Let’s be honest—Florida summers are no joke. Between the heat, humidity, and afternoon storms, it’s no surprise that many families worry about planning a Disney vacation during those sizzling summer months. I’ve been there myself and I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hot. But here’s the thing: with the right preparation, a summer Disney trip can still be magical, memorable, and totally manageable.
My family visited Disney in August last year, and we had an extremely successful vacation thanks to a few smart strategies and proper preparation. If summer is the best time for your schedule, you don’t have to skip out on the magic. You just need a solid plan, realistic expectations, and a few well-timed breaks (and Mickey bars).
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare for your summertime Disney vacation so your family can beat the heat and make the most of every magical moment. If you’re already looking to plan a summertime Disney vacation, be sure to reach out to me here, and we can get started! Additionally, follow along on my Instagram page – @theorganizeddisneymom – because my family is headed back in June this year for another round of summer fun at the parks!
Packing Like a Pro:
The Florida heat doesn’t mess around. If you’re heading to Disney in June, July, or August, packing the right items can be the difference between a magical day and a meltdown (and I don’t just mean the kids). When my family travels during the summer, we come prepared, and it makes all the difference.
Some of the essential “extras” we pack for a summertime trip include multiple fans (both stroller fans for the kids as well as neck fans for my husband and I). We recently upgraded to misting fans for the kids (with the bendable arms that attach to the stroller), and they were well utilized. And while I admit the neck fans aren’t the most fashionable accessory, they are a lifesaver.
We also pack a few cooling towels. I will say the downside to these is that your shirt may be wet where the towel hangs around your neck, but it’s a minor inconvenience for the way they can quickly lower your body temperature.
What you wear can have a significant impact on your comfort level throughout the day. I’ll be honest – when I am packing my family for a summertime trip, I’m leaving behind the matching cotton tees and opting for moisture-wicking tanks for all of us. Everyone also has a hat or visor as well as sunglasses because the summer sun is intense.
We also pack items to ensure proper hydration throughout the day. This includes several reusable water bottles that we constantly fill with fresh ice and water (available at all quick service food locations) and even some Liquid IV or other electrolyte mix to help replace what is being lost through sweat.
Rain in the afternoon is fairly common during the summer months in Florida. Sometimes it can be a sprinkle, and other times it’s an absolute downpour, but either way, you’ll want to be prepared with some disposable ponchos that you can easily carry in your park bag. A small travel umbrella can also serve multiple purposes – keep you dry if it rains, and also double as a sunshade.
It probably goes without saying, but sun protection is essential. Stock up on sunscreen and don’t forget to bring it into the parks with you for reapplication throughout the day.
Park Day Strategy
When it comes to visiting Disney in the summer, beating the heat is all about strategy, so having a plan for your park days is essential. The way you structure your day can completely change how your family experiences the parks, especially if the temps start climbing before you’ve even finished your morning coffee.
One of the best strategies you can implement is to start early! If you are staying at one of the Disney Resorts and have Early Entry, you definitely want to take advantage of it. Getting into the parks and knocking out a few key attractions in the early morning hours allows you to take advantage of both lower crowds and lower temperatures. This way, you can head out for a mid-day break by the time the crowds and heat become most intense.
This leads to the second part of the strategy, which is implementing an afternoon break. This is honestly a sanity saver for everyone. Head back to your resort for a swim, a shower, or just a rest in the AC. It gives everyone time to recharge, and you can return in the evening when the sun is lower, the temps are more tolerable, and the parks start to glow with that extra bit of magic.
If you do prefer to stay in the parks all day, you’ll still want to be strategic about your attractions schedule. Aim to hit up some of those indoor attractions (there are plenty in each park) during the peak afternoon hours. It’s also a good idea to schedule a table service dining reservation during the mid-afternoon or early evening so that everyone has a chance to rest and refuel while enjoying the AC.
If your overall vacation plans allow for it, plan for a rest day (or two) during your trip. This is a chance for everyone to sleep in a bit, enjoy the pool and amenities at your resort, and recharge for the remainder of your vacation. Don’t underestimate the way the sun can zap the energy out of you! Having a full day off will do wonders for everyone’s ability to fully enjoy the parks.
Bottom line? A little flexibility and smart scheduling go a long way. Enjoy a longer, sit-down meal, take in a shaded stage show, or find a quiet corner to sit with a snack. Even 20–30 minutes of downtime can reset everyone enough to finish out the day strong. Planning your overall trip and each day with the weather in mind, and summer at Disney becomes so much more manageable!
Staying Cool in the Parks
There’s no avoiding the heat completely during summer in Florida, but there are definitely ways to stay cool enough to keep the fun going without meltdowns (from kids or adults).
Above all, hydration is key. Even if you don’t feel like you need it, aim to be continually drinking water. Every time you see a refill station, make sure everyone in your party has a full water bottle on hand. And don’t forget that you can get ice for free at all quick service locations. You don’t even need to wait in line for it – most places will already have a designated ice/water refill station set up for you to help yourself.
Many of Disney’s attractions are already indoors, as well as many ride queues. So it’s not that hard to escape the heat for a break. Make sure you prioritize those rides and shows during the hottest parts of the day. The little burst of AC will feel amazing, too.
Don’t forget to utilize the various cooling devices you have with you – stroller fans for the kids, neck fans, cooling towels, etc. There are some times when being outside is inevitable (such as for parades), so these items can make a big difference when you’re standing still in the sun.
And finally, don’t be afraid to slow down. Maybe your typical Disney vacation involves being on the go from morning until night, hitting all the attractions in the park. Summertime trips aren’t the time to be racing from one attraction to the next as fast as you can. These trips might also be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some of the less popular (indoor) attractions and shows that you don’t typically do.
You can’t change the weather, but you can be smart about how you vacation in it!
Final Tips & Tricks
Don’t forget about being smart in choosing your snacks. Even though you’ll be racing against the sun, having a cool treat like Dole Whip or a Mickey Ice Cream bar is a great way to enjoy a classic snack and help you cool down in the mid-afternoon.
There are also opportunities for a little “water fun” while in the parks. For example, if you happen to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in the middle of the day, you’ll get a chance for a soaking good time! FYI: If you sit in the front row, you will get soaked, but on the flip side, you will also dry quickly in the summer heat. You can also find a kiddie splash zone at the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Fantasyland.
In Epcot, be sure to visit Journey Into Water, Inspired by Moana. This walk-through attraction allows guests to interact with water in various ways, which is another great opportunity for you and your kids to cool down a bit in the heat of the day. In Animal Kingdom, you can take a ride on Kali River Rapids, where fate might leave you soaked from head to toe!
Summertime at Disney may come with high temperatures, but it also brings long park hours, vibrant entertainment, and a unique kind of energy that you’ll only find in Disney. With the right mindset and a few smart strategies (like packing smart, staying cool, and building in downtime), you can absolutely have an amazing trip. Remember, the goal isn’t to do it all; it’s to create magical moments with your family that you’ll talk about for years to come!
And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the planning? I’m here to help you every step of the way. As a Smart Moms Travel Agent, a big part of my job is to help you get the most out of your Disney vacation, no matter what time of year you travel. For more tips and tricks and the best resources for planning your Disney vacation, subscribe to the blog and follow me on Instagram: @theorganizeddisneymom.
Not working with a Smart Moms Travel agent yet, but looking for customized help to plan your family’s upcoming Disney trip? I would be happy to work with you to develop a Disney vacation that meets your family’s needs. You can click here to enlist my help for free!
