Summertime at Disney World can be brutal. Between the blazing heat and torrential rain, here’s what you need to know to survive!
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It gets so hot during the summertime at Disney World that it can feel stressful just thinking about a summer vacation. However, Summertime works best for most families to travel, which means that summer vacations are inevitable.
Trust me, you may think you can handle the heat but nothing will humble you faster than trying to handle a full day, in the blazing heat and humidity, while walking 20,000 plus steps!
I’ve been going to Disney my whole life and these are my tried and true tips for making it through the Florida heat. These ideas are sure to make your trip much more enjoyable so you can focus on actually having fun!
These tips are friendly on your wallet and easy to incorporate into your Disney stay! But don’t underestimate them. They are powerful and effective! Let’s jump right in with rule number one!
Rule Number 1:
Must-Have, Budget Friendly, Essentials to combat the heat!
First off it’s important to know that there are budget friendly items that can make the heat much less brutal. That’s where these little essentials come in! They’re small (which is great for your park bag) but they pack a huge punch!
The most important item I can pack to combat the heat is a portable fan. This one is hands down my favorite. It’s similar to the Shark Chill Pill portable fan but literally a fraction of the price. It not only blows actual cool air but it has 199 speed levels and features a 20 hour battery life. I personally love the cooling plate technology that I can press to my forehead, face or neck to help me cool down faster. It’s pictured above in the pink option and as you can see the condensation is no joke on that chilling plate! And it’s compact so it will fit well in most park bags! Or you can wear it around your neck with the attachable necklace.
A cooling towel is another great way to quickly cool down. This one folds up small and can even be attached as a keychain to your bag or waistband making it a super compact option! These are lightweight but once wet, they work amazingly!
Sunscreen of course is a must to protect your skin. If you get burnt on your first day, you’ll have trouble enjoying the rest of your trip! These are my favorites. They feature a more “clean” formulation and are effective. I especially love bringing the little stick with me because it fits in even the smallest bags!
You’re of course going to need a reliable park bag that is breathable and lightweight! While this one is my personal favorite because it’s not too big and bulky but also fits quite a bit more than a typical belt bag, you can find my comprehensive list of park bags here!
Electrolyte packs are a super easy way to help ensure you don’t become dehydrated throughout the day! These portable little packs have amazing ratings and are easy to carry around!
Sunglasses will definitely go a long way in protecting your eyes from the sun as well as helping you not squint your entire trip. These MEETSUN Polarized ones offer 99 % UV protection and the polarized lenses reduce glare. They offer style for men and women and they have AMAZING reviews! (over 30,000)
Moisture wicking clothes is another easy way to help reduce sweat and heat. These tank tops are designed to be cooling even in the heat! Win win! They also come in a variety of colors.
Socks are a non-negotiable if you’re going to be wearing tennis shoes but you don’t want to choose the wrong ones! If you want to know my favorites for a long day at the parks, click here.
While you can buy water bottles throughout the parks, that can cost a pretty penny and they don’t stay cold long. I have many different water bottles but these ones win best all around. They will keep your water super cold all day long and I love that they have a straw and gulp function built into one bottle. Plus you can usually find them with some cool Disney designs! Also, they’re not as pricey as some other options!
Rule Number Two:
Your Resort is Part of the Vacation!
Oftentimes, it’s so easy to get caught up in trying to plan a lot of park days or getting in everything you want to get done that you forget that your resort is part of your vacation! Disney resorts offer so many things to do and see while relaxing and keeping cool. Whether you want to lounge by the pool or visit the gift shops and dining locations. There’s usually arcades as well as activities the resorts offer.
My personal favorite resorts aren’t he Swan and Dolphin and Grandestino Bay. They both offer beautiful pool areas. Even if you don’t dedicate a full day to your resort, going for just a little while can provide a much needed break from the heat. Which brings me to my next rule!
Rule Number Three:
Afternoon Breaks are Mandatory!
While It’s possible to spend the entire day at the parks, it’s usually best to take an afternoon break at the resort. During the afternoon hours, the heat peaks and is at its highest temps for the day.
You could go back to your resort and take a nap or you could go to the pool. Not only will this help you to cool off but it will also help you rest up. Especially if you have younger kids, this is a must do! An afternoon break will help you feel refreshed for the rest of your day!
Rule Number Four:
Nighttime Disney is Worth Staying up for!
After you’ve rested, you’ll be ready to return the the parks! And during the summer, night time at Disney is King. The sun will be going down along with the higher temps. Not only can you catch up on some rides and shows you may have missed during your mid day break but you can also catch the nighttime shows as well! Nighttime is also the perfect time to accomplish all of the outdoor rides on your list!
Rule Number Five:
Save outdoor rides for nighttime!
There are many outdoor rides at Disney as well as outside line/queues. I would try to avoid those during the day because nothing makes a slow line feel slower than the feeling of being roasted alive by the scorching sun. Unless it’s a ride that will get you wet, I would definitely aim to do the outdoor rides once the sun goes down.
Rule Number Six:
pack more shoes!
Summer at Disney is also rainy season in Florida. It will probably rain at least once everyday throughout your summer stay. And while the rain may offer a temporary reprieve, you don’t want to rely on one soggy pair of shoes for the rest of your trip. A second pair of good walking shoes is a must! This is my favorite sandal option that never blisters or rubs and offers a super comfy sole. And these tennis shoes offer all day comfort as well!
Rule Number Seven:
Use Lightning Lanes!
Disney during the summer is usually pretty crowded. Crowded and heat often do not mix! One way to expedite your daily plans is to use the Lightning Lanes. Yes, these cost extra per person but when it saves you precious time and allows you to accomplish more attractions, it’s worth it!
Lightning Lanes basically work as a ride reservation system which can significantly lower your ride wait times! This is great for rides that your little kids may want to do that usually have outdoor queues. Like, Peter Pan, It’s a Small World and Seven Drawfs Mine Train. All you need is to download the My Disney Experience App and purchase Lightning Lanes and then start reserving your rides!
Rule Number Eight:
Use a Printable Guide!
Another easy resource to alleviate stress before your trip even begins is my 60 page, printable Disney World Planner! This planner encompasses everything you could possibly think of. From budgeting, expense trackers and payment payoff schedules, to packing lists for the entire family, by category. You’ll be able to easily track your Disney dining credits, which rides and attractions you want to do for each park as well as have height requirements and character meet and greets at your fingertips! And bonus, this planner is easily customizable and editable in Canva for paperless, ease of use on your phone!
Well, there you have it! My complete list of rules to help you survive your Disney World vacation in the summertime. These rules are mandatory to ensure you stay hydrated, safe and not miserable as you navigate the scorching, summer heat.
Remember, going to Disney World is all about having fun and quality time. With the right information, products and prep, you can rest assured that even vacations during the hottest time of year can be enjoyable!