Florida is hot.

There really isn’t anyway around it. Even during the winter months, highs can reach uncomfortable levels, and the humidity just makes it worse.

When someone asks me, “When is the best time to visit Disney World?”, I know that often what they’re really asking is how they can avoid dying in the Florida heat.

Unfortunately, the hottest times of the year are also the times that most people can visit. When schools are out, families flock to Disney World in droves! Heat, humidity, and crowds can lead to high tension and exhaustion, but you can survive the Florida heat with these four tips and a little bit of common sense.

4. Go Inside

Many attractions are indoors and air conditioned, and you should visit these attractions as temps start to rise. Alternating outdoor attractions and indoor attractions also allow you to get temporary relief so you don’t feel like you’re constantly in the heat.

In Magic Kingdom, Carousel of Progress, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Hall of Presidents, and Mickey’s PhillharMagic are great indoor attractions all with air conditioning (as well as some indoor queue lines), so even if there is a wait, you’ll be comfortable indoors.

Indoor attractions are a great way to beat the Florida heat.
Indoor attractions are a great way to beat the Florida heat.

Almost everything in Epcot is indoors and air conditioned. Spaceship Earth lines are outside, but if you ride later in the day, you’ll have virtually no line!

Hollywood Studios also has several indoor attractions including Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Disney Junior, and Walt Disney Presents.

Animal Kingdom always feels hotter to me than any other park, and it’s probably because there are very few places to escape the heat. Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical are indoors, but the lines are outside. If you’re really craving some cool air, duck into the shops and restaurants, and seek out the shade.

Beat the heat in the Festival of the Lion King.
Beat the heat in the Festival of the Lion King.

3. Wear the right clothes

Another common sense topic, but one that people often overlook, is what clothing to wear to Disney. Tight tank tops and jeans are not the best. Anything that is close to the skin will only make you hotter.

So what’s the best kind of clothing?

Exercise attire!

After all, it’s made to help you stay comfortable while sweating! Any material that is wicking, or breathable, will make you feel cooler even on hot days.

Wear comfortable clothes that breathe.
Wear comfortable clothes that breathe.

2. Use Personal Fans

Let’s face it. There’s nothing better than a nice breeze on a hot day. When that breeze has some cool moisture in it, it feels even better!

There are a few misters at Disney World, but you can have this feeling anytime you want with a personal fan. Personal fans are available at any major retailer including Target, Wal-Mart, and Amazon. These fans usually have a refillable water reservoir. You either squeeze the bottle or pull a trigger, and the bottle will spray mist while blowing the fan! It really is a great heat reliever!

If you’re a parent and you have kids in a stroller, they make clip on varieties as well. Just clip this small fan on the tray or side bar of the stroller, and your little one will stay cool too!

You should be aware, though, that these fans take batteries, and depending on how much you’re using them, they can really soak up the juice, so be sure to pack extra batteries!

1. Take a mid-day break

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the mid-day break. I like to arrive at the parks before they open and experience as much as I can before the crowds and the heat get too heavy then head back to the hotel in the afternoon for a break by the pool or a quick nap.

As an added bonus, you’ll miss the afternoon rain for which Florida is notorious!

Motor back to your resort for a mid-day break.
Motor back to your resort for a mid-day break.

After a little R&R, head back to the park for some more exploring and evening festivities including parades and fireworks. If you choose a park that has extra magic hours or you have the park hopper and can go to the park with extra magic hours, you’ll be well rested and ready to take on the night! Plus, it will be cooler, and the wait times will be down.

How do you escape the heat at Disney World?