How To Do Disney World During a Heatwave

Disney World is located in the city of Orlando, Florida. For most of the year, guests can safely assume it will be quite hot during their Disney vacation. But Florida tends to be significantly hotter during the summer months with June, July, and August reaching into the mid-90’s or higher. Most guests are prepared to handle the heat, but what do you do if you are visiting during extreme hot weather? My family has vacationed at Disney World during a heatwave more than once, and we’ve learned a thing or two on how to do Disney in extreme weather. If you find yourself visiting Disney World during a heatwave then check out these tips on how to stay comfortable.

Dress Lightly

The heat in Florida consists of both the heat of the sun itself and the humidity surrounding you. This isn’t an enviroment in which covering your skin from the sun keeps you cool. Instead, you should dress as lightly as possible with thin fabric. Don’t cover your stroller with a blanket or towel to keep the sun off of your child as this is creating a greenhouse effect due to the humidity, making your child even hotter. Instead, dress yourself and your kids in light clothing like tank tops and shorts. Bring fans, especially those that will attach to a stroller. Hats to keep the sun off of your scalp and out of your eyes is a good idea as well. And of course, don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Arrive at the Parks Early

If you want to enjoy a good chunk of your day without high heat, then be sure to leave your resort early and arrive at the parks as soon as they open. The mornings and evenings will be the coolest times of day to enjoy the parks. By arriving early you are also getting an advantage with the crowds being lower. Many guests enjoy “rope dropping” popular attractions so they can ride without waiting as long as they would later in the afternoon.

Take a Midday Break and Return For Evening

Leaving the parks during the heat of the day and returning to your Disney resort is a great way to conserve your energy and still have fun. A midday break is the perfect time to enjoy your resort’s pool, take a nap, or just enjoy some air-conditioning. Return to the parks once the sun starts to go down so you can stay until closing and have fun without the extreme heat.

Schedule Sit-Down Meals

Taking a break with a sit-down meal is the perfect way to get out of the heat during the day. Schedule your meal between noon and 3pm where the heat will be at its worst. A character meal will take you at least an hour to enjoy, and by then you’ll be cool and ready to begin playing in the parks again.

Have you ever visited Disney World during a heatwave? Do you typically vacation in the summer or winter months? We want to hear from you in the comments below.

Featured Photo: Megan Woodard