My Top Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World in the Summer

We love visiting Walt Disney World during every season, but it is true that visiting Walt Disney World in the summer comes with its own challenges. If you plan out your trip with some ideas to work around the heat, you can have a practically perfect Disney day even when the temperatures at their highest point of the year.

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I have learned so much in all of my years visiting Walt Disney World and I love helping others make the most of their time in the theme parks, from deciding what to pack for a Disney cruise, to navigating park days, table service meals and everything in between. One question I get often is “when to visit Disney World,” and to that I say, whenever you can! Each season has its own special benefits, so there’s never really a bad time to visit the happiest place on earth. (At least not in my opinion) However, with schedules being what they are, kids in school all year and parents’ vacation time accruals, for many families, visiting Disney during the summer months may make the most sense.

Central Florida however, can be incredibly hot during the summer; with highs in the nineties during the months of June through August. So while this may seem a less than ideal time to visit, preparation is key! If you know what to expect and plan ahead, you’ll have a great time. So if you have a summer trip planned to Walt Disney World, never fear! Here are some of my top tips for visiting Disney World in the summer. 

How to Beat The Heat When Visiting Walt Disney World in the Summer

In real estate the key words are location! location! location, but when you visit Walt Disney World in the Summer, it’s all about hydration! hydration! hydration! Central Florida summers are some of the hottest in the country, with temperatures peaking at upwards of 95 degrees (Fahrenheit). So, it’s important to stay hydrated and pack your refillable water bottles, of course, but in a pinch, you can always grab a refreshing cup of ice water at most quick-service locations within the parks. 

Staying hydrated is one way to beat the heat at Disney, but there are other ways to stay cool and comfortable so you and your family are able to soak up as much pixie-dusted magic as possible.

While you may see park-goers carrying around those adorable (albeit pricey) Walt Disney World branded misting fans, the last thing you want to do is realize you need one once you’re already dripping sweat and miserable. Stay ahead of the heat and pack a few of your own personal misting fans for the whole family. They’re lightweight and compact enough to stick down inside your park bag or stow away in your stroller until you need it. This way you’ll be one step ahead of the game and save money at the same time.

Another option to help beat the heat at Walt Disney World in the summer is to use a cooling towel. Once saturated with water, cooling towels absorb heat from your skin thus helping to reduce your body temperature. Yay science! These cooling towels stay chilled for up to three hours and come with a carrying pouch and carabiner clip, so they’re convenient when you’re on-the-go in the parks!

Where to Stay When You Visit Disney World in the Summer

One thing Walt Disney World is known for is the variety of resorts available to fit your family’s individual needs. Whether you require larger accommodations with multiple bedrooms, like Disney’s Old Key West Resort or you simply need a place to rest your head after a long day of park-hopping, Disney has the exact accommodation you’re looking for. No matter where you stay, if you do opt to leave the parks midday to get some reprieve from the hot, Florida sun, choose a resort with a great pool area.  A dip in the pool can do wonders for everyone, even that one family member who is channeling their inner Grumpy.

So, I will always recommend you book your vacation at a resort with a great pool, especially when visiting Walt Disney World in the summer. Choosing to go all-in at the parks on a hot, summer day might be a mistake for some families. A midday swim could be the one thing that saves your vacation, and keeps everyone’s spirits up. Here are a few of our family’s favorites, we’re sure you’ll love them as well:

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a New England seaside beach at Beach Club Resort. Take your pick relaxing in one of three pools across the Beach and Yacht Club resorts. Or head over to Stormalong Bay with the kids; a 3-acre waterpark complete with a main pool, lazy river, whirlpool spas, 230-foot waterslide and so much more! It’s a win-win for the whole family!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort has been one of our favorite resorts we have stayed at, and one we will return to for sure in the future! The kids absolutely loved the sandy bottom pool and sand castle building area!

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

If zero-entry pools are your thing, Caribbean Beach Resort is for you. The pool area boasts two waterslides, water cannon sprayers, a barrel drop, five relaxing pools, and a play area for the kids. And of course, just like most Disney resort pools, countless poolside activities like games, parties, trivia and crafts are part of the adventure.

 

Art of Animation Resort

The Big Blue Pool is Disney’s largest hotel pool, so that in and of itself, deserves a visit. But your little fishies will love spending time at the Finding Nemo inspired, Schoolyard Sprayground or from Cars, the Cozy Cone Motel swimming pool. Finally, your little mermaids will appreciate being part of Ariel’s underwater world at the Flippin’ Fins Pool.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Prefer to be in the Disney bubble without being so immersed in Disney animation and theming? The understated opulence of Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel may be just what you’re looking for. The pool area at the Dolphin consists of five pools. Yes, you read that right, five pools! That’s two lap pools, a kiddie pool, a 3-acre grotto-style, a spring pool and four whirlpools! But wait, there’s more! The Dolphin Hotel is also home to a pristine white-sand beach, so while you may be in the center of Florida, you’ll feel as though you’re in your very own island paradise.

It’s OK To Be a Little Extra: Take Advantage of Extra Hours for Resort Guests

There are numerous perks to staying on site and in the Disney bubble. From refillable mugs and complimentary transportation, to the ability to make advanced dining reservation options, you truly feel like you’re getting royal treatment that would make even Cinderella envious. Another way that Disney rewards on-site guests is with extra time in the parks. If you’re staying on property, have valid theme park admission, and park reservations (if applicable), you’re good to go!

Early Theme Park Entry

Take advantage of this fun perk if you’re staying at Disney Resort hotels and a few select additional hotels. You’ll be able to enter the Walt Disney World parks thirty minutes earlier than other guests with Early Entry.

Ok, but what if you’re not an early-bird? Don’t worry, Disney has you covered:

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

You’ll be able to stay in some of the parks later, on select nights during Extended Evening Hours. So, if you want more time in the parks but you like to sleep in, you’re in luck!

It’s also important to note that these days vary, so be sure to check the Disney Daily Events Schedule for specific days and times. Equally important is to realize that not all Walt Disney World attractions will be open during these hours, they may, but if you have your heart set on something, be sure to check first to save disappointment later. All schedules are subject to change.

Using these special times to spend time in the park when the temperatures at their coolest will help you maximize your fun, then take a break in the middle of the day at the pools or one of the fantastic water parks at Walt Disney World.

Add a Water Park Visit into Your Disney World Summer Vacation

You can’t mention a visit to Disney World in the summer without of course mentioning the water parks. When it comes to water parks, you’ve got two choices. Walt Disney World has two separate options for splish-splashy summer fun; Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, two innovative water parks to help you and your family beat the heat!

You can add these parks on to the price of your tickets individually or include them in your Park Hopper option at booking. Simply let your Get Away Today travel agent know your preferences. They can even help you plan your trip when you’re not sure exactly what you want to do! It’s always nice to have someone in your corner, offering suggestions and advice for your Disney summer vacation planning, so don’t hesitate to reach out to an agent for assistance.

If you are heading to Walt Disney World this summer, check out these items to help you stay a little cooler. All on my Amazon Storefront!

Found in photo:

Spray Fan / Mouse Fan / Cooling Towels / Period Proof Swimsuit / Plus Swimsuit / Coverup

Havaianas Sandals / Neck Fan / Crop Tops / Bike Shorts

Looking forward to hearing about your best Disney day ever! With a little preparation and structure to beat the heat during the day, you can have a great day at Walt Disney World… even in the middle of the summer!

** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com