If you’re headed to Walt Disney World today, August 12, I have some excellent news:
Florida is still Florida.
And by “Florida,” I mean the National Weather Service has a heat advisory in effect for the Walt Disney World area, with the heat index expected to reach around 112 degrees today. The advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
So if your Disney vacation itinerary currently says something like:
8:00 a.m. — Magic Kingdom
9:00 a.m. — Walk everywhere really fast
12:00 p.m. — Continue walking because we paid a lot for this trip
…we need to have a little chat.
It May Not Feel Like 100 Degrees. It Could Feel Much Worse.
The important number today isn’t simply the air temperature.
It’s the heat index, which factors in humidity to estimate how hot it actually feels to your body.
And anyone who has spent five minutes standing on hot pavement in Central Florida during August knows that “100 degrees” doesn’t adequately describe the experience.
A heat index around 112 degrees is serious heat.
That means guests need to think differently about how they spend their park day.
Disney World Isn’t Going Anywhere
This is where I think people sometimes get themselves into trouble.
They’ve spent months planning the trip. They’ve booked the hotel. They’ve bought the tickets. They’ve made dining reservations. They’ve created an itinerary that would make a military logistics officer nervous.
So when the weather is brutal, they think:
“We’re going anyway.”
And that’s fine.
You absolutely can visit Walt Disney World during hot weather.
You just shouldn’t pretend your body didn’t get the memo.
Take the Break
One of the best things you can do on an extremely hot Disney day is build breaks into your schedule before you need one.
Don’t wait until you’re dizzy, nauseated, exhausted or feeling awful before deciding you should probably sit down somewhere with air conditioning.
By then, you’ve already pushed too far.
Instead, consider taking a longer indoor break around the hottest part of the afternoon.
Go to lunch.
See a show.
Ride an attraction with an indoor queue.
Browse the shops.
Return to your resort.
Take a nap.
Get in the pool.
Sit in the lobby and drink something cold.
I promise Mickey will still be there when you come back.
Hydration Is Not Optional
Drink water throughout the day rather than waiting until you’re thirsty.
And if you’re sweating heavily, remember that you’re losing more than water.
Electrolytes can be helpful, particularly during prolonged periods outside.
Also, don’t underestimate how quickly you can become dehydrated when you’re walking around a theme park.
You might not notice how much you’re sweating because you’re busy thinking about whether you can get on Guardians of the Galaxy before your Lightning Lane expires.
Meanwhile, your body is filing a formal complaint.
Find Air Conditioning Whenever You Can
Disney World has plenty of attractions and locations where you can get out of the heat.
Use them.
This is not the day to prove that you can spend seven consecutive hours outdoors.
Indoor attractions, restaurants, shops and shows can give you valuable time to cool down.
Even a 20- or 30-minute break in air conditioning can make a huge difference in how you feel later.
And here’s another little trick:
Don’t underestimate the value of a slower pace.
You don’t have to power-walk from one side of EPCOT to the other because your next reservation starts in 27 minutes.
Sometimes the best Disney strategy is accepting that you’re going to be five minutes late.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Heat exhaustion can develop when your body can’t cool itself effectively.
Watch for symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and feeling unusually tired or unwell.
If you or someone you’re traveling with develops serious symptoms, confusion, loss of consciousness or other signs of a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
Don’t try to “walk it off.”
Disney World is not a competition.
There is no prize for being the person who survives the longest without sitting down.
What Should You Do at Disney World During Extreme Heat?
Here’s my basic strategy:
Morning:
Get outside and enjoy the parks while it’s comparatively more manageable.
Late morning:
Stay hydrated and start mixing in indoor attractions.
Afternoon:
Slow down. Eat lunch. Find air conditioning. Take a resort break if possible.
Evening:
If conditions improve, head back outside and enjoy the parks after the worst heat has passed.
And if you’re visiting today specifically, keep an eye on current weather conditions throughout the day.
Don’t Let the Florida Heat Ruin Your Disney Day
A Disney vacation shouldn’t require you to emerge from Magic Kingdom looking like you’ve just crossed the Sahara Desert on foot.
The heat advisory today is a reminder that Florida summer isn’t just “a little warm.” With the heat index potentially reaching 112 degrees, guests need to take the conditions seriously.
You can absolutely have a fantastic Disney day in hot weather.
Just remember that taking a break isn’t wasting your Disney vacation.
Sometimes sitting in an air-conditioned room drinking a giant cup of something cold is the most magical attraction in the park.
