There’s never a bad time to visit Walt Disney World…but, the Central Florida heat can make you question if that’s really true when you visit Disney World in the summer! Don’t let some sweat and rain storms keep you from visiting. From planning your vacation, to beating the heat, and more, here’s everything you need to know to survive a summer trip to Disney World.

Planning Your Summer Trip to Disney World

Enjoying Disney World in the summer begins with lots of planning! And, while planning a Disney World trip any time of the year can be a daunting task, there are some additional things to keep in mind when planning a summer vacation. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful trip:

Pros and Cons of Visiting Disney World in the Summer

The first question is: should you even consider planning a trip to Disney World in the summer? While summers can be the perfect time for a Disney getaway for some families, others may want to visit when the weather is cooler, when special events are happening, or when the parks are less crowded. So, how do you know if a summer trip is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Pros

• More time to enjoy resort pools and water parks: With the hot and humid weather, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to cool off in the resort pools and water parks. These are great options for taking a break from the crowds and heat if you don’t want to spend every waking moment in the parks.
• Longer park hours: During the summer months, the Disney Parks tend to open earlier and stay open later. This means you can enjoy the parks for longer periods of time and have more time to take advantage of all the attractions, shows, and parades.
• Special summer events: Disney World offers special events during the summer, such as Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon. These events can add an extra layer of fun to your vacation if you don’t mind paying a little extra. Additionally, both the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival and EPCOT Food & Wine Festival occur on select dates over the summer, so there’s more to do when you visit.

Cons

• Hot and humid weather: The summer months in Florida can be extremely hot and humid. The average temperature is around 90 degrees, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
• Potential rain: The summer months are also known for afternoon thunderstorms. While they usually don’t last long, they can put a damper on your plans since you can’t really plan for them.
• Larger crowds and longer wait times: The summer months are a popular time to visit Disney World, so you can expect larger crowds. This means longer wait times for attractions, long lines for food and drink, and more difficulty finding a good spot for parades and shows.

When to Visit in the Summer

So, you’ve decided that you can handle the hot weather and crowds and are ready to plan your trip to Disney World in the summer. But, when exactly should you visit?

If you’re hoping to avoid the peak of the summer heat, consider visiting in May or June. You won’t necessarily avoid the high heat and humidity, but temperatures tend to be a bit lower (often in the 80’s) and afternoon rain storms aren’t quite as common. This is also before hurricane season officially begins so you won’t have to worry about severe weather impacting your travel.

If you prefer to have some extra things to do during your trip on top of the normal theme park offerings, consider visiting when an EPCOT Festival is scheduled. The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival usually runs through late May and the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival usually begins sometime in August. Check Disney’s website for the official dates of these events before booking your trip since they change from year to year.

And, if your budget is a big factor in your planning process, consider planning your trip when there’s a discount on Disney hotels, tickets, or dining plans. In the past, there has been some sort of discount available throughout almost all of the summer months, so do some research and see when you can get the best deal!

Choosing the Right Resort for Your Summer Stay

When planning a summer stay at Disney World, choosing the right resort can make all the difference in your experience. You’ll want to consider what Disney World Resort hotels fit into your budget and what amenities are available that can make a summer stay a bit easier like convenient transportation and entertaining pools.

When it comes to your budget, Disney World often offers special deals and discounts during the summer months. So, be sure to check their website for current promotions and offers. This can be a great way to save money on your stay and make your trip more affordable. If no discounts are available, consider how much time you plan to spend at your hotel throughout your stay to determine how much you’re willing to spend. In the summer months, many families will choose to take an afternoon break at their hotel to escape the hottest part of the day, so splurging on a resort can be worth it.

If you are considering splurging on a hotel for your summer stay, be sure to look into the resort pools, transportation options, and how close they are located to the parks you plan to spend the most time at. All of the Disney World hotels have large pools (and often multiple pools) and free transportation to all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Disney water parks. However, only pools at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts feature water slides, and some hotels offer more convenient transportation options to get between the parks including the monorail, Disney Skyliner, and water taxis.

Tips and Tricks For Planning Your Trip

After you pick your travel dates, secure your tickets, and book your hotel stay, there are a few extra things you should keep in mind when planning your Disney World trip in the summer. Here are our best tips and tricks:

Plan Your Day to Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

The summer months in Florida can be hot and humid, so it’s important to plan your day accordingly. Consider arriving at the park early in the morning when the temperature is cooler and the crowds are smaller. Then, take a break during the hottest part of the day. If you want to stay in the parks, you can visit an indoor attraction or grab a bite to eat. Or, if you don’t mind taking a break from the parks, you can head back to your hotel and enjoy the pool. Once the weather cools down a bit, head back to the park in the evening!

Pack Summer Essentials

A successful park day in the heat starts with a well-packed suitcase! Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial when visiting Disney World in the summer. Make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply throughout the day. We also recommend packing an umbrella and poncho to be prepared for any sudden rain showers.

Consider Attending an After Hours Event for Smaller Crowds and Shorter Wait Times

Throughout the summer at select parks, Disney World offers After Hours events. These events have limited attendance, so you can enjoy shorter wait times and smaller crowds. Plus, you can experience the park in a unique way with special entertainment, character meet and greets, and more.

Consider Purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Passes

Disney’s new Lightning Lane system allows you to skip the standby line at select attractions throughout all four theme parks which can save you a lot of time when crowds are higher in the summer. If you’re interested in purchasing these add-ons, you can plan ahead and secure three Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections and up to two Lightning Lane Single Passes for every day of your visit in advance. Just head to the My Disney Experience app 7 days before you’re trip if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel or 3 days before your trip if you’re staying off-site.

Beating the Heat at Disney World

The heat and humidity play a major role in your day when you visit Disney World in the summer. In fact, if you’re not prepared, it can end up ruining your trip. Luckily, there are tons of ways to beat the heat and have a great trip even if there’s still some sweat involved! Here are some tips to help you stay cool and comfortable when you’re in the parks:

Staying Cool and Hydrated

When visiting Disney World during the summer, it’s important to take steps to stay cool and hydrated. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat and enjoy your visit:

• Bring a refillable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the hot summer months. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and take advantage of the many water fountains and refill stations located throughout the parks.
• Know where to find free cups of water: Many quick service restaurants in the Disney Parks offer complimentary ice-cold water cups upon request. Ask for at least two cups per person when you break for food and stop at the restaurants throughout the day if you feel like you need more.
• Dine at restaurants where you can eat indoors: Skip the snack and quick service locations that only offer outdoor seating and find a place with indoor seating every time you’re hungry. This will give you a chance to cool down in air-conditioned comfort and you’ll probably enjoy your food a lot more too.
• Consider packing cooling towels and neck fans: These can be a lifesaver on hot, humid days. Simply wet the towel and drape it around your neck or use the fan to create a cool breeze.

What To Pack In Your Park Bag

When it comes to packing your park bag for a summer trip to Disney World, there are a few key essentials that you don’t want to forget. Here are some items you should make sure you have with you before you leave for the parks every morning:

• Sunscreen
• Umbrella and/or poncho
• Light-colored clothing to reflect the sun and keep you cool
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle

Taking Breaks and Avoiding the Heat

The best way to beat the heat is to spend less time in it. And, while this might sound impossible during a Disney World trip, there are some easy ways to escape the hottest parts of the day. For example, try to schedule your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not as strong. Take advantage of indoor attractions, go shopping, or make a dining reservation during the hottest part of the day.

Our favorite way to avoid the heat during a summer Disney trip is to get to the parks early and then head back to the resort after lunch to spend time in the pool while the sun is at its hottest. Then, after 3PM or so, we head back to the parks to finish off the day when the sun is setting and it’s cooler.

Dealing with Summer Storms at Disney World

High heat and humidity are the perfect recipe for a thunderstorm, making inclement weather a daily occurrence at Disney World in the summer. But, don’t let some bad weather ruin your day! Here are our best tips for dealing with the summer storms:

Pack an umbrella and poncho

It’s always a good idea to bring rain gear with you to the park, especially during the summer months. A lightweight poncho and a small umbrella can come in handy when the rain starts to fall.

Head to indoor attractions or grab a snack

If the rain is heavy and there’s lightning in the area, outdoor attractions may close temporarily. Use this as an opportunity to explore some of Disney World’s indoor attractions, or take a break and grab a snack or drink to wait out the storm.

Don’t leave the park when it rains

Most people will opt to leave the parks and head back to their hotel when a rain storm passes through Disney World. But, we recommend NOT doing this! Instead, wait out the storm somewhere indoors and then be ready to head to a popular ride right when the rain lets up. Outdoor rides close during the rain which usually means that there’s little to no line right when the rain stops and it reopens.

See the Rainy Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

If you’re at Magic Kingdom and it starts to rain, you can take advantage of a rare opportunity to see the Rainy Day Parade. This special parade is only performed on rainy days (when it’s safe to do so) and features some of your favorite Disney characters in colorful rain gear. It’s a fun way to make the most of a rainy day at the park.

While the parks don’t usually close for thunderstorms, severe weather can impact park operations. Disney World provides regular updates on park closures and weather conditions, so be sure to check the park’s official app or website for the latest information.

Navigating the Summer Crowds

So, you’ve conquered the heat and the rain, now what about the summer crowds? Here are some tips to help you navigate the busy days and make the most of your time at the parks.

Consider attending an After Hours event for smaller crowds and shorter wait times

These events are ticketed separately and allow you to stay in the park after closing time, with access to select attractions and experiences. You’ll also have access to complimentary snacks and beverages.

Take advantage of Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass to minimize wait times

These two paid-for systems allow you to skip the standby line for select attractions, reducing your wait time significantly. Keep in mind that these passes are subject to availability and are an additional fee on top of your park ticket. To get the most bang for your buck, check out our guide to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass here!

Stay at a Disney hotel so you can take advantage of extra time in the parks

Staying at any Disney World Resort hotel will give you access to Early Theme Park Entry. This perk allows you to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before they open every day of the week. With the extra time, you can enjoy the parks when they aren’t quite as hot and crowded.

And, even better, stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Villa so you can take advantage of both Early Theme Park Entry AND Extended Evening Theme Park Hours which gives you an extra two hours in select parks on select nights of the week.

Avoid eating at main meal times

Instead of eating during peak meal times, consider eating an early lunch or late dinner to avoid the crowds. You’ll likely get your food faster and won’t struggle to find a seat inside.

So, Should You Visit Disney World in the Summer?

For many families, a trip to Disney World in the summer is the best option. This is when schools are out and work schedules are less busy, so it’s no wonder this is such a popular time to visit. And, you shouldn’t avoid planning your trip for the summer! You can still have a great time in the parks – you’ll just need to plan for the heat and crowds.

However, if you hate crowds, don’t like the heat, or want to visit when there are more special events going on in the parks, you may want to consider planning your trip for another time. Check out our month-by-month breakdown of the weather, crowd levels, and events here to help you decide!

Comments

What do you think about visiting Disney World in the summer? What are your best tips and tricks for beating the Florida heat in the summer months? Let us know in the comments!