Disney World In Summer: The Best Tips For Surviving The Heat & Humidity

Are you planning to visit Disney World in Summer? There is a lot you should know before taking your Disney World Summer vacation.

Although a sunny day at a theme park sounds ideal, Walt Disney World is located in Florida. So, visiting Disney World in Summer means consistent heat and humidity (and other extreme weather conditions).

But before you panic, there are ways to deal with the many issues of travelling to Disney World in Summer.

Today, we’re talking about how to navigate these problems, and have the best trip to Disney World in Summer. And, most importantly, we are highlighting the best Disney World in Summer tips for surviving the intense heat and humidity!

This post is all about the best tips for surviving the heat and humidity at Disney World in Summer.

Disney World in Summer Tips

Should You Even Bother Visiting Disney World in Summer?

The short answer is YES. Despite the scorching temperatures and high humidity, there are plenty of compelling reasons to visit Disney World in the summer months.

Firstly, you can take advantage of Disney World Summer deals and promotions, making it an ideal time to experience the magic without breaking the bank.

You will usually find the cheapest Disney World tickets in August-September, which isn’t a peak time to visit.

Similarly, room rates are some of the lowest you’ll see all year towards the end of Summer (mid/late August into early/mid-September). You can usually find good hotel promotions at this time (check out Disney’s site for the current deals).

disney world in summer tips — Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

If you visit during June and July, crowds can be high, though as kids return to school, the parks get quieter as August commences.

Additionally, Disney starts celebrating Halloween in Summer (yes, the decorations go up at the end of July!).

And Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tends to start on the second Friday of August.

If you’ve never been, this special ticketed event is A LOT of fun! (Read more about it in our post about Disney World’s Halloween Events).

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival also starts in Summer (usually late July through mid-November).

1) Find things to do at Disney World which are indoor & air-conditioned

When spending time at Disney World in Summer heat and humidity becomes too much to deal with, fear not! Disney World offers a plethora of indoor attractions and activities where you can take a break – and enjoy the air conditioning!

Here are the best places to go to escape the heat in each park:

Best Magic Kingdom Rides in Summer:

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

“it’s a small world”

Pirates of the Caribbean

Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (parts of this ride are outdoors, but it is perfect for a relaxing break!)
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid

Best Magic Kingdom Shows in Summer:

The Hall of Presidents

Mickey’s PhilarMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Country Bear Jamboree (when it re-opens 😭)

@caffeinebythecastle
I’m sure the new show will be good, but I’m going to miss the one we already know and love 🥺🐻💖 #magickingdom #disneyshow
♬ snowfall – Øneheart & reidenshi

Best Epcot Rides in Summer:

Frozen Ever After

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (if you manage to join the virtual queue at 7AM or 1PM – you must be at Epcot to join the queue at 1PM).

Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE (be aware that the Green Mission is WAY LESS INTENSE than the Orange Mission. That ride is CRAZY INTENSE).
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth

Test Track

Best Epcot Shows in Summer:

The American Adventure

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Reflections of China
Turtle Talk With Crush

Best Hollywood Studios Rides in Summer:

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Toy Story Mania!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (closed for refurbishment and re-opening in Summer 2024)

Best Hollywood Studios Shows in Summer:

Disney Junior Play and Dance!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie

Walt Disney Presents
Muppet*Vision 3D

Best Animal Kingdom Rides in Summer:

DINOSAUR

Best Animal Kingdom Shows in Summer:

Festival of the Lion King

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond!

2) Don’t overlook a Disney Water Park

Beat the heat in style by visiting one of the Disney Water Parks.

outfits to wear to disney world summer — Castaway Creek at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Offering an array of thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and interactive splash zones, Disney’s water parks provide the perfect escape from the scorching temperatures.

Plus, did you know that admission to the water parks will be complimentary on the day of your arrival in 2025 – if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel?

If you’re planning to visit Disney World in Summer 2025, this could be a great deal!

If you’re taking a Disney World Summer 2024 vacation, check out our post on the prices of Disney Water Park tickets – and how to save on them!

You may only need a few hours to explore a Disney water park, which provides you with plenty of time to explore the Disney theme parks during the rest of the day.

Please check which Disney water park is closed during your visit. Typically, Typhoon Lagoon will be open during the summer season, and Blizzard Beach is usually closed until November (and Typhoon Lagoon then tends to stay closed until March – though this is subject to change).

3) Think about how to dress for Disney World in Summer

As I’ve mentioned a number of times, it’s going to be HOT and HUMID. So, clothes that will be comfortable and cool are key!

This will be a sweater and jacket-free zone!

Think comfy dresses, skirts, skorts, shorts, t-shirts etc.

4) Don’t forget the most important items in your Disney Parks bag

Packing your park bag strategically is crucial when preparing for a day of adventure at Disney World during the summer months.

Be sure to include essential items such as a portable fan to provide instant relief from the heat.

Additionally, staying hydrated is vital, so remember to pack a refillable water bottle to keep you refreshed throughout the day. With water bottle refill stations conveniently located throughout the parks, you can easily top up your bottle whenever needed, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized. Consider downloading the My Disney Experience app for quick access to refill station locations.

Many people also use cool towels to help beat the heat! You can find these at Disney Parks or online on places like Amazon.

5) Be prepared for rain

When venturing to Disney World in the summertime, it’s essential to brace yourself for sudden rain showers, which can be quite intense in Orlando during this season.

So, having a poncho is a must!

The rain ponchos sold at the Disney Parks are the best I’ve tried, but you can find some cheaper alternatives online (I recommend reading reviews before you purchase, as you will want a high-quality rain poncho!).

Packing ponchos in your park bag will help shield you from the rain, allowing you to continue enjoying the magic of Disney World regardless of the weather.

After making the regrettable mistake of not packing a poncho in my bag at Disney World in Summer, I’m now much better at bringing one.

Although ponchos take up some space in your park bag, it’s worth it if you get caught in a rainstorm.

6) Plan your day – and take breaks – strategically

When visiting Disney World in the summer, it’s helpful to plan your day carefully to beat the heat and humidity. Starting your day with rope drop is a smart move, as you can enjoy cooler temperatures and shorter lines in the morning hours (of course, if you’re staying on-site, you will get Early Theme Park Entry – where you can enter the parks 30 minutes before guests who are not staying on-site).

Consider taking breaks during the hottest part of the day and returning to the parks in the late afternoon/early evening when temperatures begin to cool (though, let’s face it: it’s still hot). This allows you to escape the worst of the heat and humidity while still making the most of your time in the parks.

Plus, if you’re staying at a hotel with a pool, taking afternoon breaks provides the perfect opportunity to relax and cool off before heading back for more Disney adventures.

dressing for disney world in summer — The Courtyard Pool at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Returning to the parks in the evening is also better (check Disney World Summer hours and park closures – as Magic Kingdom will be closed to guests who haven’t bought a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on some nights).

If you stay at a Deluxe Resort, you will have access to Extended Evening Hours two nights a week (typically, these take place at Magic Kingdom and Epcot on weekdays, but be sure to check Disney’s site to see when this is during your summer vacation).

This usually provides Deluxe Resort guests two extra park hours – with significantly shorter wait times!

If you want to attend Extended Evening Hours on a Moderate Resort (or sometimes even a Value Resort) budget, check out our post on Renting Disney Vacation Club points!

7) Indoor dining locations are the best during Summer

When dining at the parks during the scorching summer months, opting for indoor locations can make a world of difference in your comfort level.

While outdoor dining spots like Woody’s Lunch Box may be tempting, especially with their delicious offerings, they can quickly become unbearable in the heat.

I’ve learned this the hard way after finding myself perched on a wall in the sweltering September heat, after unsuccessfully searching for a shady spot to enjoy my meal.

Now, I try to prioritise indoor dining locations whenever possible to escape the heat and humidity. Not only does dining indoors provide relief from the elements, but it also allows you to relax and enjoy your meal in a more comfortable setting.

Most table service locations will provide indoor seating, and plenty of quick service locations will also.

8) Don’t skip the water rides

Don’t overlook the water rides during your summer visit to Disney World!

Sadly, only one “true” water ride is currently open at Disney World: the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom.

But luckily, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening in Summer 2024 at Magic Kingdom.

On a hot day, a water ride can be ideal—and even if you get splashed, your clothes will dry quickly!

9) Be aware of potential hurricanes

When planning your Disney World trip in summer, it’s essential to be mindful of the hurricane season, which typically spans from June to November.

While hurricanes are not an everyday occurrence, it’s wise to stay informed about weather forecasts and any potential storm developments before and during your visit.

While it’s rare for hurricanes to significantly impact your trip, it’s helpful to be aware of the unlikely possibility that one could.

@caffeinebythecastle
I went to Hollywood Studios today, despite the hurricane. Even though I got kind of drenched from the rain, and it was quite windy, I had a great day (more videos to come soon!). The wait times were very short (Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was as low as 5 minutes!). Have you ever been at Disney World during a hurricane? 💖 #disneyhurricane #disneyworldhurricane
♬ Weekly Weather – DJ BAI

I have been to Disney World during hurricanes twice in the last few years. For tips on preparing for hurricanes, check out this post!

Ta Ta For Now

As you embark on your magical journey to Disney World during the scorching summer months, you’re well-equipped to navigate the heat and humidity like a seasoned traveller Enjoy your summer vacation! ☀️

This post was all about the best tips for surviving the heat and humidity at Disney World in Summer.