Keeping Cool on Your Walt Disney World Vacation

I've visited Disney World during every month of the year, and with a few exceptions it's usually quite warm. There are a few really nice months when you might need a jacket in the morning or evening (January, February, November, December) but since we are talking about Florida, you need to be prepared for warm weather.

Keeping cool on your Walt Disney World vacation

And, if you're visiting during the summer months of June, July, or August you need to be prepared to be really, really HOT. This is also true for most of September and even October. But really, August is melt-into-the-pavement HOT. And yet, I've talked my family into an August vacation TWICE now. Which is why today we're going to talk about how to keep cool when it's hotter than hot at Disney World.

Baby, it's HOT out there!

First and most importantly you need to stay hydrated when it's hot (and even when it's not, but today we're talking heat). We brought several cases of bottled water with us on our last trip (the advantage of driving) but if you're not driving you can also have a couple of cases delivered to your hotel. We like Garden Grocer for items like that.

Each day we packed my husband's backpack with as many bottles of water as we could fit and for the most part they were gone by noon. If you don't want to carry bottled water you can get free cups of ice water at most quick service spots in the theme parks. You just have to ask. Some locations, including Gaston's Tavern at the Magic Kingdom, had tables set up with self-serve ice water!

Drink a lot of water!

When planning what to pack for a visit during the hottest times of the year you'll want to think about light colored clothes, tank tops, shorts, and other warm weather basics. Other items you'll want to remember include sunscreen (lots of sunscreen), maybe a hat to keep the sun off your face, and comfortable shoes.

Dress for the weather!

Another item that saved me from overheating was a cooling towel. I wasn't sure if I was going to like draping a wet towel around my neck, but good gravy that thing was a lifesaver. I could feel my core temperature cooling down within minutes. We saw several stores selling Disney-themed cooling towels but they're probably cheaper to purchase at home.

Of course one of the best ways to stay cool at Disney is swimming! This was the first time we made it a point to head back to the hotel every afternoon for a few hours at the pool. The swimming pools at the Disney World hotels are great spots to find some shade, relax, and take the plunge!

Take a dip in the pool!

The pool bars are a great spot for grownups to find some delicious keep-you-cool drinks, including my new favorite pool bar drink, Gata Melon Juice (found at the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort).

Sip on a cool drink!

Frozen drinks and frozen foods are another great way to keep your cool. My girls love noshing on Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars on a hot day (but they melt SO fast!) but I found a new favorite hot day treat in Epcot - Kaki Gori from the Japan pavilion.

Kaki Gori is shaved ice topped with sweet syrup (and sweet milk to if you prefer) and it is the perfect hot day treat for everyone! We ordered a cherry flavored Kaki Gori and quickly found a table in the shade in the Japan pavilion and enjoyed our icy treat. You need to order one on your next visit!

Kaki Gori in Epcot's Japan Pavilion

And finally, there's no shortage of air conditioning at the theme parks so when you're starting to overheat find a show or attraction where you can beat the heat. Some favorites including Mickey's PhilharMagic, it's a small world, Pirates of the Caribbean, Carousel of Progress, Living with the Land, The American Adventure, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and more!

You also can't go wrong with the PeopleMover, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and even Kilimanjaro Safaris. And you can also duck into the shops for some much-need cold air. Mouse Gear at Epcot is a favorite cool-down spot.

Whether it's with food, drink, pools, or just good old fashioned air conditioning, there are some great ways to keep your cool at Disney World!

What's your favorite way to keep cool when visiting Disney World during the hottest months of the year? Let us know in the comments.