How To Stay Cool At Disney World

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My best tips and tricks for staying cool at Disney World during the hot months (generally May through October). 

Let’s be real—Disney World is magical, but Florida heat? Not so much. 🥵

If you’re planning a summer or early fall visit, you’re likely in for a hot and humid time.

But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to stay cool without melting faster than a Mickey bar on Main Street.

Arrive Early (Sorry Late Risers)

I know you want to sleep in on vacation, but I hate to tell you this – Disney just isn’t that kind of vacation 😭

If you want to stay cool, you’re going to want to get to the parks EARLY. I suggest aiming to arrive 30 minutes before Early Entry (if you have access) or 30 minutes before official park opening if you don’t. Click here to learn what resorts offer Early Entry. 

Not only will you get more done before the crowds roll in, but you’ll also enjoy the cooler morning temps.

Take An Afternoon Break

Ok this is the most critical part of visiting Walt Disney World in summer, in my opinion. 

1 to 4 pm is not only the hottest time of day in the parks, but it’s also the most crowded. That’s why I plan to be on my way out of the parks around 1 pm and return after 4pm. 

This is a great time to:

• Head back to your resort for a nap or a swim (the best option if you can swing it)
• Enjoy a long, air-conditioned table service meal
• Take a break indoors at a show or attraction (hello, Carousel of Progress!)

If you need to stay in the parks, focus on indoor rides and shows. Here are my go-tos in each park:

✅ Magic Kingdom: Dumbo indoor play area, Pete’s Silly Sideshow character meet and greet, Mickey’s Philharmagic show, Country Bear Jamboree,  the Enchanted Tiki Room, or Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. 

✅ Epcot: The Seas pavilion (my no. 1 choice because the kids can play and there is so much to see/do), The Land pavilion (three attractions and a quick service restaurant to keep you busy), The American Adventure show, the Mexico pavilion, and the Mission: Space indoor play area. 

✅ Hollywood Studios: Indoor shows such as the Frozen singalong, Little Mermaid, Disney Villains, or ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Star Tours.

✅ Animal Kingdom: Indoor shows including Lion King and Finding Nemo are your best bets. 

Hit The Pool

Aside from resting in the AC during the hottest hours of the day, this is my second favorite way to stay cool. 

Get into the pool at your resort for at least 30 minutes. It will actually drop your body’s core temperature a few degrees and help you return to the park cool and recharged for the evening. 

Stay Hydrated

You are going to have to force yourself to drink enough water on these sweltering days in the parks. To make this as easy as possible I bring a refillable water bottle with me. 

You can refill it with free ice water at any quick-service location. You don’t even have to buy anything!

Thankfully Disney now has water bottle refilling stations in the parks with cold filtered water. Use the My Disney Experience app’s map search feature to find them!

Embrace the Power of Mist

If you’re in Disney World in summer you will see misters around the parks and incorporated in some attractions – such as the Journey of Water in Epcot. Don’t pass up a chance to get misted to stay cool!

Also those handheld misting fans you see in the parks? They actually work. Disney sells them (for a hefty price), but you can grab a budget version on Amazon or at Walmart for half the cost before your trip.

Cool Snacks Save the Day

One of my favorite parts of Disney is the snacks, and thankfully, there are plenty of chilly treats to help keep you cool. Aim for frozen treats such as:

• Dole Whip – The OG frozen treat! Pineapple/vanilla swirl is my favorite. 
• Frozen slushes – Found in every park in fruity, fun flavors.
• Ice cream sandwiches and Mickey bars – Iconic and totally refreshing.
• Shaved ice at EPCOT’s Japan pavilion – A hidden gem that’s often overlooked.

Dress for Comfort

When it’s hot, what you wear can make a huge difference. Here’s what I recommend:

• Lightweight, light-colored breathable clothing (moisture-wicking fabrics are best)
• A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap to shield your face from the sun
• Cooling towels – just wet them and drape around your neck for instant relief
• Good sandals or mesh sneakers to help your feet breathe

Disney is not the time to try out cute but uncomfortable shoes. Go with function over fashion every time.

Bonus Tips for Staying Cool Like a Pro

Here are a few final quick wins to help you beat the heat:

• Use mobile order to avoid standing in the sun in food lines
• Stay hydrated – Dehydration sneaks up fast in the Florida sun
• Wear sunscreen and reapply often—you’ll sweat it off!
• Download the My Disney Experience app and plan your rides to minimize walking in the sun

Florida heat doesn’t have to ruin your fun – but it does take some strategy to stay cool at Disney World. With the right gear, smart planning, and lots of breaks, you can enjoy your Disney World vacation without overheating or overspending.

Let me know in the comments: What are your favorite ways to stay cool at Disney? Got any must-try frozen treats or secret shady spots?