Orlando is hot a lot of the year! The summer months when most of us have the opportunity to visit can be brutal. June, July, and August are humid, sometimes stormy and can be uncomfortable. So how do you still have a magical day? I can help with some tips!
In general a few quick tips, I recommend getting to the parks early even if that means heading back to the hotel for a mid-day break to get out of the heat, especially if you have little ones. If you are like my family, we love to stay all day but need some places to be able to relax in the park. We will also head to a sit-down restaurant for a late lunch or early dinner to be able to relax out of the heat. Taking some time to look at all of the shops is always fun as well!
Lets explore each park for some cool ways still have fun!
Magic Kingdom:
Magic Kingdom has some great indoor venues that we love to hit in the afternoon. The Carousel of Progress has comfortable seats, and it will take you about 20 minutes to get through the show.
Sticking in Tomorrowland, the Monster Inc. Laugh Floor is another one my kids have always liked. It’s a comedy show featuring your favourite Monster characters. The bench seating is not quite as comfortable as Carousel of Progress but still a seat nonetheless for about 10 minutes.
On the other side of the park, in Frontierland, you can stop by the Country Bear Jamboree show and enjoy a 15 minute show where you can relax on padded benches.
Head over to The Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland. It is a fun 10-minute show with some fun music to go along with your bench with a back seat.
At Liberty Square you will find a 25 minute long show at the Hall of Presidents and is always nice and cool with super comfortable chairs.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic located in Fantasyland is a 12 minute musical production with 3D animation that will let you relax in a theatre style seat.
There are also some rides where most of the queue is shaded or inside which is always appreciated on a hot day. Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover I think would be doable in the heat.
Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom has some amazing shows! The Festival of the Lion King is one of our favourite shows in all of Disney World, with bench seating this 40 minute show is not one to miss.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond is another fun show. A bit shorter at 25 minutes still inside out of the heat.
It’s Tough to be a bug is a 3D film with a few fun surprises, you will have a seat for this 10 minute show. I will also mention, I love how close you get to the Tree Of Life to get into this attraction.
While not an inside venue, Feathered Friends in Flight does at least provide some shaded area to sit, which is always good. Also outside but a good place to rest is the Wildlife Express Train gives some unique views of Animal Kingdom.
Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood Studios has a mix of shows and rides that offer some help from the heat. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a 30 minute indoor show with very comfortable seating.
The Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey and Minnie is a fun 10 minute movie that is a nice break from the crowd as well.
The Muppet Vision 3D is a cute show with theater style seating to enjoy for the 15 minute presentation.
Don’t forget about the Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy this 10 minute long show is great if your kids love the Cars movies.
Take as much or as little time to stroll through the Walt Disney Presents then watch a 15 minute showing (these will often change yearly with the next big movie that Disney is releasing) we have done this a few times and they do a great job leaving you wanting to go see the whole show!
If you are wanting to meet a few Characters then head over to Star Wars Launch Bay, this indoor area is a great place to take a few minutes to cool down while getting to meet some characters.
Close by, if you have small kids then be sure to check out the Disney Junior Dance Party.
There are also a couple of shows that are covered from the sun and offer a place to sit for during the show. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is a 30 minute Broadway style show and The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is an hour long show, this one is always a good time.
Epcot:
Epcot is unique as they have a few whole buildings that have multiple things to do where you can hang out inside and cool down. Walking around World Showcase is a bit of a different story. But there are still some places to escape to.
First is the World Nature building which is home to The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride, Turtle Talk with Crush and many animal encounters you could spend some time just hanging out with at the aquarium.
Then there is The Land Pavilion which houses Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land – a 15 minute long boat ride – and Awesome Planet – a 10 minute showcase of amazing imagery.
Journey into Imagination with Figment generally has a shorter line and is a great ride for everyone. After you exit, head over to visit some Characters before you leave the air conditioning!
As you walk through World Showcase, take a break in Canada and see the 12 minute circle vision show.
In France you will find two shows that share a space, Beauty and the Beast Sing Along and Impressions de France. Be sure to check for times if you want to see a particular one.
In the American pavilion don’t miss the Voices of Liberty show. It is only 15 minutes but a favourite.
The Reflections of China – a12 minute circle vision show – is a nice place to cool down but just a heads up there are no seats here.
In Mexico you can’t miss the Mexico Folk are Gallery and the Gran Fiesta Tour in their building.
If you want to save your feet a bit, you can catch one of the Friendship boats from one side of World Showcase to the other, be sure to check out the times they often close early.
There are also so many amazing restaurants in Epcot, we almost always schedule some time for a sit-down meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you can find some cool places to help make your day wonderful! Creating a plan of things you want to do throughout the day can help keep you going. Keep hydrated and take time to enjoy the views, its not everyday that you get to be in a Disney Park! If you have any hidden gems you want to add, let us know in the comments!
