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Photo Credit: Breeze Leonard

How to Stay Cool at Disney World, Even in the Summer

//  by Breeze Leonard//  3 Comments

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Wondering how to survive the heat at Disney? If you’re planning a visit to see Mickey during the summer months it’s good to be prepared for the heat and humidity in Florida. We’ve got a list of great recommendations that will help you weather the hot temperatures so you can have a magical time at the Happiest Place on Earth.

How to Stay Cool at Disney World

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>Every time my family visits Disney World, we feel like we’re suddenly inside a bubble where only good memories are made. It’s very easy to shut out the world for a few days and just simply enjoy feeling like a kid again. It’s my goal to help you avoid anything that could interrupt that happy feeling!

With an overall average high temperature of 83F (28C) degrees and an average low of 62F (16C) degrees, the weather at Disney World might seem perfect year-round. Don’t be fooled! The average temperature during the summer months is in the 90s. Combine that with the high Florida humidity and the temperature can feel more like it’s in the 100s (38). Properly preparing for that level of heat and humidity is crucial to staying cool at Disney World.

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We’re sharing our expert tips on what you should pack and what you should wear during your Disney vacation to stay cool.

Must-Have Packing List for Staying Cool at Walt Disney World

Misting Spray Fan

Don’t underestimate how useful a misting spray fan can be when facing the heat. You’ll see many guests with misting spray fans inside the park because they are great for getting some quick relief from the heat.
You can buy one to wear around your neck, but I’m not a “fan” (get it) of carrying them around all day. I don’t need one more added layer! I like this one because it’s small enough to fit inside my backpack or even a stroller but it also has LED lights which my kids thought was super fun at night.
TravelingMom Tip: Be courteous of others around you and teach your kids to double-check that someone standing nearby won’t be accidentally sprayed. I’ve personally seen this make some guests very cranky!

Tylenol/Excedrin/Advil

Sometimes after a long day in the heat, you or someone in your family could end up with a headache. It’s good to keep a pain reliever handy just in case this happens. Nothing spoils the fun in the parks faster than a throbbing headache.
TravelingMom Tip: Many of the items on this list can be purchased while at the parks. But buy them before you go to save (a lot) of money. Here are 29 tips for saving money at Disney and the 14 things to buy before you go to Disney.

Refillable Water Bottle

Did you know that there are a ton of FREE things you can get at Walt Disney World? One of those things is free iced water in the parks. Bring your refillable bottle so that you can fill it up with cold refreshing water all day!
child sitting next to refillable water bottles at Disney World
Our refillable water bottles helped to keep us cool and hydrated. Photo Credit: Breeze Leonard
It’s so important that everyone drinks plenty of water inside the parks, especially on those super hot days. This means constantly reminding kids to take a water break (our kids never wanted to slow down). We encouraged our kids to drink up while in line for the next ride.
The heat is not only annoying at times but it can also be very dangerous if you’re not staying hydrated. We are sure to bring several refillable water bottles that way we always have enough water with us at all times.
TravelingMom Tip: Purchase water bottles that can be hooked onto a carabiner. This makes it easier to hang your bottle from backpacks and strollers.

Cooling Towels

Putting a cold damp cooling towel on the back of your neck when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the heat can bring relief. For this reason, I always keep a couple in our backpacks for the day. It’s important to also pack a Ziploc bag to store them in. Don’t worry about buying expensive cooling towels, the regular ones you find on Amazon work just fine!

TravelingMom Tip: Here are 7 more uses for Ziploc bags when you travel. They’re our favorite travel hack!

woman wearing a cooling towel for staying cool at Disney World
The cooling towels gave some quick relief from the heat. Photo Credit: Breeze Leonard

Anti-Chafing Protection

This may not be something you’re used to discussing with other Disney fans, but let’s be honest, it’s something that should be discussed! Chafing at Disney happens. In fact, it doesn’t just happen to people with beautiful curves but people of all sizes experience it.
The heat and walking long distances is a recipe for a chafing disaster! Don’t worry, because we’ve been there we have some great recommendations on anti-chafing products that actually work because friends don’t let friends chafe!

Sunscreen

Sadly, the Disney “bubble” doesn’t protect you from the harmful sun rays! Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a blistering sunburn.
When you’re inside the parks you’ll be spending a lot of time in direct sunlight, for this reason, it’s very important that the entire family use sunscreen and continues to reapply it throughout the day. Here is a list of our favorite sunscreen for babies and kids.
TravelingMom Tip: Consider taking a break for some time in the air conditioning. It will help you cool down and give everyone a break from the sun. Perhaps plan your sit down meals during the hottest part of the day rather than waiting until night. 

What to Wear At Disney World to Stay Cool

Is your vacation wardrobe sprinkled with pixie dust? It’s fun to pack our favorite matching Mickey shirts and ears, but it’s also important to make sure the clothes you’re bringing are ready to embrace the inevitable sweaty skin it’s going to be clothing! The combination of cute and comfortable can be achieved.
light summer dress for staying cool at Disney World
This light summer dress was perfect for staying cool at Disney World. Photo Credit: Breeze Leonard
Many families who frequent the parks have recommended moisture-wicking fabrics. Athletic clothing works well, I even enjoy cute summer dresses with my favorite tennis shoes or sandals. Our kids also enjoy wearing Disney-themed t-shirts and shorts with some tennis shoes that are already broken in (never wear a pair of brand new shoes to Disney).
TravelingMom Tip: Check out our whole post on the best shoes for theme parks.

Best Underwear to Wear at Disney World

This is the type of advice that I’d share with my best friend! Having the right underwear can really make a difference, trust me, Disney will seem a little less magical if you’re walking around with sweaty boobs!

I live in Texas so I know a thing or two about heat and humidity. I recommend packing underwear that is moisture-wicking and breathable. Every layer of clothing is going to be affected by the summer heat in Florida, trust me!

We’ve found a few bras that are perfect for keeping the girls from swimming all day–the first one is a full coverage bra that still offers support while keeping you cool.

Another great option is the Boody Body EcoWear Women’s Padded Shaper Bra, it looks and feels more like a sports bra. I love this one because the Bamboo fiber is lighter and softer than cotton. It does come with some padding but it can be easily removed if you don’t need it. 

If our boobs are sweaty then the odds are so is our bum! Don’t worry we’ve got a great recommendation for you on the best moisture-wicking underwear. These thermo-regulating full coverage briefs are also made from Boody Body EcoWear and are great for keeping you cool at Disney World. Be sure to always follow the sizing chart when ordering.

Can You Stay Cool at Disney While Wearing a Mask?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, face masks are required at all the Disney World Parks and inside the resorts. You might be wondering if surviving the heat is even possible with a mask on? Our TravelingMom experts say that is, in fact, Allison Jones was recently visiting Disney World and this is her advice:

Schedule Your Phone for Breaks: “When you are wearing the mask, you do not drink as much as normal. We schedule our phone for reminders to stop and take a break every 30-45 minutes. We just step aside, take off our masks, and drink water. This reminds us to stay hydrated with the masks.”

Rest Stops: “You can always stop and remove your mask to eat or drink at the Disney Parks. However, Disney does have designated rest stops. You can grab a seat and just rest without your mask. This is a good break!”
Fans: “It gets hot in Florida and we love fans. With the masks, the fans help even more. You can buy a fan on Amazon, Walmart, or Walgreens. We love the fans that wrap around our neck and run with batteries. They may look funny, but they keep you ultra-cool (even with the masks).”
Check out our favorite Disney themed masks from Get Away Today. That’s also our favorite place to buy discount Disney tickets!

Other Disney Tips and Tricks

We hope these helpful tips will help keep you cool during your Disney World Vacation but don’t forget we have many more tips for you as you plan your Disney vacation. Here are a few of our most popular posts:

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