10 Ways to "Beat the Heat" at Disney

By:  Katie Johnson, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Walt Disney in Orlando is an amazing vacation to take the family during the summer, but the summer heat and humidity can put a damper on the trip, but don’t let it.  There are so many ways to “Beat the Heat” in all the parks at Disney.  Here are the Top 10 suggestions to “Beat the HEAT”

1.  Rope Drop: The earlier you can get to the parks the better.  The mornings will be much cooler than the midday and even afternoon.  
2. Take Midday Breaks:  I know you are at Disney, and you want to get the most out of it, but if you are Rope Dropping, you will need a break.  This is why staying on Disney property is so important it allows you to go back to the resort and get in the cool air conditioning, rest and eat for a few hours before you head back to the park to finish the day.  Pick the hottest part of the day for this, you will be rejuvenated and ready to pound the Disney pavement for the second half. 
3. Water, Water, Water:  This will not only keep you hydrated but it will keep you cool as well.  Disney will give you a cup of ice water for FREE!!  Also, there are water fountains and bottle filling stations throughout the parks, USE THEM!!  Get yourself a cute Disney travel thermos, personalize it and you are set to go.
4. Cooling Towels: Get some cooling towels, you can get them at the parks with cute Mickey heads on them pink and blue or order from Amazon.  The Mission cooling towels work great you get them wet and the snap two or three times and wrap them around your neck.  When they need to be reactivated you snap them again two times and they cool off.  
5. Fans: When I was at Disney recently, I have to say I was envious of the people who had these neck fans.  You constantly have air blowing around your face and neck.  If you have little ones and a stroller (oh how I miss the stroller) they have amazing fans that clip to the stroller to help keep your littles cool.  Disney also has the fans that have the water bottle attached and you turn them on, and it mists your face, arms, legs, etc. pure heaven! 
6. Ride the Water Rides: Don’t do these first thing in the morning, save them for the blazing time of day, trust me you won’t mind that you are getting wet.  Most of the rides even if you don’t get soaked you are still going to get a wonderful cool mist which is heavenly!  (Don’t want wet socks/shoes, pack flip flops and change when you are in line or right before you get one ride)
7. Make Time for Attractions Indoors: When you are planning your days plan for some indoor attractions during the heat of the day!  There are so many attractions that are indoors and allow for you to be in the air conditioning and let you sit and relax while watching wonderful shows or enjoy a slow ride.  Here are a few that I suggest: 

Magic Kingdom:

• “Carousel of Progress “(Tomorrowland)
• “Country Bear Jamboree “(Frontierland)
• “It’s a Small World” (Fantasyland)
• “Haunted Mansion” (Liberty Square)
• “Pirates of the Caribbean” (Adventureland)

Hollywood Studios:

• “Muppet Vision 3D (Grand Avenue)
• “Vacation Fun” (Echo Lake)
• “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebrations (Echo Lake)

Animal Kingdom:

• “It’s Tough to be a Bug! (Discovery Island)
• “Na’vi River Journey” (Pandora-The World of Avatar)
• “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” (Africa)

Epcot-A lot is indoors!!!

• “Spaceship Earth” (Future World)
• “The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Future World)
• “Soarin’ Around the World (Future World)
• “Living with the Land” (Future World)
• “Journey into Imagination with Figment” (Future World)
• “Frozen Ever After” (World Showcase-Norway)
• “Gran Fiesta Tour Staring the Three Caballeros” (World Showcase-Mexico)

8.  Dining: I get a lot of the great dining is breakfast and dinner, but most of the restaurants at Disney have similar menus for lunch and dinner so change the dinner reservation for mid-afternoon between 1:00pm & 3:00pm.  You have already had a huge breakfast or brunch at one of the amazing Disney restaurants, so you don’t need to eat at 11:00 or 12:00.  Take this opportunity to get in the air conditioning, sit down and talk about the day’s adventures with your family.  You will leave cool, rested and full!

9. DON’T WEAR DARK COLORS: I know it is hard to put that really cute top that is black or dark blue down and you really want to wear it, but DON’T.  Make sure you are picking light weight and light color clothing.  Those cute denim shorts don’t pack them!  Instead look at getting some lightweight shorts like running shorts or even a light weight skort.  If you really want to wear pants, linen is the way to go and good thing linen is super popular this year so shop away!!

10.  Stay Late: If you have had the opportunity to rest during the hottest part of the day make sure to head back to the parks when it starts to get cooler.   You will be rested and cool and ready to tackle the parks again.  A perk to staying late at the parks is you also get to enjoy rides at night which is amazing!

The Florida heat can definitely make Disney uncomfortable, but if you plan accordingly by planning your days, packing appropriate clothing, and staying hydrated you will have a MARVELOUS time!  

Please reach out to Katie, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.