Staying Cool on a Hot Day at Disney

Fast moving rides will cool you down

For many people a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida is a once in a lifetime vacation. Other people are able to go more often, some even make it an annual trek. Often people, even seasoned Disney veterans, underestimate the Florida sun. Everyone realizes that it is going to be hot and humid in July but it can also be uncomfortable in the winter months, Florida weather is unpredictable. Since a Disney vacation requires a lot of walking and time outdoors it is best to plan ahead so that the heat will have as little effect on you as possible.

Drink Lots of Water

The first thing that you need to remember is that you should drink lots of water. All of the parks have plenteous water fountains, use them. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a soft drink you will be best hydrated when you drink plain water. If you are going to wait in an outdoor line take a long drink before you join it. You will be glad that you did.

Disney has plenty of water fountains. Use them!

Study the Map

The maps for the Disney parks are readily available, study them before you head to the parks. Plan out when you are going to see shows and when you plan to ride some of the more popular rides. Many of the rides have a good part of the queue indoors, plan to ride those during the heat of the day. Toy Story Midway Mania, for example, usually has an incredibly long line but most (if not all) of the wait is inside. It's worth waiting in the heat of the day. If you know where the rides are ahead of time you can spend less time walking around, looking for the ride, and more time indoors, out of the heat.

Be Careful With the Shows

You may think that the shows are a good way to beat the heat but be careful when planning which ones you want to see and when. Some of them are outdoors and part of the seating area is in the sun. If you have any questions ask a cast member for recommendations for the best time to see a show and sit in the shade. Enjoy the indoor shows during the middle of the day, they'll give you a nice break from the heat.

Plan Your Meals

All four of the parks have great places where you can sit inside and enjoy the air conditioning while you eat. On busy days the places get crowded, especially the counter service restaurants. Plan you meals so that you will not be eating between 11am and 1pm, when the restaurants will be packed. You won't feel as rushed and you'll be able to sit inside for a longer amount of time.

Enjoy the Water Rides

Disney gives you places to cool off so enjoy them. They have two water parks, spend a day at one of those. In the main theme parks head down Splash Mountain or take a ride on Kali River Rapids. There are also interactive fountains, don't leave those for just the kids! You'll have a great time and the water will feel good on a hot day.