22 Tips for Summer at Disney World

In this post we’re sharing Walt Disney World Summer Tips to help you have the best Disney World summer vacation in the parks. From Disney World Summer Survival Tips, to What to Expect at Walt Disney World in the summer months, we’re sharing everything you need to know before you go. From staying at staying at Disney World Resorts with the best pools, to our best Disney World Summer Packing Tips, here’s a bunch of tips for Summer at Disney World. 

Grab Disney Summer Discounts

If you’re traveling in the summer, be sure to check out all the Disney World Summer Deals and Discounts available. This year, Disney World has quite a few ways for to save money on your Disney Vacation Package, Hotel Stay and Dining. So whether you’re just grabbing Disney World Summer Tickets or a full Disney Summer Vacation package there are lots of options to save money at Disney World. 

Plan for the Summer Weather at Disney World

The most important thing in this Tips for Summer at Disney World list is all about the weather! If you don’t live in Florida you may be shocked by just how hot, and how muggy Florida actually is in the summer months. Did you know it’s actually hurricane season at Disney World in the summers? For this reason you can expect intense heat, with heat indexes above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and sporadic rains. We talk more about cooling towels, fans and ponchos below, but be sure to check the weather before you go and plan for HOT! Here are some things to remember. 

• Summer Weather is typically between about 85°F–95°F, 
• Early mornings are generally in the 73°F-85°F range.
• Heat indexes in Florida range from 103°F–110°F
• Your outside from about 9 AM- 9 PM most park days
• You walk approx. 7-12 miles most park days

Have a Daily Disney Itinerary Planned

Planning your Disney Days doesn’t have to be complicated. in fact you grab printable in our post to help you map out each day. Why is this so important in the summer at Disney World? Because, a good plan means you’re not standing around in the sun, wondering what you should do next. As such we always recommend aiming for at least 3 rides, 1 show, 1 character meet and greet ( if you want) and a table service meal. In the summer months, eating becomes less appealing when you’re hot, but even if you’re just planning quick service, choose restaurants ahead of time, so you know what your day looks like. 

Be Ready for Summer Crowds at Disney World

While Disney World always has crowds, one of the biggest differences during the summer months is the kind of crowds. Much like when we talk about the stroller struggle (no offense moms-we know you don’t love lugging those strollers around just as much as we don’t love getting hit by them ) the group struggle is just as real. While we assumed there’d be an increase in groups, we didn’t realize they would mostly all be extremely large groups.

Disney World Crowds in the summer includes families, tour groups, international travelers, and first time vacationers. This means, things like using your magi bands at rides, standing in line for lunch, and finding a spot for fireworks, all because more difficult. People are everyone. Check out our Disney World Crowds Tips for some strategies to help. 

Consider adding Lightning Lane Passes

If you’re hoping to skip the line and get into as many rides as possible, we highly recommend Lighting Lane Passes for your Magic Kingdom day. While the other parks have fewer rides, and can often be managed with lower wait times, MK is different. And in the summer, when Magic Kingdom is packed, all the ride lines are longer. Generally priced between $15- $30 per person per day, this add-on can get pricey. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can reserve your initial three lightning lane passes up to 7 days in advance. 

Arrive Early and Stay Late

During the summer at Disney World, one of our best tactics is to arrive early and stay late, with breaks in between of course. This means, you arrive at the park, BEFORE they open and make the most of Early Morning Entry by tackling rides and experiences on your priority list. Since most people arrive at the parks between 10-12, if you’re there earlier, you can do more. 

Similarly, if you can plan to stay late you can see the nighttime shows at any of the parks, and take advantage of fewer crowds after the dinner hours. Of course, during the heat of the summer taking an afternoon break to go back to your resort to cool down, have a sit down lunch or heading to the Boardwalk are essential. 

Take a Break from the Park in the Afternoon

Whether you want to take a break at your resort, a restaurant, or just take a quick rest break on the People Mover, remember that your body is working a lot harder when its hot. And breaking during the afternoon hours means that you can get out of the heat at the hottest time of day. Check out our favorite places to Take a Break at Disney World, which includes shaded spots in the parks, and nearby resorts. 

Avoid Dining during Regular Meal Times

One of our Best Disney World Ride Strategies is to aim for riding rides during meal times. As a result, this means that you’re likely eating outside of Peak Meal Hours. This is a win-win situation, in that it means easier to get dining reservations at less popular times. As well as shorter lines at counter service restaurants. Alternatively, it also means ride lines are shorter during meal times, so prioritize your 9-10, 12-1, and 5-7 hours for riding rides. And aim for meals 7-8, 11-12, 3-4 or 8-9. 

Bring a Couple Pairs of Shoes

Like most people, you’re probably wondering how to fit all the clothes you need in your suitcase. And shoes take a up a lot of space. But don’t skip this step! Having a couple different kinds of shoes for your Summer at Disney World trip, will save your feet and give options in the weather. The best shoes for Disney World are always tennis shoes, broken in. But during the summer, and especially since it rains so much, you will probably also want crocs, flip flops or walking sandals that won’t keep your feet soaked on rainy days.  

Pack the Right Disney Summer Outfits 

Dressing for the summertime at Disney World, means tank tops, shorts, hats and sunglasses. Of course, we love good Disney t-shirts that are made of soft jersey material, which can get wet, from rain or sweat and is still fast drying enough to not be an issue. Hats of course are a must, for sun protection. The Florida sun in particular is very unforgiving, so be prepared for it. Grab our Disney World Summer Packing List for all the things to bring. 

Pack Cooling Towels

One of our favorite hacks for Disney World, are cooling towels. These little towels can be packed in your day bag, and draped around your neck, when the weather gets too hot. You can grab multi-packs of cooling towels  to have on hand for the whole family during the hottest days. 

Don’t Forget the Ponchos

Did we mentions it rains at Walt Disney World? A lot more than you probably think in fact. As girls who typically visit throughout the year, we’ve seen all the weather choices in Florida, and most of them include rain. We even designed packable rain jackets for just this reason. We recommend you grab a pack of ponchos for the whole family, before your trip. This beats paying the $12 each at the gift shop, and allows you to get both adult and kid sizes for cheap. We most like slightly heavier ponchos, as opposed to the ones that feel like plastic wrap, because you will be reusing these your entire trip, so you want them to last that long. 

Stay Hydrated

Bring a water bottle in the parks to refill throughout the day at any of the filtered water stations across he parks. You can also grab free water at most counter service locations too. And don’t forget if you’re drinking alcohol in the parks, you should drink 2 cups of water for every alcoholic beverage, especially in the hot Florida sun. By far one of our best tips for Disney in the Summer, we always notice when we haven’t drank enough.  

Bring the Sunscreen

While you will surely have a sunscreen moment before you head into the parks, be sure to pack a spray sunscreen in your Disney Day bag. Your best bet is to find a good chemical sunscreen that won’t wash off or disappear with hand washing and sweat. 

Pack a Portable Fan

If you have little ones that will simply melt in the heat, bring a packable fan to help ward off breakdowns. Generally these come with a little rope attached, so that you can wear them around your neck. But since they’re also typically usb charged, can die pretty quickly, with constant use. We recommend keeping a portable fan and a battery pack charger with you at all times. 

Prioritize Indoor Disney Attractions between 12- 4 PM

If you’re in the theme parks all day, you know that peak sunshine hours are between 12-4 PM. As such, these are the best times to prioritize rides that are inside, take a little time, or that have sheltered wait queues. Here are a few of our favorite attractions in each Disney park that are indoors. 

• Magic Kingdom: Philharmagic, it’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight
• Hollywood Studios: For the First Time in Forever Sing Along, Mickey Shorts Theater, Star Tours, Rise of the Resistance, Toy Story Midway Mania, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
• Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Three Caballeros Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land,  Soarin’, Frozen Ever After. 
• Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Festival of the Lion King

Add a Dining Reservation for Lunch, instead of Dinner

Since evening temperatures in the summer are cooler if you’re making a Disney Dining Reservation, aim for the lunchtime hours, instead, and have quick serve for dinner. This strategy gets you indoors during the hottest time of day, and gives you a good break from the heat and a chance to hydrate. 

Don’t Forget Safety and First Aid in the Parks

During the summer, there are naturally more calamities, because you’re just not as cautious. So whether you need a band aid, aspirin for that headache because you didn’t drink enough water, or a cure for heat stroke, First Aid stations are at the ready. These little offices can be found in each Disney World Park, and can get you everything from electrolytes to a doctor visit if needed. Take a look at where to find First Aid Stations in Each Disney Park, if you’re visiting in the summer. 

Grab Pool Time at your Disney Resort

Need a list of the best pools at Disney World? We’ve got that. Whether you’re staying at a Value Resort or a Deluxe Resort, doesn’t matter in the least. Pool time is always a good time when it’s hot. Throw on your swimsuit, grab a cool drink from the Pool Bar (yes they have non-alcoholic drinks for littles) and spend some time enjoying your resort. You did pay for it after all, might as well make the most of it.  

Visit the Water Parks

If you’re visiting during the hottest time of year, head to the Disney Water Parks for a full day of cooling off. With things like pools, splash pads and a lazy river, both water parks offer a variety of things that can help you cool down in the hotter weather. In the summer at Disney World, you can also take part in the H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon event, which gets you pool access in the cooler evening weather. And if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you get a free water park ticket for everyone in your travel party on your arrival day! 

Make Time for Summer Events at Disney World

Summer at Walt Disney World always includes several events to experience as well as new shows, and things to do. The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs through the first week in June, and H20 Glow Nights is offered select nights at Typhoon Lagoon throughout the summer. This year you can also experience the new Disney Starlight Parade at Magic Kingdom,  the Unfairly Ever After Show at Hollywood Studios, and the new Spaceship Earth Lounge at EPCOT.

Grab a Slushy Drink to Beat the Heat

Walt Disney World is filled with slushy drink options. There’s a lemonade tea at Golden Oak in Magic Kingdom we love. And the American Dream at Fife and Drum in Epcot is to die for! And if you’re looking for something with a little kick you can even grab a Pineapple Hard Cider with Dole Whip! Check out all our favorite slushy drinks at Disney World for the summer. 

Tips for Summer at Disney World

Hopefully this roundup of tips for Summer at Disney has been helpful. While we rarely visit the parks during the summer months, surviving the Florida heat is more critical than know. Since we don’t love sweating or thinking about how hot it is all day long, we aim for the fall and winter months when making our annual trip. If you’re heading to Disney World this summer, stay cool, be safe, and have fun!