As we recorded this episode of The DVC Show, the Florida heat index was pushing 103 degrees. That’s before we even get into July and August. If you’ve ever found yourself walking through EPCOT‘s World Showcase wondering if you’ll make it to the next pavilion, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
The truth is that plenty of Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney fans visit Walt Disney World during the summer. Sometimes it’s because of school schedules. Sometimes it’s because that’s when points are available. And sometimes you simply want to enjoy Disney whenever you can.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to beat the heat at Disney World. During this episode, we shared the strategies we actually use during our own summer trips.
Quick Answer: How Do You Beat the Heat at Disney World?
The best ways to stay cool at Disney World include:
- Stay hydrated with free water from quick service restaurants
- Arrive early and avoid the hottest part of the day
- Take midday resort breaks
- Spend time in indoor attractions and shows
- Use cooling towels, portable fans, and sunscreen
- Wear lightweight clothing and bring extra socks or shirts
- Take advantage of pools and nearby resorts
- Enjoy cold snacks and refreshing drinks throughout the day
For us, the biggest mistake is trying to power through the heat without taking breaks.
Hydrate More Than You Think You Need To
If there was one tip that came up over and over during our discussion, it was simple. Drink water. Lots of water.
Disney’s bottled water prices add up quickly, especially for families. Fortunately, you can get complimentary cups of ice water at any quick service location with indoor plumbing.
There are also several spots around the parks that make hydration easier. The Germany Pavilion frequently has trays of ice water available, and locations like Spice Road Table often have self serve water stations.
One thing we’ve also become fans of is bringing our own insulated water bottles. Whether it’s a Stanley, Yeti, or another insulated tumbler, keeping cold water with you throughout the day can make a huge difference.
Several of us also mentioned electrolyte packets like Liquid IV. After a long park day, they can feel like a lifesaver.
Rope Drop Is Your Best Friend
Derek may have said it a few times.
Actually, he may have said it a dozen times.
Go early.
Summer mornings at Disney World are far more comfortable than afternoons. By rope dropping, you can accomplish several major attractions before the heat and crowds become overwhelming.
Our favorite approach looks something like this:
- Arrive early
- Knock out priority attractions
- Leave during peak afternoon heat
- Return later in the evening
This strategy allows you to enjoy more attractions while spending significantly less time miserable in the Florida sun.
What’s in Our Disney Park Bags During the Summer?
The contents of our park bags definitely change during the summer months.
A few essentials we never leave behind include:
- Insulated water bottle
- Portable fan
- Cooling towel
- Portable charger
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Extra shirt
- Dry socks
- Small umbrella
- Sweat towel
The extra clothing discussion actually sparked several stories.
There is nothing quite like getting soaked on a water ride or during an afternoon thunderstorm and realizing you’re spending the rest of the day in wet clothes.
An extra shirt or pair of socks doesn’t take much space, but it can completely change your comfort level.
The Best Places to Escape the Heat at Disney World
Some of our favorite attractions become even better during the summer simply because they’re indoors and air conditioned.
Best Cooling Attractions at EPCOT
The clear winner during our conversation was The American Adventure.
The show lasts nearly half an hour, offers comfortable seating, and provides wonderful air conditioning. More than one person admitted they may have accidentally taken a nap during it.
Other favorites include:
- Living with the Land
- Soarin’
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Journey Into Imagination with Figment
- The Land Pavilion
- Odyssey Pavilion
- CommuniCore Hall
And yes, simply stepping into gift shops around World Showcase can make a tremendous difference.
Best Cooling Attractions at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom offers plenty of places to cool down:
- Carousel of Progress
- Hall of Presidents
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- PeopleMover
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
The PeopleMover is especially underrated because you get both shade and a nice breeze.
Best Cooling Attractions at Hollywood Studios
Several shows immediately came to mind:
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration
- Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After
- Walt Disney Presents
The Frozen Sing Along may actually feel cooler once the snow sequence begins.
One attraction that definitely did not make our cooling list?
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
When it’s already hot outside, adding explosions and fire somehow doesn’t help.
Best Cooling Attractions at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom may be Disney World’s hottest park.
Even with all the trees, the humidity and tropical environment can feel overwhelming.
Some of our favorite cooling locations include:
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
- Conservation Station
- Tree of Life Theater
- Rainforest Cafe lounge area
- Nomad Lounge
If you’re visiting Animal Kingdom in the summer, planning intentional indoor breaks can completely change your day.
Don’t Forget About Resort Breaks
As DVC Members, one of our favorite advantages is having incredible resorts to enjoy.
Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is simply leaving the park for a while.
We talked about spending time at:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Resort lobbies
- Community Halls
- Arcades
- Movies Under the Stars
If you’re staying nearby, even a quick hour in the air conditioning can help you recharge.
And then there are the pools.
Stormalong Bay came up immediately during our discussion, and for good reason. It’s one of the best pool complexes anywhere at Walt Disney World.
The complimentary water park admission on check in day also deserves a mention. During summer vacations, it’s one of the most underrated perks available to Disney resort guests.
The Best Snacks and Drinks for Hot Summer Days
Summer snacks at Disney deserve their own category.
Some of our favorites included:
- Frozen Mint Tea in Morocco
- Mango Iced Tea from Joffrey’s
- Dole Whip
- Lime Dole Whip Float
- Seasonal soft serve from Swirled Showcase
- Alcoholic snow cones in Japan
- Rosen Crown cider with black currant
- Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Sometimes the perfect Disney snack is less about hunger and more about cooling off for a few minutes.
The Biggest Summer Mistake We See
Every one of us agreed on this. The biggest mistake guests make is trying to push through the heat.
Disney World can absolutely be enjoyable during the summer, but only if you adjust your expectations.
Take breaks. Sit indoors. Visit your resort. Grab a cold drink. Slow down.
The guests who struggle the most are usually the ones trying to maintain the same pace they would have in January.
Our Final Thoughts on Beating the Heat at Disney World
Florida summers are hot. There is simply no getting around it.
But after years of visiting Walt Disney World during some incredibly warm days, we’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way.
Hydrate constantly. Rope drop whenever possible. Escape indoors frequently. Take advantage of your resort. And don’t underestimate the power of a dry pair of socks and an afternoon pool break.
Summer at Disney World may be hot, but with the right strategy, it can still be an amazing vacation.
