Yes, Walt Disney World in the summer can be hot, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from enjoying the longest days of the year at the happiest place on Earth. We have come up with the Top 10 ways to stay cool at Walt Disney World this summer. Use these ideas and your vacation will be Magical.
#1 – Stay hydrated. But here’s a tip — Don’t spend $3 on a bottle of water (or even worse, use a snack credit) ! Simply go to the nearest counter service restaurant and ask for a cup of ice water. It’s FREE, and very refreshing on a hot summer day.
#2 – Break Up Your Day. Going “commando” in the heat from park open to park close just isn’t going to work under the Florida sun. Since the coolest times of the day are in the morning and in the evening, we recommend being at the parks when they open, and even take advantage of Extra Magic Hours if possible. This is the coolest time of the day, and the crowds are often the smallest. As the day moves on and the crowds and the heat both rise, take a mid-day break and return to your resort. See tips #3 and #4 for some great ideas for cooling off during this time. Then, as the sun sets and the temperatures cool off, return to the parks for the evening festivities and shows. This strategy will help you avoid the hottest time of the day, and be refreshed at the same time. Think of it as 2 park days in one.
#3 Swimming – In the middle of the day, head back to your resort and take a quick dip in the pool. There’s nothing like beating the heat in the crystal blue waters of your favorite pool. Let the kiddos play for a while, and then they may even settle in for our next tip…..
#4 – Take a Nap. As the morning hours move into the early afternoon in the parks, the heat settles in and so does your fatigue. Head back to the resort, dip in the pool, and then settle in for a nice nap for an hour or two. Nothing recharges the body’s batteries like a quick snooze. Wake up with fresh energy for the evening hours.
#5 – Cold Sweet Treats. Nothing says “refreshing” like a nice cold snack in the parks. Kiosks are all around the parks with Mickey ice cream bars, frozen lemonade, and ice cream sandwiches. You can also enjoy park favorites like the Citrus Swirl or a Dole Whip. Visit the ice cream parlors for hand-dipped ice cream as well. Many of these treats will also count as a snack option on the Disney Dining Plan. Not only are they refreshing, but these treats are pretty tasty, too.
#6 – Go on those fast rides. For a short heat relief while enjoying some thrills, hop on those thrill rides like Expedition Everest, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. While it’s not exactly air conditioning, the high speeds will be a rush of air as if the wind were cooling you off. Ok, this one might be a stretch, but it’s still fun, right?
#7 – Water Parks. On those hot days, nothing says fun like spending time at a water park. Disney has 2 fun-filled parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each with their own special themes, both parks feature water attractions from the calm of a lazy river to the speed of a water coaster. Cooling off is even easier and more affordable with the Park Hopper Plus option. This add-on allows you to include the water parks in your resort package for a fraction of the cost of a single day ticket.
#8 – Air Conditioning. Nothing provides relief at the parks like an attraction with air conditioning. Restaurants provide a great opportunity to get off your feet, maybe meet some characters, and enjoy some cool inside temperatures. This is a great use of the Disney Dining Plan. Another option for air conditioned comfort are shows and extended attractions. Some of our favorites are Country Bear Jamboree, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, Carousel of Progress, Universe of Energy, The American Adventure, and the Enchanted Tiki Room. But be very careful….you might just fall asleep, so no snoring.
#9 – Splash Zones. For the kids especially, getting some quick heat relief can mean the difference between a good day and a bad day. So check out Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. Here, your kids will get soaked (and refreshed) while they play. Several spray jets, water fountains, and simply put – a lot of water – will help your little ones beat the heat. Oh, and adults are welcome to join in, too.
#10 – Avoid the Meltdown. Keeping the kids happy will keep you happy. Throughout the day, keep a close eye on how your kiddos are doing with the heat. If they start getting cranky and miserable, it’s time to take some relief action. Remember, your meltdown as a parent only makes their meltdown worse. So, use our tips above to find relief for your kids (and yourself), and your vacation will be Magical in every way !
It’s not too late to book your summer vacation. Be sure to contact one of our Dream Designers today to get started.