For Father’s special day, your mind likely goes to fishing, golfing, and perhaps a cookout at Fort Wilderness. But if Dad and Grandpa visited Disney World during its early years, it’s really all about nostalgia. For we are drawn to revisit those days in the sun, the days of our youth. Remember that an entire generation has grown up since Y2K. And that 8-year-old boy who camped in a Winnebago in Fort Wilderness in 1972 is now your 55-year-old father or grandfather. The 6-year-old who rode Thunder Mountain when it opened in 1979 is now 43. As we look for ideas as to how to celebrate Father’s Day in Disney World, the options seem almost blindingly limitless. But I think it’s really much easier than that.
To really take Dad and Pops back to his best days at WDW, we have to go back to what was there pre-1985, and better yet, before 1980. This leaves us primarily with the Magic Kingdom, early Epcot, Fort Wilderness, the Contemporary, and the Polynesian. Now the problem is that it is getting more and more difficult to find relics of the past. In addition to the demise of River Country, the train at Fort Wilderness, the Polynesian indoor waterfall, and entire sections of the Magic Kingdom, most restaurants have changed their concepts and names. But there’s still quite enough.
First of all, if possible narrow down the years when he first went to Disney World and where he stayed. If you can find even a few pictures, all the better. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create a photo book with those pictures and new ones that you recreate with him? Perhaps even include any stories that he or someone else has told you about those trips.
Here are a few ideas to plan out your Nostalgia Tour for Father’s Day (or any day to celebrate with Dad). You’ll want to customize these to what you believe he experienced. But more than anything, you’ll want to spend the day listening. There is not a better gift.
Dine at an original 1970s restaurant
Forget the stress of trying to get an impressive reservation at Be Our Guest. If you are headed to the Magic Kingdom for part of the day, you’re going to Liberty Tree Tavern. Of all of the restaurants in Walt Disney World, it is probably most like it was on opening day in 1971. Another one is Trails’s End Buffet in Fort Wilderness Campground, and it is still a favorite.
For those grandfathers who enjoyed Disney World as young parents in the 1970s, the Top of the World at the Contemporary was the hot place to be. Lounge-style shows with big names such as Barbara Eden, the Four Tops, Lou Rawls and Carol Lawrence were regular events. Unfortunately, the Top of the World has transformed dramatically, but the now California Grill still has the swank and the view (just play some 70s pop music on your phone on the way over).
Hit up the original/early rides at the magic kingdom
Ask Dad to tell you about the first time he rode Space Mountain (and who he was with), and head for it at rope drop. Your goal is to stick to the golden oldies, and this includes the People Mover, the Carousel of Progress, Peter Pan, the Haunted Mansion, and the Jungle Cruise. Don’t forget to pick up a Mickey Bar on your way to the Enchanted Tiki Room. On your way out (escape before he realizes there’s no more Electrical Light Parade), indulge him with a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street. Although it has moved locations, it has been in business since 1971.
do a beer/cocktail flight around the monorail
If any one symbol has stood the test of time at WDW above all others, it’s the monorail. Dad remembers riding in the front of the monorail, and probably remembers taking you there, too. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen anymore, but the ride (and the smell) brings a flood of memories back to all of us. I bet you a Mickey dollar that he will tell you some ancient story about a ride on the monorail with no prompting at all.
If Dad doesn’t drink, a dessert or appetizer tour will work just as well. But if he does, let’s start at Trader Sam’s. No Trader Sam’s wasn’t there back in the day, but it feels just like all of those Tiki Room restaurants that were so popular in the 1960s-1980s. From there, head to the Grand Floridian, grab a beverage at Citrico’s, and listen to the pianist in the lobby. Don’t dawdle too much because the Contemporary is the next stop. The Wave is clearly a modern bar, but has a bit of that dark, retro cocktail vibe. It is so fabulous that you are sure to create new memories there.
linger for a couple of hours at dad’s favorite old-school resort
Assuming Dad or Gramps spent some time at Fort Wilderness back in the day, rent a golf cart and take a trip down memory lane. Points of interest include the 100-200-300 original loops, the remnants of the train tracks near Loop 700, the arcades, the horse barn (with interactive history exhibit), and the old River Country tower at the Meadows Swimming Pool. Bonus: stop by the Settlement Trading Post front porch for a game of checkers.
If his fondest memories were at the Polynesian, head over for a long stroll for a visual feast. See if he can point out which rooms he previously stayed in. Then grab a lei and re-learn how to do the hula dance at the free afternoon lessons (usually around 330 or 345 pm). I realize it feels so millennial, but you might want to pick up a Dole Whip while you’re there as well. Bonus: purchase Dad a box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from the gift store.
People who grew up at the Contemporary remember the awe of it’s stunning lobby and views. It’s probably one of the best resorts to do a bit of shopping, and help dad pick out something that he doesn’t need or want. Let’s at least get him a retro-looking t-shirt (you should get and wear a matching one). The Contemporary is also a terrific place to rent a mouse boat or pontoon and get dad out on the water. Cruise around Bay Lake, and find all all that he remembers about Discovery Island and River Country.
take a day trip to daytona beach
Okay, so this is not in Disney World, but it’s a quick drive. In the Carter and Reagan years, many teens and young adults headed to Daytona Beach to experience quite a few rites of passage. It has long passed its glory days, but many of the older hotels still stand. You can still drive on the beach and check out the other vacationers (pretend you’re in a convertible). Nearby, the Beach Bucket is an oceanfront bar and grill with live music and a “living in paradise” vibe.
For those dads who have only begun coming to Disney World in recent years (bless their hearts), then there are plenty of traditional Father’s Day experiences. See the related article below for some groovy ideas.
