Ways to Stay Cool in the Parks

Florida in the Summer can make you sizzle! I personally am a Fall and Winter fan, so when I travel to Disney World in the Summer months I make sure I have tons of ways to beat the heat! Disney destinations are fun all year round, but they’re even more fun if you don’t let yourself get overheated. Here are some of my tried-and-true methods of staying cool, when the weather is anything but! Sun Protection is definitely my #1 tip. Pack more than enough sunscreen, and be sure to -according to the directions. Wearing a hat is also a great way to help keep the sun, and the heat, off of your face.

Cooling Accessories are also a must have! Clip a fan onto the stroller, or have the kids bring a misting fan with them (and then steal a spritz when you need one). Our last few trips we started bringing a cooling towel with us, and it has saved me from quite a few overheated meltdowns by my daughter.

Snacks are a great way to cool yourself down from the inside out! My favorites are Dole Whips, Frozen Lemonade, and of course a Premium Micky Ice Cream Bar. If you’re in Epcot, at Disney World, you can swing by Club Cool and try samples of sodas from around the world. If you do go, be sure to try the Beverly. You can thank me for that pro-tip later! Water Rides are probably one of the most fun ways to cool down the whole family at once. Take a spin on Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World or Grizzly Rapids at California Adventure if you’re in Disneyland. Splash Mountain is always a great way to cool off, too!

If you don’t feel like getting wet, but the kids need to cool off, and you need a break as well, Splash Areas are a good choice to stop at for a little break! Casey Jr Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is a great spot, and Epcot has misters going at Cool Wash by Test Track. The Splash Areas bring me to my next suggestion…. Cool down while you Take A Break! Head back to your Disney resort midday and hang out at the pool during the hottest hours. Or go to one of Disney’s amazing Water Parks! Make sure you have some dining reservations made, so you can go into an air conditioned restaurant and recharge with a rest, some food, and cold beverages.

Indoor Attractions are an amazing way to take stay cool while still having fun in the parks! Stop by 3d shows, like Mickey’s PhilarMagic in Magic Kingdom to have a rest and some laughs. Dumbo is one of my favorite attractions to take a break at. The inside of the circus tent is air conditioned, and there’s play areas for kids of all ages to enjoy. You wait for your turn to ride, while the kids play! The shows Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo The Musical are both at Animal Kingdom, and both are indoors and AC’d! If you’re at Hollywood Studios in Disney World be sure to take a walk through One Man’s Dream, and the Star Wars Launch Bay for an AC break. Last but definitely not least is stay Hydrated!! You can bring water bottles into the parks with you, or just walk up to anywhere serving drinks and ask for a cup of ice water, and the cast member working will hand it to you for free, and with a smile! If you’re staying at a Disney Resort you can fill your water bottle half way the night before, and freeze it (I recommend placing it on it’s side for freezing) and then fill the rest of the way with water in the morning. Half ice, half water and it will stay nice and cool for most of your day in the park!