We all know that Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth, and the dream destination of most children under the age of ten. However, a visit to Disney World in the summer can lead to some unhappy children and parents, thanks to the crowds, long lines, and Florida summer heat. Summer in Orlando can be brutal if you aren’t used to it, and because it’s such a popular vacation time, you’re guaranteed to face a crowd. However, summer is still one of the best times to visit the Walt Disney World parks in Florida. Here are few helpful tips that can keep you cooler, get you around the crowds, and help make your visit the happy memory that you want it to be.
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Beat the Heat. Start with planning to stay at a Disney hotel or resort. This way, you’ll be getting air conditioned transportation to the theme park. And before you get on one of these air conditioned conveyances, take some time to strategize. A Disney guide book is worth purchasing for several reasons and this is one of them: You can use it to plan your route to include indoor attractions at regular intervals. That will give you periodic chances to cool off. Dress for the heat – avoid any type of heavy clothing, and wear shorts. A water mister fan (or several of them) is a great investment for a family with plans to walk around a Disney park for the day. You can buy them inexpensively at many department stores and even dollar stores. Above all else, stay hydrated. Ice water is free at the Disney counter service restaurants, so bring water bottles and refill them as often as you need to.
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Avoid the Crowds. To be honest, it’s just about impossible to completely avoid the crowds at Disney in the summertime. However, you can shorten your wait time. Again, it’s a good idea to stay at a Disney hotel or resort. Guests at Disney hotels can take advantage of Extra Magic Hour mornings or evenings, when the park will either open an hour early or stay open up to three hours late, just for hotel guests. Another great — and free — option is the FastPass system, which will get you a shorter wait time for the rides. This is also another good way to use your guide book – you’ll be better able to take advantage of everything the parks have to offer if you plan your route ahead of time, using the tips included on how to best utilize the FastPass system. Finally, take advantage of the summer afternoon showers. Rain in the afternoon is common in Florida, and you’ll notice the crowds thin out as people seek shelter. Instead of heading indoors, put on a light raincoat and keep enjoying the park.
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Time Your Visit. Not all schools have let their students out by early June, and some students start returning to school in early or mid-August. Visiting during these times can mean less of a crowd to deal with. Also, Disney’s Value season starts in mid-August, so if you wait on your trip until then, you can take advantage of lower rates. If you aren’t worried about crowds and prices, you may want to plan around special events and attractions. Do you have a family of Star Wars fans? Visit between mid-May and early June for Star Wars Weekends. Or come during the month of July for an incredible Independence Day fireworks show.
Disney has so much to offer; there are not many other family vacation destinations that compare to the Disney parks. Don’t let summertime heat and crowds stop you from planning a fantastic vacation at the happiest place on earth.
