Beat the Heat: Tips for How to Stay Cool at Disney World

Sharing the Best Ways to Stay Cool at Disney World Theme Parks from an Annual Passholder and Florida Resident. 

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation during the summer months can be challenging due to the high humidity and intense Florida heat. But don’t worry! Here are some great ideas and tips to keep cool and make the most of your magical Disney experience.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Start with a Splash!

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are fantastic places to beat the summer heat. Enjoy thrilling water rides, lazy rivers, and splash pads that are perfect for hot summer days. These parks are great ways to cool down and have fun at the same time.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is a water wonderland! The highlight here is the massive wave pool, one of the largest in the world. Enjoy the thrilling Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, which will have you laughing and screaming all the way down. For a relaxing experience, float down Castaway Creek, a lazy river that winds around the park.

Little ones will love Ketchakiddee Creek, a play area just for them with mini slides and splash zones. Don’t miss the tropical-themed surf pool where you can catch some waves or just bob along with the tide. This park is perfect for a refreshing escape from the heat.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach offers a unique mix of a ski resort and a water park. The star attraction is Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall slides in the world. If you’re not quite that daring, try the family-friendly Teamboat Springs, one of the world’s longest family raft rides.

Melt Away Bay is a wave pool surrounded by a sandy beach, perfect for lounging. The Cross Country Creek lazy river takes you on a scenic ride around the park. For kids, there’s Tike’s Peak with mini slides and water features just their size.

This park’s fun snowy theme and variety of attractions make it a cool place to chill out on a hot summer day.

Take Mid-Day Breaks at Your Disney Resort

One of the best ways to escape the hottest part of the day is to plan a refreshing pool break at your Disney resort. Many resorts feature themed pools, splash pads, and water slides that are perfect for a cooling afternoon break.

By spending the hotter part of the day in the pool, it allows you to be cool, refreshed and ready to head back in time for dinner and fireworks on hot days. Here are a couple of our favorite resorts:

• Art of Animation Resort: The Big Blue Pool, inspired by Finding Nemo, is the largest hotel pool at Disney World. It has an underwater sound system and a splash pad for the little ones.
• Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: Stormalong Bay offers a sand-bottom pool, a lazy river, and one of the highest resort waterslides. It’s like having a mini water park at your hotel.
• Polynesian Village Resort: The Lava Pool has a towering volcano, a waterfall, and a thrilling waterslide. There’s also a children’s splash area called Kiki Tikis.
• Caribbean Beach Resort: The Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed like an old Spanish fortress with two waterslides and a pirate ship splash pad for kids.

Enjoy Water-Friendly Attractions

• Magic Kingdom:
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain): Get soaked on this thrilling log flume ride.
  • Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station: Perfect for kids to cool off.
• EPCOT:
  • Moana’s Journey of Water
  • Small Splash Pad near Test Track and Mission: SPACE
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
  • Kali River Rapids: Expect to get wet on this white-water rafting adventure.

Stay Hydrated and Cool

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the hot summer months. Here are some tips to ensure you drink enough water during your Disney World adventure:

• Bring a Refillable Water Bottle: Carry a refillable water bottle with you. Disney parks have plenty of water fountains and refill stations where you can fill up throughout the day. This not only keeps you hydrated but also helps reduce plastic waste.
• Free Water Cups: Take advantage of free water cups available at any quick service restaurant. Simply ask a cast member for a cup of ice water, and they will be happy to provide one.
• Hydration Reminders: Set reminders on your phone to take a sip of water every 20-30 minutes. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to drink enough.
• Drink Stations and Quick Service Locations: Many quick service locations and drink stands offer bottled water for purchase. These are good options if you need a quick hydration boost.
• Flavor Enhancers: If you or your kids find plain water boring, consider bringing some water flavor enhancers or hydration packets. They can make drinking water more enjoyable and encourage everyone to stay hydrated.

Cooling Gear Essentials

Handheld Fans and Stroller Fans

These are lifesavers for keeping you and your little ones cool. Handheld fans are portable and easy to use, providing an instant breeze when the heat becomes overwhelming. Stroller fans are perfect for keeping your little ones comfortable as you navigate the parks.

Many of these fans are rechargeable and come with adjustable speeds to provide the right amount of airflow. Look for fans with flexible mounts or clips to attach them easily to strollers, bags, or even your belt loop.

Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are a must-have for any Disney trip in the summer. These towels are designed to stay cool for hours and provide immediate relief when draped around your neck.

Simply wet the towel, wring out the excess water, and snap it a few times to activate the cooling effect. They’re lightweight, compact, and can be re-wetted and reused throughout the day. Keep one in your bag or stroller for easy access whenever you need to cool down.

Hats and Sunglasses

Protecting yourself from the sun is essential. Wide-brimmed hats offer shade and help keep your head cool, while baseball caps are a popular and practical choice.

Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare, making it easier to enjoy the sights without squinting. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses for the best protection and comfort. Apply sunscreen regularly to prevent burning.

Wear Light Colors

Wearing light-colored clothing can make a significant difference in how you feel under the sun. Light colors reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, helping to keep your body temperature down.

Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials that allow sweat to evaporate quickly. Loose-fitting clothing also promotes better air circulation, keeping you cooler and more comfortable throughout the day. During the summer months, it’s more likely to sprinkle some liquid pixie dust (aka rain) during your trip. Check out these helpful tips for making the most of Walt Disney World in the rain.

Enjoy Cool Treats

Treat yourself to delicious cool treats. These are perfect ways to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat in the heat. Check out our Top 5 Cool Treats at Walt Disney World

Dole Whip: This iconic Disney treat is a must-try! Dole Whip is a refreshing, soft-serve pineapple-flavored delight that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. You can enjoy it as a float with pineapple juice or on its own. It’s available at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom and various locations around Disney World.

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar: A classic Disney treat shaped like Mickey Mouse! This vanilla ice cream bar is coated in a rich chocolate shell, making it a simple yet satisfying way to cool down. You can find these at most ice cream carts throughout all the Disney parks.

Frozen Lemonade: This tart and tangy treat is ideal for quenching your thirst and cooling off at the same time. Available in both regular and strawberry flavors, frozen lemonade is a great option for a refreshing snack. Look for it at quick service kiosks and snack stands throughout the parks.

LeFou’s Brew: Found in Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom, LeFou’s Brew is a frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with a passion fruit-mango foam. This unique and frosty drink is a favorite among guests looking for a sweet and refreshing beverage.

Ice Cream Sandwich from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor: These delightful ice cream sandwiches are made with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and filled with your choice of ice cream. Available at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom, these sandwiches are a delicious way to cool off while enjoying a classic dessert.

Seek Air Conditioning

In the heat of the day, try to take advantage of air-conditioned indoor areas and rides. Spend time in gift shops, indoor quick service restaurants, and table service restaurants to cool off. Here’s a list of indoor attractions at each park to plan ahead.

Indoor Attractions at Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Enchanted Tiki Room (show)
• The Hall of Presidents (show)
• Carousel of Progress (show in rotating theater)
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (comedy show)
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic (show)
• Space Mountain

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush (show)
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Living with the Land
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (show)
• Frozen Ever After
• Mission: SPACE
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Toy Story Mania!
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D (show)
• Walt Disney Presents (walk thru museum and show)
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (show)
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (show)
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Finding Nemo – The Big Blue and Beyond!
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Festival of the Lion King
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch (Conservation Station)

These indoor attractions offer great opportunities to stay cool and enjoy some of the best experiences Disney World has to offer! To make this list, my main criteria was having a primarily cool and air conditioned line queue. I tried to exclude rides which have a longer outside line vs the inside ride and attraction time.

Timing is Everything

Rope Drop and Early Morning: Arrive at the parks early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter wait times. This is a good idea to make the most of your day before the heat sets in.

Mid-Day Break: Return to your resort for a rest or swim in the resort pool during the hottest part of the day. Head back to the parks in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler.

Fireworks & Magic Hours: Make the most of fireworks and late night shows. If staying at a resort with magic hours, be sure to take advantage of them

How to Beat the Heat: Ways to Stay Cool at Disney World

Even on the hottest days, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and enjoy your Disney adventure. With a bit of planning, you can have a magical experience without the heat ruining your fun.

With these ways to stay cool at Disney World, your theme park vacation can be filled with magic and cool moments, even in the summer heat. Enjoy your adventure and stay cool!