Walt chose Florida for his second Disney park because of its warm weather and year-round vacation appeal. Most days, that sunshine is part of the magic. Other days? Well…Florida decides to remind you who’s really in charge.
Between the blazing sun, afternoon downpours and humidity hovering somewhere around 9,000% (give or take a few thousand), even the most magical day can start to feel a little melty.
The good news? A little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re visiting in the middle of summer or happen to catch one of those toasty winter afternoons, having a few tricks up your sleeve can keep both temperatures and tempers from boiling over.
Here are ten of our favorite ways to beat the heat and stay cool at Walt Disney World.
As you’re cooling down with these tips, you can help us heat up our Disney fund by making purchases through our affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and we truly appreciate your support. It helps us keep creating free planning guides, tips and resources for fellow Disney fans.
1. Dress for Success
While it’s tempting to try to look fashion forward when you’re at the most photographed place on Earth, consider your fabrics.
That super adorable chiffon dress will look killer on Instagram (we’d love a follow, by the way), but how breathable will it feel six hours into a marathon day at Magic Kingdom? Those jeans that make your bootie pop are awesome, but no one likes denim after riding Kali River Rapids.
Natural, breathable fabrics are best, so look at cotton and linen, or consider moisture-wicking options if you’re a dripper. And, yes, black is slimming, but opt for light, reflective colors when traipsing around the parks. But, girls, go ahead and pack that LBD for a night out at the Boardwalk. 😉
All that said, don’t completely abandon your Disneybounding designs or the kids’ dress-up dreams. If the kiddos are stroller age, start the day in those costumes and snap your pics while they’re still fresh, stain-free and before the early afternoon breakdown.
Are you the one looking at costume changes? Tote a tote or consider renting a locker and slip into something a little more comfortable after your close-up.
2. Get Cool from the Inside Out
Stay hydrated, stay hydrated, stay hydrated!! This cannot be stressed enough!!
Free ice water is available at counter service restaurants, and fountains are located around the parks. We’re big fans of S’well bottles in the parks. Those little beauties come in multiple sizes and keep your beverage cold for 24 hour (or hot for 12). We fill them up in the morning, then refill with the free ice water as we go. Get yourself a little cash back through Rakuten (referral link)! Of course, you can purchase bottled water about every fifteen feet, too.
Once you’ve gotten a decent amount of water in you, it’s time to indulge!
Head to Club Cool in Epcot and sample some cool Coca Cola beverages from around the world. Don’t forget to try the Beverly! If you’re craving something sweet, spring for a Mickey Bar or, my personal favorite, a strawberry juice bar! There’s no shortage of frozen treats at Disney World to keep your tummy happy and your insides cool.
3. Personal Air Conditioner
While there are quite literally personal ACs that are pretty dang, um, cool, we’ve tried out several of these park must-haves that also get the job done.
Misting fans are available for purchase all over the parks, but you can also grab one for about half that price before you head out on vacation. Fill ‘er up with some icy water, pop in a fresh battery pre-trip and you’re good to go. Save yourself some frustration, and get one per kid.
We also tried out cooling towels on the recommendation of a golfer friend last summer. I cannot say enough about these! Not only did they keep us cool, they kept us from burning our buns while sitting on the curb watching Festival of Fantasy on a hit August afternoon. We wore them around our necks, the small of our backs and they were great for a quick face swipe when needed.
4. Spraygrounds
Spraygrounds (aka splash pads) and misters are sprinkled throughout the parks for guests, young and old alike.
With the removal of the Honey, I Shrunk the Playground play area (and everything surrounding it now…wahhhhhhh!!), I’m not aware of any of these areas at Hollywood Studios (someone chime in if I’m wrong).
If you’re planning to utilize these, consider throwing a pair of flip-flops in your bag. No one likes wet socks. A change of clothes for the kiddos, at least, may be in order, especially at the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Magic Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom: Storybook Circus, Adventureland between Jungle Cruise and the Magic Carpets, Tomorrowland near the DVC kiosk
Epcot: Walkway between Future World and the World Showcase, walkway toward Mission:SPACE; Cool Wash near Test Track
Animal Kingdom: Lockers near Kali River Rapids…Animal Kingdom, the sauna park, needs more spraygrounds, amirite?!
5. Climate Control
There is no shortage of indoor, climate-controlled attractions at Disney World, thank goodness. If you can survive the queue elbow to elbow hundreds of your new closest friends (some of whom don’t believe in deodorant), then you’re gold!
Personally, I love a show, as I’m guaranteed a good 20 minutes of AC, if not more.
For unlimited air conditioning, step into one of the exhibits lining the World Showcase. Many offer benches and are a perfect spot to escape the heat for as long as your family will let you.
We’re big fans of the waiting area outside of the movie in China. And, bonus, Mulan meets here, so the kids can hop in line while you’re soakin’ up the cool air.
Star Wars Launch Bay and Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios are great for this, too, as well as providing some interesting viewing and maybe a character encounter or two.
If all else fails, head to the gift shop! Just try not to heat up your credit card while you’re cooling down.
6. Ride or Die (of Heat)
Speaking of attractions, at least two attractions are guaranteed to give you a little chill.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom and Kali River Rapids guarantee a little relief ranging from a light spray to “Holy crap, I shouldn’t have worn white!”
Like the spraygrounds, consider alternate foot wear. Kali even offers complimentary lockers to store your items while you ride, so you can easily throw tennis shoes in while you don a pair of sandals. Of course, if you didn’t remember and are absolutely miserable in wet socks and shoes, in true Disney fashion, there are kiosks hawking sandals and towels as you exit the ride. 😉
7. Belly Up to the Counter
In addition to that free ice water I mentioned earlier, quick service restaurants are a great place to beat the heat. Indoor locations are air conditioned and offer seating, while outdoor locations tend to at least offer shade from the blaring sun.
Except you, Toy Story Land. Get on that.
This is also a great time to fuel up, as the heat can definitely take it out of you. Most restaurants offer lighter fare that will complement the heat better than a piping hot cheeseburger. Order up a turkey sandwich or a salad with that large ice water and take a breather.
8. Baby, It’s Hot Outside
Traveling with little ones? Take full advantage of each park’s baby care center!
With cool and clean changing stations, nursing areas and a small room to escape the heat and overstimulation of the parks, these centers are an oasis in the desert of magic and stimuli. We utilized them quite a bit when the kids were younger. The cast members even encouraged the grandparents to stay and watch cartoons with the kiddos while the rest of us rode a few more rides.
The centers also offer supplies for for purchase (diapers, baby food, OTC meds, etc.), as well as restrooms, microwaves, sinks and anything you need to care for your littlest ones while in the park.
Magic Kingdom: Near Crystal Palace (to the left of the hub when facing Cinderella Castle)
Epcot: The Odyssey (between Test Track and Mexico)
Hollywood Studios: Walt Disney Studios Courtyard (to the left of the Animation Courtyard behind Little Mermaid)
Animal Kingdom: Past Pizzafari (to the left when walking toward Africa)
9. (Water) Park It
I’m not a big water park fan since I saw a band-aid floating by me in the wave pool when I was 10. However, and I know band-aids are still a possibility in Disney, I LOVE me some Disney water parks! I’m a sucker for a good theme. So, if the four main theme parks are scorching, consider a day or two at Typhoon Lagoon and/or Blizzard Beach. With awesome slides, great theming and a variety of options for all ages and thrill levels, you’d be hard pressed not to have a great time at the water parks.
10. Welcome Home
One of the main reasons I will only stay on property when visiting Walt Disney World is location, location, location.
There’s no shame in my game. I’ll 100% skip out on the parks if the temps start climbing. No one is making magical memories if you’re all drenched in sweat and crabby. You know you’ve seen those families who refuse to leave the parks even through their little Cinderellas are throwing a dreamy little fit because her $100 costume is itchy, uncomfortable and hooooottttttt!!!!
I know you spent a lot on this vacation, but take a breath, mama. Slow down, daddy. Are these the memories you want to make? If you’re miserably hot and everyone is melting down, grown-ups included (btw, for us it usually happens on day 5), hop a monorail or a bus or a boat back to your room and chill. Jump in the pool, take a nap, grab a shower, hit the pool bar, whatever. Just decompress and relax. It is, after all, your vacation…
Stay Cool, Make Memories
Florida is going to Florida, especially in the summer, but don’t let the heat steal the magic from your vacation. A little planning goes a long way, and knowing when to cool off, slow down and head indoors can be the difference between powering through the afternoon and calling it quits before dinner.
If you’re planning your first Walt Disney World vacation, we’d love to help! Our complimentary concierge planning services include personalized park strategies, resort recommendations, dining reservations, discount monitoring and plenty of tips to help you beat the heat without missing the magic.
Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite way to beat the Florida heat at Disney World? Share your best cooling-off tip in the comments and help the next family stay a little more magical. ☀️💙
Let's start planning your trip full of Magic, Memories and maybe even a little Mayhem!
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Great tips. We hope to go to Disney in the future. Thanks!
Thanks!! You’ll have lots of fun!!
What great tips. I haven’t been to Disney World, but we have a Six Flags close, and they work for there too. All theme parks in the summer can be brutal, but these are great ways to keep cool.
Oh, definitely lots are applicable anywhere! Glad you found some useful tips. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Thank you for sharing the ideas. In summer, beating the heat can be difficult at times but when you have great ideas like that, it makes it easier at Disney World.
You definitely need a few tricks up your sleeve in that humidity!