By: Nichole Martus, a Marvelous Mouse Travel Agent
We all know Florida summers are scorching! As a travel planner residing in Florida, I'm well aware of how intense the heat can get. But summer has become a great time to visit Walt Disney World. With lower crowds and amazing deals, it's the perfect time to visit. Here are 10 ways to beat the heat at Walt Disney World:
Staying hydrated is probably the most obvious tip, but also the most crucial one. Walt Disney World has you covered with free ice and cups of water at quick-service counters and table- service meals. Remember to bring reusable water bottles or collapsible water bottles. Take advantage of refillable water stations available throughout the parks. You can easily locate these refillable stations on your My Disney Experience app. Don’t forget to visit Club Cool in Epcot for some free samples of Coca-Cola beverages from around the world!
In the mid-afternoon, temperatures typically reach their highest point. This is the ideal time to return to your Walt Disney World resort hotel for a refreshing swim in the pool or some well-deserved relaxation in your room. It's a good idea to head to the parks early in the morning for the cooler temp’s, then head back in the evening after your break.
If you're not interested in taking a mid-day break, make a table service dining reservation instead or enjoy a quick-service meal indoors. Both options provide refreshing air conditioning to help you cool down while taking a break from the heat. With outstanding themes and delicious food, you can’t go wrong.
After spending time at outdoor attractions, take a quick break from the heat by heading to an indoor attraction! All four parks at Walt Disney World offer indoor, air-conditioned attractions and shows that provide relief from the heat. I love to cool down at exciting shows such as The Festival of the Lion King or For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along. Indoor attractions such as It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom are great places to cool down.
One of my favorite spots to take a break from the heat at Epcot is the Land Pavilion. With attractions such as Awesome Planet, Living with the Land, and Soarin’ Around the World, as well as food options such as Sunshine Seasons and the Garden Grill Restaurant, the Land Pavilion offers a fantastic escape from the high temps! Utilize your My Disney Experience App to locate indoor attractions and shows at each park to help you beat the heat.
Another helpful option is to utilize Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to reduced your wait times in the parks. This option also allows you to pre-plan breaks at indoor attractions and shows throughout your day.
As a travel planner, I've learned that there are key items I simply cannot do without when visiting parks in the summer. Consider these essential items to enhance your day and make the most of your experience:
If you’ve forgotten to pack these items, many can be purchased inside of the parks.
While Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for refurbishment, Typhoon Lagoon offers a tropical escape from the Florida heat! When I assist my clients with their travel plans, I always recommend a mid-trip break at a Disney Water Park. It's a fantastic way to unwind, recharge, and cool down.
When visiting the parks, be sure to take the plunge at Tiana's Bayou Adventure for a chance to get wet, or take on the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom for a refreshing splash-filled adventure! Don't miss out on the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at Epcot - an amazing attraction that provides plenty of opportunities to cool down and have fun getting wet!
I can't think of a better way to beat the heat than by indulging in some Disney shopping. Each of park offers a variety of stores where you can cool off while searching for the perfect souvenir.
When it comes to cooling down, nothing beats an iconic Mickey Ice Cream Bar. But if ice cream bars aren't your thing, you'll find plenty of other refreshing treats to choose from, including Dole Whip, exciting new ice cream offerings, popsicles, and more, all available throughout the parks and resorts. Treat yourself and stay cool!
Don't forget to pace yourself by taking breaks in the shade, whether it's under a tree or an awning. Grab a cool drink or treat to recharge away from the sun. Shade can make a huge difference on a hot, busy day at the parks. Add an umbrella to your essentials list for instant shade and protection from the rain.
Walt Disney World offers several splash-pad options. Stop by Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station in Magic Kingdom, the Marketplace Fun Fountains in Disney Springs, or World Discovery Liquid Layer Splash Pad at Epcot. Prefer to not get soaked? Visit a misting stations for a quick refresh!
Rain and thunderstorms are to be expected when visiting Walt Disney World in the summer. Don’t be afraid of the rain! Many parkgoers choose to leave the parks when the rain starts. However, the rain often brings the temperatures down. So, grab those ponchos or umbrellas and brave the rain. You won’t regret it. In the event of a thunderstorm, find a safe place to wait it out.
Reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels today to start planning your magical Walt Disney World vacation! We’d love to assist you with our free travel planning services.
