If you're braving Disney World in the summer, read this ultimate guide Disney World Summer: Tips to Stay Cool so you know what to pack, where to stay and when to go. These tips will ensure a magical vacation even with the heat! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive and Mazda. The opinions and text are all mine. 
If you follow me on Instagram you know we LOVE Disney. Last fall we were there at least once a month. We especially love going for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry. In the fall and winter the weather is still comfortable and we can go to the parks all day. My friend Krystal with Sunny, Sweet Days and I wanted to have a play date so we planned to do the ultimate playdate at our favorite place, Disney. After we booked everything I started to get nervous about doing Disney in the summer, and let’s be honest without my husband who is the ultimate Disney planner. Looks like I am not alone one of the top subjects searched about Disney is “How bad is Disney world in July”. Here is how we not only survived but ultimately enjoyed the park in the heat. Also check out, Your Complete Disney Packing Checklist, 10 Things You Must Do Before You Go to Disney, and 10 Things to Pack for Disney with Kids
Disney World Summer
Disney World Summer: Tips to Stay cool Video
Stay Hydrated
We always bring our own jugs so we can keep them filled with water all the time. Did you know that you can get a free cup of ice at any food stand? Then you can either add in your drink or fill them up at a water fountain.
Cool Treats
We had popsicles by 10am. Talk about breakfast of champions. 
Cooling Products
This was the first trip where we used the umbrella to block the sun. It is amazing how much cooler it is under the umbrella. 
Disney sells a great fan/mister combo that you can add ice and cold water. This trip B also picked this light up fan for her one gift for the trip. It is so cool because it doubles as a light up toy and a fan.
You can also bring a cooling towel to wrap around your neck to keep you cool.
• Umbrella
• Fan
• Mister
• Cooling towel
Timing at the Parks
Our normal schedule for the parks is open until their close. With the hot temperature the best schedule is to hit the parks early and leave in the early afternoon. Then head back in the late afternoon or early evening. It is amazing how when the sun goes down it can be comfortable even on the hottest days. And the fireworks shows are worth staying up late for. 
Rides
Plan your fast passes for rides and shows with AC. And if possible try to do post of your rides in the same area. We spent most of our time in Tomorrow Land. We made the mistake of going on the speedway at noon. Luckily it is a quick ride, but it was so hot. Some of our favorites to cool down at Magic Kingdom include:
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory
• People Movers
• Arial Under the Sea
• Buzz Lightyear 
Hotel with a Great Pool and Restaurant 
We stayed at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. Have you ever seen bunk beds at a hotel? The kids were so excited to have their own space and bunk beds. They even had their own TV. 
I was not sure if the kids would be ok with leaving the park after lunch, but when we told them we were going back to the hotel to swim they were so excited. We brought pool floats with us. Our friend’s son is not a confident swimmer so the kids loved having the kids pool.
You can also grab a snack or meal at Gatorville. It is literally poolside. The lobby also have a great bar that was packed for the World Cup games. I loved their outside seating area. 
The location is great especially if you like to walk. We walked over to a store to pick up some milk to have for the kids before bed. And after our afternoon in the pool we walked over to check out the ICON Orlando 360 Entertainment District. We were having so much fun we almost did not head back to the parks. 
Bonus: You can save 30% off their Best Available Rate with NO minimum nights .
Transportation
Make sure your car has a great AC system and room for all your things, even floats! When we get into the car in the parking lot some time we sit in the parking lot for a few minutes just to cool off before we even get on the road.
For this trip Mazda gave us a Mazda CX-9 to drive. And I cannot tell you how much I love this car. I was so nervous because it was my first trip to Orlando with just me and B. I am normally so spoiled because Kurt is always our driver. Here are some of my favorite features of the car:
- Blind Spot Monitoring Display – I think every car should have this technology. You no longer need to check your blind spot because the car shows you both on the side mirrors and the heads-up display if there is a car in your blind spot.
- Lane-keep Assist System & Lane Departure Warning System Display – If you drive out of your lane at all the car shakes at you and the heads-up display blinks yellow on the side you are drive over. We drove through one of the worst storms I have ever been in and I was so grateful for this technology because I could not see where the lanes were. I felt confident that we were in the lane.
- Distance Recognition Support System Display and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function – When I drive I generally do not use cruise control because I feel like I am always having to turn it off for slow drivers. This cruise control is incredible. You set how far away you want to be from the car in front of you and the car keeps that distance and automatically slows down and speeds up as needed. It took me a couple to get used to because I had a hard time trusting it. When I started to trust it made driving so much easier.
- Rear Seat Entertainment System – I wish I had captured B’s face when she first saw the TVs in the back! They were a lifesaver for a long car ride. The TVs come with wireless headphones and they operate separately so your kids can watch different movies.
Pin for Later: Disney World Summer: Tips to Stay Cool
Stacie says
These are awesome tips. After the crowds, the big thing you have to deal with at Disney is the heat. Thank you!
Cristy says
That is so true!
Marta RIvera says
I always get so jealous of people who have been to Disney! Almost 40 years old and I still have never been!
Cristy says
Definately a perk of living in Florida. Hope you get to go soon.
Sam | Away She Went says
I've been to Disneyland, but never Disney World. It's on my list though! I'll have to keep these tips in mind if we visit in the summer! It's nice to know you can get free ice at the food stands!
Cristy says
It is a nice perk that I just recently learned about.
Liz Mays says
I can see the little fan mister being really handy. I didn't know they had those! I can't wait for my next Disney trip. I like the idea of going to the parks in the early morning, leaving then coming back in the late afternoon.
Cristy says
That fan is a must. And the break at the pool was the best schedule. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Allison Cooper says
Love all of these wonderful Disney tips! Thankfully, they have so many fun options for eating and drinking cold foods and beverages that make everything that much more special.
Cristy says
It is so true. I cannot believe we went a whole trip without a mickey pretzal.
Marina says
Looks like a fantastic family trip. Can't wait to visit Disney World x
Cristy says
Thank you. It was an amazing trip!
Naomi says
Oh my goodness, yes! Staying hydrated is key to any summer time trip or activity. I love that you listed that first. And that hello straw is too adorable.
Cristy says
I agree and something that is so easy to forget to do. The straws are from Michaels and they make staying hydrated more fun.
Sherry says
These are all great tips for staying cool. I never thought of using an umbrella. I haven't been to Disney World yet but hopefully some day soon.
Cristy says
It is amazing how an umbrella makes such a big difference. Hope you get to Disney soon.
Becca Wilson says
Disney is such a fun time but it can definitely get hot out while you are there. These are some really great tips for staying cool.
Cristy says
Yes it is. Thank you for reading and commenting.
krystal says
What's funny is I found a USB battery powered fan that I had ordered and FORGOT to bring it!! It was teal too. We had the BEST time, and hope to do it again one day soon!!
Cristy says
Hope you are feeling better. We had a blast. That fan would have come in handy.
Scott says
Never been in the summer, but it's over 90 here in Iowa! I can only imagine how hot it is there!
Cristy says
I can see why you would skip Disney in the summer. It can be great if you follow these steps.
Claudia Krusch says
I'm going to confess, I don't like parks in the summer, but loved reading about your tips!
Cristy says
I don’t blame you. I was surprised how enjoyable it was even with the heat
Bianca Dottin says
I live in Orlando and love visiting Disney. These are great tips for staying cool! It can get so hot during the summer.
Cristy says
Thank you. I agree. Florida can be so hot in the summer. We just need a different approach for the summer
Ladena says
Great tips! I always go cool down in the rides with AC too. The Little Mermaid ride is our favourite for that. We also buy so many cool treats when we're at a Disney park.
Cristy says
We love the Little Mermaid too. I am still in shock that we had a whole trip without a mickey ice cream. Seems wrong.