Most Floridians spend most of their summer days inside their air conditioned home or job, but tourists are way too busy to do that all day! So the big question is, how do you avoid the heat while enjoying yourself at the parks? Here is 10 Ways to beat the heat at Disney!
1. Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water!
Sounds like common sense right? Surprisingly most tourists forget to drink water while they stay busy at the parks! If your trip consists of Walt Disney World, don’t pack water! Disney gives free ice water at all the Quick Service restraunts and Starbucks! So don’t be bogged down by a 12 pack of water there, just ask for it! Universal does this as well, you just need to ask!
2. Waterparks or Pool during Your Hottest Travel Day!
Don’t be caught in a park when it’s 100+ outside and you are waiting in line so close to someone and you realize it’s only 9 am. A week prior to your trip, look at the expected weather and plan a hotel pool day or waterpark day the hottest day that you will be here! It will save you a lot of frustration and complaining about the heat kids.
3. Seeing a Parade? Watch it in the shade!
Parades at the parks are a wonderful thing to feast your eyes upon, but since they are all so popular, most people stake out spots hours in advance, and most are directly in the sun. If you are going to stake out a spot, at least make sure it is in the shade because it will get very hot under the sun just sitting and waiting.
4. Indoor Attractions during Peak Hours!
All theme parks have indoor attractions where awaits air conditioning to hide from the scorching heat. At Disney’s Magic Kingdom, there is the Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, and Space Mountain. At Disney’s Epcot there is The Land which has Soarin’, The Seas with Finding Nemo, and Test Track. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you have It’s Tough To Be A Bug, Festival of The Lion King, and Finding Nemo The Musical. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is The Great Movie Ride, Rock and Roller Coaster, and Muppet Vision 3D. Also do not forget about Disney Quest at Downtown Disney!
Then onto Universal Studios, there is The Mummy ride, Transformers, and The Horror Make Up Show. Heading to Islands of Adventure you have the Spiderman ride, the Cat in the Hat ride, and Posieden’s Fury. All of these are great ways to stay cool during your wait, and on the ride itself. So plan Disney Fastpasses for rides that have outdoor waits rather than use it on one with air conditioning.
5. Bring a Misting Fan for your Trip!
The theme parks sell Misting fans for roughly $18. You can get one at Dollar Tree or Walmart for a few bucks. They are very popular for the summer months and you can always refill them at any bathroom or water fountain! Some outdoor vendors have ice, take a few cubes and plop them in for an even cooler mist!
6. Pack Light Colored Clothes!
The darker colors you wear at the parks, the hotter you will be, the stickier you’ll be, and the more miserable you will be. So pack some white tank tops, shorts, flowy dresses, and sun screen and avoid anything black, thick material, and sweaters, definately don’t pack sweaters.
7. Pack Your Bags Light!
While venturing to the parks, the last thing you want to feel like during the day is hot and sweaty with 20 pounds of bags, on top of regular summer hot and sweatiness. Limit your bags to a backpack and a purse. If you are travelling with 2 adults, have 1 adult carry the backpack, the other 1 the oversized purse. For me, I bring a large purse, it’s basically a tote bag and it holds my large camera, plenty of snacks, a souvenir cup and my different lenses. It’s large enough to hold what I need, but convenient enough to not be overbearing throughout the summer day.
8. Make Time to Unwind!
You’ve done everything in your power to cool off in the parks but the heat is still getting to your little ones? Go back to the hotel and cool off. Heat, excitement, and going all day is exhausting especially for kids. Take some time to relax. It could be at the hotelor an an air conditioned quick service, but take a break and just relax from the hustle and bustle.
9. Eat meals inside!
Almost all quick service restraunts have both indoor and outdoor seating. Have 1 parent stay in line while the other scouts for an indoor seat. This will keep everyone out of the heat for a bit and juse plain happier to be eating in the AC. A few areas that are great for indoor seating is Columbia Harbor House at Magic Kingdom, The Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Electric Umbrella at Disney’s Epcot, The Simpsons quick service at Universal Studios, and the quick services in Jurassic Park area at Islands of Adventure!
10. When all else fails, take a leisurely paced walk through gift shops
All gift shops are condensed with super cold air conditioning to attract guests in to buy, but is a great way to beat the heat temporarily. Take a small stroll, browse if you want, and enjoy the cool air.
Thank you everyone for reading about how to beat the heat this summer on your vacation! Stay cool!
– Monica L. Gillis
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
