09/10/2024
Check out these great tips for beating the heat at Disney!
☀️🥵 How to Survive Disney During a Heatwave! 🥵☀️
It is HOT HOT HOT in Anaheim right now, with an excessive heat warning & temps of 40 degrees. Florida is also no stranger to the heat, known for hot, humid summers and higher temps in general compared to California. I am NOT a fan of the heat and am most comfortable in the low 20’s - yet I survived trips to both theme parks this summer! And not only was it smoking hot, but the parks were busy. Read on to see how we survived the heat & crowds!
☀️ Mindset is key - expect it to be crowded in Disney. Always go in expecting 10/10 crowds, go in with understanding that you will be weaving your stroller around people who have stopped in the middle of a walkway, kids will be running everywhere, and all paths will be congested. I know it seems silly, but changing your perspective will help you enjoy your experience more. Accept that everyone is there alongside you, trying to enjoy themselves in the happiest place on earth. Everyone is doing the best that they can. Don’t let yourself get frustrated as then you will be the grumpiest person in the happiest place on earth.
☀️ Cooling towels, mini fans & misting fans are key to surviving the heat. A UV Umbrella is a game changer! If you have a family member who is especially heat sensitive (🙋♀️), consider getting them their own items. If you are more tolerant of the heat you can likely share items. If you arrive at your destination to discover the weather has drastically changed and it will be hotter than expected, don’t worry! Amazon in the states has same day delivery on most items, and worst case scenario you can buy Disney branded cooling towels & misting fans at the parks (the misting are about $22 USD). The packing list in my client guides has my tried & trues linked!
☀️ Pointing the neck fan down my shirt & a handheld misting fan at my face - combined with Uv Umbrella when I was in the direct sun - was KEY!
☀️ Know the spots with shade or fans in each park. I have a list of these in my client guide under the section that is specific to surviving crowds & heat! These spots include Animation Academy in California Adventure & Great Moments with Mr Lincoln in Disneyland; Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom. Don’t forget Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure.
☀️ Book dining reservations strategically if you know you will be traveling during a hot time of year. Having a 1 or 2pm lunch reservation (or mobile ordering well in advance for this time) will offer you a break from the heat and the crowds.
☀️ Take advantage of water rides & splash pads at the parks! Grizzly River Run & Kali River Rapids are rides with a high likelihood of getting wet. These rides will be busy so remember to book a Lightning Lane or use Single Rider!
☀️ Pack breathable, quick dry clothing - sometimes comfort over style is best. I find skirts the most breathable to wear, and my daughter likes wearing dresses. Bike shorts are also a hit. Avoid dark shirts and make sure all bottoms are super breathable.
☀️ Take mid day breaks. Your overall enjoyment is more important than the hours spent at the park. Spending a few hours at the hotel pool will be just as fun (and more relaxing) than going on a few more rides & will lead to a more pleasant evening when you return to the park once the temperatures are lower that evening
☀️ Hats, sunglasses & don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours!
☀️ Know where you can get free ice water refills throughout the parks - I’ve got a list in my client guides at the very top of the dining section! You can also pop into a restaurant and ask a cast member for a glass of ice water if you are really in need. Remember your electrolytes! 😅
☀️ Crowd etiquette- Walk with the crowds, not against the crowds, and don’t stop in the middle of a walkway. Stop to the side. Don’t cut off strollers or scooters & keep your kids in the stroller if it’s particularly crowded where you are.
☀️ Remember that Disney is 👏🏻not all about the rides👏🏻. If Lightning Lane return times are forever away, standby wait times are long, take a break and look at the many other attractions & activities that are available both in and out of Disney theme parks. Resort hop if in Walt Disney World. Listen to the pianist in the lobby at the Grand Californian Hotel. Check out the Animation classes at California Adventure & Animal Kingdom. Watch Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot & California Adventure. Canoe through Rivers of America or take the raft to Tom Sawyers Island. Check out one of many shows. Shop on Main Street. Disney is so much more than the rides - that’s easily forgotten but should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds during their visit.
🫶 If you have any questions please let me know!
💦 What are your go-tos for staying cool and comfortable in the heat?