Tips and Tricks to Surviving Summer at Walt Disney World
- Cara Conte
- Apr 24, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 24, 2019
Woo-hoo, summer is almost here! The time of year we've all been waiting for. Warm weather, sunshine, pools, beaches - you name it! Guess what you also have in store for your summer vacation? A trip to Walt Disney World!
Summer at Walt Disney World is awesome. However, if this is your first time visiting the parks, or your first time visiting the park during this time of year, you may find yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted if you haven't prepared yourself for this undertaking! I'm going to list some of my most helpful tips and tricks to help you dominate summer at Walt Disney World!
1. STAY. HYDRATED!!!!
I cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated enough. Having worked in the parks during the hottest times of the year, I've seen my fair share of guests having heat exhaustion. You do not want this to happen to you! It's so easily avoidable, and Disney makes it even easier by offering FREE ICE WATER to guests! You may be thinking to yourself: "Free? Disney? How can this be? Can't be right." Well guess what?! I'm here to tell you that you read that right!
All Disney Quick Service Dining locations, food kiosks, and Starbucks (yes, there are Starbucks in all four parks as well as Disney Springs, but we'll save that for another post) offer free unlimited ice water to all park guests! All you have to do is simply walk up and ask! Some stands even have them preset on extremely hot days (let's be real - this is practically every day in Florida) where you would typically pick up your food, so you can just grab a water and go! Take advantage of this, you guys! Drink as much water as you can to help you conserve your energy throughout the day and night, and to keep you from feeling draggy! As we all know, Disney has amazing beverages to enjoy (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), but those do not count towards your hydration! I am not at all saying to limit yourself, because after all, you're on vacation! But be smart. Maybe after that blended Joffrey's Cappuccino you got right after you stepped off of the Tower of Terror, wash it down with some water! With that, you are also able to bring your own water bottle (I recommend using a S'well bottle, or something similar)to fill up as you please at water fountains throughout the park.
2. Sun/Skin Protection
Wear your sunscreen, people! Although one may not associate walking around Walt Disney World and getting on and off rides with getting a sunburn, it can happen, and it can happen bad if you don't protect your skin! The sun is strong in the summer, and its espcially strong in Central Florida! Apply your sunscreen all day long, and what ever SPF you would typically apply to your skin (if you're not from the area), go an SPF higher!
Wear a hat if you need it! Your hair and scalp needs just as much protection from the sun as the rest of your body does, so protect them by wearing a hat! Also, sunglasses. You're going to want them! The sun shines strong at Walt Disney World, so protect your eyes & wear some shades!
Pack some aloe vera if you're prone to sunburn! Your skin will thank you after the day is done. Also, bug spray!! Florida can be very buggy, especially being mostly swamp lands. Pack some insect repellent just in case! Put all of these things on your packing list! However, if you happen to forget something, all of the parks and resorts offer sunscreen, hats, and shades for you to purchase!
3. Bring an umbrella!
You may be thinking to yourself "I don't need an umbrella, right? Florida is the Sunshine State! I'll be fine." WRONG! Some of the craziest rainstorms I have ever witnessed have been at Walt Disney World! Luckily, they're quick tropical storms that only last for a short period of time, and if you're on a long ride, in a restaurant, or seeing a show, you may even miss one while you're inside. But if you happen to be stuck outside during one of these downpours without an umbrella, you may find yourself buying a new set of clothes for the day! All of the parks and resorts sell umbrellas and the infamous ponchos, so if you happen to forget your rain gear while packing for your trip, be sure to head to the nearest merchandise location to get your hands on some before the rain comes down!
4. Dress comfortably
T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, socks, sneakers. This should be the majority of what you decide to pack for your summer trip to Walt Disney World! Of course, dress as stylish as you wish (I do), but I recommend doing it with extreme comfort! Disney days can be long, there's a lot of walking, and it's hot! Dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes! It will make your long, hot days so much easier! Also, if you have long hair, bring a hair tie! Although you may have every intention to keep your hair nice throughout the day, it's always a safe bet to keep a hair tie with your in case you need to throw your hair up in a bun or pony to help you stay cool!
5. Bring your bathing suit!
I kid you not, one time on a Disney trip in July, my sister forgot bathing suits! Luckily I brought extra so we were able to share, but this is definitely something you do not want to forget if you're visiting Walt Disney World in the summer! All of the resorts have amazing pools to offer (many have multiple), and every resort also has an activities staff to provide poolside entertainment for you and your littles! One of my favorite things to do at Disney is to take a mid-day pool break. I cannot recommend the importance of this enough! Go to the park early in the morning when it opens, take a lunch and pool break mid-day, and then go back at night! You'll be able to soak up the Florida sun, get an awesome tan, and let your body wind down before experiencing the magic of Disney at night!
6. Take breaks
Being outside in the heat all day takes a toll on your body. There are plenty of indoor attractions/shows as well as restaurants to help you stay cool when you need it most! Sit down when you need to, and take a rest! Also, the fan spray bottles may seem like a silly investment, but if that's what's going to help you stay cool, go for it! You'll definitely get your moneys worth, and your kiddos have a souvenir. Bam, killed a bunch of birds with one stone. (the stone being your credit card, but it's the Most Magical Place on Earth, so who cares?!)
Although taking a Disney trip in the summer may seem like quite the undertaking, YOU CAN DO THIS! Walt Disney World is one of the world's top vacation destinations for a reason. You'll have a blast! Just be smart, follow my tips, and you'll be golden. Feel free to email me at pixietravelco@gmail.com to address any warm weather concerns you have! Have a magical summer!
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