Summer is in session, and boy is it hot! It’s been over 100 degrees where I live and has no signs of dropping anytime soon. Just last week I was at Disney Springs and we needed to make a few extra stops in the stores to get the boys out of the sun. So I thought it would be the perfect time to share my top 10 ways to cool off at the Disney Parks!
1) Pack Smart
Before you even enter the parks for the day, be sure you’ve packed the essentials for the Florida or California heat. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. You may also want to consider the following:
- Stroller Fan
- Cooling Towel
- Insulated Water Bottles
- Oil-Absorbing Wipes
- Extra Hair Clips/Hair Ties
- Glasses Tether
If you have kids who will want to run through the splash pads, or who want to dress up in full costumes for the day (I’m looking at you, little princesses), aim to pack an extra outfit for them so they can stay comfortable.
2) Know Where to Find Water and Ice
I’m covering the basics before we get to the fun stuff. Dehydration is a serious issue when you’re spending a full day in the heat at the parks. So here are a few tips to keep the family happy and healthy:
- You can request free cups of ice water from any quick-service counter.
- Bottled water is eligible for snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan. (It’s not the best use of credits, but if you’re picky about your water it’s good to keep in mind)
- Freeze bottles of water on their side in a soft cooler and then fill with water in the morning. Bell Services can store your cooler in the resort freezer overnight if you don’t have a freezer in your room.
3) Stop by the “Cool Zones”
As you’re exploring the Disney Parks, you’ll find a variety of ways to get relief from the heat. Be on the lookout for fans, blowers, umbrellas, and other shaded areas. These are located both in outdoor queue lines and on paths/seating areas.
Speaking of cool zones, Coca Cola sponsors several fun drink spots spots! Stop by Club Cool in Epcot or The Spirit of Refreshment in Disneyland to quench your thirst.
4) Grab an Ice Cold Beverage
Whether you’re in the mood for something alcoholic or non-alcoholic, you’ll find a wide range of indulgent drinks at the Disney Parks & Resorts. These include shakes (e.g. Peanut Butter & Jelly shake from Tune-In Lounge ), mocktails (e.g. Hibiscus Henna from Nomad Lounge), juices (e.g. Jungle Juice from Tusker House Restaurant), and frozen drinks (e.g. Grand Marnier Orange Slush from Epcot’s France pavilion).
Of course, you’ll also find full bar menus and standard restaurant offerings, including sodas, teas, and punch. Fun fact: If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World, you get one specialty drink included with each of your meals!
5) Experience the Water Rides
Disney offers a few iconic water rides. The most famous of these is Splash Mountain, which is located at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. Is there anything more refreshing than a 50ft drop?
Other attractions guaranteed to cool you off include Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom and Grizzly River Rapids in Disney California Adventure. You’ll also get a little bit of a Splash on Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park and Frozen Ever After in Epcot.
6) Spend a Day at the Water Parks
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort in the summer, consider upgrading your tickets with the Park Hopper Plus option. This includes a number of visits to the Disney water parks based on the number of days on your ticket (i.e. 5-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets = 5 admissions to the water parks).
Walt Disney World offers two water parks: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. They are located on-site and have a variety of attractions fit for the whole family. You can stretch your park tickets by visiting the water parks on your “break” days!
7) Head to the Pools
Disney Resort hotels have amazing pools, so be sure to leave some time in the afternoons to enjoy them. The best pools are at Stormalong Bay, located at Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts. These resorts offer a lazy river, sand-bottomed pools, water slides, hot tubs, and plenty of lounge space.
Other fun pools include the national park-themed pools at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the monorail-themed pool at the Disneyland Hotel, and the Finding Nemo and Cars-themed pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
8) Pal Around at the Splash Pads
In the parks, splash pads are the perfect places for the little ones to cool off. Here’s where to find them: Casey Jr Splash ‘n’ Soak Station at Magic Kingdom, Innovations Pavilion at Epcot, and by Mission: SPACE in Epcot.
The Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs offer splash pads as well, so even the youngest swimmers can have some free time fun in the water!
9) Enjoy Shady Shows & Indoor Attractions
While you’re in the parks, midday is the perfect time to plan for covered stage shows and indoor attractions. Here are some fun ideas:
Magic Kingdom
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- The Hall of Presidents
- “it’s a small world”
- Haunted Mansion
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Epcot
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Living with the Land
- The American Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Impressions de France
- O Canada!
- Reflections of China
- Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Walt Disney Presents
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage/Disney Junior Dance Party
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo – The Musical
- Conservation Station
- It’s Tough to be a Bug
- The Dino Institute
Disneyland Park
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Main Street Cinema
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Disney California Adventure Park
- Animation Academy
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Pixar Shorts Film Festival at Sunset Showcase Theater
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Disney Junior Dance Party
- Frozen – Live at the Hyperion
10) Indulge in a Delicious Ice Cream Sundae
I saved the best for last! For me, the best way to cool off in the summer is to treat myself to some amazing ice cream. Thankfully, Disney agrees! You can find great ice cream in any of the Disney Parks. My personal favorite? The ocean beach sundae from Ghirardelli in California Adventure or Disney Springs.
Are you ready for some summer fun?
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