Planning Tips

3 Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World in the Summer

Summer in Orlando is what you would expect – hot, humid and crowded. But don’t let that stop you from booking your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Our family’s “usual” time to travel to Disney is the beginning of August, which is prime time for heat and crowds.

We’ve been going that time of year for as long as I can remember, so we’ve really gotten it down. Here’s how we’ve managed to do it all these years…

1. Don’t spend all day at the parks – this is my general plan for Disney, but especially important in the summer months!!

  • Hit the parks in the morning. I always recommend getting there before the parks open.
  • Stay through lunch/early afternoon. Leave before the heat (or summer storms) hit.
  • Head back to your resort. Spend some time cooling off at the pool or in the AC.
  • Visit the parks again for dinner and nighttime. You’ll be refreshed and ready to go, and the heat will have subsided!

2. Dress accordingly

  • Wear light clothes that dry quickly. Summer months are great for athletic clothes. You’re likely going to be sweaty or wet from the summer storms that blow through, so you want clothes that will dry fast.
  • Comfy shoes are always a must! This might seem obvious, but don’t wear brand new shoes to the parks. Wear shoes you know won’t rub in the heat. Lightweight gym shoes are my go-to.

3. Bring the right gear

Portable fans/fan spray bottles for the kids. They’ll be happy to have it while you wait in lines or are watching the parade. You’ll be happy to cool off too!

Ponchos. Summer storms blow in quickly, and they pass through even more quickly! Don’t get caught in the rain without them, or you’ll get soaked. We like to buy disposable ponchos in bulk in advance of our trips, so you can just throw them in your bags and toss them when you’re done.

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