A Disney Summer Survival Guide

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]Photo credit: D. Gans[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]We’re back from our July adventures at Disney World and boy was it hot! While there’s still plenty of time for summer fun at Disney World, you need to plan a bit differently to survive the scorching heat and storms. Even if you’re planning a trip for either September or October, the heat and storms will follow, so to help you prepare, we’ve put together a “Disney Summer Survival Guide”.

What to pack

• Lightweight, loose clothing is best, but pack a hoodie or light jacket just in case. You never know how Florida weather can change, especially in the evenings. Avoid denim since it’s simply too heavy and hot in the Florida sun.
• To protect yourself from the summer sun, pack your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat – these are a must! And when it comes to sunscreen, be sure to apply it before leaving your hotel. Once you set foot in a park and the excitement takes over, you’ll forget to lather it on.
• Broken-in, comfortable shoes are another must. The amount of walking you’ll do at the parks compared to your typical day is mind-boggling. But keep in mind that summer in Orlando also means rain almost everyday. So bring an extra pair and/or water proof/quick-dry footwear. There are times when the walkways at Disney turn into rivers during the storms. We’ve put these Teva men’s sandals through the test at Disney and they are super comfortable.
• Speaking of rain, pack an umbrella and purchase some ponchos for the entire family. Ponchos at Disney can cost you $12 each (adult size) so plan ahead and save. These ponchos that we love come in a pack of six and cost less than one Disney poncho. We’ve reused them for several events and Disney trips so they hold up extremely well and are light weight, simply toss in your bag.

Electronics

• A handheld portable fan is a nice to have, especially as you walk from one ride to another. We used this portable fan during our most recent visit. It’s lightweight, has three speeds, and lasts a long time on one charge. Our only wish is that it had a wrist strap.

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Stay-Cool Strategies

• Schedule your theme park adventures for early in the morning or later in the day. You’ll avoid the midday heat and the larger crowds. Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (if you’re staying at a Disney resort) to get you into a park earlier. Also, schedule “uncovered” attractions earlier or later in the day and indoor attractions during the warmer hours of the day (if at all possible).
• During the midday, plan for an indoor lunch, head back to your resort and take advantage of the pool, or simply take a nap to recharge.
• Stay hydrated while at the parks. Remember, you can get FREE cups of ice water throughout the parks at most food/beverage kiosks or carts. Better yet, ask for a cup of ice and let it melt as you walk around. Not all stands may have water, but the cast member can direct you to the nearest location. There is absolutely no need to buy the expensive bottled waters.
• Explore various buildings throughout the park that have refreshing air conditioning. Many character meet and greets are indoors so take advantage of those during the warmest hours. Or, use the midday to go shopping at the Emporium on Main Street, USA at the Magic Kingdom or MouseGear at Epcot. Also while at Epcot, there’s Club Cool where you can sample a variety of free sodas from around the world. Just avoid the “Beverly” – trust us!
• Go resort hopping and explore the various Disney hotels—everyone is welcome, even if you aren’t staying on property.
  • Hop on the monorail at the Magic Kingdom and check out the resorts located along the line: Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village, and the Grand Floridian. There are a variety of dining and shopping options at each one and you can simply enjoy the beautiful lobbies for some cool air conditioning and to rest your feet. Some even have live entertainment throughout the day.
  • If you’re at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, walk over or hop on a Friendship Boat to the nearby resorts: Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin resorts – again, so many dining and shopping options at each hotel. And for you ice cream lovers, there’s Beaches & Cream at the Yacht & Beach Club and there is Ample Hills Creamery at the Boardwalk. So many amazing flavors and treats to sample while staying cool.
  • Starting September 29, 2019, you can also hop on the new Disney Skyliner from Epcot and Hollywood Studios – it’s the new gondola system that will whisk you away in the sky to Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation and the new Riviera Resort opening in December.
• Finally, don’t forget that Disney has two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, so they are perfect for staying cool all day long!

If you have any other tips, be sure to let us know and enjoy summer while it lasts!

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