Even as an Orlando local dad, the parks can get a little stale. That’s why I usually try to switch things when at Disney World.
Here are some of my favorite things to do at Disney World that are perfect for dads who want to escape the boring parks stuff for a bit.
Best Things for Dads at Disney
My favorite things to do, eat, see, and most importantly drink.
1. Golf at a Disney course
This is my go-to activity at Disney World besides going to the parks.
There are three 18-hole championship courses and one family-friendly 9-hole walking course:
- Disney’s Magnolia
- Disney’s Palm
- Disney’s Lake Buena Vista
- Disney’s Oak Trail (family-friendly)
On a side, not there’s also Foot Golf offered at Disney’s Oak Trail.
2. Guided Fishing Excursions
Dads can participate in catch and release bass fishing on a Sun Tracker Pontoon or a tourney style Nitro bass fishing boat.
There is a 4 hour and 2 hour excursion, both of which come with an experience guide, rod and reel, artificial or live bait, tackle, and assorted Coke drinks.
Plus, you can even bring your own alcohol.
Fishing excursions are available at the following marinas:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness
- Caribbean Beach
- Contemporary
- Grand Floridian
- Old Key West
- Polynesian Village
- Port Orleans Riverside
- Yacht Club
And if you don’t want to be on a boat, you can do some dockside fishing at Fishing Hole at Ol’ Man Island at Port Orleans Riverside, or Bike Bar at Fort Wilderness.
3. Drink around the World
Grab a drink or 11 by visiting every country in Epcot.
Tequila shots, cocktails, craft beer, champagne, wine, you name it, they have it.
4. Mini-Golf
If regular golf isn’t your thing then there are a handful of mini-golf courses:
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways
- Winter Summerland (2 courses)
5. Eat
Theme park food can be hit or miss outside of Disney, but thankfully, all four parks have some great eats and drinks.
Personally, my favorite time to go to Epcot is during one of the festivals such as Food and Wine, Flower and Garden, or Festival of the Arts because of all the cool food booths.
6. Visit a galaxy, far far away
I’m at that age of basically growing up with the original trilogy and the prequels, so Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an absolute must.
Where else can you pilot the Millennium Falcon or escape the First Order (if you like that new stuff smh…)
And of course, you can’t forget to finally try a Blue Milk.
7. Ride every roller coaster
Although Disney World rollercoasters aren’t on the same level as Universal Studios Orlando, there are still some bangers.
My go-to coasters are always:
- Expedition Everest
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Space Mountain
- and sometimes TRON…
8. Wild Africa Trek
If you’re a dad that loves nature and animal shows, but also enjoy a little adventure, then the Wild Africa Trek is a cool way to get close and personal with animals, while avoiding some crocs while crossing a few rope bridges.
It’s a 3-hour tour of Kilimanjaro Safari with some cool close encounters and even food and drinks.
It costs $199 a person. Worth it, at least once.
9. Massage
You gotta squeeze in a couple hours for a massage, especially after all that walking you just did.
The Grand Floridian Spa is good, but so are the ones at JW Marriott, Four Seasons, and the Waldorf Astoria.
10. Surf at Typhoon Lagoon
Ride some waves before the park opens and after it closes during Open Surf. You can even take a 3-hour private surfing lesson.
11. Living with the Land
The ultimate chill dad ride. So slow. So education. So relaxing. Classic.
12. Bowling
Roll some strikes on the retro-style lanes found at Splitsville in Disney Springs.
Plus, there food, sushi, and drinks, are decent.
13. Stay Cool
If I’m being dragged into a full park day in the middle of July, you better believe that imma be in the most air-conditioned filled spots for the entire day.
14. Cirque du Soleil
I love Cirque du Soleil so much. After watching all their shows in Vegas, as well as some in the tents that come to town, it’s great to know that they have a full-time residency called Drawn to Life at Disney Springs.
15. Go to Disney Springs
Although Disney Springs is just a massive outdoor mall, it’s still a great place to grab a drink and eat some great food.
This is always one of those places that I bring out of town friends and family to because there’s literally something for everyone. And it’s free!
