’t pick Victoria & Alberts…