Keeping Cool at Walt Disney World
There's hot and then there's Florida in the summer hot where the humidity and the temperature can reach triple digits.
Naturally, these hotter months are when school is out and many families will head to Walt Disney World for their summer vacations. Heat and crowds are not a great combo, but it can be manageable if you prepare for it.
Staying at a Disney Resort is a good start. You can get to the theme parks in air-conditioned comfort via complimentary bus, monorail, or water transportation. The Disney Skyliner is also available, but the gondolas are not air-conditioned. They are surprisingly not stifiling hot inside, though, as a breeze keeps the air flowing.
Another incentive for staying at a Disney Resort is being able to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry / Extended Theme Park Hours. Knowing that you have extra time to enjoy the parks once they've closed or before they've opened to the general public for the day makes it easier to take an afternoon break for a swim or a nap. Some of the resorts have water activities that are perfect on a hot day. Other resorts offer free tours and all of them have dining venues that can be less crowded midday.
One of the most important things you should do while in the parks is stay hydrated and apply (and reapply) sunscreen. Consider bringing your own water bottle that you can refill at the water bottle refilling stations.
Bring sunscreen from home. Yes, you can get it at a resort gift shop, but why pay a premium price? Don't make the mistake of thinking that you won't need it if it's not bright and sunny. The last thing you want is to get sunburned and it can happen fast just by walking around the parks. The sun in Florida is very strong, even on cloudy days.
Likewise, pack a water-misting fan
If you have little ones, consider the view from their perspective. While you're looking at castles and characters, they're in a hot stroller. Consider bringing a clip-on fan to hook to the stroller so they can have some moving air as well. An ice cream break or simply stopping into an air conditioned store for a few minutes can help.
Best tip of all, let them set the pace. If the kids want to watch a duck or play on one of the splash pads found around the parks, take off their socks and shoes and let them. Plan accordingly. Either have their bathing suit on under their clothes or bring a change of clothing with you. Getting soaked is fun, being stuck in wet clothes, socks, and sneakers afterward isn't.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney's Hollywood Studios have plenty of attractions that are indoors. This is not the case at the Animal Kingdom. For the most part, at this park you're going to be outdoors. Again, if you're staying at a Disney resort, take advantage of Extended Hours. If not, get to the Animal Kingdom early and plan on leaving before the heat of the day and crowds arrive.
If you underestimate the heat and start to feel the effects of it, get to the nearest First Aid Station. Each Disney theme park has one. Here you can rest and get cooled off before venturing back outdoors. The American Red Cross has good advice regarding treatment of heat-related illness and the symptoms to watch for.
With the heat and humidity come sudden thunderstorms. That's not special effects, that's real lightning. Get inside a building. These storms usually pass quickly and it's best to stay safe.
As you can imagine, the Disney Water Parks are very popular during the summer months. Arrive early, stake out your spot and enjoy the day.
By now, you've figured out the strategy. Don't arrive with the "we're going to Disney World and will spend every waking moment in the parks" mentality. You'll be miserable by the end of the trip. Swim, make dining reservations in an air-conditioned table service restaurant, schedule a spa treatment (you know you want one), research park hours and think "outside the parks." You'll be glad you did.
