How to Beat the Florida Heat at Walt Disney World (Ultimate Cooling Tips & Tricks)

***Updated 5/20/25

Orlando’s sunshine comes with a side of serious sizzle—think sticky humidity and temps that don’t quit, no matter the season! ☀️🥵 But don’t let the heat drain your Disney and Universal dreams. With a sprinkle of 🧚 Pixie Dust preparation -hydration hacks, chilling indoor escapes, frosty snacks, and the right gear - You can still have a magical time, even if a little sweat happens along the way! Let’s dive into our ultimate cooling toolkit so you can make every moment magical (and cool)!

***Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a small commission.

Florida summers are the real deal—think damp, soul-sapping humidity that cranks the heat index at least ten degrees above the thermometer. Even seasoned sun-seekers from sweltering cities knee to know that Florida from May until September is next-level muggy!

Dust-approved hacks, you can keep cool and soak up every magical moment at Walt Disney World this summer. Ready to chill? Here are our top tips for beating that Florida scorch!

Sunscreen: Sure, sunscreen sounds obvious, but in Florida’s blazing sun it’s your #1 sidekick. Slather on a broad-spectrum SPF (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 is our fav) before you even step out of your room, then reapply every couple of hours—especially after water rides or that surprise afternoon rain shower. Trust us, a sunburn can zap your vacation vibe faster than you can say “Minnie ears”! And don’t skimp on your scalp—if you’re going hat-free, run that lotion right along your part. Also reapply. Again, and again and again.

Hats & Shades: We adore our Minnie-ear collection as much as you do, but those fabulous bows and sequins won’t shield your face or neck. Save them for after-dark photo ops, and kick off your day in a wide-brim hat and trusty sunglasses. (That pavement is super bright!) You’ll keep the sun off your skin and still rock that pixie-perfect style!

Light-Weight Breathable Clothing. Sure, those matching cotton tees look adorable—but they can hold onto every drop of humidity in Orlando’s air. Opt for lightweight, quick-dry fabrics with moisture-wicking magic to help sweat evaporate and keep you feeling fresh (or at least less…sticky). Wear lightweight, light colored clothes. Black and other dark colors will absorb more heat, while light colors will reflect more of the heat out (it’s science!) Make sure those shorts don't ride up and are long enough to protect your thighs from chaffing. (Throw some deodearant on your inner thighs as well, it helps!) Also, Breathable shoes, also not tight, your feet will swell in the heat. Don't forget breathable shoes, also not tight, your feet will swell in the heat. Your vacation-self will thank you for thinking ahead. Pop over to our packing list for more tips.

Cooling Towels Are Your Friend. Keep a damp towel draped around your neck for instant chill—think of it as your personal splash zone on the go! Cooling towels like our fave Frogg Toggs Chilling Pad on Amazon are great, but any wet cloth will do the trick. Simply re-soak as it dries and let the refreshment work its magic.

Personal cooling fans. Don’t underestimate the power of a personal fan—battery-operated or rechargeable, handheld or draped around your shoulders. Our go-to is this AI Neck Fan, 4 Speeds Adjustable Portable Personal Fan Rechargeable Neck Fan on Amazon, which aims a gentle breeze right at the back of your neck (science says that’s one of the fastest ways to cool your whole body!). But honestly, any portable fan that stirs the air will keep you feeling merry, not molten.

Air-Conditioning Escapes: If there are two magic words you need for a summer Orlando trip, it’s “air conditioning.” Duck into an indoor eatery for a cool refreshment, catch an AC-cooled show, or browse the boutiques for a breezy shopping break. Seek out attractions with indoor queues. When the sun’s at its peak, slip back to your resort for a poolside splash or a quick nap (the sun quickly zaps your energy). By evening, when temperatures dip, you’ll be recharged and ready to make more park-side memories—sweat optional.

HYDRATE! Keep that water flowing all day long—your future self will thank you! Pack a reusable bottle and top up at every quick-service spot (they’ll gladly fill it with ice-cold H2O). For an extra boost, toss in a packet of Liquid IV (our fav is the lemon-lime sugar free)to add flavor and essential electrolytes. Staying quenched is one of the simplest (and tastiest) ways to stay energized through Orlando’s steamy days!

Eat ice cream and other cool snacks. Lots of theme park food is too heavy and hot for the high heat of the day. Try to stick with cool, hydrating foods (and a tall glass of water!) Mickey bars are always a great iconic snack, but any cold or cool snack will help you chill out under that Florida sun. We're working on a post with recommendations for cool snack spots in the parks, so check back soon!

Shade Your Ride: Scooter & Stroller Seat Hack: Nothing will zap the magic faster than returning to a scorching scooter or stroller seat. Keep an old towel or spare cloth handy—drape it over the ECV seat or stroller before you dash off on a ride. It’s the perfect sun shield, and if you use an old towel it's less likely to walk off while you are enjoying your ride!

Pack Smart: Skip the Heat-Trapping Backpacks: A big black backpack is basically a portable radiator. We love a Loungefly, but even the lighter ones absorb so much heat on a slizzling day. Ditch these for a lighter, lighter-colored day pack or sling bag so your shoulders (and back) can breathe.

Shade Mode: Your Secret Weapon: Cling to the shade wherever you can—under trees, umbrellas, or covered walkways. At Animal Kingdom this can feel nearly impossible, so plan extra indoor breaks there: grab a cold drink at Restaurantosaurus, catch a showing of “Festival of the Lion King,” or browse the gift shops in Discovery Island. Your brain (and skin) will thank you!

Indoor AC Escapes: Your Go-To Disney World Rides & Shows

Here are our top picks for air-conditioned attractions and performances across the four parks—your perfect pit stops to chill and recharge:. Make sure you download our Different Park Overviews and Cheat Sheets to keep this info handy.

(**** denote shows with seats with backs and air conditioning that are a great place to cool down and even take a power nap!)

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• DINOSAUR

• Festival of the Lion King

• Finding Nemo - the Big Blue and Beyond

• It's Tough to be a Bug!

• Kali River Rapids (WATER RIDE - not A/C)

• Na'vi River Journey

EPCOT

• The American Adventure ****

• Awesome Planet at the Land ****

• Canada Far and Wide (No seats)

• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival ****

• Frozen Ever After

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and/or Impressions de France ****

• Journey into Imagination with Figment

• Living with the Land

• Mission: SPACE

• Reflections of China (No seats)

• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

• The Sea with Nemo & Friends

• Soarin' Around the World

• Spaceship Earth

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration****

• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Muppet*Vision 3D****

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

• Toy Story Mania!

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Magic Kingdom

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

• Carousel of Progress ****

• Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station (Splash Pad. Great for cooling down.)

• Country Bear Jamboree

• Enchanted Tiki Room

• The Hall of Presidents ****

• Haunted Mansion

• "it's a small world"

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Mickey's PhilharMagic ****

• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor ****

• Peter Pan's Flight

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Space Mountain

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Beat the Heat/Rain Downloadable Park Map: Ready to outsmart the heat (and sneak in from those surprise showers)? Snag our downloadable Disney park maps pinpointing every cool-down and covered spots, Click here to grab yours.

Armed with these Pixie-Dust-approved hacks—and a healthy dose of patience when the Florida sun feels like it’s melting you—you’ll stay cool, beat the summer scorch, and turn even the sweltiest park days into unforgettable, magical memories.

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, Kim

Planning your Walt Disney World adventure? Start with our Disney Planning Guide. Looking for autism-friendly tips or accessibility insights or help with DAS? Find them here.  If you no longer qualify for DAS but still want a magical day, discover our alternative strategies. And when you’re ready for a truly Practically Perfect Vacation, book with Bren for expert planning assistance.