How to Keep Cool at Disney

Here at Florida Travel with Kids, you know we love theme parks! The thing about theme parks in Florida is that they can be HOT! One of the things I hear people talking about the most is how to keep cool at Disney World and Universal Orlando.

So, what do you need to know about beating the heat at Disney? Let’s get to the tips for staying cool at Disney now.

Best Time to Visit Disney to avoid the heat

Okay, so we all know that Disney World is in Florida—we already established that. You are probably also aware that Florida is hot most of the year.

Yes, Florida considers December, January, and February ” winter. However, Florida’s winters contain springlike temperatures from many other states. So, while 65-70 degrees may be cold to Floridians (you’ll see us in jackets!), you may still be warm.

It can be better to visit during those months, especially since you shouldn’t encounter too many 90+ degree days. That said, 90+ degree days in the winter can and do happen!

At Disney, dress like me, not like Kylo Ren!

With school holidays and summer breaks, many people have no choice but to visit Disney during the hottest summer days.

No matter when you visit, you should always be prepared with ways to keep cool at Disney.

What to Wear to Beat the Heat at Disney

You probably know you should wear shorts, t-shirts, or tank tops while visiting Disney. This is what you would wear when it is hot outside back home.

There are other things you can ensure you are wearing, though, when trying to keep cool at Disney.

Carefully choose your fabrics.

As you pick out shorts and t-shirts to wear at Disney, try sticking with moisture-wicking options or 100% cotton. The humidity in Florida can make you feel sweaty as soon as you step outside.

Moisture-wicking clothing dries much faster, but some people feel more comfortable in 100% cotton clothing.

Wear Light Colors

Your clothing should also be light in color. Darker colors attract the sun more, making you feel even hotter. If you don’t believe me, put your hand on a white car in the heat and try doing the same to a black car. Or don’t, because the black car might burn you.

This may seem like such a small thing, but after walking around Disney all day, you will be happy for all the relief you can get.

Wear a Hat

Hats can help keep the sun off of your face. You may not think this will help. It will, though, since your face won’t get sunburned as quickly.

Fortunately, there are lots of Disney-themed hats!

Wear Comfortable and Breathable Shoes

Wearing a pair of flip-flops or sandals might seem like the best option when visiting Disney. After all, they keep your feet cool, right?! Well, they may do that, but they won’t offer the support you need for lots of walking.

I prefer Teva Sandals even though they’re definitely not as cute. They are comfortable and easy to wear all day!

Other Options for How to Keep Cool at Disney

Now that you know what type of clothes, shoes, and hats to wear at Disney, you may wonder what else you can do to beat the heat.

Sunglasses

The sun is almost always shining at Disney. One of the best ways to keep the sun out of your eyes is to wear sunglasses. It is best to have a pair that offers excellent UV protection. There are lots of cute Disney-themed sunglasses too!

Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are handy because they take up almost no room in your park bag and can be reused all day. Just make sure you have one for everyone! Frogg Toggs are some of the best.

Water Bottles

This is probably obvious, but make sure to bring a water bottle for everyone! You can refill them throughout the day and stay cool at the same time. The Hydroflask is my theme park water bottle of choice!

Misting Fans

We have misting fans from the brand 02Cool on Amazon, and they’ve held up for a long time! You can also get a cute, Mickey-fan if you want to keep the Disney theme.

Stroller fan

If you have a baby or toddler, don’t forget to add a stroller fan!

Sunscreen

This is another obvious one, but don’t forget your sunscreen. We like the brand All Good for kid-safe sunscreen.

Since you might take a trip to a beach near Orlando, make sure to choose a reef-safe sunscreen! All Good is also reef-safe.

Bonus Tips for How to Beat the Heat at Disney

There are a few other things you may want to consider when you are trying to stay cool at Disney.

Water rides

Another obvious answer is to head toward the water rides on hot days at Disney! Just keep in mind that everyone else will also have this idea, so the lines might be long!

Try Disney Genie+

Some rides at Disney offer a little time away from the sun while waiting in line because the queues are indoors. Then there are those rides, like Thunder Mountain, where the line is only outdoors.

When trying to beat the heat in Disney, I recommend using Genie+ for any ride with an outdoor line queue. This will allow you to skip the line and the abundance of heat and sunshine.

It is important to note that not all rides are eligible for Genie+. It is still an excellent option if you don’t want to stand in the sun for an hour waiting for your turn on an eligible ride.

Watch Certain Shows in the Middle of the Day

The sun, usually the heat, is worst during the middle of the day. This is the perfect time to watch shows in the shade or inside (AKA… with air conditioning).

You will love feeling much cooler as you enjoy the show and a break from the heat.

Head to Your Resort for a Midday Break

There is nothing wrong with heading back to your resort for a break in the middle of the day. You can take a nap in your air-conditioned room. Or go swimming in the pool. This is an excellent time to schedule a meal at the resort’s restaurant.

If you decide to do this at Disney, you will want to choose your resort carefully. Resorts closer to the park you are visiting are better for obvious reasons. After all, you don’t want to waste an hour or more trying to get back to your room.

I love choosing a Skyliner resort because the Skyliners stay cool (even though they are not air-conditioned!) and are the most fun way to get around. Learn more at 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner.

We have an entire blog post with the closest Disney Resorts to the Parks, but you can also check out the short version here:

The resorts closest to the Magic Kingdom

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The closest Disney Resorts to Hollywood Studios

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

The closest Disney Resorts to EPCOT

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort

The closest Disney Resorts to Animal Kingdom

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Enjoy a Sit-Down Lunch or Dinner

One of the best ways to beat the heat and stay fueled is to enjoy a sit-down lunch or dinner. I recommend choosing a restaurant that has air conditioning.

You can choose a restaurant at your resort, as I mentioned above, or you can select one of the restaurants at the Disney park you visit.

It is best to reserve your table for lunch as soon as possible. These restaurants fill up quickly, especially on the hottest days of the year.

Request Ice Water

Yes, I know I told you to bring water bottles to the park. One of the best ways to fill those water bottles is by asking for ice water at any quick service station. You can also ask for ice and add the ice to your water bottle.

How to beat the heat at Disney World

I hope these tips for staying cool at Disney World help you plan your Disney vacation.

Looking for more Disney Travel tips or other Orlando theme park tips? Check out:

• 25 Free Things at Disney World
• Things to do at Hollywood Studios
• 15 Amazing Volcano Bay Tips and Volcano Bay Hacks
• First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Marriott Cypress Harbour Villas Review near Universal and Disney
• Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World

Planning your Disney vacation

I recommend booking with a Disney Travel Agent if you want to work with a Disney Travel Agent! Did you know that Amy (the mom and writer of this blog) is a certified Disney Travel Agent? Contact me for more information.

I highly recommend buying tickets through Undercover Tourist if you choose not to use a Travel Agent. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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