Top 5 tips for beating the summer heat at Disney World
Summertime heat is truly no joke when it comes to experiencing the parks at Disney World in Orlando, FL. As an Orlando local I’ve mastered the art of visiting Disney World in the summer without losing my cool. Here are my 5 tricks to stay cool headed while touring the Disney World parks in the summer.
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Top 5 Beat the Heat Tips:
Tip #1: Use the morning and evenings for park time and the afternoon for resort time
This is my go-to strategy if I’m staying on property at Disney World in the summer. I will wake up, win early entry, ride a few other things and then try to head out by 1pm for a break at my resort. While I’m chilling by the pool or resting in my room you better believe I am still grabbing a Genie+ every two hours for when I return to the park that night. Reach out to a Magical Pursuits travel planner to learn more about Genie+ “stacking.”
Tip #2: Table service Lunch instead of Dinner
I will opt for a table service lunch if I need to remain in the parks during the afternoon hours. Doing this allows for a seated break in the air conditioning for me while also enjoying a delicious meal. I tend to shy away from the prix fixe experiences at lunch during the summer because the heat can really put a damper on my appetite. Here are my favorites for a summertime table service lunch by park. Please note advanced reservations are highly recommended for any table service experience and those reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app (a Magical Pursuits Travel Planner can take care of this for you!)
- Magic Kingdom: Skipper Canteen
- Epcot: Space 220 Lounge seating, Via Napoli, La Crêperie de Paris, Shiki Sai
- Animal Kingdom: Yak and Yeti
- Hollywood Studios: Sci Fi, Brown Derby, 50s Prime Time
Tip #3: Focus on indoor attractions and shows if you are at the parks between 12PM-5PM
If I’m at the park in the afternoon in August then that means I am soaking up those indoor attractions and shows. Here are my go-tos for when I need an A/C break or when I have an awkward amount of time in between Genie+s.
Magic Kingdom
- Fantasyland: PhilharMagic, Small World
- Adventureland: TikiRoom
- Tomorrowland: Carousel of Progress
- Frontierland: Country Bear Jamboree (re-opening July 17, 2024)
Epcot
- Spaceship Earth
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- American Adventure
- Living with the Land
Hollywood Studios
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Star Tours
- Frozen Sing Along Celebration
Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King
Tip#4: Don’t forget your Cooling Towel, Hat, Sunglasses, and Water Bottle
In my backpack during the summer is a cooling towel, hat, sunglasses, and a refillable waterbottle. Sometimes despite my best efforts I find yourself in the middle of the World Showcase where there is no shade at 2PM in July. When that happens I have plenty of water and a cooling towel on hand. My Minnie ears go in the backpack and are replaced with a baseball cap and sunglasses. Even when I am not thirsty I am drinking water to make sure I am staying hydrated during the hot, humid day. There are waterbottle refill stations located in each park.
Tip# 5 wear Lightweight Clothing that won’t showcase sweat
- The only thing worse than being hot is being sunburned and hot. I love my Dreamscape button down by Alo during the summer months when I want to avoid the chance of sunburn but also not completely melt. Lightweight options like these are such a life saver.
- Sweat isn’t an accessory I want to include with my outfits so I tend toward wearing colors that won’t showcase it. I’ll wear white, navy, black, dark green, and other neutrals in this color palette that don’t advertise sweat.
Stay Cool out there!
The summer months at Disney World are becoming a great time to visit because of the lower crowds – if you are willing to brave the heat! Follow these tips and you will be able to experience all the magic without taking home sweat and a sunburn!
Interested in letting Rachel plan and assist with your next vacation? Head to our Plan My Trip page and let us know!
