Learn about the importance of intentional heat management- Explore ways to hydrate and stay cool at Disney World
- Discover where to go in Disney World to stay cool
- Download my Low Key Disney Planner pages (free printable) with heat management and Disney Rash tips (Google Docs link):
- Please review any of these suggestions with a qualified medical professional.
This week, temperatures in the mid-Atlantic will soar over 100 degrees. But in Disney World, where the degrees will be lower, the sun and humidity contribute to the temperatures to create “real-feel” temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
It is hot in Disney World from late March until mid-October. If you are planning to go to Walt Disney World during a hot month, there’s three things you need to do. You need to
1) Understand how heat may affect you personally — depending on your age, health conditions, fitness level and tolerance for heat.
2) Prepare in advance for ways to manage the heat at Disney World, including a specific plan for keeping cool and hydrated.
3) Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, so you can respond quickly.
Let’s develop that plan together!
The planner pages I am sharing with you today (Google Docs link) provide useful information about the locations of air-conditioned places in the theme parks where you can cool off. I have also included a page that tells where to find Elkay refillable water bottle filling stations at Disney World resorts and parks.
I’m also sharing tips for preventing and treating exercise-induced vasculitis, also known as “Disney Rash,” which can be worse on hot days.
These planner pages are free to use and can be printed on 8-1/2″ x 11″ paper. The text is sized to fit into a 4″ x 6″ mini photo album ($1.25 at Dollar Tree) that is small enough to fit into your park bag or purse. You do not have to sign up for anything or join an email list. There are absolutely no strings attached. They are FREE and free to use and share. I hope you find them helpful!
Here are some additional tips for handling the heat at Disney World.
Know the signs. Heat-related illnesses can be very serious. Signs that you are becoming overheated include sweating profusely, fatigue, headache and/or feeling dizzy. As soon you feel these symptoms, it’s vital that you get indoors in air conditioning in the nearest location to you as quickly as you can. You may want to notify a Cast Member so they can help you, if you are visiting alone.
Hydrate. Sip water every 15 minutes, with or without electrolytes. Carry a refillable water bottle. I personally prefer 20 oz. plastic bottles because once filled, they are lightweight to carry in my park bag and easy to refill. I also like ones the incorporate a straw, like this Zak bottle, because it encourages sipping, which is the best way to hydrate.
This Princess style is no longer available but the Bluey design is (2 bottle set) for $3.48 from Walmart.
Adding 2 oz of orange juice or coconut water, as well as two tsp. of sugar and a pinch of salt, helps your water hydrate you more effectively. Some people prefer to use hydration packets to flavor their water. These True Lemon hydration packs (Target, $2.69/10) don’t have artificial sweeteners. That’s important for many people (pregnant women, people with metabolic or kidney disorders, people on certain prescription medications) because artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can cause adverse effects in some people.
Dress for the weather. Wear light, wicking clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses while outdoors. Lotion sunscreen is considered more effective than sprays and much more effective than sticks, but you have to re-apply it when perspiring or swimming for best results.
Apply an anti-chafing balm, like Body Glide or Foot Glide, if you need it. I use both. I apply Foot Glide all over the tops of my feet and my heels before I put on my socks and tennis shoes when I go to Disney World.
Many people add a solar umbrella that doubles as a rain umbrella (summer is the rainy season, too, in Florida) to their park bag, as well as hand-held fans, neck fans ($15 at Target) and/or cooling towels.
I think it’s also useful to pack a clean cotton washcloth, because it is better at wiping away perspiration from your face than tissues or paper towels.
Take breaks. If you go to the theme parks, take it slow and take plenty of breaks in air-conditioning. Take a mid-day break. For example, go to the theme parks in the early morning, leave at lunchtime (some people say leave at 10:30 am) and have lunch, rest and go to the pool at your hotel. Pools are a form of self-care! Being in a swimming pool can lower your core temperature and provide helpful hydrostatic compression. When you are refreshed, you can return to the parks after 4 pm or even at night.
Prioritize air-conditioned rides and indoor attractions. Epcot is the best park for beating the summer heat. Both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have 23 climate-controlled attractions. But Epcot offers more indoor dining with air conditioning and more ways to stay inside air-conditioned attractions for longer periods (e.g., The Seas). Epcot is also the theme park with the most Elkay water-bottle filling stations. Your resort has them, too, so fill that water bottle before getting on the bus or Skyliner.
Animal Kingdom is considered the worst park for the summer months. You would think with all the trees and vegetation that it would be cooler, but many attest that the opposite is true. The main air-conditioned attractions include Zootopia: Better Together, the Lion King show and the Finding Nemo performance — all stellar, solid bets for cooling off while being seated and entertained!
You may know that Disney is offering a 2-park ticket deal later this summer that allows you to get into both Epcot and Animal Kingdom for a reduced price. If you choose to go to Animal Kingdom, I’d go early in the day for a few rides and then focus on those air-conditioned shows. Going to the Animal Kingdom if it is pouring rain (less sun, at least!) is another option if you don’t mind getting a little wet. Another summer option is to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge in the afternoon after a morning of rides and shows. It’s a fantastic resort where you can see lots of animals and African art. Tip: take the elevator to each floor for different views and exhibits.
I will be testing all these approaches in just a few days when I spend the weekend at Walt Disney World. I know going into this that summer trips are not like other trips I’ve taken in cooler months. I’ll let you know how that goes and I hope you share your tips with me in the comments!
P.S. I am including links for products I have bought with my own money and use. I don’t receive commissions for the products I mention. Maybe in the future I will, but if I do, I won’t recommend anything I haven’t purchased and used myself.
