Money and crowds are definitely things we need to think through in our Disney World trip preparations but we absolutely must not forget about how to deal with the Florida heat!
The relentless sun beating down on long park days can quickly make your trip go from enjoyable to miserable within a few hours. But we are here to help you battle the heat with a few smart strategies that will keep your energy up and your melting down so you can enjoy every magical moment!
9 Ways To Stay Cool At Disney World
Here are some ideas to help you stay cool at Disney World! Some require some preparation ahead of your trip, so be sure to to plan ahead.
1. Freeze Your Water Bottle
The night before you head into the parks, take a water bottle and have it filled to about 80% (if you fill it full, it may burst). This will do 2 things. First, it can act as an ice pack for items in your back pack or cooler pack you want to stay cold.
Second, you can drink the water as it starts to thaw and refill when it becomes an ice chunk at the bottom. In case you are wondering, a frozen bottle is permitted into the parks but “loose ice” is not permitted so freeze them solid and bring them in.
Most of the refrigerators in the Disney hotels are technically “coolers,” so if you are staying on Disney property this tip will be harder. Some people suggest filling an ice bucket with ice and putting it in your hotel cooler to get it as cold as possible.
2. Mobile Order a Cold Treat and Add Ice Water
Here’s a pro tip. Mobile order a cold treat and when you pick it up (without standing in line), double the coolness by asking for an ice water. A 10 minute break in the shade getting a Dole Whip followed by an ice cold water really helps on those super hot days.
Remember that you can ask for water at any quick service restaurant without purchasing anything. You will receive a cup of cold water for free!
3. Use a Cooling Towel
People who work outdoors in hot climates already know the benefit of using cooling towels and wraps. When you are headed to Disney World you should know about them too.
Cooling towels are inexpensive, light, and can actually lower your body temperature when they are “activated.” You activate your cooling towels by soaking them in water, wringing them out, give them a wave, and place them around the neck and other places (wrists, face, anywhere you may have sunburn).
KEEP CHILLY：This cooling towel is chemical-free and stays cool for up to 3 hours.
These are easy lightweight, take up very little space in your backpack, and will dry well.
4. Use a Cooling Fan
Cooling fans have come a long way. There are many different styles depending on what you are looking for. You can find handheld, neck fans, clip on fans, stroller fans, and many misting variations using water.
You will want to consider how you will carry around a fan. Many people like the neck fans as they are hands free. If you have a stroller, a clip on or one made specially for a stroller is the best option to keep the child cool. The stroller is a great place to carry any fan for the adults – this gives you more options!
- 12-19 Hours Cooling Time: With up to 19 hours of cooling time on a single charge, this mini handheld fan ensures you stay refreshed during travel, concerts, and outdoor adventures; Conveniently rechargeable via USB
If you are carrying just a backpack or crossbody bag, make sure that any misting fans are completely leakproof.
5. Dress for Coolness
Most people already know that you have to dress for hot weather, but sometimes at Disney World fashion trumps comfort. We love wearing Disney gear, but we have learned that there some items that are more conducive to surviving the heat than others.
The best things to wear are loose fitting, light colored, lightweight clothes that have breathable natural fibers or moisture wicking synthetic fabrics. Avoid polyester shirts, denim shorts, and heavy shoes.
There are areas of the Disney parks with very little shade, especially in Hollywood Studios. If you are especially susceptible to heat, consider a lightweight flowy cardigan to keep the sun off your skin. It is also a good idea to wear a hat and, of course, good breathable shoes.
Can you dress for coolness and look Disney cool at the same time? We think you can by thinking through what you are going to wear and adding your Disney flair either with clothing or accessories that fit the above recommendations.
6. Use the Air Conditioned Attractions Strategically
Depending on which park you are visiting, plan your itinerary with many of the longer air conditioned attractions in the afternoon. We know this can’t always be done with precision, but if you take some time and think through your day you might find some easy AC applications.
Stage shows, theater shows and similar attractions are longer than most rides and most are in AC or at the very least in a cool environment (for example, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is in an outdoor theater but it is shaded and has fans).
Find these attractions in the park you are going to and try to weave your tour schedule around them. You would be amazed at how much a 10 year old might be thrilled to go into the Hall Of Presidents for 20 minutes of AC and sitting at 3 in the afternoon!
7. Rope Drop and Rest
You probably already know that we love to rope drop but here’s another great reason to get your crew up early and get to the parks as soon as the “rope drops” and they let you in. Mornings are cool!
Let us tell you two facts…morning temperatures are almost always nice and cool and crowd levels are lower. This is why we suggest taking advantage of rope dropping on the hottest of days. You are able to be more strategic with your afternoons in order to stay cool.
One great strategy is to visit the park until noon, head back to your Disney resort for lunch and a swim (or a nap!) and then tour the rest of the park in the evening. This gives you a break from the crowds and heat and allows you to take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings. It also gives you a chance to enjoy your resort!
8. Sit Down Lunch
Make a reservation at a sit down, table service restaurant for a late lunch, during the hottest part of the day. We suggest picking a restaurant in the park you are visiting and keep in mind you will need to make the reservation 2 months before your trip.
The downside of doing the table service lunch is you are taking precious park time away but it can be an absolute necessity on many of the summer days at Walt Disney World.
9. Use Common Sense
When the temperatures are off the charts, it is nothing to fool around with. Here are 9 quick tips that you need to remember when the temperature is soaring, you are hot and cranky, and everyone in your family is struggling. These will help!
- Drink water before you leave your hotel room in the morning and continue throughout the day. Never stop.
- Use electrolyte supplements like Liquid IV or sports drinks in addition to the water. Our family feels these are non-negotiable (at least for the adults).
- Avoid alcohol. Drink at least one additional glass of water for each alcoholic drink.
- Embrace attractions with signs that say, “You WILL get wet on this ride”!
- No FOMO. Do what you can, enjoy it and don’t worry about doing it all. Disney is so big, you wouldn’t be able to do it all anyway.
- Go slower than you think you should.
- Drink more water.
With these tips you are well on your way to beating the Florida summer heat! If you are not used to the heat and extra walking you will be susceptible to the Disney rash. Be sure to follow our prevention and treatment tips.