Top Tips for How to Beat the Heat at Disney
There’s never a bad time to visit Disney, but crowds vary all year. Back in the day, summer was the peak season.
Most families used to only travel during summer vacation and Orlando was the ultimate destination.
Disney
Currently, fall, spring break, and the holidays are the popular times to visit. Most of summer is slow, or at worst, reasonably crowded.
That’s (mostly) due to one thing, the weather. Orlando is hot hot HOT in the summertime.
This can be challenging, but braving the heat comes with unwritten perks. With a little prep and planning, you too can benefit from the calmer crowds of June, late July, and most of August!
Check out my favorite “coolest” tips for a summer trip.
Photo: Disney
Pack Devices for Comfort
What you pack, can make or break your entire park day. For summer trips, I haul around more items for survival.
My must-pack summer items include:
- Battery-Powered Misting Fan
- Portable Neck Fan
- Handheld Mini Fan
- Hydration Backpack
- Anti-Chafe Balm
- Umbrella with UV Protection
You’ll notice that I do recommend packing lots of options. Switching up your cooling methods can be a literal breath of fresh air.
Plus, not every handy dandy device will suit you. For example, many people love these cooling towels, but I find them sticky and uncomfortable.
Whatever you do, stock up at home beforehand. It will be much cheaper than anything in the parks,
Photo: Amazon.com
Take Daily Naps
If you have children, you may already do this. If not, consider it a requirement.
When my husband and I traveled to Orlando last July, we took a midday nap every day.
We did this because the midday sun is the hottest. (And thankfully, overall lighter crowds meant we could sacrifice that time in the parks.) Frankly, we wouldn’t have survived without this recharge.
We treasured the opportunity to come back, sit in air conditioning, and regain our strength. I pity anyone powering through a rope drop to fireworks day in July.
Plan a Pool Day or Visit a Water Park
Every Disney World onsite hotel has pools. Take advantage of that.
Plan a day to relax poolside, nap, swim, and sip frosty beverages. Kids will love the opportunity to swim, adults will love the break.
Additionally, you can visit one of the Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. Starting this year and extending through 2026, onsite hotel guests can get free admission on check-in day.
With both parks offering a variety of pools, slides, lazy rivers, and play areas for children, I’d do anything to take advantage of this. Especially in the summer.
Splash on the Water Rides
As someone who avoids water rides like the plague, I race to them in the summer. With a moisture-wicking outfit and flip-flops on hand, I recommend taking a plunge.
The best WDW rides that will cool you off, are as follows:
- Kali River Rapids (The Animal Kingdom)
“Skim across an erupting geyser, drift below a canopy of lush vegetation and be whisked along fast-moving rapids. Graze gushing waterfalls and bedrock amid the raging current. Then, as the harmony of nature is disrupted, you’ll plummet down a dramatic 20-foot slope!
-The Walt Disney Company
Kali River Rapids
This thrilling, raft-style ride in the Animal Kingdom is the perfect ride for the hottest park. Honestly, you’ll get soaked – in the best way.
Just pack the right outfit and enjoy chasing waterfalls.
Photo: Disney
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
“Embark on a thrilling journey with Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis as they traverse winding waterways to find critter musicians who can jam out and entertain at Tiana’s southern soiree. This musical adventure crescendos with a 50-foot drop that leads you to the grandest celebration this side of the Mississippi during Mardi Gras season!”
-The Walt Disney Company
Photo: Disney
When Splash Mountain was re-themed to match the enchanting world of The Princess and the Frog (2009), the thrilling “splash” remained.
While the soak factor isn’t as strong as Kali River Rapids, it’s still a worthy contender.
- Frozen Ever After
“Find a seat aboard your boat and let the lapping waters take you through a frozen willow forest. Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some “boulders”—a.k.a. Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley—before bracing for the cold. High up in the icy blue world of the North Mountain, Elsa’s enchanting ice palace awaits. Behold the wonder… and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and a few more Frozen friends.This enchanting “Summer Snow Day” celebration—complete with many of your favorite Frozen tunes—is sure to melt even the coldest hearts!”
-The Walt Disney Company
Photo: Disney
You might be surprised to see this, but trust me, this dark ride is a secret water ride. This gorgeous attraction, in the world of Elsa and Anna, ends in a drop.
In my experience, sitting at the end of a row and not ducking down, can get you plenty wet.
Photo: Disney
Prioritize Air Conditioning
If water rides aren’t your cup of tea, have no fear. Disney World has a huge selection of indoor, air-conditioned experiences. (Many queues are also inside!)
My favorite indoor attractions/shows include the following:
Photo: Disney
The Magic Kingdom:
- The Carousel of Progress
- Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
- Disney’s PhilarMagic
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- The Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
EPCOT:
- Spaceship Earth
- The American Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Soarin’
- Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Hollywood Studios:
- One Man’s Dream
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong
Animal Kingdom:
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond!
- The Festival of The Lion King
- Avatar: Flight of Passage
With just a little planning, packing, and itinerary tweaking, the humidity doesn’t stand a chance. Your vacation can be more magical than ever – even in August.Happy Planning!
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Feature Photo: Disney
