The Best Rides at Walt Disney World when it's HOT

Visiting Walt Disney World means facing Florida weather head-on. Choosing the Best Rides at Walt Disney World when it’s HOT can be daunting. Nothing compares to the Florida heat that will cover more months of the year than you could imagine. So how do you enjoy a Disney vacation through the steamy, sweaty, sauna of Florida during the hot months? By choosing the best rides at Walt Disney World to escape the heat of course!

Walt Disney World in the Summer

Facing a heat index of 105 degrees in September can make you seriously consider staying in your air-conditioned resort for the remainder of your Disney vacation. We’ve tackled 95-degree weather in February and October and varied weather in all the months between. The one thing we know to be true, however, is that while you may not be able to figure out Florida weather, having a strategy for hot days is absolutely necessary. In our post 12 Things Most People Don’t Tell You About a Disney Vacation we talk about the fact that your family is probably already spending way more time together than normal. Add in loads of things to get stressed or annoyed about. And some super hot weather and your vacation may feel less magical than planned. Check out our must-have products for hot days in Florida and all the tips to help you beat the heat at Walt Disney World.

And dare we add, that we’d rather visit Walt Disney World ANY OTHER time of year than summer? We’ve written about how we don’t go to Disney in the Summer unless we’re pretty much dragged there. But, if you’re one of the poor unfortunate souls who decided to take a summer vacation to Walt Disney World, here are your best chances at rides and shows that will help you get through the heat.

Best Rides at Walt Disney World When It’s Hot in Each Park

While many rides are inside, if you have to wait outside in a long line queue ( we’re talking to you Test Track) , plan to be drenched by the time you finally reach the air conditioning. The rides we’ve chosen here get you…

INDOORS, for a certain period of time
The chance of getting splashed with water
Some substantial breezes and shade
Hopefully a shaded wait queue.

Each Disney park has a slew of rides that you can count on for indoor air conditioning or interesting queues that will make you grateful you get to take a break from the sun. Here are our best picks so far!

Animal Kingdom

Flight of Passage
Festival of the Lion King Show
It’s Tough to be a Bug
N’avi River Journey
Kali River Rapids

Magic Kingdom

Flight of Peter Pan
It’s a Small World
Haunted Mansion
Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert
Splash Mountain
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
PeopleMover
Carousel of Progress
Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid

Epcot

Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Boat Ride with the Three Caballeros
The Land Boat Ride
Spaceship Earth
Soarin’
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Awesome Planet Show- The Land
China 360- World Showcase
Canada Far and Wide- World Showcase
Beauty and the Beast Sing a Long-World Showcase

Hollywood Studios

Muppets 3-D
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
For the First Time in Forever: Frozen Sing A Long
Walt Disney Presents Theater
Alien Swirling Saucers
Toy Story Midway Mania
Mickey Shorts Theater
Rise of the Resistance

Where to Take a Break from the Heat at Walt Disney World

Grabbing a break from the heat can also happen at our other favorite places across the parks. Checking out the gift shops is one of our favorite ways to get out of the sun. Need something cooler? In addition to the few water rides we shared above, you can visit the Splash Stations around the parks too. If you’re looking for more long-term respite to get you through the hot afternoon then head to any Disney Resort for some indoor exploring. While any Disney Resort will do, we love Wilderness Lodge, the Monorail Resorts, and Animal Kingdom Lodge for loads of lounging, gift shop browsing, and great places to eat.

What are your favorite rides and shows to help beat the heat?