We are huge Disney family.
Uuuge.
We love going and always have.
People constantly ask us if we get tired of it and, you know what?
We totally don’t.
Partly it’s because we just love the magic of it all, but also because Disney World is one of these places you can visit repeatedly and still never see it all.
Disney is also always in flux -growing, changing, innovating, integrating. They are always looking for ways to add to their magic, to keep families coming back, and to ensure that their destination is one families can visit over and over again for a lifetime.
This year alone they will welcome tons of new experiences. From new fireworks shows and nighttime experiences, to an entire new world within Animal Kingdom Park (read about some of the exciting new things coming to Disney in 2017 here: New at Disney World 2017).
And, did you know you can even go on a Disney World fishing adventure?
Not in Florida, not in Orlando, but right at Disney World, as part of your Disney vacation!
It’s a great way to work in something different and take a rest from the hustle and bustle of a day in the parks.
Last fall we had the opportunity to partner with Take Me Fishing/Vamos a Pescar to take a Disney World fishing trip.
It was an awesome way to mix the magic of a Disney vacation with an educational, outdoorsy adventure.
Take Me Fishing: Our Disney World Fishing Adventure
Is Take Me Fishing Part of Disney?
No, not exactly. Take Me Fishing is a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to encourage fishing and boating in America. They work to educate families for the purpose of inspiring conservationism. Fishing is a dying hobby -fewer children today have access to safe fishing areas or anyone to take them. This organization believes that fishing helps save the planet and they have partnered with Disney, the happiest place on earth for families, to help others learn to love, enjoy, and appreciate fishing and boating and how important our waterways are.
So You Have to Leave the Park for This Right?
Nope! Disney has plenty of waterways right on property. In fact, there are nine marinas on the Disney property from which families can enjoy water activities like fishing and boating. We stayed at The Contemporary when we visited and one of the meeting locations for boating activities is right at the beach by the pool! It’s right on property, so you have all of the awesome of a traditional Disney vacation right there too.
I Have to Take a Boat Out By Myself?
No, but you totally can. We were treated to a guided fishing trip and truly, for the inexperienced boating family this is totally the way to go. We are used to land fishing, but we don’t know much about boating. The guide will take you on the boat, roll you around to all of the best spots where he knows the fish are biting, and make sure you have a fun, relaxing fishing trip with plenty of catches.
What If I’ve Never Fished Before?
Totally cool. The professional guides provided will take care of everything. They teach you about baiting the hook, they talk to you about the fish, they show you how to cast, how to reel, how to everything. Our guide knew exactly where the fish were biting and when, and we left the adventure with tons of catches under each of our belts. I even caught a monster!
And What About Gear? I’m Already Bringing The Whole Kitchen Sink With Me to Disney.
Everything you need for a successful day of boating and fishing is provided. You don’t have to bring your own tackle. You don’t even have to bring your own beverages. Take Me Fishing takes care of all of the particulars. You and your family just schedule your fishing adventure, show up at the appropriate time, listen to the safety spiel, and you’re off! Like everything else at Disney, it will be a magical adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Will My Kids Have Fun?
YES! Everyone doesn’t enjoy thrill rides and walking around the park all day, sometimes people like a break. Even kids! And, for multi-generational families wanting to enjoy a Disney vacation, they can add this to their itinerary and have a day of inclusive activities for all members regardless of age interest, or mobility. Vacationers of all ages will truly have a fun-filled, relaxing day on the water. The Dudes loved it. We have fished many times before, but even if without that history, it was fun to get to know our guide, to learn about the waterways in Florida (yes, we talked all about alligators and they were hoping to catch one -we didn’t, thank goodness!), and to catch fish!
So How Do I Find It? I’ve Never Seen This at Disney Before!
Same. After numerous visits to Walt Disney World, I was shocked to discover the signs sitting right there, by the water, near the pool of our hotel -I’d just never noticed them before! For those wanting to plan ahead, you can book right on the Disney World website so everything is added to your itinerary in advance.
Learn more about Take Me Fishing and book a Disney fishing adventure for your next visit too!
*This was a hosted experience for The Dude family courtesy of Take Me Fishing. Our travel experience was covered, we did not receive additional compensation. All opinions are our own.