How To Survive Disney: Summer Edition
Disney sees an average of 56,000 people PER DAY during the summer, which means if you and your family are planning a summertime vacation to visit Mickey and friends, you’re not alone. Temperatures in Florida during the
summer can hit the triple digits, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter than it actually is. Big crowds + high temps can make anyone feel a little cranky, but we’ve got some tips that’ll make Disney in the summer time a
magical and enjoyable experience.
There are two words that all visitors must know when they plan their summer trip to Disney: Water Parks. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are incredible places to spend the afternoon, whether its floating down the lazy river or racing down the rapids, families can enjoy the excitement of Disney in their bathing suits, and stay
cool during the hottest time of the year.
Blizzard
Beach is the biggest of the waterparks, offering guests 66 acres of slides, flumes and water fun. At Typhoon Lagoon, you can hang ten as the perfect wave rolls through the wave pool! New to surfing? Book a surf lesson
before the park opens and a pro surfer will teach you the basics in becoming a knarly surfer.
If water parks aren’t your thing, you can still find ways to cool off throughout the other Disney parks. Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids, and misting stations throughout the park offer guests plenty of ways to cool
off throughout the day.
When planning your day, schedule your FastPasses so that you are alternating between rides that are outside (like Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train) and rides that are inside (like The Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan.) You’ll be spending a lot of time waiting in lines for your favorite rides, but thankfully most of the lines offer shade to keep you out of the sun. On super hot days, look for rides that let a lot of people in at once, like Mickey’s Philharmonic Orchestra, to avoid standing outside in the heat for an extended period of time.
The secret to beating the heat is not only about what you do, but when you do it. Get to the parks early before the hottest part of the day, and then head back to your vacation rental for some rest or pool time around lunchtime. Then, as temps start to drop again, head back to the parks in the early evening to enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. When you do this, you’ll be rested and ready to experience the magical fireworks display.
The first time you do Disney in the summer and see that someone else has a personal fan or mister that is keeping them cool, you’ll want to run to the nearest gift shop to get one on your own. You can do this, but it’ll cost you. Instead of buying them on property, you can find fans and misters at retail stores all over the area for a fraction of the price that you’ll find at Disney. This portable cooling device will be a lifesaver on hot scorching hot
days.
Nothing beats the heat at Disney like an ice-cold sweet treat. Gaston’s Tavern has a delicious slushy that is perfect for summer, and you can’t go to Disney without trying the refreshing goodness that is a Dole Whip.
It’s also important to dress the part when visiting Disney in the summer. Clothing that keeps sweat off of your body, is light colored and cool is the best bet for staying comfortable. Sunscreen is a must must must, and don’t forget a hat and your shades. Many locals like to invest in cooling towels that are activated when you dunk them in water. These towels provide a cooling sensation around your neck or shoulders that is a welcome reprieve from the rising temps.
A summer vacation to Disney is something everyone should experience at least once in their life, and if done correctly, can result in lifelong memories and a really good tan.
