Part of us understanding how to plan to most magical vacations is experiencing them at multiple times of the year. The summer months are popular in the parks but boy are they HOT. My thinking when I planned a trip in August had nothing to do with the temperature and all to do with the crowds, but knowing that it was going to be 90+ (more like 100+) each day it was important to not only pack certain items to ensure survival (lol) – but also plan our days in such a way that would allow us to cool down.

For many of you the summer months are the only time you and your family are available to travel, so on this blog my goal is to give some tips so if you plan on visiting the parks when the heat will be turned up, you and your family can still have a magical time!

Rope Drop

This is something I actually suggest you do year round, but certainly when the temps plan on being higher mid day. If you stay on property you get in 30 mins earlier than anyone else and that is a great time to knock out rides or even get photos! The plus to this is often times around lunch you might have done the things you were hopeful for that day and be able to head back to your resort to swim or even allow your littles to get a nap in before coming back into the parks for the evening hours!

This past July that was our plan. We would rope drop and do as many rides as possible so that after lunch we could head back to the resort for the hottest part of the day. Then we’d head back into the parks around 4:30pm once the temps began to dip.

Make Lunch Reservations

Most of the time I am a huge fan of having either breakfast or dinner reservations because I want to maximize as much time in the parks as possible. Those summer months though, (especially with littles) it’s so nice to know that around lunch time you are going to have a spot, inside air conditioning likely still experiencing something magical to cool down before heading back into the parks- or even back to your resort for that afternoon nap.

Indoor Attractions and Shows

This is honestly the bread and butter to a successful day in the summer. Knowing those special spots at each park to pause and cool down can make or break your day. Especially if you plan on staying a full day in the parks.

Magic Kingdom

**Mickey’s Philharmagic (my favorite)

**Enchanted Tiki Room- (an OG fun for cooling down)

**The Carousel of Progress – (not everyones fave, but I always enjoy it)

**Take time to meet Characters Indoors

Epcot

**Gran Fiesta Tour- (my favorite)

**The Seas with Nemo and Friends (beware the song that get’s stuck in your head)

**Beauty and the Beast Sing Along (so so fun)

Hollywood Studios

**Frozen Sing Along- (really funny- highly recommend)

** Disney Junior Dance Party – (this is a must for families with littles)

** Meet your Favorite Star Wars Characters at Launch Bay

Animal Kingdom

**Festival of the Lion King – (my fave)

**Finding Nemo- The Big Blue… and Beyond – (such a cute show!)

What to Pack

You will see tons of gals super dressed up, I like to remind everyone it’s likely that it’s their job to do so. That is not what YOU want to do when visiting the parks. Comfort is key, and in the summer heat you want to make sure your clothes are working for you as well (but also cute cause… duh

THE RETRACTABLE WATER BOTTLE

Not trying to be dramatic but honestly of all the things I posted while traveling this is what y’all were all buying and what you asked about the most! While it doesn’t keep the water cool for long periods of time it didn’t really matter because we were drinking the water too fast for it to even get “warm”. The best part of it was that I was able to hook it up to my fanny and go about my day without being annoyed holding something!

**Any of the Quick Service Locations in the parks will fill up your water bottle at no cost! Make sure you make time to do this so you can stay Hydrated!

THE FANS

These Mickey fans put out a power stream of air and fit in my belt bag so if I didn’t want it out it didn’t have to be.

THE SUN SCREEN

Ride or die. Seriously. When I am in the parks I wear this with a little eye makeup that’s it! Definitely add this to your list for your next Disney vacation. You won’t regret it.

HONORABLE MENTION

I couldn’t survive without my Drip Drop. One packet in your water is as if you are drinking three full bottles of water! WIN WIN! I brought two packets a day with me into the parks to help stay hydrated!

Again, water and indoor rides are also ways to stay cool and Disney World does such an amazing job at even making those lines a part of the experience, but as you are preparing for that next trip if you keep these tips and products in mind it will help make your experience that much more magical!

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