Our tips on how to beat the heat at Disney World

The temperatures in Orlando rose this week to over 90 degrees, introducing the area to the full-on summer feel. And while it is still early May, we can expect this to be the norm until October. Which begs the annual question: how to beat the heat at Disney World?

Everyone has their own little tricks they use to cool down, from personal fans to cooling towels. I normally wear sandals in the park and pour ice water on the top of my feet to get some relief. (It sounds odd, but it works for me).

Beating the heat at Disney World requires a combination of strategic planning, smart choices, and a few essential items to keep you cool and comfortable throughout your visit.

Here are our best tips for beating the heat at Disney World. And below the tips are the 36 rides and attractions we say are the best to cool down.

Stay hydrated: Florida’s heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Bring a refillable water bottle with you and take advantage of the numerous water fountains and hydration stations scattered throughout the parks. You can also request complimentary cups of ice water from any counter service restaurant. For those who are “Drinking Around the World” at EPCOT, it’s very important to drink your water. Alcohol (yes, including beer) is a diuretic, and if you don’t drink enough water with your alcohol, you can become dehydrated quickly. A good rule of thumb is least one 16-ounce glass of water with every 12-ounce beer or 4 to 6 ounces of liquor.

Dress appropriately: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing made from moisture-wicking fabric to help keep you cool. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, while hats and sunglasses provide additional protection from the sun’s rays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly to prevent sunburn.

Utilize cooling products: Pack cooling towels, personal misting fans, and handheld fans to help lower your body temperature while exploring the parks. You can also purchase these items at various shops throughout Disney World.

Plan your park time wisely: Beat the heat by scheduling your outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. I prefer to be at the parks at rope drop and go back to the resort between 1:30 p.m and 5:30 p.m. for some pool time, and then head back at night. You are on vacation, enjoy that pool.

Visit water parks: Consider spending a day at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, whichever is open, where you can splash around in wave pools, lazy rivers, and exhilarating water slides. These parks offer a refreshing break from the heat.

Indoor dining: Use meal times as an opportunity to cool off in air-conditioned restaurants. A sit-down meal in the middle of the day is a great way to recharge for your next jaunt into the heat.

Shopping: Yes, shopping is an attraction, and walking through the air conditioned stores will give you a quick opportunity to cool down.

Seek indoor and water attractions: Disney World offers a plethora of indoor attractions where you can escape the heat and enjoy air-conditioned comfort. From classic dark rides to immersive shows and exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while staying cool. The one thing to be aware of is that many of these attractions have outdoor queues, so you could end up being outside for an additional 20 minutes, especially during a very busy time of year.

Here is a list of rides and attractions for quick relief and relaxation. These rides provide either no lines, or lines in the shade or air conditioning. Some rides have been left off because the outdoor lines are too sunny to bear.

Magic Kingdom

• Carousel of Progress
• Country Bears (currently closed, but expected to reopen this summer)
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• The Hall of Presidents
• “it’s a small world”
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Space Mountain
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
• Toy Story Midway Mania!

EPCOT

• The American Adventure
• Awesome Planet
• Canada Far and Wide
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and/or Impressions de France
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE
• Reflections of China
• The Sea with Nemo & Friends
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Na’vi River Journey