Have you ever been in the sweltering heat of a hot, humid day at Disney World? It can be intense, but, I have a few tips for how to keep cool (well, cooler at least!) and still have a magical day.
If you are flexible with your travel dates, look to schedule your trip in the cooler months; November through February. The weather can still be warm and sunny, but you are more likely to have cooler average temperatures.
Tips for Staying Cool at Disney World
- Drink water! It is super important to stay hydrated. On those hot Florida days, it can also be a challenge. Buying bottled water won’t be difficult, but it isn’t cheap. You’ll find it at the quick service restaurants and snack stands throughout the parks. However, Disney does allow you to bring in your own bottles of water and you will find water fountains near most of the bathrooms. Although good in a pinch, the water fountains often have lukewarm water, which isn’t the most refreshing. Insider tip: You are able to ask for ice water at any of the quick service restaurants. There is no charge, but do make sure to say thanks!
- Bring a misting fan or spray bottle. This is a favorite in our family. You can purchase the misting fans in the parks, but you can also find them ahead of time for much less money and bring them with you. Check out these spray bottles and misting fans! Along with the personal misting devices, look for the misting stations throughout the parks.
- Use a cooling towel or neck gaiter. These stay neck gaiters and cooling towels (these saved the day many times on our trip in July!) stay damp and cool for longer periods of time, which helps everyone stay cool. Keeping it around your neck, inner thighs or armpits are ideal locations for cooling off quickly.
- Wear loose, light colored clothing. My husband, son and I love the quick dry shirts (or tank tops) for keeping cool, while my daughter opts for loose dresses or skirts to beat the heat.
- Take frequent breaks. The shops in the parks offer a cool respite from the sweltering hot temps.
- Alternate between outside and inside attractions. Look for the shows like Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey’s Philharmagic and Enchanted Tiki Room in the Magic Kingdom. Check out our post on inside attractions at each of the Disney World parks!
- Cool off with frozen treats! Dole whips and Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches are delicious options for staying cool! Ice cream treats can be found at many of the snack stations.
Dole whips can be found at the Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, Refreshment Port near the Canada Pavilion in Epcot, Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
- Take a break midday. Head to the parks early in the morning and then again in the early evening. The temperatures will be cooler and it is often less crowded. You can head back to your hotel for some swimming and air conditioning. If this isn’t an option that works for your family try making reservations at a sit down restaurant for lunch. This will give everyone a chance to relax in air conditioning, get some food and hydrate!
- Take advantage of water rides and water play areas. Although you aren’t likely to get soaked on most of the water rides, you are sure to get a splash that will cool you off. Check out our list of water rides for each of the Disney World parks. You can also find water play areas like Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom or the Jumping Water Fountains in Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion
- Sunscreen. This won’t cool you off, but it’s so important! Since you may be cooling off with water, mist and other wet options, you will want to reapply sunscreen more frequently.
Make sure to take time to take of yourself, as well as everyone in your family. Whenever you encourage them to take a drink, take one, too!
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