Time for a hot topic – literally! Even as a Floridian, this is one thing I hadn’t done — until now. Visiting Disney in the summer can be an unforgettable experience filled with magic and adventure. However, the Florida heat and crowds can present some challenges. To ensure you have the best possible trip, it’s important to be well-prepared and know a few key strategies to stay cool, comfortable, and make the most of your time in the parks. Truthfully, it’s HOT, but it’s totally doable. Here are a few essential tips to help you navigate the magic of Disney World during the hottest months of the year.
Tips for Disney in the Summer
School’s out, the calendar is flexible and you love a little pixie dust magic. If you’re going to be hot, you might as well be hot in the most magical place on Earth. Try these suggestions to make the most of your Disney World trip!
1. Stay Hydrated and Cool
- Bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated and refill often. Every park has water fountains and even refillable bottle stations. We also saw Casey’s Corner set up water stations with complimentary cups of water during the hottest part of the day. This is like the bottle we brought last trip and this one is great too.
- Bring a neck fan or handheld fan, which were a game changer when it was extra sunny.
- This small fan clips to your shirt to fan your face or can be worn as a necklace or even clipped to your waistband to fan your back. This fan can be worn around the neck and has 3 settings to cool your face.
- Try cooling towels, which are available for purchase in the park or bring your own. They can be kept wet and cool then draped over you next or patted on the face to cool down.
- Take advantage of indoor attractions and shows to cool off. Carousel of Progress is always a favorite for a refreshing sit-down.
Pack all your gear in a bag like this cute mouse ear backpack or a Loungefly like this.
2. Take Advantage of AC
- Alternate outdoor rides with indoor experiences so you can sit down, cool down and refresh
- Walk through gift shops or quick service spots for AC breaks if needed. Many of the shops are connected to the next so you can wander through indoors from point A to point B without being in the heat full-time.
3. Consider Rope Drop and Genie+
- For Disney in the summer, consider rope drop arrival to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the park before the heat of the day. Bonus if you’re staying on property: resort guests get 30 minutes extra in the AM.
- Use Genie+ and the Disney app to plan your day, book Lightning Lane access to minimize wait times, and make the most of cooler morning hours.
- Overall, most queues weren’t bad since it is not the busiest time to visit. Only the top 1-2 rides at each park seemed super busy.
4. Maximize Resort Time
- Head back to the resort in the afternoon to nap or swim then return to the park later for a refreshed round 2. We left around 2pm and returned at 6pm.
- Transportation is fairly quick during this time so the back and forth travel time is minimal.
- You can recharge phones or even change clothes if needed.
- For more resort recs, we loved Caribbean Beach Resort this trip and also frequently book Port Orleans Riverside and Coronado Springs.
5. Dress for the Weather
- Dress comfortably and lightly in light colors and sweat friendly fabrics with sunglasses, hat (if you skip the mouse ears) and plenty of sunscreen. I love to wear this tennis dress and this scalloped athletic set.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes that can handle 20k steps and walking through puddles. These Hokas are extra comfy.
- Be prepared for rain as it will likely sprinkle or thunderstorm in the afternoon (even if only for a few minutes). It is Florida in the summer and that’s just how it goes. Most attractions remain open rain or shine.
- Rain doesn’t have to ruin the day. Pack a poncho, umbrella or simply embrace getting rained on— it might feel great!
- More outfit inspo at the end of this post!
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6. Snack and Dine Accordingly
- Consider you might be more likely to eat smaller meals in the heat than a big plate, so be strategic about what you order so you’re satisfied but not too full in the heat.
- Try refreshing ice-cold treats to cool down momentarily. We love Storybook Treats swirls.the Sulley Slushy at Cosmic Rays. and a Pineapple Dole Whip of course.
What to Wear to Disney in the Summer
Athletic Dresses & Sets
- All of these come in multiple colors so you can choose your favorite, but a few favorites of mine are this scalloped style, this tank and skirt combo and this simple tennis dress with shorts.
- For girls athletic dresses, check out this style and this one with shorts.
Comfy Shoes
Accessories
Traveling to Disney in the summer can be hot, humid and sweaty, but when you embrace the heat and make the most of the day, it’s just as magical as any other time of year.