Whether your summer vacation has 104 days or a different number, you are likely trying to decide the best way to spend your time. Why not visit The Most Magical Place On Earth? Don’t automatically discount it due to what you’ve heard about summer crowds or the weather. Today, I have some suggestions to take on (or plan around) some common summer challenges. With a bit of preparation using information from the MouseHouseNews.net team, you can still have a magically great time. Let’s dive right in!
The Blazing Sun
Florida adopted the nickname “The Sunshine State” for a reason. The state averages between 230 and 250 sunny days each year. This can be a positive for tourists coming from cooler climates who want sunshine while on vacation. However, there is a trade off. Florida’s proximity to the equator means that the sun’s rays are stronger there than in other places. Higher UV index levels can cause sunburns much faster.
You can protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays by following basic sun protection advice:
- First, load up on the sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Unfortunately, most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. In general, adults need to use about 1oz of sunscreen (approximately the amount to fill a shot glass) to cover exposed skin on the body. On your face, use at least 1 teaspoon of sunscreen (approximately what would be needed for the length of your index and middle fingers). Don’t overlook areas like the top of the head, ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.
- Remember to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day! Pack your sunscreen in your park bag. That way, it will be handy for reapplication at least every two hours and after swimming/sweating.
- Wear sun-protective clothing when possible.
- Look for sunglasses with UV400 rating or ones that are labeled “100% UV protection” to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Seek shade when possible. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting sun exposure between 10am to 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. Things you can do include seeking out indoor attractions, heading back to your hotel to rest, scheduling a leisurely meal, or go resort hopping!
The Scorching Heat
Florida’s tropical climate and proximity to the equator also mean it can get quite toasty. Not only is it hot, but it is very humid. Muggy, sticky, steamy… however you describe it, it’s uncomfortable. In high humidity, sweat doesn’t evaporate off of your body efficiently. This leads to feeling even more uncomfortably hot than otherwise would have. Pay attention not only to the air temperature but also the heat index (the “feels like” temperature). Heat and humidity are no joke, and can sometimes become dangerous.
Take the heat seriously. Here are some tips for staying cool during your summer Disney World vacation:
- Stay hydrated! Your options include complimentary cups of water from most quick service dining locations, bringing a water bottle and using water bottle refilling stations, purchasing bottles of water, etc. No matter which option you choose, drink some water!
- Seek out air conditioning. Give your body a break from the heat and head indoors. The muggy, oppressive-feeling heat is at its peak between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. If you’re staying in the parks, visit some indoor attractions or grab a meal at a location with indoor seating. Alternatively, you can head back to your resort for a nap or relaxation while you watch TV at your Disney resort. Try resort hopping and check out what other Disney Resorts Collection Hotels have to offer as well. You may discover a new favorite!
- Enjoy a cold treat. You can easily find numerous choices around Disney World. Check out the MouseHouseNews.net reviews of the Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich, Carrot Cake Sundae, and Caramel-Apple Pie Funnel Cake for just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to available options.
- Riding water rides is another way to stay cool. Check out MouseHouseNews.net’s list of water rides that will get you soaked!
The Sudden Wet Weather
Ahhh, the tropical climate. Not only is Florida sunny, hot, and very humid, but it also experiences abundant rainfall. Given the unpredictable nature of Florida’s rainy season, you’ll definitely want to be prepared for wet weather. Sudden downpours can pop up unexpectedly, so bring your rain gear to minimize the impact of these storms on your day.
- Invest in inexpensive ponchos ahead of time. Consider purchasing them from Amazon or local retailers ahead of time to save some money. Although you can easily find Disney-branded ponchos in merchandise locations on property whenever rain threatens, they are significantly more expensive than the ponchos you can purchase before your trip. Ponchos are easy to tuck into your park bag or pocket, bring out when you need them, and fold back up to stow away when the sun comes out again.
- Consider packing more than one pair of shoes for your trip. If you’re caught up in an unexpected rainstorm, your shoes can become soggy and uncomfortable quickly. Having an extra pair of shoes to switch to while the wet ones dry out will keep you comfortable, save your feet from blisters, and avoid the dreaded “using the hair dryer to dry out the shoes” situation.
- Don’t let rain chase you away from the parks. Although outdoor rides will close during inclement weather, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do while you wait out the rain. Try visiting gift shops, restaurants, and indoor attractions. If you stick around the parks, you may be able to take advantage of lower crowds (and wait times) immediately after the rain passes.
The Overwhelming Crowds
Crowds during the summer season are almost as intense as the weather. Breaks from school, long weekends, and the general urge to “get away” mean more people will converge upon Disney World in summer. Higher crowd levels almost certainly mean longer wait times for everything from attractions and dining to transportation and restrooms. Add in the new attractions and updates coming this summer, and it’s a perfect storm. However, there are a couple of ways to maximize your time and avoid some of the crowds:
- Use Early Theme Park Entry if you qualify. Early Theme Park Entry is a perk offered to guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection Hotels and select other hotels. It allows you to enter Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before the parks officially open. You can use that time to ride select attractions and meet some characters with shorter waits.
- Take advantage of Extended Evening Hours if you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or other select hotels. Extended Evening Hours allows qualifying guests to stay in select parks an additional two hours after they close to everyone else on select nights. While we recently found that Extended Evening Hours are more crowded than they used to be, it can still be a good way to get a few extra rides in without paying for an After Hours Event.
- You can also purchase a ticket to an After Hours Event. Disney After Hours is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity event that occurs on specific nights at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You get three extra hours in the park after it closes to along with unlimited free popcorn, ice cream novelties, and bottled beverages. After Hours attendees can enter the park as early as 7:00pm. This means extra time to enjoy amenities, attractions, and night-time spectaculars.
Plan Your Summer Getaway
As long as you come prepared, there’s no reason these four problems should deter you from a summer Disney World trip. It’s all about packing the right gear, being flexible, and managing expectations! If you don’t already have your magical summer vacation booked, there’s still time to do so. You can also take advantage of special Park Ticket offers and excellent deals on Disney Resorts Collection Hotel stays. Click the button below to receive a free Disney vacation quote. Marcus is ready to help you plan your summer getaway!
Although I’m not looking forward to dodging the suns powerful rays, afternoon storms, stifling heat, and big crowds, there are many exciting things happening in Disney World that make summer the perfect time to visit. We’ve already mentioned Bluey’s arrival, Soarin’ Across America, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets numerous times. Additionally, I can’t wait to head to the water park, splash in my resort’s pool, and visit my favorite lounges. Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more tips and planning advice for Disney Adults. We’ll see you real soon!
