A Disney World heatwave is not something many visitors from the UK think about. But with average summer temperature already 10c higher than UK averages, heatwaves can really impact what you can do on holiday. Did you know that in 2023 Florida had the hottest year on record? With climbing temperatures, a different heatwave alert system, and Disney parks to enjoy, our tips help you make the most out your time when extreme heat hits Disney World.
Florida is one of the warmest States in the US
Florida is the hottest US State. Average Summer days have a little over 13 hours of direct sunlight, and a sub-tropical climate. With Disney World only 2,094.36 miles (3,370.54 km) from the equator, that’s a little under 1,800 miles closer than we are in the UK, it’s no wonder it’s so hot!
What UK visitors may not be aware of, is that when it gets too hot Florida issue heatwave announcements. The first heatwave you experience in Florida is quite a shock, as it’s not the same as in the UK.
Florida use a two tier system for heatwaves and they assess heat differently than we do in the UK. Understanding the system and how to stay safe from the Florida sun is the reason we wrote these tips. Our first experience of a Disney World heatwave in May was a big shock, but as it turns out, it’s not that uncommon.
How often does Disney experience heatwaves?
You might be thinking that heatwaves are not something that happen often in Florida as we rarely hear about them here in the UK. That isn’t the case. They are becoming increasingly common, with record breaking heat affecting guests to Disney Parks throughout 2023.
With temperatures shattering records month after month in 2023, Florida was hot. In 2024, temperatures continue to rise, with records being broken all over again. 2023 was so warm that the hottest temperature ever, was recorded on Earth with a man-made device.
In May 2024, the state of Florida broke yet another temperature world-record. The city of Orlando reaching 36.1C (97F) in air time temperature during Memorial Day weekend.
With average Florida temperatures increasing during the summer months, the likelihood of experiencing a Disney World heatwave during your Spring / Summer Disney holiday is high. Florida calculate heatwave temperatures using a heat index, which is a feels like temperature scale. The temperature outside may not hit the feels like temperature, but your body will feel as if it is that hot.
Disney World heatwaves: May to October
Choosing the best times to visit to avoid extremely warm temperatures, means avoiding Spring and Summer. If you don’t think you would manage in the heat, don’t chance it. Remember, it’s never really cold in Florida, by UK standards at least.
Heatwaves are now likely during the Spring and Summer seasons, from May to October, when average daily temperatures are above 28C for this entire period. In May 2023 and 2024 heatwaves occurred steadily, impacting holidaymakers who were not prepared for the unprecedented temperatures.
Heatwave notifications on holiday
States announce heatwaves on local news channels, but the first you may know about it is from an advisory or warning appearing on your phone. If you see the words Heat Advisory on your phone, you most likely aren’t being hacked, it’s a State-wide from the National Weather Service (NWS). This alert is letting you know that your body may be affected by the temperatures adversely. It’s part of a Floridian initiative to keep everyone safe in the heat. But it came as quite a shock to us one May morning, as the UK doesn’t offer this service for heatwaves.
Insert image of phone screen
What does Heat Advisory mean in Florida?
The National Weather Service (NWS) issue heat advisories in the State of Florida within 12 hours of extremely dangerous heat conditions happening. This means the heat index temperature will be above 37.7C or 100F and that the night time air temperatures will not be below 23.4C or 75F.
This is a different kind of warning than we would expect to get in the UK, as the warning for day time temperature is based on the heat index. The heat index is the measurement of how hot it feels to your body outside. It is calculated in shaded conditions with light wind. That means if you are in direct sunlight the body feel or heat index will be higher. This is important for people spending their days in the parks, but more on why that is further on.
You are advised to take precautions to avoid heat illness if this warning is issued. A higher level of warning can also be issued, an excessive heat warning.
What does Excessive Heat Warning mean?
An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of extremely dangerous heat conditions. This is when temperatures are going to be feel like 40-43C, (105-110F), for two consecutive days or more. Night time temperatures will not drop below feeling like 24C, (75F), in this time either. This warning means that you need to take precautions against the heat immediately or risk serious illness or death.
There are also two other types of heat alert which you may hear while on holiday, both of which given warning of a potential heat wave but do not require action to be taken. They basically let you know you might need to amend your plans:
1: An excessive heat watch which means that a heatwave is likely in the next 1 to 3 days, but not certain.
2: Excessive heat outlook means that in the next 3 to 7 days there may be a heatwave.
What to expect if there is a heatwave during your holiday
Disney don’t make a lot of the heat advisories or excessive heat warnings at the parks, and they don’t actively encourage people to take shelter or drink more. The rides will all be open. The only thing you may notice is that the monorail seems to run slower the hotter it gets, and attendance does usually drop off.
The heat feels oppressive after a few minutes in the sun, so making amendments to itineraries is the sensible way to enjoy your day. You will be responsible for making changes to your plans yourself if you feel you need to. Ticket refunds or changes are not usually available from Disney because of NWS heat warnings, and you most likely won’t need to make them unless someone is ill because of the heat.
The shops and local areas do not usually run out of water/ice, like in the UK when there is heatwave. You will be able to purchase things to help you manage the sweltering temperatures.
Tips to avoid getting ill from heat
No one wants to be ill on holiday, but when your body feels the temperature is 110F (43C), sun exposure can do just that. Make adjustments to itineraries to include:
- more breaks,
- less time in the sun,
- a slower pace help you to manage in a heatwave.
Slowing down and adjusting timings will be most helpful to you, even if that means missing out a few attractions in a park, or skipping the water park that day. Take a moment to realise that adjusted or even lost plans for one or two days are better than a ride in a Mickey ambulance and a lost holiday.
Who is most at risk form getting ill?
Most of us think we’re invincible, and that we won’t get sick from the sun. The CDC, who are the US Centre for Disease and Control Prevention, provide advice and guidance to beat the heat. They state that the most at risk groups include those with under lying health conditions, the elderly, the young, and construction workers. Construction workers are outside for long periods of the day and exposed to the sun exerting themselves.
7-14 days to adjust to temperature changes
You may wonder why this guide includes all this information which seems a bit heavy for holiday info. Science tells us that when we visit a different climate for a holiday it will take our body between 7 and 14 days to adjust to temperature changes. Your body will struggle to adjust from UK temperatures to sweltering Florida heat and we want to help everyone have the best holiday possible.
What to wear at Disney in a heatwave
Deciding what to pack for Disney can be stressful enough, without having to pivot your outfit choices to accommodate a heatwave while on holiday. Light coloured clothing is a great choice, as black and darker shades will attract the heat and make you feel hotter. Cotton, linen, and silk garments are light and breathe well. Choosing loose-fitting outfits made from these materials are great options for keeping everyone cool. Wear any of the following in a Disney World heatwave:
- Shorts
- t-shirt
- dress
- skirt
- sun hat.
How to spend your day in a heatwave
If a heatwave strikes you will need to make changes, but when you’re on holiday knowing what to change and how to plan a day to keep everyone happy can be challenging. Essentially you have 3 options:
- Have a rest day
- Explore undercover air-conditioned attractions beyond the Disney bubble
- Head to the parks at different times with a modified itinerary
However you choose to spend those couple of days in a holiday heatwave, you will need to have a plan to beat the heat.
Plan your day to avoid heat
It is essential to plan your day and head out prepared to take it slow and know where you can go to get out of the heat when there is a heatwave happening. Plan your day considering the following:
- You need to be out of the sun between the hours of 11am – 4pm
- Air-conditioned places will help keep your body cool
- You need to go places where you can get plenty of drinks, either through buying, taking with, or refilling water bottles.
Following the same tips as you would for beating the heat on a Summer/Spring trip will also help.
Rest days
Taking a rest day for one of the days where temperatures will feel very hot might just mean shuffling around your itinerary if you already have one planned in. After spending a few days running around the parks, you will benefit from a recharge no matter the temperature. Exploring the pool, relaxing, dining experiences, exploring resorts, or just heading to a supermarket to get the supplies for the rest of your trip can all be things you do on a rest day.
Being able to enjoy some time at the pool, if you have one in the morning, followed by a Disney movie in the afternoon for some down time, will see you feeling well rested.
Heading to a Disney Park
If you choose to head to a park, planning morning or evening adventures will help you to beat the Disney World heatwave.
Top tips to beat the heatwave in every park
When the temperatures will not feel any lower than 24C at the lowest, we recommend making a heatwave park day a day to:
- Go to the park for the evening – relax at your accommodation for the morning and afternoon.
- See the shows – lots of outlets suggest skipping them, but when the day is hot and you need to escape the heat they provide Disney themed magic, and we believe you should see everything.
- Only ride outside rides in the morning or evening. If you feel the need to ride them at other times, do so when the queues are less than 15 minutes and wear a hat and sun cream.
- Shop – pick any gifts you want to take back by having a look in the shops.
- See a night time show.
- Grab some autographs and pictures with the characters who have indoor airconditioned venues.
Best Park to visit in a heatwave
At EPCOT most attractions are in pavilions which are already under cover and several pavilions have more than one attraction or activity to offer in one covered air-conditioned space. You won’t find this at other parks, where you have to head outside to go from attraction to attraction.
Heading straight towards World Nature you can enter The Sea and the Land pavilions which are a short walk apart and not far from the entrance. From the Land, another short walk and you would be in World Celebration and the Imagination pavilion. If you wanted to do a half day these three pavilions alone have a lot to offer the whole family. Spending time experiencing a variety of different attractions, including Sea Base (which feels like an aquarium), films, talks, and rides. Not to mention there is a quick service food outlet in The Land pavilion which is conveniently the middle pavilion.
Tip: If you have a pushchair you have to leave it outside in the heat while in the pavilions, so it can get very hot to put little ones back into after you have been inside. Just be mindful of this.
Worst park to visit in a Heatwave
Offering little cover and due to the long walks between attractions, Animal Kingdom is the worst park to head to in a heatwave. You’ll do thousands of steps just heading from the entrance to any undercover attractions, and it is the park which tends to feel the hottest in our opinion. With few air-conditioned queue lines and an early closing time of 7pm most Spring and Summer nights the other three parks offer better options.
Essential park items for a heatwave
If you are in the parks during a heatwave day, your essentials will be similar to those you take to beat the heat during Spring and Summer days, but items become more essential. Don’t forget your:
- Refillable water bottle – when it’s empty refill it so you can have regular sips
- An extra drink
- Hats
- Cooling towels
- Neck fans
- Water fans
- SPF Umbrella to shade yourself, or youngsters from the sun
- sun cream
Park alternatives with some Disney magic
Whether you have a car and choose to head beyond the Disney bubble, head to Disney Springs using the free resort transport, or hop in an Uber there are options to explore in a heatwave. Just make sure you have your transport covered so you don’t end up standing around outside in the heat for longer than necessary.
Options within Disney Resort Area
- Why not head out to Disney Springs and go bowling at SplitsVille Luxury Lanes. If you park in Orange Garage you are closest to the alley. The bus stop is a bit of a walk away, but there are shops to pop in and out of to keep cool on the walk over.
- You could get tickets to see Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life’s performance. They do put on afternoon performances, so you could choose to head here. It’s not a cheap option however, with tickets costing around £100 per person.
- Another option is to head to the movies. The AMC Dine-In Theatre at Disney Springs has many showings throughout the day, and it’s a Dine-In experience. Tis means you can eat a meal at the movies. The food is nothing special, but for kids it’s a different experience.
Options Beyond Disney Resorts
Heading outside the Disney Resort you will find plenty of places offering undercover air-conditioned experiences. Most of these will cost more, so if you are doing Disney World on a budget some of this may not be for you.
- Head to International Drive. Here you can find free options to explore as well as paid experiences. Why not try these indoor attractions:
- Deezerland. It has free parking and it is free to enter tis completely undercover attraction. You pay to do what you like with attractions including, axe throwing, Virtual Reality experiences, go karting and a car museum full of famous film cars.
- Sealife Centre Orlando
- Madame Tussauds Waxworks
- Head to a mall and do some shopping. The Florida Mall is one option, or The Mall at Millenia is another. Both offer free parking and a fully undercover air-conditioned shopping experience.
Conclusion
A Disney World heatwave doesn’t mean you have to make too many adjustments to trip plans, sometimes it means you get to explore new places you hadn’t even considered before.