How to Stay Cool at Disney World: 10 Tips to Beat the Heat!
We’re breaking down how to stay cool at Disney World!
Heading to the park this summer? Here’s how too stay cool at Disney World!
With summer vacation right around the corner, it’s likely that many of you are headed to Disney World for a vacation that you deserve! Disney is such a fun, special place where you’ll create memories that’ll last a lifetime. However, it’s no secret that the Central Florida weather is…well, brutal!
Even if you live in an area with a hot climate, there’s really nothing that can prepare you for that Orlando humidity. Add in some long days walking around in a crowded theme park, and it can become a little overwhelming. However, there are ways to combat the heat and not let it affect the fun!
It’s best to prepare ahead of time because once you enter the park, the price of cooling items can be steep! We don’t want additional expenses to get in the way of your magical vacation, so check out this helpful list on how to stay cool at Disney World!
1. Order the best neck fan for Disney. There are tons of options on Amazon!
When it comes to how to stay cool at Disney World, a mini fan is key! There are tons of fans you can order on Amazon that are handy, convenient, and portable, and Lina loved the option above on her recent visit to Disney. Another option is to buy a portable spray bottle fan that’ll help you cool down as well.
They do sell similar fans on Disney property. However, they’re a little pricey and not as portable. Regardless of where you order it from, you’ll be so grateful you have one in that hot weather!
2. Grab a cooling towel.
One item you may want when heading to Disney is a cooling towel. In fact, our team has an entire post about our favorite cooling towels and why they’re so important! They are one of our secret weapons for staying comfortable on a hot day at the park. Once wet, they instantly stay nice and cool as opposed to a regular towel that would heat up and dry fairly quickly.
3. Take advantage of shaded areas and water rides!
Magic Kingdom
In Fanstasyland at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll definitely want to stop with the kiddos at the Casey Jr. Splash N Soak Station. Inspired by the train in Dumbo, visit this station to get a splash of water to help you and the kids cool off. Plus, in Tomorrowland, near the Lunching Pad, the park occasionally turns on a misting fan, which is also a quick and easy way to cool off without actually getting wet. Keep your eye out for other places to steal some shade like The Hall of Presidents or the Enchanted Tiki Room,
EPCOT
In EPCOT, the best place to cool off is, well, Club Cool! They offer free refreshments including sodas and juices from all over the world. Plus, they blast AC! The Land is also a great place to cool off as it’s one big building that features three attractions and two restaurants. Throughout the World Showcase, there is also plenty of indoor areas filled with fun (and AC)!
We also recommend visiting the new Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Explore the trails and enjoy encounters with water in a fun and playful way. It’s a great attraction for all ages!
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is the hottest park, feeling about 10 degrees higher than the rest due to all the trees and animal habitats. The best attraction to cool off in is Kali River Rapids. There are also plenty of shows to enjoy such as Festival of the Lion King, which is an entertaining and relaxing way to cool off. You can also take a tip from Hip reader, Michele, and cool off in the air condition by visiting the Conservation Station where you can see animals getting veterinary care.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios doesn’t have as many water-related attractions. But occasionally, the Tower of Terror queue will turn on its mists so you cool off while you wait in the garden (note this isn’t always a guarantee). Watching one of the many shows or taking a stroll in Walt Disney Presents will probably be your best cooling options!
Typhoon Lagoon
One way how to stay cool at Disney World is to buy a ticket to one of Disney’s water parks. Tickets to Blizzard Beach are unavailable at the time of this article, but Typhoon Lagoon is open and has plenty of water activities and fun for you to enjoy!
4. Remember your sunglasses and/or a hat.
When thinking of how to stay cool in Disney World, remember that the sun is just as blinding as it is warm! To give your eyes a break, don’t forget your sunglasses. You’ll feel soooo much more comfortable with them. Even better, bring a hat, too! It’ll protect your face from too much sun exposure.
5. Sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen.
No matter what sunscreen you use, regularly apply it throughout the day! The Orlando sun sometimes rises to an 11 UV index, which can be incredibly harmful to unprotected skin. You’ll definitely get some color, but make sure you keep some sunscreen handy throughout your day. If you need some suggestions on which sunscreen to buy, check out our lists of the best sunscreen brands and the best baby sunscreens for kids and infants.
6. Hit the indoor attractions first!
There are plenty of attractions and rides both indoors and outdoors throughout all four theme parks. If you can, try to knock out the indoor attractions first. Once the day gets later, temperatures will become cooler, and waiting in outdoor lines will become a breeze. Plus, don’t hesitate to take a short break at one of the restaurants or shops that have A/C!
7. When it comes to clothes, wear light clothes and breathable shoes.
No matter what you wear, you’re going to be hot. However, you should be comfortable! Any lightweight, athletic-like material will most likely be the best.
Personally, we love wearing exercise dresses to Disney, and we always see others wearing them, too! Not only are they adorable, but they’re also super comfortable and cute for pictures! As far as shoes go, not everyone is capable of walking 15,000 steps in sandals. Any kind of athletic sneaker is the best option. It’s even better if they are made of a breathable material, similar to running shoes.
8. Stay hydrated!
No matter which water bottle you choose, you’ll be thankful you brought one because one of the best ways how to stay cool at Disney World is to visit the refillable water stations! There stations are located in a bunch of areas so you can stay hydrated throughout your long and exciting day. Plus, you can even throw a pack of electrolytes into your water bottle, if needed. Our Hip sidekick Sara actually tested out some top-notch reusable water bottles to see which is the best if you’re looking for recommendations.
Disney does sell water throughout the park, but it retails for between $3.50 – $5.50 a bottle, and that expense will add up! That’s why we suggest bringing a water bottle. However, the park often gives out free water cups throughout the parks, so if you choose not to bring a water bottle yourself, take advantage when offered a free cup!
9. Prevent Uncomfortable Summer Thigh Chaffing!
You’ll likely walk miles a day in the heat at Disney, and a soothing friction defense stick will prevent the dreaded thigh chaffing that can occur, especially during the hot summer months.
My teammate Lina loves and recommends Gold Bond Friction Defense as it goes on smooth and provides comfort all day. It’s unscented and perfect for sensitive skin. The stick is lightweight and convenient to take along while traveling!
Bonus Tip: Cool off with a yummy frozen treat!
This is the perfect excuse to enjoy a sweet treat like Disney’s famous soft serve Dole Whip. If you haven’t experienced this amazing pineapple dessert, it’s a must-try. They also have orange creamsicle and raspberry versions, too. YUMMO!
Since you’re preparing for vacation, check out our favorite travel packing tips!
Price change 12.99
Thanks for the heads up! I’ve updated the price. 🥰
We just got back from Disney World.. definitely not as magical as it was a few years ago, sadly. It is MISERABLY hot.. I have the fan similar to #1 and it saved my life. It also adjusts so if you’re standing in a line you can rotate one of the fans to blow on someone next to you. Get it! If you have strollers, get an adjustable fan that wraps around it.
Thank you for all of the recent Disney content! We are planning a trip for next year!
You’re so welcome JLM — hopefully your trip is magical (and not super hot!) ✨
I’m a travel agent that specializes in Disney World who visits almost every August because my husband is a teacher.
I cannot emphasize enough that you should take a break in the afternoon. Go back to resort and relax in AC. Take a shower. Don’t spend the entire time swimming. Swimming in FL in the summer in the afternoon can be almost as draining as walking around a park. If you aren’t staying on property, visit the indoor attractions in the afternoon. Eat a very leisurely lunch in the ac. Lines and heat are at their worst from 1-5ish. Take it easy.
Not all cooling towels are the same. Try them before your trip. We personally love the ones sold at Disney. They worked better than others we had from several other brands.
I get headaches almost every day, because I’m extremely sensitive to the sun and humidity. Even drinking constantly doesn’t help, because I’m not retaining enough to help. (I could build an entire website dedicated to every bathroom on property). This year I’m bring several different electrolyte powers including Liquid IV and DripDrop.
Two words, salt pills! They will save your head.
Wow – thanks so much for these great tips, Sarah! ❤️
I know how to stay cool at Disney…Don’t go!!! There are more family friendly places on earth!
100% agree! I regret taking our kids on Disney vacations, we could have saved so much money. There are more inexpensive and simpler vacations that you can make great memories with your family. From April until October Orlando weather is brutal! January is a good time to go, avoid the summer. Signed-mom of grown kiddos
You got that right!
These tips will NOT keep you cool. If you are not used to the heat and humidity of Florida you will be sick from the heat.
OMG, shame on you. Disney is the most magical place on earth. LOL…. Cooling towel is a must. They also have the same concept in hat form which also provides shade. All tips above are on point. Most important is to just stay hydrated (they have water stations) and enjoy a nice cooling dole whip. We are annual passholders that drive up 3 1/2 hours every other month. We stay between 3-5 days every time and we love it. As for the fans pictured on #1, I have 3 pairs and they are great. Just a friendly reminder that if you have long hair make sure to tie it back because it can get tangled in it.
In Animal Kingdom, check out the Conservation Station. It’s got A/C and the kids can see animals getting veterinary care and learn more about them while you cool off. Bonus: the train ride to get there is pretty fun and gives any sore feet a nice break.
My niece loved it because she got to pet a snake, watch a turtle get helped by the vet, and take pics with Jiminy Cricket.
For those going to Magic Kingdom- there are lots of options to rest your feet and cool down- Philharmagic, Tiki birds, Country Bears, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, People Mover ride. I definitely recommend taking one in when you get too hot. Yes, the Dole Whip is a must! The Sunshine Tree Terrace has an amazing “I Lava You” float! My daughter tried it at I thought it would be too sweet but, wow, it was good! It’s strawberry soda with passion fruit flavors and orange Dole whip soft serve, topped with pop rocks. The soft serve is a little tart to offset the sweet. We get them almost every time now.
Now if I could find the perfect water bottle that isn’t heavy but keeps ice from melting to quickly.
WOW! These are super helpful recommendations, Lesli! 💖 Thanks so much for sharing about all these different places to stop in at! The “I Lava You” float sounds delicious! 🙌