As temperatures start to climb and summer sets in, visiting Walt Disney World becomes a perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors amidst the magic of the theme parks. Thats not to say it’s all sunshine and roses. Actually, it is all sunshine. Lots of sunshine. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the Florida heat doesn’t dampen your Walt Disney World summertime visit.
Stay Hydrated
The first tip is fairly predictable – stay hydrated! The summer months in Florida are hot and very humid, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. The great thing is Disney allows visitors to bring reusable water bottles into the parks. You can fill them at water fountains or head to quick service locations for (likely colder) free ice water. You’ll also find a few dedicated bottle filling stations around the parks.
For those of you who, like me, can’t get that excited about drinking water, try adding flavored pour-ins to the mix. You will also find plenty of beverage kiosks around the parks serving a variety of drinks to quench your thirst.
Dress Comfortably
The second tip? Comfortable clothing. You want to be as comfortable as possible when trekking the parks in the summer heat. Fashion is good. Comfort is better. Opt for the most lightweight option, such as breathable shorts or dresses, that you can find. Make sure to pack comfortable, water-friendly shoes as well.
Hats, portable fans, cooling towels….literally anything that will knock off a few degrees off are also a must! Oh, and don’t forget ponchos and umbrellas. Central Florida summers are notorious for afternoon thunderstorms. Along those lines, you also might want to consider dry bags for backpacks and phones. That way you’ll be equipped both for the aforementioned thunderstorms and any water-based attractions you want to take on.
Arrive Early
Another tip to make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World in the summer is to arrive early. While far from empty, the parks tend to be less busy in the morning, giving visitors a chance to ride outdoor attractions without long waits in the heat. Notoriously warm queues like a Jungle Cruise, for instance, are infinitely more doable in the morning cool.
One great thing – park hours are often extended in the summer period and offer a greater advantage for those willing to arrive early. Having accomplished a lot early in the day will also allow you to feel good about taking an afternoon break during the hottest and busiest part of the day.
Take Breaks
Speaking of breaks, strategize to take breaks throughout the entire day – whether it be in the shade, indoor attraction, show, or shop. It’s typically pretty easy to find an air-conditioned spot in a Disney park. In fact, make it a point to find a go-to cool spot in each park early in your trip. It’ll make for great peace of mind in moments where the heat begins to wear down morale.
If you’re staying at a resort that you can return to easily (e.g. via monorail) consider a midday break back at your resort. If you’re relying on Disney buses or staying off-site, you’ll likely spend too much time in transit for your break to be worthwhile. You can always get away from the heat and crowds by visiting a close resort (e.g. Polynesian if at Magic Kingdom or Beach Club if at Epcot) for an afternoon break or dinner.
Plan Ahead
The most important tip when visiting Walt Disney World in the summer is simple – plan ahead. Good preparation and strategic planning can improve the odds that your summertime trip will be enjoyable. Following the tips mentioned above should help get you achieve that goal by keeping you cool, hydrated, and comfortable.
Also, it’s good to remember that the best way to enjoy the parks is to try and enjoy each moment – not rush through a crowded itinerary in the heat of the day. Plan ahead, take breaks, and enjoy the experiences at your own pace so you can make the most of this unforgettable vacation!
If you’re looking for help planning your next visit to Walt Disney World, you should consider enlisting a free vacation planner. I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of theme park vacation planning and would love to help you plan your next visit to destinations like Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando. I can also help with non-theme park vacations like Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani Resort.
Complete my simple get started form or contact me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @nextstopaaron to begin planning your next theme park vacation.
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