Confessions of a Disney World Addict: It is HOT!

Hmmmmm? I am in Central Florida, in the summer months, and I am surprised that it is hot. Does anything seem strange about this last statement?
Yes, it can get warm at Walt Disney World. It can also be HOT and humid. However, if you take some precautions you can still enjoy your time at the "Most Wonderful Place on Earth!"

1. SUNSCREEN and H2O (lots of it)
2. Dress in light colors and COMFORTABLE shoes...
3. Plan ahead using your FastPass + (download apps that show wait times for attractions)
4. Shows are air conditioned...
5. take a break in the afternoon if time allows...

Number one is a must. Make sure you apply and re-apply the sunscreen and you hydrate yourself regularly. Even if you tan well the Central Florida sun is intense so keep the sunscreen near you. Number two is almost as important as number one. A light colored t-shirt and shorts plus good walking shoes are a must. I one time saw a group of ladies who were in long black, yes I said black, dresses and the same color head dress and veils in the Magic Kingdom and I felt so sorry for them. I know it was for cultural purposes but I knew they must have been miserable.

As I continue and we look at the remaining "suggestions" number three is for those of you who are staying onsite. To avoid the lines plan ahead and use the FastPass + choices for the long line attractions. There are usually some rides that don't need FastPasses although they offer them, It's a Small World in the Magic Kingdom "usually" does not need one, however 2014 happens to be the 50th anniversary of the attraction (debuted at the 1964 World's Fair) so it has been more crowded than usual but still there are down times and if you are connected with the wait time app you can catch those times. There are some musts for FastPass such as Toy Story Mania, Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Soarin' plus others. However, if you have a Frozen addict in your party whose trip would be ruined if they could not see Anna and Elsa you MUST use one of your FastPass + choices for that character meet and greet (at least currently) wait times have been known to last over four hours which would take away a huge chunk of your day unless you used the Fast Pass. I am just grateful that I didn't have to make that decision. When we went in April I saw the sign that read 200 minutes as we passed it on our way to It's a Small World and it's ten minute wait.

Air conditioning blasts in all of the gift-shops and indoor rides, shows, exhibits. Know which ones are least crowded and you have a way not only to beat the heat but an entertaining way. My favorite ones are the Carousel of Progress in the Magic Kingdom, Great Movie Ride and Muppet's 3D in Hollywood Studios, Spaceship Earth and Figment's Journey into Imagination at EPCOT. Animal Kingdom has many little shops and shaded areas to beat the heat.

Finally take a break. Especially with little ones plan a time to escape back to the resort and relax at the pool or take a nap during the heat of the day. Although, I would suggest if you have never done it to catch the Festival of Fantasyland Parade at the Magic Kingdom which shows at 3:00 pm daily. The ideal day would be to arrive at opening of a park and break around 3:00 pm, except for the aforementioned parade, and return to the park around 7:00 pm and stay until the park closes. We always say this is going to be our plan but it never works out that way. Just remember, it is HOT, especially during the summer months. Reminder the summer weather in Central Florida could come early and it doesn't really ever get frigid so these "suggestions" could be year round ones.