Summertime is almost here! Another school year is coming to an end and that means vacation time for many people. If you are heading to the Walt Disney World Resort this summer, there are a few ways to prepare for your visit. We are not just talking about your resort stay or dining reservations. This is your complete guide to visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in the summer.

Visiting in the Summer

The summer season is a popular time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. There are exciting things happening in the parks, the kids are out of school, and there is always plenty of magic waiting. However, it’s important to remember that the weather in Orlando is best described as hot and humid during this time of the year.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a wonderful experience though. It does mean that there are ways to prepare and manage the heat. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the weather and be prepared.

For example, it rains in central Florida. This happens often and maybe even every day on your vacation. However, it does not need to ruin your trip. Many times, the rain does not last. Don’t panic if you see rain in the forecast. Make sure that you have ponchos or raincoats. Then, embrace it and make some memories!

Packing For Your Trip

When you are packing your suitcase, there are a few must-have items that you should always include in the summer.

• Sunscreen and sun protection: Make sure you pack sunscreen and that you bring it with you to the parks to re-apply. It is more expensive at the parks and resort hotels. Hats and sunglasses are some other must-have items.
• More than one pair of shoes: Make sure that you have more than one pair of shoes with you so that if one pair gets wet, you have another. This will also help if your feet are sore or if you get blisters. Also, it’s not recommended to take a brand-new pair of shoes with you. Make sure you break them in first.
• Water bottle, cooling towels: Insulated water bottles are great to have with you. You can go to any quick service location to get a cup of water at no cost and fill your water bottle throughout the day. You can also order groceries and include bottled water. Small soft-sided coolers are allowed in the parks as well. Cooling towels are also useful to prevent getting overheated.
• Umbrella, ponchos, rain jacket: To be prepared for any rainy weather during your vacation, don’t forget your umbrella, ponchos, and/or rain jackets. If you are traveling with kids, you can certainly make some memories by putting ponchos on and letting them jump in the puddles or dance around in the rain! Umbrellas can also be used to protect you from the sun.

Beating the Heat

The heat and humidity in Central Florida during the summer months is no joke! It WILL be HOT! However, there are some easy strategies that you can use during your visit to stay cool. Here are a few suggestions:

Pool Time

This one is pretty obvious! Swimming is a great way to cool off and there are multiple pools at every onsite hotel at Walt Disney World. If you are staying at a moderate or deluxe resort, you can even enjoy the waterslides or kids’ water play area available at many of these pools!

Mid-Day Break

Taking a break during the hottest part of the day is another way to cool down. You may opt to take a nap, sit by the pool, or just relax back at your resort. If you prefer to stay in the parks, a mid-day dining reservation may be another option to take a break.

Indoor Attractions

If you prefer not to leave the park but would like to cool down, there are some great indoor attractions that tend to have shorter wait times. Shows are also a good option. Here are a few of our favorites at each park:

• Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• EPCOT: Voices of Liberty, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, The Seas Pavilion, Living with the Land
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, Disney Junior Play and Dance!
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King, Conservation Station

In addition, there are several indoor character meet and greets. These are a great option to get indoors for a bit. There are several included if you are using Disney Genie+.

The Water Park

Spending the day at the water park is another great option, similar to pool time. Currently, only Typhoon Lagoon is open for guests to enjoy. However, it’s a great way to have fun at one of the parks while also staying cool.

Planning Ahead

A Disney vacation has a lot of moving parts that require planning ahead. During the summer months though, this is even more important.

Think about how you want to spend your time at the parks. What are your must-do attractions? It’s beneficial to get up early and “rope drop”, arriving before the park opens. Take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry if you are staying at a Disney hotel. This will also allow you to be in the parks before it gets to the hottest part of the day.

Do you plan to use Disney Genie+? Become familiar with using this service prior to arrival. Your travel advisor is a great resource to help you.

Dining reservations are booked up to 60 days in advance and it can be quite tricky during the summer months! Booking your dining reservations in advance will be especially important if you want a popular restaurant. Be flexible with your dining plans though. It may be easier to get a lunch reservation or to eat during non-peak times. Plus, this will give you a break from the heat.

Top Tips to Remember

As we’ve shared above, there are a few things to think about if you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort during the summer months. So, let’s review! Here are our top tips to remember:

1.) Be Prepared

Make sure you have realistic expectations about the weather and pack accordingly. Make sure that you have sun protection and rain gear with you at the parks. The summer months tend to be a busier time to visit the parks so pack your patience too!

2.) Beat the Heat

There are several ways to cool down when you are in the parks. Arrive early, before the weather gets too hot, to avoid the hottest part of the day and the heaviest crowds. Enjoy some pool time too or head to the water park.

If you want to take a mid-day break, head back to the resort to take a nap, swim, and cool down. Then, you can return during the evening when it tends to cool down a bit.

Alternatively, consider booking a dining reservation for lunch instead of the more popular dinner option.  There are several great indoor attractions to enjoy as well, including some character meet and greet opportunities.

3.) Plan Ahead

Think about how you want your day at each park to look. Do you have must-do attractions and experiences? Arrive early to make the most of your time. Get familiar with Disney Genie+ and any changes that are happening at the parks. Don’t forget to make any dining reservations that you want! These can be made up to 60 days prior to arrival.

A travel advisor is a great resource to help you make all the necessary plans for your trip!

Are you considering a trip? This is a great time to plan your perfect vacation! Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.

Contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here. If you love following along for the most up to date park information and news, follow us on Instagram too: @themeparkprofessor