Celebrate Dads On Father’s Day with 10 Fun Disney Faves for Fathers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – 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.

###

5 New Dining Concepts Coming Soon to Disney Springs At Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, the Disney Springs restaurant will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. Designed by noted Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful culture of Spain.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Opening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

###

About Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With its namesake springs, beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront setting, Disney Springs evokes the charm of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century. It’s also home to a collection of more than 150 shops and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs.  Located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Disney Springs is open daily.