How to Stay Cool When It’s Hot at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is a popular family summer vacation destination. But it can be magical, memory-making, and very hot. There are the obvious measures to protecting yourself from the heat, like drinking plenty of water and applying sunscreen often.

Each Walt Disney World Resort has several themed pools, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks allow for plenty of fun in the summer sun, and of course sitting down to a fun character meal in the air conditioning will bring you some rest and relief from the heat as well.

However, there is more to enjoying your time at the Walt Disney World Resort in the summer months than you may think. Here are some tips to make your family vacation to WDW in the summer months more bearable.

1. Tour in the morning, relax in the afternoon

Start early in the parks and leave after lunch or the afternoon parade. The earlier you can get to the parks, the better your day will go. First, it is less crowded in the morning which allows you to ride more attractions in a shorter period of time. Second, it isn’t as hot.

Florida mornings are warm, but the afternoons are even hotter! Plan your character dining for a lunch to get some relief from the summer heat. Then, enjoy the afternoon parade and return to your Walt Disney World Resort for some swimming and perhaps a rest in your air-conditioned resort room.

2. Add the Park Hopper Plus Option

Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to your Walt Disney World park tickets so you can spend some time cooling off at Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks.

Let’s say you have a 3 day base ticket to Walt Disney World. Purchasing the Park Hopper Plus option gives you 3 days at both waterparks. So for example, you could go to Magic Kingdom on Day 1, Blizzard Beach on Day 2, Epcot on Day 3, Typhoon Lagoon on Day 4, Animal Kingdom on Day 5, and back to Blizzard Beach on Day 6.

Or, for example, you could visit Magic Kingdom in the morning, Blizzard Beach in the afternoon, and return to Magic Kingdom for the evening. The WaterParks Fun and More Option is a GREAT add on to your Disney park tickets for the summer months.

3. Take a dip in the pool

Returning to your Walt Disney World Resort is the best option for beating the summer heat in Florida. You are paying to stay at your resort, so you should plan some time to use the pools and other amenities.

We travel to Florida to enjoy our Walt Disney World vacation as a family every June. In doing so, I’ve learned the importance of a mid-afternoon break for about two hours from the Disney parks. Leaving the parks for a break not only gives you a break from the heat, but also a break from the stimulation and crowds of the Disney parks.

Taking a two-hour break to regroup before returning for the evening is almost a necessity in the summer heat. Everyone will be happier after a few hours out of the parks before returning to enjoy the cooler evening temperatures and the evening shows at each park.

4. Alternate between indoor and outdoor activities

Alternate your late afternoon or early evening park plans with inside and outside attractions. For example, we may enjoy the Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. For this attraction, guests are waiting in line outside, in the heat. After our family has enjoyed this, we move to the Carousel of Progress. This classic Magic Kingdom attraction is a great idea for beating the heat! It gives at least a 15 to 20-minute break from the sun, in a relaxing, entertaining, and air conditioned environment.

If you find yourself in Epcot during the heat of the day, try stepping into the Innoventions buildings. There are so many fun activities to enjoy with your family. Another great option is to visit Spaceship Earth as you are leaving Epcot for your afternoon break.

Enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in the morning. If you have the option of park hoppers, this is a great plan. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park does not have a lot of inside attractions. This is a great park to enjoy in the morning hours before the summer afternoon rains roll in or it gets too hot. The positive side to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in the summer is there is a plethora of shade from all the foliage that is in the park.

5. Get a misting fan

Splurge on a misting fan for you and your children. I have to say, we purchased one of the Walt Disney World blue misting fans 4 trips ago, and we still use it. With a fresh set of batteries, it still works, and I’m sure to pack it in our park bag for every trip. If you are taking a stroller, purchase a clip on fan like this one from Diono to keep your little one cool as well.

6. Use a stroller with a wide sunshade

Rent or purchase a stroller that has a wide sunshade. Umbrella strollers are great for light weight and ease of carrying on and off the buses. However, most of the time their sunshades are not that great. If possible, rent a stroller from a local Orlando company.

Most of these locations rent single or double BOB Revolution Strollers or City Mini Strollers. They will also add a rain cover, and the strollers themselves are equipped with a great sunshade. This is so important. It will keep your little one cool, and protected from the sun.

7. Eat ice cream!

Above all, there is always ice cream. If the heat is making your family cranky, it’s okay to walk away from your well thought out touring plan to take an ice cream break in the shade. Be aware of the melting point for you and your children. It’s Walt Disney World! Grab a Mickey ice cream bar or Dole Whip and people watch while you regroup before going on with your day!

 

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