The Disney heat is no joke. Since Disney is located in Central Florida, it is HOT and HUMID most days. If you’re not from a similar climate (or even if you are), it can get extremely uncomfortable feeling so hot and sweaty. There are no ways to avoid the heat entirely, but there are definitely some things to do to make it more manageable.
Here are 15 Ways to Beat the Disney Heat
1. Use Hand-held Fans and Stroller Fans
There are so many different types of hand held fans you can buy and bring with you to Disney World. Some even have misters, which is an added bonus. They’re small enough to fit right into your park bag or clip on to your stroller.
*A Disney mom tip: if you are getting one stroller fan…buy two. Point one at your child and then clip one to the handle bars to point at you!
2. Bring Cooling Towels
Cooling towels are special towels you can get wet, wear around your neck, and they cool you! They’re are great for those especially hot days because you can reuse them as many times as you need. You can buy these in Disney, but I recommend purchasing them prior to your trip and bringing them with you to save some money.
3. Use Chaffing Sticks
Chaffing sticks are a life saver for hot and humid days with lots of walking. If you know, you know. Put some on prior to heading into the parks for the day and then pack a small one for your park bag as well.
4. Take a Break from the Disney Heat at the Pools
If you are staying at a resort with a pool, use it! The pools on Disney property are especially fun because they match the theming of the resort. Not only will you cool off, your kiddos will burn some energy, you may get to relax, and you can enjoy that resort you are paying all that money to stay at!
5. Use Stroller Visors
If you’re bringing your own stroller, I suggest bringing one with a visor. Not only is this great for nap time, but it helps give your littles some shade from the intense Florida sun.
6. Beat the Disney Heat by Going Inside
Air conditioning is not hard to come by in Disney World. If you are too hot and needing a break, head inside any store, resort, or restaurant and you can find some relief. The A.C. is usually on quite high though, so as funny as it sounds, you may get chilly.
7. Avoid the Disney Heat by Visiting During Cooler Months
It’s usually never cold in Disney, but if you want to try to plan a trip where the intense heat might be a little less, then I suggest going sometime between November and February. I have found that these months have more cooler days, especially in December and January.
8. Take Advantage of the Splash Pads and Misters in the Parks
Throughout the parks, there are ways to cool off. There are misters you can walk under and even splash pads for kids to run around in. I find that Epcot offers the most interactive water features, especially since Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana has been added. If you want to let your kids run around and get wet, I recommend bringing an extra outfit and having them wear quick drying shoes, like crocs or other sandals.
9. Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen itself isn’t going to help make the heat feel less intense, but the Florida sun is strong. Even if you don’t usually burn easily, please wear the sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. A sunburn on top of extreme heat is absolutely NO fun.
10. If You’re Going to be in the Disney Heat, then you MUST Stay Hydrated!
DRINK LOTS OF WATER. This is my number one tip for being in the Florida sun all day. Dehydration can happen quickly in the heat and with lots of walking, so remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout your day. You can even get free cups of ice water in the parks, so take advantage of that.
11. Take Mid-day Breaks from the Parks
Whether you are staying on Disney property or not, it is always a good idea to take a mid-day break out of the parks to cool off and relax. Resort hop, head to Disney Springs, or just find a cool place to eat for a much needed break.
12. Visit the Disney Water Parks
Did you know that there are actually two water parks in Walt Disney World? They are Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. You do need to have special park tickets to enter, but if you are going to Disney in the middle of summer, then I recommend it. This way you can still enjoy a theme park atmosphere, but avoid being too hot and sweaty.
13. Visit the Parks in the Mornings and Evenings
Head to the parks early or stay late. The weather will be a bit cooler and more manageable. I even find the parks to be more fun at these times as well!
14. Plan to Ride Attractions Where you May get Wet to Cool you Off
In Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, there are some water ride options where you will most likely get wet and cool off. You will dry off quickly in the sun, so don’t worry if you don’t want to be walking around the parks soaking wet all day.
15. Wear Quick-Dry Clothing
Quick-dry clothing is a great way to stay cool. Not only is the material usually thinner, but you will feel less sweaty throughout your day. There’s not getting around the sweating, especially in the middle of summer. Just accept that it’s going to happen and plan for it.
