Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Summer

Summer is in full force at Walt Disney World Resort, and with it comes plenty of excitement. From new attractions and offerings to holiday fireworks and fan-favorite festivals, there’s nothing quite like enjoying your summer break at The Most Magical Place on Earth! From dazzling nighttime spectaculars and splash-worthy water parks to summer-exclusive experiences like Cool Kid Summer, this season brings plenty of reasons to plan a visit.

Yes, summer days in Central Florida can be warm, and the occasional afternoon rain is a common guest, but with a little planning, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Walt Disney World has to offer in comfort and style.

Here are a few of our favorite Be Our Guest Vacations tips to help you soak up the magic while staying cool and comfortable all day long.  Think of these tips as your guide to have the best summer visit to Walt Disney World EVER, come rain or shine!

Stay Early or Stay Late

The key to a great summer park day? Timing. Mornings and evenings often feel more comfortable, and they come with their own perks. Morning hours offer cooler temps and lighter crowds, making them perfect for knocking out those must-do attractions early. Evenings bring cooler breezes, glowing nighttime entertainment, and the chance to take things a little slower.

Plan to be an Early Riser or a Night Owl. Our favorite strategy? Rope drop the parks in the morning, take a mid-day break at your resort (hello, pool and nap time!), then return for the evening magic.

Personally, my favorite strategy for a summer visit is to get in line at the park about 30 minutes before it opens for the day – also known as “rope dropping” – to do as many things as possible before the midday heat sets in.  Then, it’s back to the hotel for food, some pool time, a shower, and (usually) a nap. After taking a few hours to recharge, I’ll head back to the park to close out the day with more fun as the sun goes down.

And if you’re staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, be sure to check with your Be Our Guest Vacations travel pro to see if you’re eligible for either the Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefits –– these periods allow Resort guests to spend some extra time in the parks (during select periods) and can be a great way to beat some of the heat.

Sprinkle Indoor Attractions and Activities Throughout the Day. If taking a midday break at the hotel doesn’t fit with your schedule, consider planning your day to alternate outdoor and indoor activities.  For instance, once you’ve waited in line for an attraction or two outdoors, head to an indoor attraction, do some shopping, or take time to grab a bite to eat. That way, you can get out of the sun and take some time to soak in the World’s Most Magical air conditioning system.

Another strategy I like to employ when spending time in the parks during the hottest part of the day is to let Be Our Guest Vacations help me book a Disney dining reservation sometime between noon and about 4:00 pm.  This allows me to get off my feet, prioritize drinking some water, and cool down for a little longer than if I were just wandering in and out of a building.  And as crazy as it sounds, consider tossing a long-sleeved shirt in your park bag (or even an extra shirt for a quick change).  Believe me, once the a/c hits, you might actually feel a bit chilly!

Pack Your Park Bag with Intention. Of all the seasons for visiting Walt Disney World Resort, nothing brings out my inner Wilderness Explorer like packing a summer park bag. 

When it comes to summer in the parks, I recommend prioritizing sunscreen, a water bottle for each member of your party, bandages, and some type of chafing ointment, at the absolute minimum.  If you’re wearing sneakers, also consider bringing a change of socks (because nothing is worse than spending the day with swampy feet after riding Tiana’s). And if space allows, packing a dry shirt (or even an entire change of clothes) can help you keep the fun going, while that long-sleeved shirt I mentioned earlier can help make the transition from the summer heat to the cool air conditioning a lot more comfortable.  Also, each Walt Disney World theme park offers daily locker rentals (for a small fee), which are perfect for stashing extra clothes, dry socks, or anything you might not need right away but will be glad to have later!

While we’re talking “stuff” (and water bottles in particular), don’t forget that you can ask for a complimentary cup of water at any quick-service dining location.  Not only is this a great way to make sure you’re drinking enough water in hot weather, but it can also be a nice chance to save a few pennies over the cost of purchasing bottled water.  You’ll also find plenty of bottle fillers and water fountains throughout Walt Disney World, so be sure to drink up!

Be Ready For Rain

We can all agree that nobody hopes for rainy weather on vacation, right? During this time of year, an afternoon shower can pop up out of nowhere, leave you completely soaked, and move out before you even know what hits you. For that reason, if I’m visiting Walt Disney World from June through September, I’m always prepared for rain, no matter what the forecast –– and with a little preparation, you can be, too. 

Hey, I’ve even been known to use one as a tablecloth to cover the inevitable puddle of popsicles and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars that seem to cover every Walt Disney World surface as the day goes on.  So while it might not be the most exciting thing on your packing list, it’s definitely one you don’t want to skip.

Give Your Footwear Some Serious Thought. When you think about what shoes you’re planning to wear during your Walt Disney World vacation, you’re probably focusing on all the magical miles you’ll feel like you’re covering during your trip.  And believe me, you’re not wrong to make that a priority.  But do you know what’s worse than returning to your hotel room with sore, achy feet?  Filling that hotel room with the smell of wet shoes while those sore, achy feet are covered in blisters.  To help make those toes (and your nose!) happy, trying to keep your feet dry is just as important as keeping them comfy.

To do this, you can come at it from two directions.  First, you could choose a park shoe that’s made to get wet, like a foam or rubber sandal, a waterproof sneaker, or even a hiking shoe, if that’s your vibe (and if your shoe of choice needs socks, be sure to throw a dry pair in your bag for a midday refresh).  Otherwise, I recommend tossing a low-profile pair of waterproof shoes, like flip-flops, in your bag so you have the option to change your shoes if things get soggy.  Then, once the rain moves out, you can swap back and have a dry pair of shoes waiting for you.

Embrace the Weather. While wet weather might not be at the top of your favorite things list, it can also make for some unexpected magic.  

First, it’s not unusual for people to head out of the park at the first sign of dark clouds.  If you’re willing to wait out the weather, you might be rewarded with smaller crowds and enjoy some of your favorite attractions with shorter-than-average wait times.  This is also a great opportunity to shop, stop for a bite to eat, or head inside to experience an indoor attraction, especially something that you might be tempted to skip in nicer weather (I’m looking at you, Carousel of Progress).  

You may also get the chance to experience a “Rain Only” special event, like the Rainy-Day Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom.  This parade-style feature includes dancers decked out in their best rain gear, along with some of your favorite characters riding in covered vehicles (or even splashing down the street).  Not only is this cavalcade an adorable addition to your day, it’s almost like collecting a limited edition reward for braving the weather!

Disney magic shines in every season and summer is no exception! Hot or cold, rain or shine, now is the perfect time to plan your summer visit to Walt Disney World Resort. From unforgettable nighttime shows to poolside fun and seasonal treats, there’s so much to enjoy. With a little flexibility, a positive mindset, and some smart planning, your summer visit can be full of adventure, relaxation, and memory-making moments.

Ready to get started? Let Be Our Guest Vacations help you start planning your perfect getaway today!