People watching is fun to me! While I’m at Walt Disney World, I find it especially entertaining. Watching families having fun, seeing kids bravely try their first major thrill-ride, looking at the cute just-married couples posing in front of Cinderella Castle. I’ve met some great fellow Disney fans waiting in long lines for rides like Soarin’ and Splash Mountain. In all this people watching, dads prove to be among the most interesting subjects. I’ve come to the conclusion that most dads fall into one of five categories. (Thanks to Raymond for being the model for all the dads!)
5 Types of Disney World Dads
1. Dad of Misery – This dad would rather be anywhere else. He had no idea what would be required of him on a Disney World vacation and he is not amused. Unused to and unprepared for standing in line, walking great distances or enduring the heat of a Florida summer, this dad’s cranky and irritable. Some Dads of Misery suffer silently, but others make their displeasure known – loudly and frequently. #shouldhavestayedhome
2. Confused Dad – It’s his first visit and mom did all the planning and dealt with all the details. Confused Dad loves seeing his kids having so much fun, but he doesn’t know the names of all the characters and most of the attractions. On his own, he’d be completely lost, but he’s married to an exceptionally well-organized woman. He’s pleasantly surprised and having way more fun than he imagined he would since he had no idea Disney World would be so entertaining for adults. Before vacation ends, Confused Dad’s eyes have been opened, a Disney park fan has been born, and another trip is in the works.
3. Adventurer Dad – Thrill-ride junkie, this dad loves new experiences and is up for anything exciting. This is the dad who rides Rock’n’ Roller Coaster multiple times and will try every food booth at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. Adventurer Dad is at his best when his kids reach the minimum height requirement for every ride. He also loves Disney water parks and resort pools – especially ones with big slides.
4. Boy Scout Dad – This is one über-prepared father! He’s wearing an enormous, over-stuffed backpack and has carefully arranged every aspect of a gigantic double-stroller to ensure the comfort of his offspring. “Be Prepared” is his motto and he’s thought of, and is ready for, all possible contingencies. Sadly, Boy Scout Dad is a worrier and spends most of his time imagining what tragedy or illness may befall the family next, instead of relaxing and having fun. His stroller navigation skills are unparalleled!
5. All-In Dad – This dad embraces Disney magic in all its forms. He’ll wear his Disney t-shirt and earhat with pride! The ultimate Disney fan, All-In Dad needs no park maps or times guides. Disney World is his happy place. He’s soaking up the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes while patiently nurturing his children to follow in his Disney-loving footsteps. All-In Dad is the easiest to spot by his attire and pin-trading lanyard. He’ll usually be holding a churro or a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, wearing a happy smile.
Are you (or do you know) a Disney dad? Which type?
Love it! TBH, I have played all five roles! This post reads more like a chronology of my Disney journey than picking a specific category (minus the first one). I remember being the confused Dad on our first trip, just following along as my wife checked off the schedule. But that only threw me into Boy Scout Dad as the magic took over and pulled me it! Best of all the journey ends being an All-In dad, my favorite role of all!!
BTW, you are so right! People watching is so much fun 🙂
Hi Dan! I wonder if there’s another category after all-in dad when you someday get grandchildren? LOL
Well darn, I don’t fit cleanly into any of those roles, but #3 would be closest followed by #5.
Many of the best Disney dads are hybrids, Alex!!!