Now that my school year has finally come to a close it is time to start enjoying the summer.  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a trip to Walt Disney World and this summer is going to be an Incredible one…

Summer at Walt Disney World

• In the Magic Kingdom,  the Incredibles are going to take over the Tomorrowland Dance Party.
• In Epcot, the Guardians of the Galaxy take over an out of this world themed concert with music from the movies!
• In Animal Kingdom, Donald is taking over Dinoland for a Dino-Bash.  And…
• In Disney Hollywood Studios, the much anticipated Toy Story Land opens on June 30 where guests get to play big and shrink to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard.

With summer comes some not so magical parts of a summer vacation at Walt Disney World…crowds, rain and heat. Here are Friday’s Top 5 Ways to Make Sure that Your Summer at Walt Disney World is Incredible…

1.  Be Prepared for the Mr. Sun

Summer humidity and heat in June, July, August, and even into September is no joke and can quickly ruin a trip to Walt Disney World if you’re not prepared.

When packing for your summer trip to Walt Disney World make sure to include

• Sunscreen
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Aloe Vera

And wear quick dry shirts and shorts. Even if you don’t actively plan on getting wet by going on water rides, these quick-dry materials are nice because they also don’t get soaked with sweat. They’re more breathable, light, and airy, keeping you cool.

I am also a huge fan of Frogg Cooling Towels.  These lightweight and inexpensive towels are easily found at Walmart and will keep you cool for hours. “This towel can absorb eight times its weight in water providing longer evaporation times than conventional towels. An internal polyester mesh reinforcing material allows it to dry you off, while it cools you down. Simply moisten the towel, wring out excess, and it starts working immediately.”

And if you need to cool off, make sure that you hit the water rides like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids.  Don’t forget that there are splash pads in Epcot, Disney Springs, and Magic Kingdom…whose says only kids can run through the sprinklers?

2.  Dance in the Rain

Florida’s rainy season starts with summer with the average rainfall from June to September being 6 to 9 inches EACH month.  The rains are usually limited to afternoon downpours during the summer months, so expect a storm each afternoon. These afternoon storms are commonly referred to as “Nature’s FastPass” and once it begins to rain the lines will begin to clear out and people will rush out of the parks.  When this happens, put on a poncho, brave the rain and enjoy the rest of your day with low crowd levels. Just remember to pack extra shoes, socks and rain ponchos.

3. Hydrate

Staying hydrated is so important especially during the hot summer, no one wants to faint while in line!  Many people like to carry a water bottle along with them (just remember not to bring glass)  and refill them throughout the day. An aluminum water bottle is a great choice because it keeps the water cold and the bottle does not sweat, so I can put it in your purse or backpack and not be afraid of what it will ruin.  I however prefer to go as bagless and hands free as possible, plus I don’t want to waste a precious snack credit on a bottle of water.  Instead, any quick service location will happily provide you with a free glass of ice water for the asking. And if you are dining, refill your cup before you leave. And if you are dining, make sure to ask for a glass of water along with your other beverage and drink up!

4. Manage Time

The old saying, early to bed and early to rise makes a family happy, healthy, and wise. I always advise clients that a Disney vacation is NOT a sleep in kind of vacation.   For those families who can answer their wake-up call and get to the parks before opening, they will be able to enjoy some of the theme park’s best attractions with little to no wait. Your family can take advantage of this by arriving early and enjoying the most popular attractions before the heat of the day creeps into the theme parks. You will be amazed at what you can enjoy and accomplish before 1:00 pm, while everyone else is slowly making their way to the parks.

Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, but only if you have the park hopper option. This will allow you extra time in the parks with lower crowd levels.  Then when the crowd builds hop over to a different park.

Another way to manage your time is to make sure that you have made the best use of your FastPass+ selections.  Don’t waste them when when the crowds are lower in the morning. I like to begin booking FP+ around 10:30. Also, make sure that you have made your ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) at the 180 day mark.  If you are doing a quick service meal, try to avoid peak dining times 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm.

If you are staying on property AND have a PARK HOPPER TICKET,  I recommend taking advantage to the Extra Magic Hours and then hop to a different park when the crowd level builds.  By staying at a Disney Resort hotel access to either extra magic hours in the morning or evening each day of your trip.  Take advantage of the extra time in the parks during the coolest time of the day.

5. Take a Break

The struggle is real and you will be tempted to try to tour until you drop trying to do it all, but I GUARANTEE that this will not be your only Disney vacation.  So take a break. When the crowds and the temperatures rise in the afternoon, this is the perfect time to take in a few shows like the Festival of the Lion King, Nemo, Frozen Forever, Mickey’s Philharmagic (my personal favorite), American Adventure in Epcot, Turtle Talk with Crush, Pixar Shorts, or the Adventures of the Little Mermaid Show.  Not only do you get out of the sun but you also get a chance to sit down and relax. If you time it right you will not have to stand in line either. Don’t worry about a FastPass+, the theaters are huge and normally there are lots of open seats.

My best suggestion is at 1 pm when the crowd is building and those that sleep in are just arriving are just arriving, LEAVE the park. That’s right I told you to leave the park and head back to your resort.  All of the Disney resorts have fabulous pools and while everyone else is in the park you have them to yourself. And Disney Cast Members are there to entertain the kids, while you get to sit back and enjoy an adult beverage better is that you can Or even better, take a little siesta in your room and recharge.  Around 6 pm, return to the parks and have dinner, afterwards enjoy the evening.  

I know that for many families,  summer is the only opportunity that they have for a Disney vacation and that’s okay. Remember to keep a positive attitude, be flexible and use these tips and your family will avoid the heat, the largest crowds, and the longest wait times, which will make your family happy.  And you will be happy because you just maximized your day by outsmarting other guests.

I am full of tips to make your first or next Disney vacation the most magical ever, just contact me today and let’s get planning.  Remember all of my services are FREE when you book your vacation with me.

Bonus Tip:  Cool down with some delectable frozen delights.

There are plenty of ice-cold treats that’ll keep you cooler longer than a melty cone of ice cream. Here are a few of my favorites…

• Lefou’s Brew (Gaston’s Tavern)-Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
• Raspberry Lemonade Slush (Cheshire Cafe)-Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
• Night Blossom (Pongu Pongu)-Animal Kingdom, Pandora
• Frozen Chai (Royal Anandapur Tea Company)-Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life
• Kaki-Gori  (Kabuki Cafe)-Epcot, Japanese Pavilion
• Frozen Elephant of Coke Slushie (Refreshment Outpost)-Epcot, World Showcase