Daily Plan to Beat the Heat in Disney World

We've all asked the question "Why on earth would anyone go to Disney World in the summer?", myself included. But guess what? I've gone to Disney multiple times between the months of May-September (yes it's hot in May and September) and it really isn't THAT bad...if you manage it well. The best part about summer in Disney is the low crowds because everyone is avoiding the heat! I could give you the typical advice like drink lots of water, go to the pool but I'm not here to do that. I'm here to tell you the things we use, the places we go and our favorite park technique to manage summertime at Walt Disney World. Let's get into our daily summer plan for Disney World.

There's no beating around the bush when it comes to summer in Disney, it gets very hot. At times almost unbearable. Two years ago we were at Epcot in July and we lasted until noon and never went back to the park the entire day, but we were ok with that! It's all about shifting your mindset over the summer. Yes, you obviously want to be at the park, do rides and see all that there is to see but doing every single thing might not be the best plan of attack over the summer. Honestly, that's not always the best plan of attack even in the winter. We start with a summertime strategy and then shift when needed. Our basic daily plan is

-get to the park for early entry

-back to the resort for lunch/afternoon break

-park for dinner and closing

-schedule in a break day or 2 with no park

When we get to the park for early entry we choose one area to focus on. This keeps our travel time low around the park. We mix it up between outdoor attractions and indoor/air conditioned attractions. If you're in Magic Kingdom and do Tomorrowland Speedway, Astro Orbiter, Mad Tea Party and Barnstormer all in a row...you've now been outside in the sun and heat for 4 rides in a row. Don't make this mistake. Try this lineup in the morning instead...

-Astro Orbiter

-Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

-Tomorrowland Speedway

-Meet the characters at Pete's Silly Slideshow

Meet Donald & Goofy or Daisy & Minnie at Pete's Silly Sideshow in the Storybook Circus section of Magic Kingdom.

That line up puts you in the air conditioning for every other attraction. It also keeps you on one side of the park for 4 attractions in a row.

When it's time for an afternoon break, we like to head back to resort for lunch. We mobile order so it's ready when we get there (because who wants to be hot and hungry at the same time, especially our 4 year old!) and we grab a spot at the pool to eat our lunch and take a dip. If the pool isn't in the cards for us that day (if we're already at the meltdown stage) we eat in the room and take a nap! Either way, we have a cool relaxing afternoon.

Kiddie pool section of the Hippy Dippy pool at Pop Century Resort

Heading into the evening we feel refreshed from our break and we're ready to hit the ground running. BUT, not quite yet. I love having a dining reservation early in the evening to get the night started. This puts you in the air conditioning for the first part of your night when the sun is still out. Make a reservation in the park you're going to or at a nearby resort. I'm telling you, this is the best way to start your night in the park.

Here are some sample itineraries for each park during a hot summer day at Disney World

Magic Kingdom

-Early Entry/Morning

Space Mountain

Tomorrowland Speedway

Mad Tea Party

Dumbo

Meet characters at Pete's Silly Sideshow

Barnstormer

Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

-Break for lunch/pool

-Evening

Dinner at 1900 Park Faire (Grand Floridian)

Pirate's of the Caribbean

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Country Bear Jamboree

Haunted Mansion

It's a Small World

Happily Ever After Fireworks

*depending on park closing time hit a ride or 2 after fireworks

Hollywood Studios

-Early Entry/Morning

Slinky Dog Dash

Toy Story Midway Mania

Breakfast at Woody's Lunchbox

Alien Swirling Saucers

Pixar Plaza to meet characters or meet Disney Junior character

For the First Time in Forever : A Frozen Sing-a-long

-Break for lunch/pool

-Evening

Meet Olaf or Mickey & Minnie

Dinner at Hollywood & Vine with characters

The Little Mermaid - a Musical Adventure

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

Fantasmic

Cool off in the air conditioning and meet your favorite characters like Olaf in Hollywood Studios.

Epcot

-Early Entry/Morning

Guardians of the Galaxy

Spaceship Earth

Moana Journey of the Water

Breakfast at Garden Grill

Living With the Land

Soarin'

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Turtle Talk with Crush

-Break for lunch/pool

-Evening

Snack/eat around World Showcase or make a reservation at a neighboring resort

Frozen Ever After

Gran Fiesta Tour

*spend the night exploring all of the countries in World Showcase

Animal Kingdom

-Early Entry/Morning

Navi River Journey or Flight of Passage

Kilimanjaro Safari (not open during early entry)

Breakfast at Tusker House

Train to Rafiki's Island

Gorilla Falls

Feathered Friends in Flight

Expedition Everest

Finding Nemo : The Big Blue...and Beyond

*we honestly usually just do the morning to early afternoon in Animal Kingdom and then spend the rest of the day at the resort or exploring another resort for dinner.

All of these itineraries would be very loosely planned and give us the ability to shift our plan if needed! Be flexible with your plan over the summer (and any season) at Disney World.

If you'd like to talk more about a plan for your Disney World trip, I'd love to help! Fill out my vacation inquiry form on our site or send an email to JLmagicalmillers@gmail.com