Blog Post,  Children,  Planning,  Tips

How to Keep You and Your Family Cool and Survive the Heat in Disney World

Keep Cool in Disney: I often hear people ask, “If I go to Disney World this month or that month, how will the temperature be?”  And I have the answer for you! It will be HOT. No matter what, you will experience hot portions of the day. Especially if you are from a northern state like me. Anything above 70 seems to be hot. And then there is my son. He is a sweaty mess if the temperature gets above 50. Actually, he sweats no matter what the temperature is.  So here I have compiled a list of things that will help you keep you and your children as cool as possible in Disney World.


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1. Stroller Fan/Handheld Fan

Amazon

These things are lifesavers! They are a MUST in the Disney heat. If your kiddo is still in a stroller, buy one of those battery-operated fans that clip on to a desk. Then, you can just clip it on the stroller. I found that these were cheaper than actually buying a “stroller fan,” and they do the same exact thing. If you have older kids, get them a handheld fan! Kids love these and it’s a great way to keep them cool. It’s also great for us adults too. Pro tip- Bring extra batteries! Or rechargeable ones. The little fans go through a lot of batteries, so it’s always good to have extras on hand. (To order one similar to the one I use for my son, click here .)

If you prefer a handheld fan, here is one that is highly rated on Amazon and comes in a lot of fun colors!


2. Drink Lots of Water

Keep Cool in Disney
Nicole Ellington

I know this might be obvious, but sometimes with all of the hustle and bustle of Disney, we might forget something like that. All quick service locations will give you free water! So, don’t waste your money on the expensive Disney water (sorry Disney; I’m not paying $3-$4 per bottle). Also, I have noticed that some of the Starbucks and a few other locations also have a water cooler where you can take a disposable cup and get some water.

I personally like to bring my own water bottle into the parks, and refill it with that free water! Below is the same one I use and personally love! I love it because if I am using the stroller, it fits nicely into the parent counsel. But if I am not using the stroller that day, I can clip it to my backpack and not worry about carrying it around. Click here to get it for yourself! It also comes in a lot of fun colors too!

Keep Cool in Disney

3. Take a Break

Nicole Ellington

The hottest part of the day tends to be between 12-3pm. That also tends to be the busiest part of the day, too. So I suggest using at least some of this time to take a break! You have plenty of options here. You could schedule a sit-down meal during this time. This way you can fill your belly and cool off at the same time. Or my personal favorite is to watch a show in one of the air-conditioned buildings. There are tons to choose from: Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration, Hall of Presidents, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Festival of the Lion King, and so much more



4. Cooling Towels

Keep Cool in Disney
Amazon

These things are pretty nifty! There are a few brands out there, but they all pretty much do the same thing. You wet them with water, twist the excess water out, and then wear it around your neck to stay cool! These towels mainly work by quick evaporation of water, giving you that cold feeling, so they can be used again and again! Another pro tip– buy these on Amazon before your trip. They sell them at Disney, but again, I am a cheapo and I buy cheap. But, Disney does sell them all over the parks, so if you need one in a pinch, Disney has them. You can purchase the ones I use off Amazon  here .


5. Splash Pads

Keep Cool in Disney
Nicole Ellington

Each Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs has a splash zone. These are the perfect places to let your kiddos cool down. Don’t worry about them getting too wet; they will dry off fast in the hot Florida sun.



6. Baby Centers

There is one in each park, and they are extremely helpful! The main room has a tv, table, chairs, and sofa. And it’s air-conditioned! So if you and your little one need a place to cool off, this is the place for you.


7. Pool Time

Keep Cool in Disney
Nicole Ellington

Take a break, go for a swim! If you are staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage of their amazing swimming pools! You will not regret it!


8. Ice Cream!

Keep Cool in Disney
Nicole Ellington

Okay, I’m one of those “banana is a dessert” moms. But not at Disney. There are so many frozen treats that are for sure to cool your little ones down. From Dole Whips to Mickey Bars, the possibilities are endless here!


9. Make Use of Extra Magic Hours

If you are staying on Disney property, you need to take advantage of this great perk! For those who don’t know about Extra Magic Hours, it’s when Disney will either open one park early or keep it open late for Disney Resort guests only. Especially if you plan on going back to the resort for a midday swim, these Extra Magic Hours will help maximize your time during the coolest parts of the day.

(Disclaimer: Extra Magic Hours are no longer available right now because of COVID. I am hopeful they will be back soon though!)



10. Use Transportation to Keep Cool in Disney

Keep Cool in Disney
Nicole Ellington

Honestly, my son would be more than happy to just ride the train around Magic Kingdom all day. If you need a break and a place to cool down, consider one of Disney’s many transportations to just sit down in and relax. Transportation like the boats and the monorail can be the perfect place to take a mid-day break if you don’t want to go back to your hotel.  It gives you and the kids a place to go to be away from the crowds and stimulation of the park.



Some things NOT to do-

DO NOT drink tons of soda or anything with caffeine- This might pertain more to the parents than the kids (yes Nicole, I’m looking at you! Stop those iced lattes!), but caffeine will actually dehydrate you instead of hydrating you. There is nothing wrong with having a cup or two throughout the day, but try really hard to keep your main beverage water.

DO NOT think you have to do it all- I feel like not only is this a great tip for staying cool, but basically a great tip in general. I’m just going to be frank – you will not get everything done that there is to do in Disney World in just one trip. So don’t rush around. Walk, take your time, look at the scenery, and enjoy yourself.

Do you have any tips on how to Keep Cool in Disney? Let me know in the comments down below!

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I'm a lover of all things Disney! I have an adorable son named Andy (after Toy Story), and an amazing hubby named Aaron. For my family and I, Disney isn’t just a hobby or someplace we casually go when on vacation, it's a way of life. We try to go back 'Home' twice a year. My hope for this blog is to help families navigate their crazy, magical times through Disney and reach their Disney Dream!

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