Walt Disney World is a popular summer vacation destination for many families. With most schools not in session during the summer months, this is often the best time for families with school age children to visit Walt Disney World. There are a few tips that can help to make a summer vacation at Walt Disney World even more enjoyable. Planning ahead for your summer Disney vacation is the key to beating the heat and the crowds during one of the busier times at Disney World.
It’s Going to be Hot
The summer months are the hottest months in Florida, with temperatures frequently reaching the 90’s many days. The threat of hurricanes is always present, but since hurricane season runs from June through November, most families will not put off a summer trip to Disney based on hurricane season. Purchasing trip insurance might be one way to get a greater sense of security, though it is not required with any Disney World Resort reservation. Some of the best kept Disney secrets for staying cool this summer on your Disney World vacation include the following ideas:
1. Indoor Attractions
In spite of the warm temperatures at Disney World in the summer months, it can also be one of the best times to go. Keeping cool during the summer at Disney World is not as difficult as it sounds. Many Disney World attractions are housed indoors with air conditioning. Touring the Disney parks can be less tiring in the heat if regular stops are planned at one of the indoor Disney attractions.
2. Water Fun
Summer vacations at Disney World are wonderful for families who love to spend time in the water. June, July, and August are peak months for great swimming and the pools at Disney World will appeal to all water lovers. If you’re planning to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, check out the different resort pools before you book your vacation. Though all pools at the Disney Resorts are nicely themed and inviting, some Disney Resorts offer pools that feel like a water park, with unique features and water slides. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts share the most famous of Disney pools, with the Stormalong Bay Water Complex. As Deluxe category Disney Resorts, the accomodations will cost more, but during the summer months, water activities may be important enough to choose a resort based on the pool.
Many veteran Disney visitors already know about the afternoon swim secret. During the warmer months at Disney World, many families will leave the Disney parks during the peak sun hours, to return to the room for a nap or an afternoon at the pool. With younger children, this is almost necessary. The midday heat at Disney World can be exhausting, and a quick dip in the pool can often provide much needed relief from the heat.
The Disney Water Parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are wonderful escapes from the summer heat at Disney World. Many people underestimate the value of planning a whole day to visiting one of these fun water parks. Typhoon Lagoon offers water slides, a swimming with sharks attraction, tube rides, and an out-of-this-world wave pool. Disney counter service restaurants are located at both Disney Water Parks for lunch or dinner. Lounge chairs provide sunbathers a place to relax, and swimmers will find both kiddie attractions and attractions for thrill seekers. Typhoon Lagoon has a tropical theme, that fits perfectly with a day at the wave pool.
Blizzard Beach is themed with a winter designs. The white “snow and ice” themes make Blizzard Beach seem just a little bit cooler during the summer. Blizzard Beach offers the biggest thrill side in Disney World, with the infamous, Summit Plummet. This water attraction is for the true daredevils in the group. Tube rides, a large pool, water slides, and a fun kiddie play area, make Blizzard Beach a great place to visit on a summer vacation.
Keep Hydrated
Dehydration can happen fast during the summer months. Keeping hydrated is one of the most important things that anyone can do while visiting Disney World during the summer. Water is the best choice if beverages for staying hydrated in the heat. Many carbonated sodas and coffee contain caffine, which can actually dehydrate. Drinking water throughout the day, will help to keep hydrated and well. Headaches and fatigue can be signs of dehydration, and a sense of thirst usually comes after you are beginning to get dehydrated, so plan ahead and drink regularly. Bottle straps can be purchased at many stores, as well as at Disney World, for carrying beverages to the parks. Put some bottled water in the freezer before a day at the Disney Parks to keep it cold. Disney counter service restaurants will also provide cups of ice water free of charge.
Since the summer months at Disney World can get busy, planning early can help to secure a reservation at your favorite resort. Look for specials or discounts ahead of time, or take advantage of AAA or Annual Pass discounts when they are offered. One of the biggest mistakes for summer vacations at Disney World is trying to do too much in one day. Plan ahead what you really want to see on your Disney vacation, and decide what attractions might be saved for another trip. Waiting in line for an hour in the heat can be tiring, when there are large lines for popular attractions.
Strategize Touring Plans
There are many books on the market that offer touring plan guides for visiting the Disney World Parks. Consider borrowing one of the current Disney guide books from the library, or purchase one before you go. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2007 offers tear out pages to take with you, highlighting specific touring plans for the park. Other Disney guides have similar information that can be helpful in planning a strategy for visiting the Disney Parks.
Extra Magic Mornings and Evenings
Guests staying at one of the Disney World Resorts have the opportunity to visit one of the Disney parks before opening or for extended hours after the park closes to to the public on designated days. Early Morning days typically offer Disney Resort guests an extra hour before opening to enjoy attractions. The Extra Magic Hours in the evening typically offer guests three extra hours after park closing. If Magic Kingdom closes at 9 pm, Disney Resort guests can get a wrist band at the park by showing resort identification (a room key), and stay after the park closes.
Crowds at the Extra Magic Hour mornings and evenings vary, but for many summer visitors, the early and later hours provide some respite from the heat. The Magic Kingdom has the most attractions open for the Extra Magic Hours, and will generally seem less crowded than Epcot or MGM on Extra Magic Hour days.
Summer at Disney World often means that a daily thunder shower will move in sometime in the late afternoon. Many Disney World guests run for cover or leave the parks at the first hint of rain. Veteran Disney World visitors have long realized that this can be one of the best times for short attraction lines. Grab a raincoat and enjoy the rain. Disney sells Mickey raincoats at the parks for children and adults, or you can often purchase thin, plastic versions at the local Dollar Stores.
In the event of lightening, all pools and outdoor attractions will be temporarily shut down. Rain without lightening threats will not close pools or attractions. The rain also offers some cooling off from the heat during the summer months, and the evening temperatures will generally not be as hot as the afternoon.
Pack Your Bags
Summer vacations to Disney World require all the typical summer weather gear. Bathing suits, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals or Crocs, shorts, tank tops, pool cover ups, and sun hats, are essentials to pack. Disney guests who want to carry beverages or snacks at the Disney Parks, should consider packing a small cooler bag.
One final thought to keep in mind when planning a Disney World vacation during the summer months is that different months offer different advantages. In June, Star Wars Weekends are featured at Disney World for Trekkies. Not all schools are out of session yet during the month of June, so crowd levels might be lower than in July. Disney has 4th of July fireworks for those traveling in early July. Mid-August means that the Disney season changes to Value season and lower rates on accomodations. Many specials have been offered the past few years for guests traveling in later August and September. Crowds are lower later in August when many children return to school. Whenever you visit Disney World this summer, it will certainly be a magical time if you plan ahead.
