Under the Sea: How to beat the heat at Disney World

It is not surprising that Disney World can get pretty darn hot in the afternoon or during the summertime. Luckily though, there is no better place than Disney World to cool off and have fun!

Like Sebastian sang to Ariel

"Darlin' it's better down where it's wetter

Take it from me.
Up on the shore they work all day
Out in the sun they slave away
While we devoting full time to floating
Under the sea"

So of course this is the first tip to beat the heat: go swimming! As I mentioned before when noon rolls around the crowds get pretty heavy and it is the heat of the day. This is a combination that can and will test not only our patience, but our sweat glands, which is why I suggest taking a break in the day to go swimming.

Many times, because most people are in the parks during the day, the resort pools are relatively empty mid-day, so take that mid-afternoon break from the parks and take a dip in the pool. There are so many great resorts with themed pools and pool areas, so splashing around is even more fun at Disney.

Now you might be saying "wait a minute...aren't there water parks at Disney World?" Of course there are! Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are great options for making a splash and cooling off.

It is just important to remember that the water parks do get pretty busy early in the day so when you plan to visit the water parks, make sure to put it in you itinerary. I highly suggest water parks in the summer and just spending at day at one of them. You will have to get there early to stake out the perfect spot, but if you love water and water slides, these water parks are not to miss.

Also it is important to remember that buying admission to the water parks can be expensive so if you are considering going to a Disney water park, make sure to add them added to your park tickets and your budget.

Probably the second greatest way to cool off are those sweet cool treats. What are probably the most popular treats are the mickey premium (mickey mouse shaped vanilla ice cream bar covered in chocolate) and dole whips. Aside from the Dole whips, which I will address later, Mickey premiums, frozen bananas, ice cream sandwiches, and the like are never too far away and are available in every park. You will just have to eat them quickly if it is really hot outside because they will melt.

Special to the Magic Kingdom is the ever delicious and refreshing Dole Whip. Visit Aloha Isle in Adventureland to grab one of these sweet cool treats. It is a soft serve pineapple sorbet that can be served as is or as a float with pineapple juice (they also have orange and vanilla available). Its cold, tasty, refreshing, and inexpensive.

But there are more sweet cool treats to be found at all the other parks as well. EPCOT is home to Club Cool which is not only air conditioned, but has many varieties of Coca Cola products from around the world.

Another really fun tip as well as a good cool down are the water rides at Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom. Never underestimate the power of a good water ride. I would suggest either timing your water attraction in the heat of the day (probably using a fastpass to reassure you don't wait long) or riding the ride before you take a break because you will need to dry out (wet clothes all day is not fun to play in). Remember you can and will get wet on these rides, which is the point.

If you are not a fan of water rides nor do you want soggy clothes all day, don't forget about inside attractions like those found at EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios. There are a ton of indoor air conditioned attractions with indoor queues. Also, Disney sells mister fans which can also provide some relief walking around in the heat of the day.

The best option you have is to stay hydrated. I cannot reiterate enough that water is your best friend at Disney World. You can carry a water bottle or buy water at the parks; either way, your body needs water. Now you might say buying water can be expensive if you are doing it all day, but remember you can refill those water bottles any time during the day at any water fountain. And now for the tip that may save you from dehydrating and tons of money:

***Disney Secret***

If you go into any quick serve meal place and ask for a cup of ice water, it is FREE! I know, I've done it and might I say it is probably one tip that has saved me and my family from melting in the Florida heat.

The last tip to staying cool is dressing properly. Reflective clothing, which is light colored, is your best friend. Wearing black or dark colors is only going to make you cook in the Florida sun. And hey, if you do not have a lot of white t-shirts, this is a great opportunity to buy some new Disney ones.

Whether you are eating a Mickey Premium or splashing in the pool, these cool tips should bring a lot of fun into your Disney trip.