Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Happily Ever Park Hoppers
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6 Ways to beat the heat at Walt Disney World
Heading to Disney during the summer months and looking for ways to cool down? Below are six easy ways to beat the heat while you’re away on your Disney vacation.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
For a summer trip, you can either order groceries ahead of time or bring a reusable water bottle with you. You can have groceries delivered ( I would suggest at least 2 cases of water for a week long stay) and/or sports drinks. I also prefer to add a electrolyte packet to my water for extra vitamins and to avoid dehydration.
Disney does offer FREE Ice water at all of the Quick Service location and has a couple water refilling stations throughout the parks.
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A lot of people complain about the taste of the free water, so I suggest bringing a
reusable bottle with a filter.
Water Refilling Locations at Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom Water Refilling Location(s)
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Epcot Water Refilling Location(s)
- Near the restrooms by Starbucks in World Showcase
- Epcot Experience
- Odyssey Events Center
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Water Refilling Location(s)
- Near the Slinky Dog Dash ride entrance
- Near the exit of Smugglers Run
- Near the restrooms in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- At the bus stops/Skyliner station, outside the park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Water Refilling Location(s)
- Near Expedition Everest ride entrance
- Near the Flight of Passage ride entrance
- Near the Na’vi River Journey ride entrance
- Jambo House playground
2. Pack the sunscreen
Don’t forget the Sunscreen! Most of the parks offer very little shade. Even if you find a shady place to sit, you’re most likely not sitting there for long. Remember to apply sunscreen first thing in the morning and continue to reapply it if you’re super fair-skinned. And! Remember to bring Aloe Vera! Sometimes, it can be very hard to find in the Disney Resort Hotel gift shops. Trust me. I found this out the hard way.
3. Be prepared for the heat
You know It’s going to be HOT. Plan ahead for it and pack the necessary items.
Order ahead of time and pack neck fans, handheld fans, and or cooling towels. My family likes to wear our cooling towels under the neck fan for your own personal little swamp cooler. This method might look a little silly but when it’s 98* and 100% humidity, you don’t really care.
4. Bring snacks
Pack snacks! Remember, you CAN bring in your own food. Even if you have dining reservations or have plans to eat somewhere specific in the parks. Hunger strikes at all points of the day. And there is nothing worse than a hot and hangry family member. In your grocery order, make sure you order high-protein snacks that will keep your family fueled and ready to go.
5. Go indoors as much as possible
I know this might seem like a “gimmie”, but go indoors as much as possible.
Intentionally plan dining reservations & utilize indoor rides to your advantage. The peak of the day is always the hottest. Having dining reservations for a late lunch will allow your family to get a break from the heat and cool off in the A/C when you need it most. Quick Service locations are great, but some of them don’t have indoor seating. Also, know which attractions are indoors or have an indoor ride queue. Dark rides are especially great for hot summer days because they’re cool and slow. Allowing you to really cool down before heading back outside.
Quick Service locations with NO indoor seating
Magic Kingdom
- Casey’s Corner
- The Friar’s Nook
- Gold Oak Outpost
- The Lunching Pad
- Sleepy Hollow
- Tortuga Tavern
EPCOT
- Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris
- La Cantina de San Angel
- Refreshment Port
- Sommerfest
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Catalina Eddie’s
- Dockside Diner
- Fairfax Fare
- Ronto Roasters
- Rosie’s All-American Cafe
- Woody’s Lunchbox
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Harambe Market
- The Smiling Crocodile
- Yak & Yeti™ Local Food Cafes
6. Take a break
Lastly. Another way to beat the heat is to head back to your resort for a dip in the pool! Not only is it hot in the parks during the summer months, but it can also be busy. Take a break from the crowds and the heat and cool off in your resort’s pool. Remember, your hotel is so more than “just a place to sleep”. Relax by the pool and remember to enjoy your vacation.
📸 Bonus Tip! Rope Drop for morning pictures. This is the time to get your pictures people ‼️‼️ Not only are the parks less crowded but everyone still looks cute. No one is melting and your clothes aren’t soaked from a water ride or cooling towel.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, please comment below and I’ll do my best to help as soon as I can.
Spreading magic one post at a time.
Kristin