Beating the Heat at the Magic Kingdom

Plan and pack ahead! You can bring your own food and drink into Walt Disney World parks, so there’s no excuse for skipping out on your H2O intake!

Planning the perfect summer vacation to Walt Disney World comes in many stages. Between selecting a resort, booking dining reservations the moment they open, and strategizing with Genie+ so you can cross “must-do” rides off of your list… you play by the rules.

Still, even the most meticulous planner can be caught off guard by the heavy heat of Central Florida.

At the Magic Kingdom in particular, it’s easy to underestimate how outdoor queues, large crowds and direct sun can slow you down when you least expect it.

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite tricks to beat the heat in the park, and extra tips for planning ahead so you don’t feel like you’re playing catch up by the end of your trip.

When traveling to Florida in the summertime, don’t underestimate the power of basic care: hydration, sunscreen, and rest.

It’s all-too-easy to forget to drink your water amid the excitement of the park, but you’ll spend far less time sipping your Hydroflask than you might at the First Aid centers recovering from heat exhaustion.

You can purchase bottled water or get complimentary cups at Quick Service locations, but we recommend loading up your own reusable bottle with ice and refilling it with water as needed. At the Magic Kingdom in particular, a dedicated bottle refill station is located at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.

Similarly, don’t ruin the rest of your vacation by getting a sunburn on day one. Layer on the SPF before you leave your resort, and keep it on hand to reapply just as often as you might for a day at the beach.

Whenever you’re feeling overheated and water isn’t cutting it, listen to your body and find a shady spot to take a break. Misting stations in Tomorrowland and Adventureland can help you refresh – and summer heat is an excellent excuse to sit down for a Dole Whip or Mickey bar under the shade of a canopy.

With or without children in tow, cool or indoor attractions are a huge win in our book. Indoor shows and rides let you take a break without missing out on time or value.

One of our favorite easy “breaks” is hopping on the PeopleMover or the Walt Disney World Railroad for a leisurely – and breezy – ride in the park. They have decent ride times, rarely have a wait, and give you the chance to cool down and people watch all at once.

For times when you just need to get into some air conditioning, keep these Magic Kingdom attractions in mind for a welcome break:

Florida humidity aside, Disney veterans are often known to escape the parks for the midday rush.

Arrive for rope drop to log as many treats and attractions as possible (or as many as you wish) before heading back to your resort. You’ll beat the transportation rush while many guests are just arriving for the day – and you’ll have already knocked a ton off of your list.

Once you’re back to your resort, consider a midday nap or pool visit to cool off, refresh and recharge.

Having a calm afternoon will make it so much easier to energize yourself and your group, whether you call it a day for the parks, or plan to return for evening rides and fireworks.

Even the best laid plans leave room for mishaps. When you, your kids, or others in your party need a break or help, it’s important to know where to turn.

Baby Care Centers are available in every Walt Disney World park for parents to change, feed, or cool off children. In the Magic Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is located in the hub, nestled between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace.

This is also where you’ll find the Magic Kingdom First Aid Center. Nurses are onsite to administer care and medication as needed, or to call for additional help for more serious conditions. If you or someone in your group is overheating to the point of lightheadedness or nausea, it’s worth it to everyone to get another set of eyes and hands on deck to help.

Finally, remember that Disney transportation can be your best friend. Hot asphalt gets even hotter after it’s been baking in the Florida sun, so consider hopping on a Disney bus, boat or monorail instead of walking on an especially sunny day. The air conditioning and/or fresh air can make all the difference when you’re exhausted from a long day of queue hopping.

Even if you’ve driven to the parks, it’s worth the extra time to stow away the stroller or backpacks if it means skipping a trek across the steaming parking lot.

Summer heat or not, Walt Disney World is still the most magical place to spend your next vacation. When you’re ready to plan your next trip, don’t hesitate to ask our agents for firsthand advice to building the most memorable and enjoyable trip yet.