How to Survive Summer in Disney World with Toddlers
Learn the top 10 essential items and full guide on to survive summer in Disney World with toddlers.
Summers in Florida are quite the challenge. The extreme heat and humidity is overwhelming. It can be even more challenging if you are taking your toddler to Disney World. I am sure you are wondering, how am I going to survive the heat? Although the weather isn’t mild, if you prepare ahead of time you will be able to curb some of the stressors that come along with a summer vacation not only in Florida but in Disney.
There are many tips and tricks that you need to know ahead of time before your vacation begins. The more you plan ahead, the less likely you will experience any hiccups in your trip.
How HOT are the summers in Florida?
Summer in Florida can be described in just two words: HOT and humid. Summer is considered June through August and the season also brings frequent thunderstorms making it a little tricky to prepare for both heat and rain. The average temperature highs range from the upper 80s to mid-90s. The humidity can make the high temperatures feel even hotter so it is best to get prepared to survive summer in Disney World with toddlers.
Planning Ahead
It may seem obvious, but book and plan your trip ahead of time. Purchase your tickets, make your dining reservations, and plan your ride lists well before even stepping onto Disney property. The plans are most certainly going to change throughout the day, but you will at least have an idea what you are going to prioritize and skip.
Make sure you plan ahead for yourself too. If the parents are comfortable there is no way the trip will run smoothly. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes because the parks can take a toll on you if you aren’t prepared.
Check out our post: Step into Magic: 7 Best Shoes for Disney World Adventures.
Baby Care Centers
Take Advantage of what is honestly one of the best features Disney offers for families. In each park is a Baby Care Center. Now, What is a Baby Care Center? It is a facility Disney offers to guests that has almost anything you may need for your young child. Always staffed, the center has a private breastfeeding room, kitchen with microwave, restrooms, changing room, and even a main space with a t.v. and highchairs for feedings.
If your little one needs a break from the heat or you want a toddler-friendly space make sure to stop in a Baby Care Center.
Dining in the Heat
There is an obvious trick to dining in the heat which is to avoid it completely. Stop in to a quick-service or table-service restaurant and use the meal as a way to soak in the air-conditioned spaces. Some restaurants are more toddler-friendly then others, but as long as your out of the heat that is the main concern.
I gathered a list of my favorite must-haves that I pack for our vacations and I’m sharing them with you. You may find that you already own most of these items which is a big benefit when it comes to budgeting for your trip! Check it out for some more ideas below!
10 Summer Essential Items to Survive Summer in Disney World with Toddlers:
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1. Sunscreen
Clearly the most obvious on the list is sunscreen. Having access to sunscreen in the parks is crucial. If your child is used to a certain brand it is always best just plan ahead, but Disney does sell sunblock at the parks and resorts too. Just check out their Baby Care Centers or shops to see what they have in stock.
Sun bum is what we use and love. The smell isn’t intense and it applies smoothly. Any sunblock will do and it won’t hurt to plan ahead and bring at least 2.
2. Sun Hat
Whether its a sun hat or a baseball hat, its a great idea to try and keep toddlers as comfortable as possible. This is my absolute favorite sun hat that we have owned so far and is a summer essential for our toddler.
The heat is something you just cannot escape and throughout the day you may find yourself standing in lines or waiting outdoors for a parade exposing yourself to the hot sun. The best part about this hat is that it can get wet and dry very quickly.
3. Stroller Fan
When it is hot, I mean really hot, we found a stroller fan to be the best solution when we couldn’t get indoors. This is the portable fan we used on our last few trips and we noticed almost every stroller has it. We loved that it easily wrapped around any part of the stroller and it has a built in light for late nights in the parks.
BONUS TIP: Some stroller fans are rechargeable by battery pack. Keep that in mind if you plan to stay in the parks for more than a few hours.
4. Hydration
If you have never experienced a summer month in Florida you are in for a hot and humid surprise. July is known to be the hottest month in the state and is overwhelming to toddlers. Hydrate. We make sure to bring extra bottles of water but sometimes the lack of flavor just doesn’t cut it. Instead of juice boxes we ALWAYS take Pedialyte with us. Easily use it in a water bottle or reusable mug!
We love that these are easy to store in a backpack without taking much space. Try and keep things as simple and easy as possible.
5. Snacks
I truly underestimated how important having endless snacks were going to be on our first Disney trip with our toddler. Between sitting in the stroller or waiting in hour long ride lines, kids will get hungry especially when they’re bored. Over pack on the snacks. You can store them in your stroller and throw a few in your backpack to enjoy while waiting in long lines.
BONUS TIP: Be aware of the snacks you do pack. Make sure the snacks you are bringing cannot melt or ruin in the summer heat.
6. Rain Gear
May to October is considered the rainy season in Florida. Now when I say rain I mean RAIN. Be prepared for it to rain everyday of your trip because it is very likely it could happen.
Rain coats might be the prettiest choice but not the most efficient. You are not going to want to try to store and carry a wet coat around all day. Ponchos are the best trick. It needs to be 100% waterproof and lightweight. You can purchase ponchos at a dollar tree but I have also linked cute ponchos made specifically for young children.
7. Travel Kids Cup
Travel mugs are an easy solution when exploring the Disney parks. They can be used all day long and you don’t have to worry about running out of juice boxes. Even when having a sit down meal, its a better solution than the cups provided at dinner. No worries about spills or toddlers not being able to hold the cup properly. When it is as hot as it is in Florida, staying hydrated has to be something easy to accomplish. These mugs come in many colors and designs!
BONUS TIP: Mugs are refillable at water fountains throughout the park for FREE.
8. Cooler Bag
A travel size cooler bag allows you to easily store water, fruit, or any other snacks that you may want to keep cold. Because it is small, it allows you to easily store it in your stroller, car or bring with you around the park. You are not going to survive summer in Disney World with toddlers without this.
Check out this super cute Disney cooler bag!
9. Spare Clothes
Traveling with a toddler you already know you need to bring spare clothes. It is just as important in Disney to pack an extra outfit. Magic Kingdom in particular has a splash area where kids can cool off. Look for Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station located in Fantasyland. You can always pack a bathing suit but I find it easier to just bring a change of clothes incase of other messes that may happen throughout the day as well.
The summer is hot and your toddler might need to change just from sweating. Check out this cute outfit idea!
10. Stroller Rain Cover
A stroller rain cover technically can be categorized in rain gear but it really needs its own spot. When the thunderstorms bulldoze through it is super important to be ready to keep everything in your stroller dry. The sky will clear up and you will continue on with your day with as little wet as possible.
BONUS TIP: When the sky looks dark or a storm is about to roll in, put your rain cover on BEFORE going on to a ride or show.
Summer trips to Disney may seem overwhelming, but with great planning it will be a ton of fun! You can most definitely survive summer in Disney World with toddlers.
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