Florida heat can keep the unprepared from enjoying Walt Disney World during the summer. Here are some tips on how you can still have a magical time.
Summer is approaching! However, even though we’re not quite there yet, the Florida heat (and humidity) is already appearing. If you want to enjoy Florida’s outdoor entertainment, you need to be prepared. This certainly holds true with central Florida theme parks.
If you’re new to Florida, visiting from out of state, or simply aren’t a big fan of the Florida heat, there are ways to prepare yourself and plan for the conditions.
Here Are Quick Tips To Handle Walt Disney World During The Summer
- Arrive early: Get to the parks as early as possible. Arriving either at “rope drop” (park opening) or taking advantage of early entry as a Disney resort guest can help beat the heat of the day, and it will help beat some crowds to get some shorter lines.
- Have a plan: Planning ahead for the conditions includes knowing where to beat the heat indoors. It also helps to map out your day and know where the attractions are that you’d like to visit.
- Stay hydrated: It sounds so simple, but the heat can take quite a bit out of you. Not only do you want to be prepared with sunblock, you can also reap benefits from cooling towels. Of course, drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated. Buying bottles of water at Disney can become expensive, but you can also get a free cup of ice water at almost any “quick service locations” at Walt Disney World parks. There are also Water Bottle Refill Stations location throughout the resort.
So, head to Disney, make use of the indoor spaces when it starts getting warmer, or that’s when to head to do some shopping, go grab a meal indoors, or take the opportunity to do some resort hopping to explore more of what Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
Here’s a park-by-park breakdown of where you can escape from the heat at Disney World during the summer
Epcot
If you’re starting your day at Epcot, here are some places to stay cool:- When you enter EPCOT, there are few places to enjoy, learn, and stay cool. The Living Seas pavilion features a large aquarium where you can visit dolphins, sharks, rays, various species of fish and other sea life up close.
- Heading over to The Land pavilion, there are two great rides, Living With The Land and Soarin’, each of which is indoors. There’s also a large cafeteria where you can take a break and get a snack or drink.
- There’s also the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival in 3D. Sit back and relax in theatre while you enjoy these entertaining cartoons.
- Back in the World Showcase, there is a China pavilion featuring shopping, dining, and a show. The lobby outside the show has seating and a large waiting area where you can relax for as long as you’d like to stay out of the heat.
- The American pavilion features a show, The American Adventure. It tells the story of our nation’s history featuring animatronic figures, a 72-foot screen, and patriotic songs. The show is nearly half-an-hour long.
- Interested in something FREE at EPCOT? There’s a gift shop called Club Cool, and there is a wall of Coca-Cola products from around the world, not offered in the U.S.A., that you can taste for free.
- Looking for a cool mists? The Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, allows you to explore the wonders of water.
There are misting waters around the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Check it out at EPCOT.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is a little different. There is a lot of shade. You can take advantage of that. There are some notable places to escape the sun.- There’s a location inside the park that some people still don’t know about. Take a train to a section of the park called Rafiki’s Planet Watch and you’ll find the Conservation Station. It’s a petting area, and there’s also a veterinary care center you can explore.
- Another place to get out of the heat is in Pandora-The World Of Avatar. There’s a quick service restaurant called Satu’li Canteen. There’s plenty of seating under cover, and indoor seating if you’d prefer.
Need a snack? Check out Satu’li Canteen in the Pandora – The World of Avatar area of Animal Kingdom.
