Staying Cool at Disney World: A Guide to Summer Visits

Visiting Walt Disney World is a popular choice for families during summer break, but the heat, humidity, and crowds can make planning a visit feel overwhelming if you're not prepared. 

The good news is with the right plan, you can enjoy your vacation and make the most of everything that Disney has to offer, even in the peak of summer. Our A Mouse and A Beach crew will help you navigate the summer in Florida both comfortably and confidently.

Why Visit During the Summer?

Summer in Florida gets a bad rap, but it comes with its advantages. Disney runs incredible deals in the summer. Currently, WDW has discounted multi-day tickets, 50% off children’s tickets, Florida resident offers, and discounts at most resorts. Some packages even include free dining! When we say there isn't a more affordable time to go, we mean it. 

Additionally, Summer Break is often a lot less crowded compared to other school break times like Spring Break, Fall Break, and December holidays. Many clients often ask about crowd calendars, and this is one of the times we make sure to let them know about.

If that is not enough to visit during the summer, we want to add that Disney is still offering a FREE waterpark day on the day you check-in to help keep your entire family cool! They announced in 2025 that both water parks will be open during the summer. This adds an additional day of water fun without any additional costs!

What to Pack for the Florida Heat

If you do plan to visit during the summertime, staying cool in the parks is essential.

Here is what we recommend bringing with you to the parks: 

• Cooling towels

• Handheld misting fans

• Hat 

• Sunglasses

• Hair scrunchie

• Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV is our go-to)

• Sunscreen

• Chafing stick

• Lip balm with SPF

• Refillable water bottles

• Lightweight poncho or rain jacket (and mentally prepare yourself for the afternoon showers)

• Extra outfits, including socks (if your shoes get wet)

• Frozen Water Bottles 

• Secret Weapon- Bengay - Helps with sore muscles and the menthol has a cooling effect. Trust us.

• A positive attitude

How to Structure Your Day

You can be a little creative to make your agenda work best for your family, but here is what we recommend for navigating the parks during summer days:

• Arrive early: Get a few hours in at the park before the hottest part of the day sets in (the hottest part of the day is typically 1pm - 4pm). If your family likes to sleep in, you can skip this step and spend your morning leisurely at the resort pool.

• Midday break: Head back to your hotel after lunch for a nap, rest time, or some fun at the pool. If you don't want to leave, but would like a break, this is a great time to have reservations for a longer table service meal. The air conditioning and slower change of pace can't be beat!

• Evening return: Once it has cooled down, return to the park for the evening. If you get a late start, try to plan longer nights to get the most out of your park visit.

  
  

In addition, we recommend utilizing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, or Lightning Lane Premier Pass to bypass the standby lines, especially since you may plan to be outside in ride queues for a portion of the day. 

It’s also important to not overschedule yourself, and leave plenty of time for flexibility, and breaks in the shade, AC, or to enjoy some cooling snacks and drinks. Some indoor rides may have a longer line like Guardians of the Galaxy or Space Mountain... but when it is hot, these lines are a breath of fresh (COOL) air!

Where does our team like to cool off in the parks? 

Feeling the heat? Here are our favorite places to cool off in each park: 

Magic Kingdom

• Carousel of Progress

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic

• Hall of Presidents

• People Mover

• Gift shops

• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N; Soak Station - bring dry clothes!

• The hub grass with a cold treat 

EPCOT

• The Land Pavilion

• Club Cool - free soda samples!

• The American Adventure

• Pixar Short Film Festival

• Beauty and the Beast Singalong in France

• Journey of Water

• SeaBase Aquarium and Turtle Talk with Crush

Hollywood Studios

• Disney Jr. Play and Dance

• Vacation Fun

• Indiana Jones

• Darth Vader Meet and Greet

• Shade and seating near the exit of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

Animal Kingdom

• Festival of the Lion King

• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond

• Tree of Life - so many trails to explore

• The Boneyard - fans and benches for parents

• Conservation Station

• The garden behind Flame Tree BBQ

Bonus tip: Don’t forget the Baby Care Centers! They’re air-conditioned and an excellent place for a few minutes of quiet and can allow time to regroup. 

Stay Cool with Refreshing Treats 

Nothing is better than an ice cold treat in the middle of a hot day. Here’s a list of some of our favorite refreshing treats: 

• Magic Kingdom: Mickey bar or a Dole Whip - our favorite is enjoying one of these while watching the afternoon parade. 

• EPCOT: Shaved Ice in Japan, Frozen slushy margaritas in Mexico, Frozen Viking Coffee in Norway

• Hollywood Studios: Frozen Lemonade at Hollywood Scoops 

• Animal Kingdom: Frozen coke or Shaved Ice (called Kakigori) at Caravan Road or a Frozen Night Blossom

Afternoon Showers 

It’s very common for Florida to get rainstorms in the afternoons; luckily they typically pass quickly, but it’s best to be prepared for the rain. Tips for afternoon showers: 

• Pack ponchos and/or small umbrellas, they will be cheaper than buying on property.

• Bring waterproof shoes or pack an extra pair of socks for once the shower passes. 

• Don’t forget a stroller cover - most indoor attractions, shops, and restaurants do not allow strollers, and stroller parking is outdoors, often uncovered. 

• Use the downpour as a time to grab food, shop around, or ride indoor attractions.

• If you decide to stay in the parks, you will notice that crowds thin out, this is wonderful once the rain clears.

Summer Survival Tips

• Above all: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is FREE at fountain drink locations. Fill up your own bottles with the free ice water.

• Reapply sunscreen frequently - if you feel like you need more, it's too late.

• Choose light colored clothing and avoid wearing heavy fabrics

• Take breaks - AC and shade are your friends. 

• Stay on-site for easy hotel returns and early entry.

• Book at a Deluxe Resort for extended nighttime hours. 

• Utilize a travel advisor (for free!) who can create a custom itinerary for your family trip.

Ready to Plan Your WDW Summer Vacation?

Work with an AMAAB Travel Advisor to get started planning your magical Disney trip this summer. Start with our quote request and you will be matched with an AMAAB Travel Advisor who will send you a proposal for your next MAGICAL summer vacation.