Some tips on keeping cool during the summer at Walt Disney World
If you are a fan of the BeOurGuest podcast, you’ll often hear co-host, Mike Rahlmann describe the summer heat as “Animal Kingdom Hot,” a concept where it is 160 in the shade and the humidity wraps around you like a thick wool comforter.
While many enjoy Walt Disney World during the summer, excessive heat impacts young children, older adults and people with disabilities more seriously, so here are some important tips to keep cool at Walt Disney World.
Avoid the hottest part of the day
Take advantage of the evening extra magic hours when Walt Disney World Parks are open past midnight.
The hottest part of a summer day is between noon to about 3pm and this is the best time to take a break and return to your resort where you can take a nap in your air conditioned room or take a dip in the swimming pools like the Doubloon Lagoon at the French Quarter or letting the kids cool off at Goofy’s Spray area, an interactive play fountain at Disney’s Pop Century.
Hit the dark and water rides
If you stay at the parks one way to beat the heat is to go to the attractions known as “the dark rides,” those indoor attractions at Walt Disney World like Ellen’s Energy Adventure or the Hall of Presidents or Mickey’s Philaharmagic. These indoor rides have air conditioning and will keep you cool during a hot summer day.
You can also cool off by going on water rides like Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom or Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom, where getting drenched can cool you off and don’t forget Walt Disney World has two big water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon!
Summer Nightastic!
If you are a night owl and rested from the heat during the day, get ready for a whole new experience. Just as you are entering most parks, the crowds who stayed during the day are leaving to go rest back in your room. You’ll have less crowds, shorter lines and no need to worry about sunburns! Walt Disney World lights up at night and of course with the several night time shows – from Fantasmic to the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade – there is no better way to end to put some magic in your night!
A little preparation always helps!
For young children, older adults or people with disabilities in your party, it is always good to do some prep work before heading down to Walt Disney World. The Weather Channel’s website can provide you with a monthly weather forecast from Walt Disney World, so you can have an idea of how hot it can get on certain days and determine if you want to go out to the parks on those days or stay and make the most of your resort or take in a movie at Downtown Disney.
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