Top tips to beat the heat at Disney World this summer

My top tips for how to beat the heat at Disney World during the summer:

One of the great things about Disney World is that it’s located in Florida, so it can stay open year-round.  However, that also means it can get very hot during the summer!  Luckily, as long as you are prepared and take a little time to consider this, there are many ways you can beat the heat at Disney.

I’ve been to the parks before in June, July, and August, so I’ve come up with some ways to handle this time of year. I promise, it doesn’t have to be miserable! The crowds are lighter in the summer for the most part, so you can really take advantage of things if you are prepared. I’m happy to share my top tips and items to bring if you also find yourself traveling in the summer!

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Start early and take an afternoon break

This is my strategy for pretty much any Disney trip to avoid crowds, but it’s even more important during the summer so you avoid being in the parks at the hottest time of the day.

I like to try and start with rope drop (and early entry if you’re staying on property!). I’ll head back to the resort for a break in the afternoon to rest up and recover. Then go back to the parks in the evening, when the sun is going down and it’s just a bit cooler. Plus, you’ll be able to catch the fireworks and nighttime entertainment.

So as you’re building your itinerary, I definitely recommend that you plan to back to the hotel. Go for a swim, take a nap, or just relax. You’ll miss the busiest part of the day as well as the hottest part!

Magic Kingdom

• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (12 minute show + inside wait)
• Mickey’s Philharmagic (12 minute show + most of wait inside)
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree (12 minute show + inside waiting area)
• Carousel of Progress (21 minute show)
• Hall of Presidents (25 minute show + inside waiting area)

Epcot

• Soarin’ (5 minute ride plus 5 minute pre-show, and inside wait)
• Living with the Land (15 minutes + inside wait)
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-along (15 minutes + inside waiting area)
• Impressions de France (18 minutes + inside waiting area)
• Disney + Pixar Short Film Festival (18 minutes + inside waiting area)
• American Adventure (28 minutes + inside waiting area)

Hollywood Studios

• Vacation Fun (10 minutes)
• Villains Unfairly Ever After (15 minutes)
• The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure (20 minutes)
• For the First Time in Foreer: A Frozen Sing-Along (30 minutes + mostly inside waiting area)

Animal Kingdom

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether (10 minutes)
• Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue… and Beyond! (25 minutes)
• Festival of the Lion King (30 minutes)

Book a table service lunch reservation

Indoor attractions are great for air conditioning, but sit-down restaurants are even better. You’re typically there for around 45 minutes to an hour, so you have an even longer opportunity to beat the heat at Disney.

Rather than doing a sit-down meal for breakfast or dinner, I like to plan them for lunch, when it’s going to be the warmest. It fits in well with an itinerary where you can grab lunch, perhaps do another ride or two, and then head back to the hotel.

If you don’t want to take a midday break at your resort (or you’re staying off-property), a longer sit-down lunch is the next best option.

In addition, make sure you pack light, moisture-wicking clothing. You might think you need less clothing for a summer trip, but I personally find that I want to change during my afternoon break out of the sweaty clothes I have on! So I might need 2 outfits per day during the summer. I also try to bring several pairs of shoes, in case I have any blisters or chafing. With the heat, you can really swell up during the summer, so shoes that might feel comfy at home are suddenly too tight in Florida.

Stay hydrated

Having water is not only a great way to stay cool, it’s also vital in the heat.  Staying hydrated is so important when it’s that warm out, and you’re walking around more than you usually do.  I recommend carrying a water bottle with you. However, if you don’t want to carry a water bottle you can also buy bottled water pretty much anywhere in the parks. You can also request a free cup of ice water at any quick service restaurant. There are also water fountains next to every bathroom location. However you prefer to get your water, make sure you do it!

If you’re concerned about staying hydrated, you might also consider having some electrolytes to add to your water. My personal favorite brand is nuun, but any electrolyte that comes in a single serving tablet or packet should help you get the job done.

Wear lots of sunscreen

While this won’t really do anything to combat the heat, it’s still really important to remember. Not only should you put sunscreen on in the morning, you should really carry it with you and reapply every few hours. Even if you don’t normally sunburn you should still wear it – the rays are still getting into your skin even if you are one of the lucky ones who tans instead of burns. And you definitely don’t want to get burned early on in your trip, and have to suffer through being in the heat with a sunburn for subsequent days!

Be aware of heat exhaustion

Florida is not only hot, it’s also very humid. Heat exhaustion is the first stage before reaching heat stroke, and it’s certainly possible to find yourself there if the circumstances are bad. Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, excessive thirst, and feeling weak.

If you start feeling this way, try to get to a cooler space as soon as possible. Drink water and/or apply a cool cloth to your forehead.

Before going into the parks, take a moment to familiarize yourself with where the first aid centers are at each park. They will be able to assist you if you are overcome in the heat. You can always stop by if you need something or feel like you need to rest or stop by. If an emergency comes up, any nearby cast member will be able to get you help.

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What are some of your tips for staying cool and ways to beat the heat at Disney this summer?