How to Prepare for the Heat at Disney World in Summer
Summer heat in Florida can be intense, so it is important to prepare accordingly when visiting Disney World. By planning ahead and bringing some heat essentials, you can stay cooler and comfortable while enjoying all the magic that Disney has to offer during the summer. Below are some of our favorite tips and tricks for managing the heat so that you can make the most of your visit.
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Heat Preparedness at Disney Highlights
- Plan ahead and visit the parks during the cooler parts of the day.
- Take advantage of indoor attractions and use cooling strategies like misting fans and cooling towels.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consider bringing your own refillable water bottle.
Planning Your Trip
When it comes to visiting Disney World during the summer heat, planning ahead is key. During the hottest times of year, you’ll want to arrive at the parks with a plan and know what will work the best to keep your family cool.
Check the weather forecast and plan to visit the parks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Consider staying at a Disney resort with a pool or water park to help you cool off during the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes to help you stay cool and comfortable while walking around the parks.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
The summer months can be busy at Disney World and they also coincide with the hottest temperatures.
If the heat doesn’t sound like a fun addition to your trip, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of early spring or late fall when the crowds can be lighter and the weather is milder. Check our list of best times of year to visit Disney World if you are still considering when to plan your trip.
If you must visit during the summer, aim for early mornings and late evenings to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Clothing to Wear in the Heat
Some of our favorite heat essentials to wear when temperatures are at the highest are grouped together below.
Found in photo:
Spray Fan / Mouse Fan / Cooling Towels / Plus Swimsuit / Coverup
When the temperatures start to soar, you want to be wearing lightweight and breathable clothing. Athletic wear is particular great this time of year, because it is typically made with moisture-wicking fabrics that can keep you cool and drier. These dresses are some of the best selling outfit items below for summer trips to Disney.
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Athletic Dress / Hair Ties / Scrunchies / Stitch Backpack / Wallet / Sandals
Often I wear sandals most times in the parks to make sure that my feet don’t overheat, but no matter which shoes you decide to wear make sure that you can walk many miles in them! The last thing you want is hurting feet AND extreme heat at the same time!
Learn what to wear in every time of year at Disney World in our comprehensive blog on what to pack and wear year round!
Booking Your Stay at a Disney Resort
Staying at a Disney Resort can provide you with several benefits, including access to early park hours, complimentary transportation, and proximity to the parks. When booking your stay, consider choosing a resort with amenities such as a pool or water park to help you cool off during the day.
Packing Essentials for Summer Heat
Packing the right items can make all the difference in staying comfortable during your Disney World vacation. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat to protect your head and face from the sun.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to be able to reapply frequently while in the theme park. Consider bringing an umbrella or portable fan to help you stay cool.
Use our blogs on what to pack for June, what to wear in July, and must have clothing items for August to prepare for the hottest time of year at Walt Disney World!
Staying Cool in the Parks
When you visit Disney World in the summer, the heat can be intense, but there are ways to stay cool and comfortable while enjoying the parks.
Take advantage of indoor attractions and shows to escape the heat, and use misting fans or cooling towels to help cool your body temperature. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and consider bringing your own refillable water bottle to save money and reduce waste.
Utilizing Water Rides and Attractions
One of the best ways to cool off in the parks is by going on water rides and attractions. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom all have water rides that can provide a refreshing break from the heat.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Kali River Rapids, and the iconic It’s a Small World are just a few examples. Additionally, some attractions like Frozen Ever After in Epcot or Muppet*Vision 3D in Hollywood Studios offer indoor air-conditioned queues and shows, providing a welcome break from the sun.
Finding Shade and Indoor Breaks
Another way to stay cool is by finding shade and indoor breaks throughout the parks. Magic Kingdom has plenty of shaded areas, step inside to the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean for a break from the sun and mostly shaded ride queue at both locations.
EPCOT’s World Showcase offers shaded walkways and indoor shops and exhibits.
Hollywood Studios has shaded areas near the Muppet Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay.
Animal Kingdom has several shows that are indoors, including The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! which are on opposite ends of the theme park.
Hydration and Cooling Stations
Staying hydrated is important in the Florida heat. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the many water fountains throughout the parks. You can also ask for free cups of water at any quick-service restaurant.
Cooling stations, such as the ones located in the misting tents in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, can provide a quick relief from the heat. Additionally, some merchandise locations sell misting fans, which can be a lifesaver in the hot sun.
Don’t let the heat ruin your day – plan ahead and stay cool!
Managing the Heat
When visiting Disney World during the summer, the heat and humidity can be intense. But with a little preparation, you can beat the heat and enjoy your time in the parks.
Here are some strategies for managing the heat:
Strategies for Beating the Peak Temperatures
The peak temperatures at Disney World during the summer can be overwhelming. To avoid reactions to the heat, it is important to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Consider taking advantage of indoor attractions and shows during the hottest parts of the day.
Found in photo:
Mouse Ears / Sunglasses / Ponchos / Autograph Book / Portable Charger
Spray Mister Fan / First Aid Kit / Cooling Towels / Hip Bag / Backpack
These are some of our favorite park bag essentials to pack. You can also use a neck fan or a cooling towel to keep cool.
Clothing and Accessories for Comfort
Choosing the right clothing and accessories can make a big difference in how comfortable you are in the heat. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials.
A visor or hat can help protect your face and neck from the sun. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses.
Taking Advantage of Resort Amenities
Disney World resorts offer a variety of amenities to help you beat the heat. Take a dip in the resort pool or relax in the air conditioning. Consider taking a midday break to nap or rest in your room during the hottest part of the day.
Stopping by the resort in the middle of the day also helps you slow down and recoup a bit of energy spent earlier in the day.
Dining and Hydration
Selecting Hydrating Food and Beverages
When visiting Disney World during the summer months, it is important to stay hydrated to avoid any reactions to the heat. Consider hydrating food and beverages as a part of your meals, like fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and smoothies. There are also lots of great frozen drinks to choose from as well!
If you are looking for a quick snack, you can try some of the hydrating snacks available at Disney World. These include watermelon, grapes, and cucumber slices. There are snacks throughout all of the theme parks with these quick options.
Utilizing Quick Service Locations
Disney World has many quick service restaurants and snack carts that offer hydrating food and beverages. These locations offer a variety of options to choose from, including water, ice water, and sports drinks. You can also find Starbucks locations throughout the park that offer iced beverages to keep you cool.
When visiting a quick service location, check to see if mobile ordering is available for the location. This will help you save time and avoid long lines by ordering in advance.
Maximizing Your Experience
When visiting Disney World during the summer, make the most of your time in the parks by arriving with a plan. Here are some tips to help you navigate the parks efficiently and enjoy them during cooler hours.
Navigating the Parks Efficiently
Arrive early in the parks to experience popular rides with shorter wait times and less heat. Consider utilizing the Genie+ option to maximize your time in the parks.
Use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times, locate attractions, and make dining reservations. You can also use the app to find character meet and greets and showtimes for entertainment. Plan for a few activities when you enter the park in the morning, take your mid-day break and finish off your “must do” items when you enter back into the park in the evening.
Enjoying the Parks During Cooler Hours
The heat can be intense during the summer months, so it’s important to take breaks and stay hydrated.
Consider taking a break during the hottest part of the day and enjoying some of the indoor attractions, such as the Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, The Hall of Presidents, Soarin’, Living with the Land, The American Adventure, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Muppet Vision 3D, Star Tours, or Flight of Passage.
In the evening, the parks tend to cool down and become more comfortable. Stay for the nighttime shows, such as Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom or Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios. You can also enjoy the water parks during the day or evening for a refreshing break from the heat.
Summer Trip Planning
With all of these ideas, you can maximize your summer experience at Disney World and make the most of your time in the parks. Stay cool and avoid the hottest parts of the day, make the most of water activities, and enjoy your time during the summer at Disney!
Some how we continue to visit during the summer and make the most of our time! In fact our next family vacation is coming up this summer! We will use all of these strategies to beat the heat while we are there!
Check out our blogs on what to pack for June, what to wear in July, and what to bring in August for our summer packing essentials. You’ll also probably want to stay at a resort with an awesome pool during the hottest times of year, so check our top resort picks for families at Walt Disney World to find the best fit for your family!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
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