5 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney this Summer!
So you’re going to Walt Disney World during the summer and you’re worried about the heat…
With good reason! Florida gets not only hot during the summer but muggy. If you’re looking for tips on how to beat the heat and have your best vacation yet, keep reading!
1. Use Genie+ to Your Advantage!
I’m sure if you’re reading this blog you’ve read others, and you’ve probably crossed many different strategies for using Genie+ but have you ever considered using it for rides where the queue is outside?
This is definitely not the most advantageous plan for every family but it’s certainly something to consider! If it’s especially hot and the park is crowded, you’re going to wind up waiting in a line somewhere, isn’t it better that line is air conditioned and cool?
For instance, while it’s tempting to grab that Genie+ return time for Pirates of the Caribbean, you may want to instead wait in line for that attraction while you run out the clock on a Genie+ reservation for the Haunted Mansion, where you might be in the shade but you’re absolutely going to be out in the heat. The cool tunnels and stone of Pirates always seem to offer a breeze as you make your way toward your awaiting vessel!
Not sure which attraction queues are inside or outside? I’ve got you covered.
2. Plan Your Time Wisely!
Are you brave enough for Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach?
The hottest time of the day is typically the afternoon, so it’s best to plan out your itinerary for the day while always keeping that in mind. And there’s plenty of options on how to accommodate that, depending on what’s important to you and your family.
If you have the time in your schedule, I fully recommend allowing yourself to keep the hottest day of your trip for a pool day at your resort. Not only are Disney pools some of the most fun basically ever, it’s a great way to rest, relax and recharge during what is otherwise a very busy vacation. You could also plan a day for a WDW water park like Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, if you or your family are water lovers!
If a full day at the pool doesn’t seem like a good use of your time, or you only have a couple days to spend in Disney, you could always start the day out at the park and head back to the room for a nap in some air conditioning or to enjoy the pool before heading back out to the parks to enjoy a nighttime spectacular.
3. Seek Out Cool Attractions!
Might be hard to tell, but here I am after Kali River Rapids SOAKED (and happy because it was HOT!)
This may seem like a given, but hop on those cool attractions! If ever there was a time for riding Kali River Rapids, where you almost certainly will get wet, it’s a day when you’re battling Animal Kingdom in the sweltering heat. (And if you didn’t get wet enough on the ride itself, go stand on the puddle jumper by the fountain at the locker station, that will do the job.) But if you’re at the other parks, there are plenty of options!
In the Magic Kingdom, the camels spit water by the Magic Carpet ride, and there’s a misting station between that and the Jungle Cruise. Or simply hop on People Mover! It’s a slow ride but you’ll get a great breeze.
In EPCOT, hop on Test Track for an incredible breeze or stand under the jumping water by FIgment.
At Hollywood Studios, your best bet is probably to duck into a show and cool off for a while - The Little Mermaid is always great for this purpose.
And that’s not even to mention all the rides that are inside with actual air conditioning!
4. When in Doubt… Seek Out Ice Cream!
Because there’s nothing better than a Mickey Bar!
Okay, not just ice cream. But another way to get out of the heat in the afternoon is to plan a lunch reservation at a sit down restaurant.
Most consider those longer meals for dinner time, but lunch is often less expensive and will provide a great opportunity to cool off before heading out to tackle more rides or camp out for a parade.
If you don’t want to take the time to sit down for a meal, then yes, make sure you’re grabbing sweet treats - there’s never a better time for a Mickey Bar or Dole Whip than when it’s hot!
And don’t forget the importance of keeping hydrated.
My favorite “trick” is to bring my own water bottle
and stop by fill stations throughout the parks, or simply ask
for ice water at any quick service spot - it’s free!
5. PLAN AHEAD!
The absolute best way to manage the heat is to PLAN AHEAD. If you have a trip scheduled for summer, you know it’s going to be hot.
Me in my fan… just don’t forget to take it off for pictures (like me!)
Make sure you pack comfortable, lightweight, breathable clothing for you and your family. Moisture wicking is incredible, if that’s something you have on hand, but you know what you’ll be most comfortable in.
And don’t forget your feet! Sandals may be the way to go to keep your feet cool, as long as they’re comfortable enough to walk all day in.
You can also plan ahead by bringing items that may keep you cool. A personal fan may feel like it looks silly (that’s what I thought when I used one, at least) but there’s nothing silly about that breeze blowing right in your face when it’s 95 degrees outside, and I promise you no one is going to think twice about it. You can also get cooling towels to hang around your neck or a misting fan. Buying these before hand is definitely more cost effective than waiting until you’re already hot and buying them in the parks.
Looking for recommendations of what to buy for your trip?
