With kids out of school, it’s time to head to Central Florida to enjoy a fun-filled theme park vacation. But, with Orlando-area summer temperatures regularly breaking the 90s and beyond, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure that your time at the parks is as comfortable as possible. Here are our top tips for staying cool at the theme parks this summer.
Protect Your Skin
Start your day off right by dressing to fight the sun in UPF clothing and by applying plenty of sunscreen to any skin that will see the sun. Don’t forget to pay attention to your ears, hairline, and tops of hands and feet. The theme parks typically allow guests to bring sunscreen through the gates, and it is of course available for purchase at gift shops throughout the facility. Don’t forget to don other sun-protection gear like sunglasses, hats, and lip balms to ensure you are fully protected for your fun day.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to beating the heat in the summer months. Most theme parks, including Disney, allow guests to bring in their own water and other non-alcoholic beverages as well as refillable water bottles. You can also bring in chilled snacks (think apple slices and clementines) and keep them cool with ice packs, though loose ice is usually not allowed. Around the parks, you’ll find public water fountains where you can top off your water bottle throughout the day. At many parks, you can request a free cup of cold water at the in-park fast-service dining establishments.
Retreat Indoors or to Water
When the temperatures spike to their highest, plan to attend an indoor show or attraction, or ride a water ride. If you are traveling with very little ones, many parks offer indoor, air-conditioned baby centers where you can duck away to escape from the rays. If shows are packed and water ride lines are long, dine indoors or peruse a gift shop as a way to relax in the shade. Most parks have a splash pad area, like SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Rubber Duckie Water Works, where kids can cool off while having a blast in the water. (Just remember to pack dry socks and shoes for your return to dry activities.)
Break Up Your Day
If you’re taking advantage of a multi-day ticket and have return privileges to a park, consider breaking up your day by arriving at the park early, going to your hotel during the mid-day heat, and returning to the park in the cooler evening hours. While at your hotel, you can rest in your air-conditioned room or take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool or at their water park.
Lodge close to the parks at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista or the Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld. Or check out Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, and Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc. For convenience to the many dining options along International Drive, consider staying at Aloft Orlando International Drive, Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, or Best Western International Drive.Â
