7 Tips to Survive Summer at a Disney Park

The most common questions I get from my friends and clients heading to Walt Disney World or Disneyland is how to survive in the summer.  With the Florida and California heat, and the summer vacation crowds, you can quickly turn a potentially amazing vacation into a stressful trip.  But if you follow a few key tips you'll make your vacation dreams come true!
 
Tip #1: Take Advantage of Rope Drop

Rope Drop is the term we Disney Parks nerds use for park opening.  I always recommend to clients to get to the park at opening in order to minimize crowds and heat.  As soon as the gates open head over to the most popular ride in the park and enjoy the shorter lines in the cooler weather.  Avoid parks with Extra Magic Hours in the morning and if a park had Extra Magic Hours the night before head there-- its usually the least crowded park the next day.

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Tip #2: Work in Breaks 

It is tough in the summer time to go all day at a Disney Park, especially if you have young kids.  If you follow tip #1 than I recommend working in mid-day breaks, especially when staying at one of the Disney Resorts.  Head back to the resort and grab lunch, take a nap or enjoy some pool time with the family.  All offer less crowded and cooler options to enjoy family time. And the best part, when you head back to the park later in the day it will be a little cooler and a little less crowded, making the nighttime experiences at Disney even more enjoyable!

Tip #3: Drink Plenty of Water 

This sounds like a no-brainer, but you have to remember to drink lots of water!!!  Summer time at Disney World will be in the 90's with high humidity levels.  This plus crowds and lots of walking can lead to dehydration... No vacation was ever improved by a trip to the ER! There are water fountains all around the park and food locations will give you a small cup of ice water at no charge.

Tip #4: Wear Comfortable Shoes 

You are going to do lots of walking and lots of standing... Those cute new shoes or sandals may sound great, but by hour number eight you will wish you had worn something comfortable.  You are at Disney, so throw out desire to be cute and go for comfort instead!

Tip #5: Eat Meals Off Peak 

We always try to eat outside of peak times... That means grab a late breakfast/early lunch or late lunch/early dinner.  Not only will this help get you out of the heat during some of the hotter times of the day, but you are more likely to enjoy your meal without lots of people around... And make those dining reservations!

Tip #6: Bring Your Patience 

You are about to take vacation during peak season at the most popular tourist attraction in the WORLD.  So come with patience and realize you may not get to see every nook and cranny of the Disney Parks. I head down multiple times a year, even sometimes without my kids, and I still do something new on each trip.  Focus on enjoying time with your family and if you enjoy the trip try to come back for different things to experience! And parents, also bring some empathy along for other parents during the trip. We've all been there when our little one is melting down and we're at our breaking point, so if you see a fellow parent going through offer a helping hand and a kind gesture-- it will make everyone's experience even more enjoyable!

Tip #7: Take Advantage of a Disney Travel Agent 

A Disney Travel Planner is a Disney Parks and Disney Cruise expert.  Their job is to help you plan a great vacation and they know how to manage the busy times of the year.  Plus our services are FREE to you!  I cannot make the crowds disappear, but I can arm you with a plan to minimize their impact! E-mail me if you'd like help planning your next Disney trip!

Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at Jenn@whitneyworldtravel.com