As the calendar moves into July and August, the summer heat returns in full force to Florida and Walt Disney World.  As someone who dehydrates easily, the heat is always a concern for me.  As a result, I make sure I know multiple ways to beat the heat.

Walt Disney World, in the summer, can be “like walking on the surface of the sun.”  My wife’s words not mine but I tend to agree.  What are some ways to beat the heat on those hot days when it doesn’t look like the usual Florida summer thunderstorm does not look like it is going to come.

Head back to the resort for a swim

This is the easiest way to beat the heat.  Heading back to the resort is usually part of my family’s plans and it is usually the first tip that I give when planning vacations as a travel agent.  Heading back to the resort does a lot of things.  It helps break up the day.  Spending all day in the parks can be exhausting.  Lots of crowds.  Lots of standing in line.  Out in the sun.  It usually leads to one things.  Lots of family arguments because people are hot and tired.  Going back to the resort and swimming allows you to cool off and put your feet up.  Plus, if and when that afternoon thunderstorm arrives, you are close to your room (shelter).  You can kick back and watch some TV or take a nap while the storm rumbles overhead.  After the storm passes, you can head back into the parks with renewed energy from your afternoon of rest.

Go see a show or shows instead of the rides

Seeing a show or two in the afternoon is not a bad plan if you do not want to head back to the resort.  All of the theme parks have shows which can get you out of the sun and into air conditioning.  Unlike rides, the shows are usually long (at least 20 minutes or more).  This gives you a chance to cool off and recharge.  Plus, most of these shows take place in air conditioning which only helps in the cooling off process.  Lots of time inside + entertainment + recharging = a person not dropping from heat exhaustion

What are some shows you can visit:

Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tales with Belle (warning: outdoor queue), Country Bear Jamboree, Enchanted Tiki Room (warning: outdoor queue), Hall of Presidents

EPCOT: Ellen’s Energy Adventure, O Canada!, Reflections of China, Impressions de France (usually low attendance – can stay for repeat shows)

Hollywood Studios: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, Frozen Sing-Along, Great Movie Ride, Disney Junior – Live on Stage, Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King (not air-conditioned), Finding Nemo – The Musical

Stop at a quick service location for free water

This may be the best tip I can give.  Every quick service location inside a park at Walt Disney World will provide free water if you ask for it at the counter.  We are not talking a small 4 to 6 ounce cup of water but a full 12 to 20 ounce cup of water (depending on the location) with ice.  And the cast members will refill the cup for free as well.  This tip is beneficial for two reasons: 1) it allows you to rehydrate and 2) most quick service locations are inside allowing you to escape from the heat.

My family has taken great advantage of this tip.  We have spent between 30 and 60 minutes sitting in a quick service location just drinking water in order to rehydrate ourselves.  It is one of the most important ways to prevent heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion.

This tip is also a great way to avoid using a snack credit on a bottle of water.  Why spend a snack credit or $3-4 on just one bottle of water when you can unlimited water from a quick service location for free?  Great way to save money/snack credits in the parks.

Even though, it’s summer.  The 2016-17 school year is right around the corner which makes it the perfect time to purchase Walt Disney World for Teens and Tweens through Amazon.com.  This book is geared to those who have graduated from the kids guidebooks but don’t need the level of detail in the other guidebooks.  Plus, the book is full of educational project ideas to present to school administrators for when that Disney vacation takes place during the school.  Or these projects can be used to supplement a home-school curriculum.

Thanks for reading!